MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT INJURY LAWYER IN FORT WORTH
Motorcycles present a variety of unique risks to riders. Operating a motorcycle requires a special combination of physical and mental skills. Though they may be skillful drivers themselves, motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable to hazardous weather and other, reckless drivers. Our team of motorcycle accident injury lawyers is here to help.
Injuries and deaths caused by motorcycle accidents can be devastating for motorists and their loved ones. These injuries can be life-altering. Fortunately, motorcycle accident victims may be able to seek compensation for their injuries. The maximum amount of compensation can be recovered after a collision if a motorcycle accident victim knows to do several things.
A motorcycle collision lawyer can guide you through the process. If you’re wondering what to do after a motorcycle accident in Fort Worth, Texas, call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312 for a free case evaluation with one of our motorcycle injury lawyers.
John (Jack) Zinda
Founder / CEO
Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWhen And Why Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen?
Motorcycles are associated with high risks and elevated speeds. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 82,000 motorcyclists were injured during 2018 alone. Motorcyclist fatalities occurred nearly 27 times more frequently than passenger car occupant fatalities in traffic crashes.
Although motorcycles are undeniably more dangerous than closed vehicles, other contributing factors seem to put motorcyclists in even more danger. Some studies indicate that motorcyclists more commonly engage in illegal vehicle operation. According to experts, 28% of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2018 were riding without valid motorcycle licenses, which indicates that lack of proper training and instruction may have contributed to the high death rates. Additionally, motorcycle drivers involved in fatal crashes had a higher percentage of alcohol impairment than drivers of any other vehicle type. Specifically, nearly 39% of motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle crashes in 2018 were alcohol-impaired.
Nationwide statistics indicate that lack of safety equipment also contributes to the high fatality rates of motorcyclists. In states without helmet laws, 57% of killed motorcyclists in 2018 were not wearing helmets at the moment of impact. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that helmets saved the lives of 1,872 motorcyclists in 2017; that number may have been higher if more motorcyclists had worn helmets.
Motorcycle accidents are tragic, regardless of whether they cause a fatality or just serious injury. If you or a loved one have been involved in something like this and are wondering what to do after a motorcycle accident in Fort Worth, you should contact a group of motorcycle accident lawyers near you as soon as possible. An accident attorney may be able to help you gather evidence, assess your damages, and allocate liability accordingly.
Neil Solomon
Partner
Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationCommon Injuries In Fort Worth Motorcycle Accidents
Due to the nature of motorcycles, motorcyclists tend to be more vulnerable on the roads than normal automobile drivers. Motorcyclists are exposed to the open air and road, which exponentially increases their risks of serious or fatal injuries.
Every motorcycle accident is different and, thus, yields different injuries. However, according to orthopedic experts, there are some common injuries frequently seen in motorcycle accident victims. Knowing the common injuries incurred during these accidents may help victims identify abnormalities in their bodies after being involved in a collision. Not only can this awareness help keep victims safe, but it can also help victims seek compensation. These common motorcycle accident injuries include, but are not limited to, the following:
Leg Injuries
While riding a motorcycle, the rider’s legs are exposed to the outside world. This constant exposure puts the delicate leg bones and muscles at an increased risk for injury. It is not uncommon for motorcyclists to sustain injuries to their lower extremities, including the knees, calves, ankles, and feet. Although many of these lower injuries are not fatal, they may cause long-term discomfort if left untreated.
Road Rash
Some activities increase the risk of road rash. Road rash is a colloquial term for a skin injury caused by contact with road surfaces, often as a consequence of cycling or motorcycling accidents. Skaters, runners, and skateboarders are also at a heightened risk for road rash. Unfortunately, most motorcycles do not have seat belt features, which may cause riders to fly over the handlebars during a crash. When riders hit the pavement, they often suffer from road rash and other skin injuries.
Arm Injuries
Similar to leg injuries, arm injuries are not uncommon in motorcycle crashes. Biker’s Arm is a condition that arises when a motorcyclist is thrown off their bike and reaches out to minimize the impact of the fall. This instinct to catch oneself may result in hand, wrist, or arm damage.
Muscle or Nerve Damage
Unfortunately, muscle damage can occur anywhere in your body. Depending on the type of impact, motorcyclists may sustain muscle injuries and nerve damage in many different places. If left untreated, muscle damage can result in permanent paralysis.
Head and Neck Trauma
Perhaps the most dangerous, head and neck traumas can cause life-altering disabilities. Injuries can range from concussions and fractures to brain-stem severance. Due to your neck and head’s sensitivity, it is critical that motorcyclists wear the appropriate safety gear when riding.
Motorcycle accident injuries can inflict serious hardship into a victim’s life. These injuries may cause severe discomfort, pain, and embarrassment. If you have been injured in a Fort Worth motorcycle accident, it is imperative that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you feel fine, you may have internal injuries that can pose deadly consequences if left untreated.
Due to the seriousness of motorcycle injuries, it is critical that victims seek help and counsel immediately after an accident. If you have been injured in an accident, it may be beneficial to reach out to a group of Fort Worth motorcycle accident injury lawyers as soon as possible to seek some compensation for your losses.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
Standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to answer in your time of need.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWhat To Do After a Motorcycle Accident In Fort Worth
Motorcycle collisions can be frustrating for motorcyclists and other drivers alike. Dealing with a collision may take significant amounts of time and energy. Riders involved in these kinds of accidents usually find it very difficult to do what needs to be done because of their uncomfortable injuries and devastating property damage.
Nevertheless, due to the seriousness of motorcycle accidents, it is imperative that riders know what to do if they are injured in a crash. When filing a claim in court, victims bear the burden of proving their assertions with documentation and testimony. Gathering this evidence may be difficult, especially if you are unfamiliar with your court’s requirements.
Luckily, there are steps that a motorcycle collision victim can follow after an accident. The six steps listed below may help you preserve evidence and recover as quickly as possible from an accident. Fort Worth motorcycle collision victims should adhere to the following steps immediately after an accident:
1. Get to Safety
Confusion and panic naturally follow motorcycle collisions. Although there are many important steps that you should take when involved in an accident, safety should be your first priority. If you are hit by another motorcycle or vehicle, you should immediately focus on moving you and your passengers to safety. Roadways and highways are inherently dangerous, and you may injure yourself further if you are unable to get to a safe area quickly. If the accident is minor, you should move the vehicles out of traffic and to a safe location. After you find a safe place, you should turn your vehicle off and turn on your hazard lights to alert other approaching vehicles.
2. Get Medical Attention
Victims should seek medical attention immediately after an accident, especially if the injuries are serious. It is imperative that motorcyclists tend to their physical well-being as soon as possible. After you have moved to a safe location, call 911. The reporting ambulance will be able to tend to your injuries and make sure that you do not need further medical treatment.
If further medical attention is needed, you may be transported to a hospital for treatment. If further treatment is not immediately necessary, visit your primary care doctor shortly after the incident to check on your health and well-being. Many injuries do not show until days after the initial impact, which makes them difficult to diagnose initially. Your primary care doctor can check that you are healing properly. Additionally, during your medical visit, your doctor will draft a report of your injuries, which may be helpful for proving your damages to the court.
3. File a Report
Documentation is imperative in motorcycle cases involving damages and fault. If contacted, the responding police officer will draft a report of the specifics of the accident. The report will likely include information about witnesses, injuries, and property damage. This police report may be a crucial piece of evidence if you later wish to pursue a legal case against the responsible party.
4. Collect All Information
If possible, take pictures of any important evidence, including pictures of your damaged motorcycle, the other vehicle, road signs, and weather conditions. Also take photographs of any physical injuries that you sustained during the crash. A judge will likely appreciate any visual proof that you can provide.
You should also gather information from others involved in the accident. Collect as much information as possible from the other drivers, including driver’s license numbers, insurance policy cards, and contact information. If possible, collect information from eyewitnesses as well. Having this information upfront may make it easier to file a claim later on.
5. Record Expenses
Keep a detailed list of any expenses related to the accident. Expenses may include medical bills, repair orders, or lost wages. Keeping a detailed record of this information may make it easier to prove your damages to the court.
6. Speak with an Attorney
Motorcycle accident cases may require extensive legal analysis because they can be complex. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it would be beneficial to speak with a few lawyers in Texas who may be able to help you collect evidence and prove your claim in court.
While the aforementioned list of steps is not everything that an injured party must do, it may serve as a good starting point for first-time claimants. Closely adhering to these steps will make the recovery process go more smoothly for all parties involved. An injury attorney can help you proceed through this process even quicker.
CALL ZINDA LAW GROUP’S MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT INJURY LAWYERS TODAY
Motorcycle collisions often inflict serious harm to a rider and their bike. After an accident, there are a few key steps that victims should take to protect their interests and seek compensation for their injuries. If you or a loved one was recently injured in a motorcycle accident, you should contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An experienced motorcycle accident injury attorney in Ft. Worth may be able to help you pursue legal recourse, evaluate your claim, and seek appropriate compensation for your injuries.
At Zinda Law Group, we have lawyers in your area who have the knowledge and resources necessary to help you pursue the highest compensation possible. Zinda Law Group offers personalized, free consultation about the specifics of your legal claim. The sooner you contact our office, the better we may be able to serve you.
If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident, call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312 for a quality consultation with one of our Fort Worth personal injury lawyers. You don’t owe us anything unless we win your case. That’s our No Win, No Fee Guarantee.
Meetings with attorneys are available by appointment only.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
We have successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation