Even when following the rules of the road, motorcyclists tend to face heightened risks of injury and death due to other drivers’ negligence. Many times, drivers fail to look out and make space for motorcycles before completing driving maneuvers, such as merging and turning. In some cases, drivers cannot see a motorcycle nearby due to their smaller size, especially if the motorcycle is in their blind spot. Because of these factors, motorcycle accidents may occur.
When a driver fails to account for approaching motorcycles, it may be considered negligence and leave them liable for any damages in a collision. If you or a loved one suffered such damages, a Richardson motorcycle accident lawyer can offer legal representation and assistance in building your case. Contact the Underwood Law Office today at (972) 535-6377 to get started with a complimentary case evaluation.
Motorcycle Accidents May Cause Severe Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can be devastating due to the lack of protection motorcycles provide to riders. Unlike a four-wheeled vehicle, a motorcycle does not have a steel frame that surrounds the rider or seat belts to hold the rider in place. Without these items, motorcyclists must rely on other forms of protection, such as helmets, gloves, and durable clothing.
While these are important safety items, they are often not enough to prevent severe injuries in a collision with a larger vehicle. For this reason, motorcyclists tend to suffer the most damage in these accidents. Many times, motorcycle accidents are fatal. Even non-fatal motorcycle collisions can result in injuries, such as:
- Road rash and bruising
- Fractured ribs
- Broken or crushed arms or legs
- Skull fractures and facial disfigurement
For a free legal consultation with a motorcycle accidents lawyer serving Richardson, call (972) 535-6377
Drivers Who Cause Motorcycle Accidents May Be Held Liable for Damages
Lack of visibility plays the biggest role in many motorcycle accidents. Since they take up much less space than a four-wheeled vehicle, it is easy for a motorcycle to fall into a driver’s blind spot. Still, these drivers owe motorcyclists the same duty of care that they do to other road users. This means that they are obligated to follow the same rules when sharing the road with riders, and failure to do so may constitute negligence.
A driver who commits an act of negligence that leads to a motorcycle accident may be held liable for the victim’s damages, which may include:
- Medical bills for emergency transportation, medications, and treatment
- The cost of ongoing care for any long-term injuries or permanent disabilities
- Current and future income lost during the recovery process or as a result of reduced earning capacity
Victims may also be able to recover non-economic damages related to pain and suffering, as per the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §41.001. This includes compensation for damages like loss of consortium, physical impairment and disfigurement, emotional and physical pain, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Drivers Must Avoid Being Negligent and Keep Motorcyclists Safe on the Road
Certain negligent driving behaviors may cause motorcycle accidents. A motorcycle’s lack of visibility may make riders more susceptible to involvement in collisions, but many motorcycle accidents occur because of a driver error, such as:
- The driver failed to yield to an approaching motorcycle
- The driver was unable to recognize an approaching motorcycle’s speed and cut the rider off
- The driver forgot to check the vehicle’s blind spots for motorcycles before merging or turning
- The driver merged or turned without signaling or providing enough space for nearby motorcycles
- The driver was speeding or tailgating
If you decide to work with a personal injury lawyer, they may investigate and gather evidence of the at-fault driver’s negligence to support your claim or lawsuit. To get legal assistance with your motorcycle accident case, reach out to the Underwood Law Office team today. You can reach us at (972) 535-6377.
Richardson Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (972) 535-6377
You May Want to Be Aware of Certain Personal Injury Laws in Texas
As with other states, Texas has a few statutes in place that can affect the outcomes and timelines of personal injury cases. A Richardson motorcycle accident lawyer can help you identify when and how laws like these apply to your situation, so you can keep your case for damages on the right track.
Two of the most important statutes to keep in mind are those related to comparative negligence and the statute of limitations in Texas. Failure to consider these laws may place your eligibility for damages in jeopardy.
Comparative Negligence
The modified comparative negligence law in Texas, found in the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §33.001, plays a role in determining your eligibility for compensation. It does so by taking your own level of liability for the motorcycle accident into consideration.
Based on this proportionate responsibility statute, you may still qualify for damages even if you hold partial responsibility for the collision. As the percentage of liability increases, your level of compensation diminishes proportionally. Note that if you surpass the designated liability threshold, you forfeit your damages entirely.
The Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations determines how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit after an accident, and this timeline differs from state to state. In Texas, Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003 outlines a two-year period to seek medical attention, gather evidence for your case, calculate your potential compensation, negotiate with the insurance company, and file the paperwork for a lawsuit if necessary.
If two years pass and you were unable to initiate a lawsuit, you may give up your right to do so. An attorney can help you complete the steps toward building your personal injury case without surpassing this deadline.
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Work with a Richardson Motorcycle Accident Lawyer from the Underwood Law Office
The Underwood Law Office team aims to help victims of negligence recover the damages they are entitled to collect. This includes people who were injured in motorcycle accidents and other types of collisions. If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, our team may be able to help you build a case against the responsible party or parties.
Our services include evidence collection, case evaluation, settlement negotiations, and general legal counsel. Reach out to our firm for a free review of your motorcycle accident case at (972) 535-6377.
Call or text (972) 535-6377 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form