Even the most experienced motorcycle riders are not safe from negligent drivers. If you were injured in a crash that wasn’t your fault, a Grand Prairie personal injury lawyer can help you hold the responsible party accountable.
The Texas Law Dog has been fighting for accident victims in Texas since 2018. If you were hit by a negligent driver while riding your motorcycle, our motorcycle accident lawyers in Grand Prairie can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
How Can a Grand Prairie Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help Me?
After a motorcycle crash, you may find yourself dealing with pushy insurance adjusters, mounting medical bills, and questions about your financial future. A Grand Prairie motorcycle accident lawyer can step in and:
- Investigate the accident: A lawyer can gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction analysis to strengthen your case.
- Calculate your damages: An attorney can evaluate both your current and future losses to ensure nothing is overlooked in your claim.
- Handle insurance companies: A lawyer can communicate with insurers, negotiate on your behalf, and push back against low settlement offers.
- Represent you in court: An attorney can take your case to trial and provide representation if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Motorcycle Accident?
Since every case is unique, there is no average motorcycle accident settlement. The value of a claim depends on several factors, including injury severity, the cost of your medical treatment, and how the accident impacts your ability to work.
Some cases settle for a few thousand dollars, while others yield payouts worth six or even seven figures. Cases involving catastrophic injuries tend to result in higher settlements.
Grand Prairie Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
Recoverable Damages in a Motorcycle Accident Case
When another person or entity’s negligence causes injury to a motorcycle rider, that driver (or more often, their insurance company) may be responsible for paying damages to the victim. You may pursue compensation for a variety of damages, such as:
- Hospital bills and other medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In cases involving malice or gross negligence from the at-fault party, punitive damages may also be available.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Texas?
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you don’t file a lawsuit before this deadline, you may lose your right to recover compensation entirely.
While two years might sound like plenty of time, strong cases aren’t built overnight. Evidence can disappear, witnesses may become harder to locate, and insurance companies may delay your claim. That’s why it’s important to work with a motorcycle accident attorney in Grand Prairie.
What If I’m Partially At Fault?
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means you can recover compensation if you were partially responsible for a motorcycle crash as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
If you are found to be at least 51% at fault, you will not be able to pursue compensation. Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto motorcyclists to minimize settlements. They may argue that you were speeding, lane splitting, or not visible enough to other drivers. A personal injury lawyer can challenge these claims and help ensure fault is assigned fairly.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents happen for a wide range of reasons, most of which can be traced back to drivers’ negligence. Common causes of these crashes include:
- Left-turn collisions: Drivers turning left often fail to see oncoming motorcycles.
- Distracted driving: Drivers using phones or other distractions may overlook motorcyclists on the road.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces drivers’ reaction time and increases the severity of any collisions that occur.
- Unsafe lane changes: Drivers who fail to check their blind spots may sideswipe motorcyclists.
- Driving under the influence: Alcohol or drugs can impair drivers’ judgment and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Hazardous road conditions: Potholes, debris, and uneven pavement can be especially dangerous for motorcycle riders.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle riders have the right to share the road with automobiles, bikes, buses, and other vehicles. However, many drivers do not respect riders’ rights on the road, and some are openly antagonistic.
Motorcycle accidents are especially dangerous for riders because they lack the protection that an automobile provides. Bikers can suffer serious injuries, such as:
- Broken bones
- Organ damage
- Burn injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Crush injuries
- Spinal damage and paralysis
- Head trauma
- Road rash
- Disfigurement and scarring
Sometimes, a driver may cause a motorcycle to crash without even contacting the bike or the rider. Nonetheless, if a driver’s actions caused you to swerve or collide with another object, the driver who acted negligently might still be responsible for paying damages to you.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Grand Prairie
What you do after a motorcycle crash can impact your ability to recover compensation. You should:
- Call the police: Report the accident so there is an official record of what happened.
- Document the scene: If you are able, take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Trade information: Obtain contact and insurance information from everyone who was involved in the crash. If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information too.
- Get medical care: Get checked by a medical professional, even if your injuries don’t seem serious.
- Avoid admitting fault: Be careful with what you say at the scene, as any statements you make could be used against you later.
- Notify your insurance company: Report the accident promptly, but avoid giving detailed statements without legal guidance.
- Consult a lawyer: Our personal injury law firm can evaluate your case and guide you through the next steps of the claims process.
Speak to a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Grand Prairie
Injury victims often find themselves beset with calls from insurance adjusters or accident investigators after a motorcycle crash. While it can be tempting to accept a quick payout, adjusters are trained to offer lowball settlements that aren’t representative of what your claim is worth.
At The Texas Law Dog, we understand the games that insurance companies play and know how to get you the settlement that you deserve. If you want to receive full and fair compensation for your motorcycle accident, schedule a free case review with a Grand Prairie motorcycle accident attorney from our team.
