Fighting For The Fair Compensation You Deserve
Although any motor vehicle accident can lead to serious injuries or deaths, motorcycle accidents tend to be particularly devastating. Due to their relative lack of protection, motorcyclists are four times more likely to be injured and nearly 30 times more likely to be killed in motor vehicle accidents than occupants of passenger vehicles, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
If you or someone you love was involved in a motorcycle accident in Deer Park, Texas or any of the surrounding areas, turn to the team at Goldenzweig Law Group, PLLC. Our attorneys fight for the rights of injured bikers and their families, including the right to seek fair financial compensation from the at-fault party. If someone else was to blame for your motorcycle accident, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other damages. There is no upfront cost when you hire our firm; we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
Call our office at (713) 609-1930 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our experienced Deer Park motorcycle accident attorneys.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
After any motor vehicle accident, there are certain steps you should take to protect your continued wellbeing, as well as your right to financial compensation.
As much as possible, be sure to do the following after a motorcycle accident:
- Seek Medical Attention: Because many motorcycle accidents result in serious or even catastrophic injuries, you may have received treatment at the scene of the crash or been transported to a nearby hospital. However, if you did not receive emergency treatment, you should see your doctor right away. Even if you believe that your injuries are minor or that they will heal on their own, it is important to receive professional medical care. The shock of the accident can often mask the true severity of your injuries, and seeing a doctor helps prove the validity and severity of your injuries.
- Obtain and Preserve Evidence: If you can, get the name, contact information, and insurance information of the other driver(s) involved. Take pictures of the accident scene, as well as your injuries. Talk to any witnesses who saw what happened and get their name(s) and contact information. Take pictures of your damaged bike and keep any other evidence from the scene, such as torn, ripped, or bloodied clothing. You should also request copies of the official police report and keep all of your medical records.
- Notify the Authorities About the Accident: If 911 was called, and law enforcement officers came out to the scene of the accident, they will have filed an official accident report on your behalf. If not, you should contact the police right away to report the crash. In Texas, you must report all motor vehicle accidents that result in bodily injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more within 10 days of the accident.
- Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company: You likely have just a few days to a couple of weeks to report the accident to your own insurance provider. You should give as much information as possible when reporting the crash, but refrain from making any statements that could be construed as admitting fault. Stick to the facts, be clear and concise, and do not sign anything or accept a settlement offer without first speaking to a lawyer.
- Avoid Talking to Insurance Adjusters from the Other Person’s Insurance Company: These insurance adjusters have one job: to save the company money by avoiding paying out claims. They may try to get you to admit fault or accept a lowball settlement. You should never accept a settlement or sign anything provided to you by the other party’s insurance company until you have spoken to an attorney. Once you agree to a settlement, you typically cannot pursue any additional compensation, even if you experience additional damages.
- Contact an Attorney: It is very important that you reach out to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after the crash. Your lawyer will be able to help you obtain the proper medical care you need, as well as navigate the legal process of seeking financial compensation for your damages. At Goldenzweig Law Group, PLLC, our attorneys are ready to answer your questions, protect your rights, and advocate for the full recovery you deserve.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Because Texas follows a fault-based system when it comes to motor vehicle accidents, it is important that you establish the cause of your motorcycle crash. This typically points to the liable party, as the person or party that caused the accident is likely also the one legally responsible for your damages.
Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Fatigued driving
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Dangerous or illegal turns
- Unlawful passing
- Unsafe lane changes
- Tailgating
- Cutting off motorcyclists in traffic
- Opening car doors into motorcyclists
- Aggressive and reckless driving
- Road rage
Motorcyclists are also more susceptible to being involved in accidents due to poor weather or road conditions, such as potholes, blind curves, and unsafe speed limits. If defective road construction or design, inadequate roadway maintenance, or similar issues are found to have contributed to or caused a motorcycle accident, a municipal or governmental agency could be liable.
Who Is At Fault For A Motorcycle Accident?
In most cases, the person or party that caused the accident is the one responsible for paying your damages. In other words, the at-fault party is also liable for your accident-related losses. All motorists owe others on the road a “duty of care,” meaning they must follow the law and drive safely to avoid causing accidents that could injure or kill others. When they fail to uphold this responsibility, they can be held accountable.
To prove your case, you will need to demonstrate that the person or party against whom you are bringing your claim (known as the defendant) owed you a duty of care but failed to uphold that duty of care by acting negligently or wrongfully. You will also need to prove that this was the cause of your injuries, and that your injuries led to damages.
Seeking Maximum Compensation for Your Damages
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, amputation, and bone fractures. As a result, victims often struggle to heal and move forward with their lives after these types of collisions.
If you were recently involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be struggling to deal with expensive medical bills, lost wages from time taken off work to recover, and immense physical pain and mental suffering. If someone else was to blame for the crash that caused your injuries, you should not—and do not—have to deal with these challenges on your own.
At Goldenzweig Law Group, PLLC, we help our clients seek maximum compensation for their economic and non-economic damages, including but not limited to:
- All past and future medical expenses
- Lost income, wages, and employment benefits
- Lost earning ability and future income
- Physical and mental pain and suffering
- Miscellaneous out-of-pocket expenses, such as costs associated with in-home assistance and care, home modifications, and transportation
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
We fight tirelessly for fair settlements on behalf of accident victims and their loved ones. If the liable party refuses to settle your claim, we are prepared to aggressively advocate for you at trial.
How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Texas?
The statute of limitations—or filing deadline—on most motorcycle accident lawsuits in Texas is two years from the date of the accident. This means that you have just two years to file suit, or else the court will almost certainly dismiss your case, and you will be unable to pursue compensation for your damages.
Although two years may seem like a long time, the truth is that this time can go by very quickly. The sooner you contact a Deer Park motorcycle accident attorney at Goldenzweig Law Group, PLLC, the sooner we can begin investigating your claim and preparing a strong case on your behalf. We strongly encourage you to reach out to our firm today to learn how we can help you get back on your feet after a devastating crash or the unexpected loss of a loved one due to the careless, reckless, or negligent conduct of another.
We offer compassionate, client-focused legal representation backed by nearly four decades of combined legal experience. Our dedicated attorneys are here to protect your rights and fight for your future after a serious motorcycle accident.
For a free initial consultation, call (713) 609-1930 or contact us online. Hablamos español.