At Bailey & Galyen, our team of experienced attorneys is committed to providing top-notch legal representation so you can receive the compensation you deserve.
Our Fort Worth motorcycle accident lawyers understand the law and are here to help you through the legal process and to give you some peace of mind.
Schedule A Free Consultation Today!
Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident Guide
- Why Partner With a Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
- The Aftermath of a Motorcycle Accident: Your Checklist
- Texas Motorcycle Accident Statistics
- Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Fort Worth
- Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
- What Is the Value of Your Motorcycle Accident Claim?
- Establishing Liability in Fort Worth Motorcycle Accidents
- What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
- Understanding the Statute of Limitations in Fort Worth, TX
- Motorcycle Accident Resources in Forth Worth
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Why Partner With a Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
- Experience: Our legal team has successfully handled numerous motorcycle accident cases.
- Personalized Attention: We treat each case with the individual care it deserves.
- Proven Results: Our history of securing substantial settlements and verdicts speaks to our commitment and experience.
- No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay legal fees unless we win your case.
- Free Initial Consultation: Get legal advice on your case without any obligation.
- Knowledge: We stay current with the latest changes in motorcycle laws and regulations in Texas.
- Aggressive Representation: We’re not afraid to take on big insurance companies or go to trial if necessary.
The Aftermath of a Motorcycle Accident: Your Checklist
The actions you take following a motorcycle accident can significantly impact your health and legal case. Here’s a guide to help you:
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
- Visit a doctor or hospital for a thorough examination, even if you received emergency care at the scene.
- Keep all documentation from your medical visits.
2. Document Your Injuries
- Take pictures of any visible injuries.
- Write down your pain levels and how the injuries are affecting you.
- Request a copy of the police report.
4. Inform Your Insurance Company
- Stick to the facts when talking to your insurance company.
- Do not admit fault or downplay your injuries.
5. Be Cautious With Social Media
- Do not talk about the accident on any social media platforms.
- Be aware that insurance companies may use your online activity against you.
6. Evaluate Long-Term Impacts
- Consider the long-term effects of your injuries.
- Discuss these concerns with your doctor and attorney so they’re factored into your claim.
7. Talk to Your Motorcycle Accident Attorney
- Contact your lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Texas Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Here are some interesting motorcycle accident statistics:
- In a recent year, Texas reported 8,452 motorcycle crashes, resulting in 562 fatalities and 2,423 serious injuries.
- The number of motorcyclists killed in the following year increased by 7%.
- August is the most dangerous month for motorcyclists.
- Motorcycle accident fatalities have increased by 20% over the last decade.
- Men account for 92% of motorcycle deaths.
These statistics highlight the significant risks faced by motorcyclists in Fort Worth and throughout Texas. They also emphasize the potential for severe injuries and financial losses, underscoring the importance of legal representation in motorcycle accident cases.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Fort Worth
Understanding the different types of motorcycle accidents can help your attorney strengthen your case. Here are some common scenarios we encounter:
- Left-Turn Collisions: These often occur when a car fails to notice an oncoming motorcycle while making a left turn.
- Rear-End Impacts: Even at low speeds, these can be catastrophic for riders who are ejected from their bikes.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers not checking blind spots before switching lanes can sideswipe motorcyclists or force them off the road.
- Dooring Incidents: Parked drivers opening doors without checking for approaching traffic can cause serious collisions.
- Head-On Crashes: Among the deadliest accident types, head-on crashes often result in severe injuries or fatalities.
- Intersection Accidents: Failure to yield the right of way or running red lights puts motorcyclists at high risk.
- Road Hazard Accidents: Potholes, debris, and uneven surfaces can cause loss of control and subsequent crashes.
- Impaired Driving Collisions: Drunk or drugged drivers are a danger to all road users.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Due to the limited protection offered to riders, motorcycle accidents often result in more severe injuries than car crashes. Some common injuries include:
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Multiple fractures are common, often requiring rehabilitation.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries range from mild concussions to severe brain trauma, even with helmet use.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, leading to significant life changes.
- Road Rash: Severe skin abrasions from sliding across pavement can lead to infections and permanent scarring.
- Psychological Trauma: Many accident survivors experience PTSD, anxiety, or depression following a traumatic crash.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
- Neck and Back Injuries: These injuries include whiplash, herniated discs, and other spinal injuries that can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility.
- Amputations: In severe cases, limb loss may occur either during the accident or as a necessary medical procedure afterward.
What Is the Value of Your Motorcycle Accident Claim?
At Bailey & Galyen, we work diligently to maximize the compensation for your case. The total compensation you receive depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, their impact on your life, and the circumstances of the accident. The value of your claim may include:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for all accident-related medical costs, including emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and future medical care
- Lost Income: Compensation for wages lost due to inability to work, including potential future earnings if your capacity to work is permanently affected
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and resulting injuries
- Property Damage: Costs associated with repairing or replacing your motorcycle and other damaged personal property
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the inability to enjoy hobbies, activities, or the lifestyle you had before the accident
- Punitive Damages: Additional damages awarded to punish the at-fault party in cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm
- Wrongful Death: Damages received by a surviving family member who loses a loved one in a motorcycle accident
Our experienced attorneys will thoroughly assess all aspects of your case so we can pursue as much compensation as possible.
Establishing Liability in Fort Worth Motorcycle Accidents
To prove fault in your motorcycle accident case, our legal team must establish four key elements:
- Duty of Care: The at-fault party had a legal obligation to act in a reasonably safe manner.
- Breach of Duty: The at-fault party failed to meet their duty through their actions or inactions.
- Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the accident and your injuries.
- Damages: You suffered actual damages (physical, emotional, or financial) as a result of the accident.
Potential liable parties in motorcycle accidents include:
- Other Drivers: Most commonly, liability falls on another driver who violated traffic laws or acted negligently.
- Motorcycle Manufacturers: If a defective motorcycle part contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be held liable.
- Businesses: In some cases, a business might be responsible if their employee caused an accident while on the job.
- Government Entities: If poor road conditions or inadequate signage caused the accident, the responsible government agency might be liable.
It’s important to note that Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages. This underscores the importance of having skilled legal representation to minimize your assigned fault and maximize your compensation.
What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you still have options:
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: If you have this coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance company.
- Personal Lawsuit: You can sue the at-fault driver directly.
- Other Sources: We can explore potential claims against:
- The driver’s employer (if they were on the job)
- Vehicle manufacturers (if a defect contributed to causing the crash)
- Government entities (if road conditions were a factor)
- Additional Coverage: We’ll check for other applicable insurance, such as:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
- MedPay
- Workers’ compensation (if you were on the job)
Our attorneys will investigate all possible avenues for compensation and guide you through your best options.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations in Fort Worth, TX
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. While this may seem like ample time, you need to begin the legal process as soon as possible for several reasons:
- Evidence Protection: Over time, evidence can be lost and witness memories may fade.
- Medical Documentation: Immediate medical attention helps protect your well-being and creates a link between the accident and your injuries.
- Insurance Company Tactics: Early legal representation can protect you from being taken advantage of by insurance companies.
- Lengthy Investigations: Some cases require investigations that take time to complete thoroughly.
- Negotiation Process: Confirming a fair settlement from the other side can involve multiple rounds of negotiation.
- Trial Preparation: Preparation requires significant time and resources if your case goes to trial.
Motorcycle Accident Resources in Forth Worth
- Fort Worth Police Department
- Website: Welcome to the Fort Worth Police Department
- Phone: (817) 392-4200
- Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth
- Address: 1301 Pennsylvania Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104
- Phone: (817) 250-2000
- 24/7 emergency care
- American Motorcycle Association (AMA). A national organization that provides advocacy, education, and training for motorcyclists
- Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF). A nonprofit organization that promotes motorcycle safety and supports riders’ rights.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need to go to court for my motorcycle accident case?
Many motorcycle accident cases are settled out of court. However, we are prepared to take your case to trial if a fair settlement can’t be reached. We’ll keep you informed throughout the process and help you make informed decisions about settlement offers versus going to court.
What should I do if the insurance company offers me a settlement?
Before accepting any settlement offer:
- Consult with a Fort Worth motorcycle accident lawyer.
- Confirm you understand the full extent of your injuries and long-term impacts.
- Be aware that accepting a settlement typically means giving up the right to pursue further compensation.
Our team can evaluate any offers to make sure they fairly compensate you for your injuries and losses.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may still have options. These could include:
- Filing a claim with your own insurance if you have uninsured motorist coverage
- Pursuing a personal lawsuit against the at-fault driver
- Exploring other potential sources of compensation, such as a negligent employer if the driver was on the job
Our attorneys can help you explore all available options in your specific case.
Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Fort Worth, don’t face the legal challenges alone. The experienced Fort Worth personal injury lawyer at Bailey & Galyen is here to fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
Call us at (817) 438-2121 or complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation. Remember, time is of the essence in personal injury cases, so don’t delay in getting the legal representation you need.
Bailey & Galyen Attorneys at Law – Houston Office
18333 Egret Bay Blvd Ste 333
Houston, TX 77058
Phone: 281-771-1725