Motorcycle accidents can be devastating events that wreak havoc on the lives of riders and their families. With painful injuries and mounting expenses, the aftermath of a crash can feel insurmountable and hinder the healing process. To ease the weight of the financial and physical burden, an Austin motorcycle accident lawyer can help navigate the claim process and secure compensation to cover accident-related losses and expenses.
Butler Injury Law understands how terrifying a motorcycle accident can be and provides you with the compassionate trusted representation and care you deserve. We handle every aspect of your case, as well as any challenges that arise, so you can better focus on healing from your injuries.
An Austin personal injury lawyer from our team will take the time to build a relationship with you and understand your goals and needs so we can more effectively negotiate on your behalf. We are committed to your well-being and getting you maximizing results.
Negligence is a Common Factor in Motorcycle Accidents
According to J.D. Power, motorcycle accidents are 30 times more likely to result in a fatality than that of a car. The rate of injury or death in such accidents is 80%, unlike that of a car accident, which has a 20% injury and death rate. These numbers highlight how vulnerable motorcycles are when compared to cars. Because motorcycles are smaller, less visible, and have no outer protection, they often bear the brunt of the impact and trauma during a collision.
While every accident is different, one underlying factor in motorcycle accidents is negligence. This can be due to distraction, speeding, or a lack of awareness of the negligent driver, to name a few. Many times, these accidents could be prevented with the proper level of attention and care.
If you have been a victim of a motorcycle accident, it is important to talk with Austin motorcycle accident attorneys as soon as possible. They can help you ensure the negligent party is held responsible for their actions. They will also strive to swiftly resolve your claim so you can receive the compensation and resources you need to quickly get back on your feet again.
Types of Injuries Motorcyclists Can Sustain in an Accident
Given that motorcycles are smaller than cars, are less protected, and lack the same stability as other vehicles, collisions can be detrimental to motorcyclists. This is especially true when considering how easily you can be thrown from your motorcycle upon impact. The National Security Council states that there were 82,687 motorcycle injuries during the most recent year reported and 6,218 deaths.
These staggering numbers underscore the hazards motorcycle drivers face on a regular basis. When an accident occurs, they can be susceptible to some of these common injuries:
- Road rash
- Lacerations and bruising
- Broken or fractured bones
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Damage to organs
- Neck and spine injuries
- Damage to extremities
- Burns
- Wrongful death
It is vital to receive swift medical attention after a motorcycle accident. There is a lot at stake, and every moment counts. Prompt medical care can mean the difference between life and death and can even impact recovery times and future mobility. It is also important to talk with a compassionate and experienced lawyer to ensure you receive the resources you need to get sufficient medical care.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Injuries
With so many motorcycle accident injuries, it is important to understand some of the causes that lead to crashes. This awareness can help motorcyclists and drivers of other vehicles alike be more alert and cautious out on the road. The following is an overview of factors contributing to motorcycle accident injuries and fatalities:
- 66% of motorcycle fatalities occur in urban areas
- More than half of motorcycle accidents involve two vehicles
- 84% of motorcycle accidents occur on clear or cloudy days
- Accidents can happen during the day or at night in about equal measure
- While alcohol can be a contributing factor, the majority of motorcycle accidents do not involve alcohol impairment
- Little more than one-third of motorcycle accident fatalities resulted from not wearing a helmet
Protect Your Future With These Steps After a Motorcycle Accident
A motorcycle accident can be frightening and leave you shaken and uncertain about what to do next, especially if you have been injured and are in pain. However, what you do in the wake of an accident can significantly impact your future health and claim outcome.
To the best extent possible, you should take the following steps to have the best chance at favorable results:
- Call 911: The first thing you should do after an accident is call 911 and wait for first responders to arrive on the scene. Your safety is the number one priority, and it is crucial to have medical personnel assess your injuries and provide treatment as needed. Some injuries are not readily apparent or delayed, so it is important to continue to keep an eye on your condition even after medics and doctors have examined you.
- Request a police report: You should request that a police report be filed to record the details of the accident and determine who is at fault. This is a very important step to take because it creates an official record that will be closely reviewed by insurance adjusters and legal professionals during the claim process. You should also request a copy of the report for your records once it has been completed.
- Exchange information: As a driver in Texas, you are required to stop after an accident and exchange names, addresses, vehicle registration information, and insurance information, according to Texas Transportation Code § 550.023.
- Collect photos, videos, and statements: Collecting your own evidence can aid in supplementing your claim and reinforcing the information in the police report. You can take photos and videos of your injuries, the damage to your motorcycle and the other vehicle, the surroundings, signals and signs, skid marks, and any other relevant details that can show what happened. Additionally, if anyone was around to witness the accident, you can ask them for a statement to describe what they saw.
- File an insurance claim: Contact the insurance company of the driver who injured you and file a claim with them to receive compensation for your financial and property losses. You should also notify your own insurance company so they are aware of the event and the status of your claim process.
- Hire an Austin motorcycle accident attorney: It is important to hire an attorney as you proceed through the claim process. They will go to battle for you with insurance companies and opposing parties to ensure you are not taken advantage of. They can also help you navigate the legal requirements and file your claim with ease, as well as help you get a more favorable outcome.
Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Austin Fight to Ensure You Receive Fair Treatment
Motorcycle accident claims can be complex, and insurance companies may not pay you what you deserve. However, hiring a motorcycle accident attorney in Austin can significantly increase your chances of achieving a favorable outcome for your case. We work tirelessly on your behalf to satisfy the various legal requirements, negotiate a fair settlement, protect your rights, and get you results. A lawyer’s extensive experience is a valuable asset throughout the legal process, allowing you to get the maximum compensation you need to help you recover.
When you work with a lawyer, you can expect them to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the causes that led to the accident, the details of the accident, the resulting injuries, and more. We will carefully review all the evidence from the police report and any additional evidence you gathered. From this, we will determine who was at fault in the accident and what strategies to use when developing your claim.
Before receiving any kind of settlement, a lawyer must establish who was at fault for the motorcycle accident by demonstrating the standard of negligence. They will show that the other driver had a reasonable duty to prevent harm, but they breached that duty when they engaged in negligent behavior. Their negligence directly led to the accident and your injuries, and they are therefore responsible for your damages and providing restitution.
Once fault is established, Texas’ modified comparative negligence laws are applied to determine the amount of compensation settlements. These statutes state that each party will receive a percentage, which could range from 0-100%, that represents their level of fault in the accident. Each party is allowed to recover compensation as long as they are less than 50% responsible for the accident. If they are eligible for damages, the amount will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Talk With a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Austin Before the Statute of Limitations Expires
When you work with a lawyer,we will also ensure that your claim is filed within the statute of limitations. According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 16, you have two years from the time of the accident to file a claim against the person who hurt you. If this window of time expires, you lose any rights to a future claim.
It is always best to file a claim as close to the accident date as possible. At this point, evidence is fresh, and memories of the event are clearer and more accurate — all of which are factors that can heavily influence the outcome of your case. Seek the counsel of a lawyer to learn more about your allotted time and options for your claim so you have a strong case.
Reclaim Your Life With the Aid of Compensation
Butler Injury Law takes your situation very seriously and understands how much an accident can upend your whole life. We also know that an accident doesn’t just affect you but affects your whole family as well. When the expenses begin to add up, and you are dealing with ongoing pain and injury, our team comes alongside you to help you get the compensation you need to reclaim your life and have hope for your future.
Our Austin motorcycle accident lawyers help assess your situation and determine the value of all of your losses to ensure we can negotiate a fair settlement for you that adequately meets your needs during this difficult time. Depending on the situation, we can help you recover more than one type of compensation.
The types of damages you may be entitled to receive include:
- Economic damages: Allows you to be compensated for your losses that have a monetary value. These can include medical expenses, damage to your motorcycle, and lost income if you have been unable to work due to your injuries. If a loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident, you can also receive compensation to cover end-of-life care and funeral and burial expenses.
- Non-economic damages: Allows you to be compensated for what you have lost as a result of the trauma and experience of the motorcycle accident. This can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment and companionship, PTSD, and a reduced quality of life.
- Punitive damages: This compensates you in particular situations where the other driver has acted with gross negligence and caused you extreme harm. The additional damages are designed to cover the extra severity of your losses and deter the at-fault party from future behavior by punishing them.
Butler Injury Law Advocates for Clients Every Step of the Way
Butler Injury Law provides you with personalized attention to ensure you get the thorough representation you need and deserve. Our motorcycle accident attorneys in Austin fiercely advocate and support you during a difficult time by protecting your rights and helping your voice be heard. We are committed to walking beside you during this journey and helping you pursue compensation and justice.
Contact us today to learn more about our team, get answers to your questions, and discover how we can help you get your life back on track.
