How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Texas?
Motorcycles were involved in 20 serious collisions on average each day in our state in 2020, with those accidents causing at least one death and five serious injuries. Motorcycle accidents happen with alarming frequency in Texas — so much so that the Texas Department of Transportation in 2020 initiated a “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” awareness campaign to reduce fatalities and injuries.
Statistics kept by TXDOT show that in 2020, motorcycles and motorcyclists were involved in almost 7,500 serious collisions. That number was a slight reduction over 2019, but the accidents became more serious. The number of fatalities jumped to 482, an increase of 17%, while almost 1,900 people suffered serious injuries.
It goes without saying that the consequences of motorcycle accidents are tremendous for family survivors and those who face long recoveries from their injuries. Depending on the facts of the case, you may be eligible to negotiate compensation for pain and suffering, either directly with an insurance provider or through litigation. The personal injury attorneys at Godsey Martin are standing by to help.
What Are the Main Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
The evaluation of a personal injury claim involving a motorcycle accident largely depends on the exact circumstances. Data from the Texas Transportation Institute shows that the most serious accidents (those involving fatalities) usually involve a collision between a car and motorcycle. They happen when a driver makes a mistake in judging how fast a motorcycle is traveling and how far away it is before deciding to make a left turn. One-third of motorcycle fatalities happen following collisions in and around an intersection, the Institute said. As can be the case with motor vehicle crashes, alcohol sometimes play a key role.
Other factors include distracted driving, such as making a telephone call, sending a text, driving too fast, following a motorcyclist too closely, or not giving enough room for the rider to change lanes. The Texas DOT gives some advice for drivers as part of its motorcycle safety campaign.
What To Do After a Serious Motorcycle Accident
Obviously and appropriately, your first thoughts and actions after a motorcycle accident should focus on yourself and the others involved in the accident. Check yourself and others for injuries and make sure everyone is out of immediate harm. Call 911 as soon as you can, and make sure to mention any injuries and their severity.
If and only if you are able, you should begin to document the accident the best you can. Take photographs of the scene from various angles, and be sure to capture the positions of the motorcycle and the car or cars involved. You may want to draw your own diagram so you can explain it to the police and the insurance company. Collect the name, phone number, and insurance information from the other driver or drivers, and be prepared to share yours.
Documentation will help clarify the fault for the accident and point you toward which insurance company to use to make a claim. If you believe the other driver was clearly to blame, then you should make a claim right away with the other driver’s insurance company. Don’t wait to file a claim; the sooner you inform the insurance company of the accident, the quicker you can receive proper compensation.
If the accident involves serious physical injuries, you may consider retaining personal injury attorneys, such as the motorcycle accident lawyers at Godsey Martin. Our attorneys can guide you in collecting the proper paperwork to establish the facts and negotiate on your behalf.
This paperwork will likely include police reports and medical bills. You should avoid discussing the specifics of the accident if possible with the insurance adjuster. Let your attorneys do their job to establish liability and fault; they can also support you by completing proper paperwork, giving an estimate on what they believe is a fair settlement, developing a strategy for recovering, and, if necessary, preparing for trial.
Recovering Compensation From Your Accident
Many accidents are the result of negligence. That is the main question in determining the best course of action for your complaint and, if you decide to litigate, the potential value of your claim.
Other factors include the nature and extent of your injuries, the total amount of your medical costs, any lost wages from missing work or being unable to continue working, and additional injuries like the emotional toll of any pain and suffering related to the accident and subsequent injuries. Anything that interferes with your ability to enjoy life may be a factor in valuing your case.
If the accident involved a fatality, survivors may be able to recover for factors such as loss of companionship.
Get Professional Legal Advice From Godsey Martin
The attorneys at Godsey Martin PC, with offices in Dallas and Houston, Texas, will help evaluate the circumstances of your motorcycle accident and advise you on the steps to take to get proper compensation for emotional and physical injuries. In addition to motorcycle accidents, our team also handles personal injury claims arising from car accidents, truck accidents, slip and falls, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, DUI/DWI accidents, and other incidents. Every case is different. We work closely with our clients to identify their unique legal needs and to make sure they get the service and justice they deserve, including money for pain, suffering, and lost wages. Call us or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
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Our Experienced Lawyers Fight to Bring You Compensation
Our team of Texas attorneys will fight for the financial compensation you need to recover. Because of our experience in such cases, we know what to look for during the investigation and how to develop a strong case for our clients. We strive to provide you the maximum amount from the reckless driver’s insurance company. You are not alone during this stressful time; we are ready to help you get back on the road. Click or call us today for a free consultation.
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