Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Discusses a Motorcyclist’s Rights Following a Bike Crash
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Discusses a Motorcyclist’s Rights Following a Bike Crash
It is estimated that there are more than 400,000 motorcycles in use on roads throughout the state of Texas. As a result, there are numerous chances for accidents to take place.
There are lots of reasons that motorcycle accidents occur in this state, and they range from simple causes such as distracted drivers to more egregious causes such as driving while drowsy or drunk driving. If you or a loved one have incurred an injury as the result of a motorcycle accident in the area, it is critical that you know your rights. If you have suffered the tragic loss of a family member due to such an accident, you need to be informed of the legal options you may have that can ensure those responsible for your loss are held accountable. This article, provided to you by the motorcycle accident attorneys with our law firm, will give you some information on relevant issues that surround motorcycle accidents in Texas. With 20 years of experience in litigating Texas personal injury and wrongful death cases, the motorcycle accident lawyers with our law firm can help you get through this incredibly trying time.
How Motorcycle Accidents Differ from Car Accidents
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, or you have ever been to the site of such an occurrence, it should be pretty clear how that kind of accident is different from a typical car wreck. Accidents involving a motorcycle are often much more serious, and more often than not will result in severe injuries to the motorcyclist and a greater likelihood of death. The Texas Department of Transportation reports that two out of three motorcycle accidents in this state result in either serious injury or death to the motorcyclist. In 2018 there were 418 motorcycle accident fatalities; a number that accounted for 16 percent of all traffic accident fatalities that year. Another 6,913 motorcycle riders or passengers were hurt that year. It is pretty easy to see why motorcycle accident injuries can be so devastating; no matter how much protective gear motorcyclists and their passengers may wear, that gear is often no match for pavement or surrounding automobiles. A car, on the other hand, obviously provides a far higher degree of protection to its occupants. There are several brands of well-designed and well-built motorcycles on the market, such as Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Harley-Davidson, Buell, Triumph, and other motorcycle manufacturers. However, no matter how well designed they may be, these motorcycles simply cannot prevent severe injuries from occurring in even relatively small accidents because they do not have an outer frame that can envelop and protect occupants as can an automobile.
But a lot of people, unfortunately, are unable to see that. Because there are such significant differences between motorcycle accidents and car accidents, there are just as significant differences in the ways the two accidents are dealt with from a legal perspective. Typically, a car accident claim can be properly handled without the need for either party involved to bring in a lawyer. However, it is rare for accidents involving a motorcycle to not result in some sort of legal action taking place. Thus, those involved will need a seasoned and skilled motorcycle accident attorney. Because of the increased likelihood of severe injury or death resulting from a motorcycle accident, there will be more money at stake to compensate injury victims or the family members of motorcycle accident fatalities. Insurance companies will fight extremely hard to avoid having to pay these very costly claims. Victims who do not have legal assistance often do not comprehend the full value of their claim, and as a result, may fall prey to ridiculously low settlement offers from those insurance carriers. If you do not have an experienced motorcycle lawyer on your side to protect your rights, you could be taken advantage of by an insurance carrier that has no regard for your best interests, only protecting its profits.