Take Immediate Action After A Motorcycle Accident
Have you or someone you love recently been involved and injured in a motorcycle collision? If so, it is essential that you seek medical attention, regardless of the severity of your injuries. A doctor can help you heal and document your injuries, which can later be used as part of your personal injury claim. Keep in mind that time is of the essence. In Texas, the statute of limitations to file your claim is two years from the date of your accident.
At Wickes Law, PLLC, motorcycle accident lawyer Paul O. Wickes has more than 30 years of legal experience, and he has recovered millions on behalf of clients. He will guide you through the legal process and fight to get your deserved compensation. Call his Plano office at 972-600-2416 to schedule your free consultation.
How Attorney Wickes Can Help You
When he takes on a new client, attorney Wickes takes the time to investigate the matters of your case and put together an individualized, workable strategy. He believes that injured victims of motorcycle accidents should receive fair and plentiful compensation for their physical pain, emotional suffering and related expenses. When a negligent or irresponsible driver hits someone on a motorcycle, the injuries can be catastrophic and devastating. The responsible party should be held accountable for their actions, and he is dedicated to seeing that justice is served.
As a motorcycle accident attorney, he has helped victims who have a variety of severe injuries, including:
- Spinal cord injury
- Serious brain injury
- Head and neck injuries
- Wrongful death
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- Internal Injuries
Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents In Texas
Motorcycle crashes often occur because drivers fail to recognize how vulnerable riders are on the road. Understanding how these collisions happen can help establish fault. Common causes include:
- Lane changes and unsafe lane splitting: Drivers who change lanes without checking blind spots frequently strike motorcyclists. Although some riders filter through traffic, sudden lane changes continue to be a leading cause of collisions.
- Left-hand turn accidents: One of the most dangerous scenarios occurs when a vehicle turns left across a rider’s path. Drivers often misjudge a motorcycle’s speed or fail to notice it altogether.
- Road and weather conditions: Uneven pavement, potholes, loose gravel and wet roads pose a greater danger to motorcycles than passenger vehicles. Poor maintenance or weather can quickly lead to loss of control.
- Speeding and reckless driving or riding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of injuries. Aggressive driving behaviors pose a significant risk to riders.
- Distracted or impaired driving: Texting, using navigation systems or driving under the influence often prevents drivers from seeing motorcycles until it is too late.
- Dooring accidents: Riders traveling alongside parked vehicles may be struck when a driver or passenger opens a door without checking for oncoming traffic.
Identifying the exact cause of a crash is critical when pursuing compensation and holding the responsible party accountable.
How Texas Motorcycle Laws Affect Injury Claims
Texas motorcycle laws play a direct role in determining liability after a collision. Texas does not require all riders to wear helmets. Riders over 21 may legally ride without a helmet if they meet specific insurance or safety training requirements. While riding without a helmet does not bar recovery, insurers may argue that injuries would have been less severe, potentially reducing compensation.
Lane splitting and lane filtering are not legal in Texas. If a rider was splitting lanes at the time of a crash, however, insurance companies may still try to use that to assign partial liability their way. In addition, the motorcyclist’s equipment may be examined to see if they meet legal safety requirements.
Texas follows a modified comparative fault system. An injured rider may recover damages as long as they are not more than 50% responsible for the crash, but compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to them. A careful legal strategy can counter unfair fault arguments and protect your right to recover damages after a motorcycle accident.
Answers To Common Questions After A Motorcycle Accident
A motorcycle crash can raise urgent questions about evidence, insurance and compensation. Here, attorney Wickes has provided answers to some of these questions to explain key issues that may affect your claim.
What evidence do I need to prove my motorcycle accident case?
Evidence can show how the crash happened, who caused it and how your injuries affected you. Useful items include the police report, scene photos, vehicle damage, witness details and traffic camera footage. Keep your helmet, riding gear and other damaged property because these items may support your account of the collision.
Medical records, bills, wage statements and notes about your recovery can also prove your losses. Try to collect and preserve this information as soon as possible because some evidence may disappear over time.
How should I handle insurance after a motorcycle accident?
Report the crash to your insurer promptly and provide accurate, basic facts. Avoid guessing about fault, speed or the full extent of your injuries, as this information may be used against you. Use care before giving a recorded statement or accepting an early offer. A quick settlement may not cover future care, lost income or lasting limits. Keep copies of your policy, claim number, repair estimates, medical bills and all insurance messages.
What if I was a passenger on someone else’s motorcycle when we crashed?
As an injured passenger, you may seek compensation from any party whose negligence caused the crash. That party could include another driver, the motorcycle operator, a business or another responsible person.
More than one insurance policy may cover your injuries. You do not need to decide who was at fault before exploring your options. The evidence and available coverage will help determine which claims may apply.
What factors affect the value of my motorcycle accident settlement?
Each claim has a different value because every crash causes different losses. Important factors include the severity of your injuries, the treatment you need, your recovery time and any lasting limits.
Lost wages, reduced earning ability, property damage, pain and changes to your daily life may also affect the value. Insurance coverage and disputes over fault can influence the result. If you share responsibility for the crash, Texas law may reduce your recovery. Attorney Wickes can review the full impact of the collision on your life and pursue compensation supported by the evidence.
Work With A Skilled Plano Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The legal team at Wickes Law, PLLC, is committed to providing aggressive and compassionate legal support. Attorney Wickes knows how physically and emotionally challenging being involved in an accident can be not only on you as a victim but on your entire family. Rest assured that he is here to support you.