Austin Motorcycle Accidents Attorney

The Hard Truth About Motorcycle Crashes in Texas

Nearly 600 motorcyclists died on Texas roads in 2023 — that's at least one rider every single day of the year. Fatal intersection crashes jumped 21% in just one year. With over 380,000 registered motorcycles in Texas, these numbers hit close to home for Austin riders who face 27 times higher fatality rates than car occupants in crashes.

What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents in Austin?

Left-turn crashes remain the deadliest threat to Austin motorcycle riders. These collisions happen fast when drivers misjudge a motorcycle's speed or simply don't see them coming:

• Left turns at intersections where drivers cut across oncoming traffic
• Cell phone use behind the wheel, especially in stop-and-go traffic
• Lane changes without shoulder checks
• Racing through yellow lights on Lamar Boulevard
• Drunk driving
• Large trucks merging without seeing motorcycles in blind spots
• Construction zones with shifting lanes
• Sun glare during rush hour commutes

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

The force of impact in motorcycle crashes creates devastating injuries that change everything about how you live:

• Traumatic brain injury affecting memory, speech, and personality
• Spinal cord injuries causing partial or complete paralysis
• Road rash that burns through skin layers down to bone
• Shattered limbs requiring multiple surgeries and hardware
• Punctured organs and internal bleeding
• Facial reconstruction from pavement impact
• Amputation of crushed extremities

What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Austin

Taking the right steps immediately after your accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation:

1. Call 911 immediately: Report the accident scene to the Austin Police Department and request emergency medical services, even if injuries seem minor.
2. Document everything: Photograph vehicle positions, road conditions, your motorcycle accident injuries, and gather witness contact information before leaving.
3. Seek medical attention: Visit an emergency room or urgent care facility to document all injuries — some serious injuries may not show symptoms immediately.
4. Preserve evidence: Keep your damaged gear, take photos of bruises as they develop, and maintain all medical records related to your treatment.
5. Contact an accident attorney: Before speaking with insurance adjusters, protect your rights by calling me. Let me use my over 18 years of experience with motorcycle accidents to help you.

Damages You Can Recover Through Your Injury Claim

Filing a personal injury claim allows motorcycle accident victims to pursue compensation for various losses. The damages available depend on your specific circumstances but typically include:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Property damage to your motorcycle and gear
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Home modifications for permanent disabilities
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Texas law allows you to pursue these damages through insurance claims or a personal injury lawsuit when another party's negligence caused your injuries.

As an experienced motorcycle accident attorney, I fight for every penny you deserve — from that first ambulance ride to your last day of physical therapy.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Motorcycle Crash

Determining liability often involves multiple parties in Austin motorcycle accidents:

• The negligent driver who caused the collision
• Commercial trucking companies for their drivers' actions
• Government entities responsible for dangerous road conditions
• Vehicle manufacturers for defective parts
• Bars or restaurants that overserved drunk drivers
• Construction companies that created hazards
• Other motorcyclists riding recklessly

I dig deep into every angle of your crash to identify all responsible parties. This means pulling traffic camera footage, interviewing witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction specialists when needed.

Recovering Compensation When You Share Fault in a Motorcycle Accident

Texas follows the modified comparative fault rule, and I'll utilize my advanced knowledge and skills to maximize the compensation you receive for your injuries. This rule states that even if a plaintiff is partially at fault for an accident, they can still recover damages, but their percentage of fault will reduce their compensation. However, if the plaintiff's fault exceeds 50%, they are barred from recovering any damages.

Say a driver turned left in front of you, but you were going 10 mph over the speed limit — I'll fight to minimize your fault percentage. Even if a jury finds you 20% responsible, I'll make sure you still recover 80% of your damages. My job is keeping your fault under 51% because that's the line between recovery and walking away empty-handed. I'll scrutinize every detail, challenge every assumption, and build the strongest case possible to protect your right to compensation.

Proving Your Austin Motorcycle Accident Claim

Successfully establishing your right to compensation requires demonstrating several elements:

Duty of Care

We must show that the other party had a legal obligation to drive safely around motorcyclists.

Breach of Duty

Evidence must prove they violated traffic laws or acted carelessly, endangering motorcycle riders on the road.

Causation

Medical documentation links your serious injuries directly to their negligent actions, not pre-existing conditions.

Damages

Financial records, medical costs, and testimony quantify your losses from the serious motorcycle accident.