CALL (800) 863-5312 TO SPEAK WITH AN ARLINGTON MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY TODAY
Few things are as fun and exhilarating as hitting the open road on a motorcycle. However, few activities are as dangerous as riding. After a motorcycle accident, you may be at a loss for what to do next. A Zinda Law Group attorney may be able to help you seek compensation for your injuries while you focus on recovering.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident and are interested in filing a claim, or to learn more about your rights following an accident, call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312 to receive a free case evaluation with one of our experienced Arlington motorcycle accident lawyers.
For a free legal consultation with a motorcycle accidents lawyer serving Arlington, call 800-863-5312
TEXAS MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT STATISTICS
Thousands of motorcycle accidents occur across the United States each year. For instance, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 5,000 people were killed in motorcycle-related accidents in 2018.
Motorcycles are very popular in the Lone Star State. However, this popularity unfortunately translates to a high prevalence of motorcycle-related accidents. Listed below are several important statistics regarding motorcycle accidents in Texas.
-
- In 2019, there were approximately 410 fatalities resulting from motorcycle accidents. Of those fatalities, approximately 45% of motorcyclists killed were not wearing helmets at the time of the crash.
- In 2018, there were approximately 420 fatalities resulting from motorcycle accidents. Of those fatalities, approximately 49% of motorcyclists killed were not wearing helmets at the time of the crash.
- In 2017, there were approximately 500 fatalities resulting from motorcycle accidents. Of those fatalities, approximately 51% of motorcyclists killed were not wearing helmets at the time of the crash.
- In 2017, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that motorcyclists were 27 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a car crash per vehicle mile traveled.
Motorcycle Accident in Arlington lawyers near me 800-863-5312
COMMON CAUSES OF MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
Click to contact our Texas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer today
Poor Road Conditions
Many motorcycle accidents occur as a direct consequence of poor road conditions. For example, bad weather involving rain or sleet makes roads slippery or icy, thus increasing the chance of someone losing control of their automobile. Motorcyclists are therefore strongly encouraged to double-check the forecast before hitting the road.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Reckless Driving
Motorcyclists who engage in reckless driving by doing tricks such as revving the engine or popping wheelies put themselves and all motorists around them in danger. Such attempts to show off are dangerous and lead to a significant number of motorcycle-related accidents.
Drunk Drivers
Drunk and intoxicated driving is another common cause of motorcycle accidents. Driving while under the influence has multiple negative effects on a person’s focus, coordination, and motor skills. These impairments increase the risk of a dangerous accident occurring.
Failure to Check Blind Spots
Motorists who fail to check their blind spots before turning or changing lanes put other drivers at risk of sustaining serious injury due to an accident. Because motorcycles are often less noticeable than other cars on the road, blind spot accidents are even more common for motorcyclists.
Lane Splitting
Lane-splitting, also known as “white lining,” involves a motorcyclist cutting between slower vehicles across lanes. This maneuver is not only extremely dangerous but is also prohibited by law. Motorcyclists who engage in lane splitting thus run the risk of being ticketed and being involved in a motor vehicle accident.
WHAT TO DO AFTER BEING INJURED IN A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
Motorcycle accidents are often severe and result in serious injury. Victims of motorcycle accidents may be confused, disoriented, or incapable of calling for help immediately after a wreck. Understanding what you should do after being involved in a motorcycle accident may help protect both your immediate health and long-term legal rights. Listed below are several steps you should take following a motorcycle accident.
1. Receive Medical Attention
The first thing to do after being involved in an accident is to seek medical attention from a trained professional. Even minor accidents can result in debilitating injuries. For example, some accidents may affect a person’s spine and result in injuries that take hours or days to manifest. Seeking medication attention after a motorcycle accident may help your body recover as quickly and efficiently as possible.
2. Report the Accident
If possible, try to report the accident to local law enforcement as soon as possible. Filing a report will create an official record of the incident, which may help strengthen the viability of any future claim. When filling out the report, try to include as much information as possible, such as where the accident occurred, how it occurred, and any resulting injuries you may have sustained. Do not admit fault when discussing the details of the accident.
3. Document the Accident
Documenting the accident is a critical step that is often overlooked by motorcycle accident victims. Documenting the accident means creating and maintaining a thorough record of all documents relating to the accident. This means keeping a running file of documents such as photographs of the accident, photographs of your injuries, a copy of the police report, witness statements, medical bills, and motorcycle repair estimates. Taking this critical step may help substantiate your claim and prevent insurance companies from paying out less than you are entitled to.
4. Call a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
When you are healed and ready, contact a motorcycle accident attorney for a consultation regarding your case. The purpose of the consultation is for you to provide the attorney with the facts and circumstances of the accident. After learning about the case, the attorney may be able to provide advice regarding any legal rights you may have. If necessary, an attorney may begin the process of filing a formal lawsuit on your behalf.
Learn More: Why Hiring a Lawyer Will Help Your Case
UNDERSTANDING MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT COMPENSATION
Motorcycle accident victims may be legally entitled to compensation in the form of monetary damages if the victim can prove that his or her injuries were caused by someone else’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. The types of monetary damages that may be awarded following a motorcycle accident fall into two general categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages refer to quantifiable costs incurred by a motorcycle accident victim as a result of the wreck. Types of economic damages that may be available in a motorcycle accident case include:
- Medical and pharmacy bills
- Future medical costs
- Lost income and wages
- Future lost income
- Loss of earning capacity
In contrast, non-economic damages are intangible losses that are more difficult to quantify. Instead, non-economic damages compensate you for the emotional and psychological losses you suffer. Types of non-economic damages in a motorcycle accident lawsuit may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Under certain circumstances, a third type of damages, referred to as punitive damages, may be awarded to a motorcycle accident victim. Punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party for engaging in behavior that was extremely reckless or intentional.
LEGAL TIME LIMITS FOR FILING A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT CLAIM
Motorcycle accident claims must be filed in a timely manner. A “statute of limitations” is the legal term for the time-limit with which a motorcycle accident victim must initiate a lawsuit. If a victim does not file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations, that party is effectively barred from litigating the claim in court.
In Texas, there is a two-year statute of limitations for motorcycle accident claims. This means that a motorcycle accident victim has two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Speaking with an experienced attorney may help ensure you file your claim on time.
LET A ZINDA LAW GROUP MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY FIGHT FOR YOU
At Zinda Law Group, our Arlington attorneys offer years of experience negotiating, settling, and litigating motorcycle accident claims to protect your legal rights. Zinda’s attorneys know how to handle a motorcycle claim from start to finish and take pride in providing zealous representation to each client. While you focus on recovering from your injuries, we will focus on building your claim.
Our firm also believes that an injury victim should never have to worry about being able to afford excellent legal representation. That is why we offer 100% free consultations, and why you pay nothing unless we win your case. That’s our No Win, No Fee Guarantee.
If you would like to discuss the details of your case with an experienced Arlington motorcycle accident lawyer, or to learn more about the claim filing process, call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312 to receive your free case evaluation.
Meetings with attorneys are by appointment only.
Call or text 800-863-5312 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
