Were you or someone you know injured in a Texas motorcycle accident? Due to the lack of protection provided by a motorcycle, the injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents involving bikers are severe and often fatal. Getting legal help can ease your burdens after a crash so you can focus on your emotional and physical recovery. Austin personal injury lawyer Ashley Applewhite offers free consultations to all motorcycle accident injury victims.
Motorcycle accidents can be very dangerous because when a bike is involved in a collision, the rider is more likely to be seriously injured or killed than a driver or passenger in a car. This is motorcycles don’t have the same safety features as cars. Also, motorcycles are smaller and less visible than other vehicles, which can make them more difficult for other drivers to see and can increase the risk of a collision.
Legal Help for Injured Motorcyclists in Texas
Texas has more motorcycle accidents than one might think. In fact, in 2020, there were 7,481 motorcycle crashes in Texas in which 1,856 motorcyclists were seriously injured and 482 were killed. Ashley Applewhite is an experienced Austin motorcycle accident lawyer who represents motorcycle riders and passengers injured in roadway crashes. Our firm can help victims obtain the relevant police reports, document the accident scene, and store and preserve the bike to show the property damage.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
While a Texas motorcycle accident can be caused by any number of situations, some causes are more common than others. Our Austin motorcycle crash lawyers commonly see accidents caused by:
- Lane splitting: It is illegal for a motorcycle rider to drive between lanes of stopped or slowed cars to bypass traffic in Texas.
- Drunk driving and drug use: Impairment due to alcohol or drug use can lead to poor judgment and impaired motor skills, increasing the risk of an accident.
- Potholes: Potholes can be particularly dangerous for motorcycles because they can cause a rider to lose control of the bike or be thrown off. When a motorcycle hits a pothole, the rider may have to make a sudden correction, which can cause the bike to become unstable or even tip over.
- Speeding: Driving at high speeds increases the risk of a motorcycle accident, as it reduces the ability to react to hazards and can make it more difficult to control motor vehicles of all types.
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving, such as texting or talking on the phone while driving, can increase the risk of a motorcycle accident.
- Bad weather conditions: Wet or slippery roads and fog or low visibility can make it more difficult to see a biker, control a vehicle, and more, increasing the risk of a crash.
If a negligent driver fails to yield the right of way, doesn’t check their blind spots, or engages in other reckless driving behaviors, motorcycle accident victims suffer the consequences.
Understanding Motorcycle Accident Injuries and Wrongful Death in Texas
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a motorcycle accident, even if you do not think you have been seriously injured because motorcycle accidents lead to serious injuries and even wrongful death. Some injuries, such as internal injuries, may not be immediately noticeable and will become more serious if left untreated.
Some of the most common injuries suffered by motorcycle accident victims include:
- Road rash
- Fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Head injuries
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fatalities
The responsible party or parties should be held accountable to pay your medical expenses so that you can have the best possible medical care and medical treatment in order to preserve and restore your quality of life. Serious injuries can have serious consequences for victims beyond the financial, even causing lifelong repercussions.
Texas Law and Motorcycle Accident Cases
In Texas, motorcycle accidents are governed by the same laws that apply to other types of motor vehicle accidents. The at fault driver or drivers can be held liable for the damages and injuries they cause.
Under Texas law, drivers have a duty to exercise reasonable care when operating their vehicles. This means that they must pay attention to the road, obey traffic laws, and take steps to avoid collisions with other vehicles and/or pedestrians. If a driver fails to exercise reasonable care and causes an accident, they can be held legally responsible for the resulting damages and injuries.
Texas law holds that a motorcycle accident victim has two years from the date of the crash to bring a personal injury case for financial compensation. This legal time limit is called the statute of limitations. An experienced personal injury attorney like Ashley Applewhite can ensure your claim is timely handled and filed to preserve your legal right to financial compensation. She will fight for you and your loved ones to receive maximum compensation for the damages you suffered, including coverage for your medical bills and lost wages from work.
Contact Austin Motorcycle Accident Attorney Ashley Applewhite
Contact Austin motorcycle accident attorney Ashley Applewhite at 512-617-9250 for a free case review. The legal team will review the facts of your situation and explain your legal rights as well as what you can expect to happen throughout the process of seeking financial compensation after a motorcycle crash. For more information on how we can help, reach out today.