Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle Accidents

Were you or a loved one injured in motorcycle accident in Texas?

Like drivers of other types of motor vehicles, motorcyclists are required to obey the rules of the road and take care not to put themselves or others in a dangerous situation. Accidents happen, but when a motorcyclist is involved, they are at greater risk of suffering serious physical injuries because they are more exposed and vulnerable than people traveling in other types of vehicles.

Almost 1,900 individuals were seriously injured in Texas motorcycle crashes in 2015, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident in Texas, you may be able to take legal action against a number of parties, depending on the facts of your specific case. You could sue the other driver involved in the accident, the motorcycle manufacturer (if the accident may have been caused by a malfunction or defect), the motorcycle dealership, and/or the government if road conditions contributed to the accident or increased the severity of the damage.

Contact a Texas personal injury attorney at The Emma Law Firm to learn about your legal options, including the possibility of filing a motorcycle injury lawsuit.

What to Do After Motorcycle Accident in Texas

After a motorcycle wreck, it is important to protect your own rights. If you are physically able to do so, identify the other parties involved in the motorcycle accident and get their insurance information. Contact the police and inform them about the accident. Wait for the police to arrive and take a police report about the accident.

If you can safely do so, take pictures of the scene to show the position of the involved vehicles and any road hazards that may have contributed to the accident. Take notes about the incident, including the time of day, weather conditions, road hazards or any other factors that may be relevant.

Seek a medical evaluation as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured. In some cases, injuries do not manifest until several days or weeks after the accident. A medical evaluation shortly after the accident can help detect these injuries before they worsen so you can begin treatment immediately. Further, getting an immediate medical evaluation will be helpful if you decide to pursue a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Texas.

What Can I Claim in a Texas Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Texas, you may seek compensation for your losses, including:

• Medical expenses
• Cost of motorcycle repair
• Lost wages
• Physical therapy costs
• Diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of quality of life
• Other damages

In some egregious cases, a motorcycle accident victim may be able to get punitive damages against the person who caused the accident. Punitive damages are intended to punish the culpable party and discourage similar conduct in the future.

If a loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit and seek compensation for any of the applicable losses listed above as well as funeral expenses, loss of consortium, and other damages.

How Much Is My Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Worth?

Because every motorcycle crash is unique, it is impossible to predict how much your case may be worth. Generally, the amount of compensation you may be entitled to receive depends on the severity of your injuries, if your injuries interfere with your ability to work, and if you contributed to your accident in any way.

If you were found to be somewhat at fault in the accident by speeding, for example, the damages awarded may be reduced accordingly.

If the other driver is insured, the driver’s insurance company may offer you a settlement to compensate you for the losses and injuries you suffered in the motorcycle wreck. Many times, these initial settlements from insurance companies offer less compensation than is fair. Before you accept a motorcycle accident settlement, you may want to consult with an attorney. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you determine whether the settlement offer is adequate or if you may be entitled to claim a higher payout.

If the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, it may be necessary to file a Texas motorcycle accident lawsuit to pursue compensation that will adequately cover your medical expenses, lost wages and other damages related to the accident.

Contact a Texas Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle wreck, contact a Texas motorcycle accident lawyer for a consultation. Your motorcycle accident lawyer can inform you of your legal options and put together a compelling case to help you get fairly compensated.

Contact Michael Anthony Emma at The Emma Law Firm in the Dallas area today to find out what steps you can take to protect your rights and obtain fair compensation for the losses you suffered due to a motorcycle accident.

The Emma Law Firm offers a FREE consultation in this type of legal matter. Fill out the form below for more information.