Riding a motorcycle can be a fun experience, but it is certainly not without risks. Seasoned motorcycle riders know the importance of safety precautions, like wearing a helmet and proper gear. No matter how safe a rider is though, severe accidents can happen. Ramsey Law is well versed in helping clients who have been injured in a motorcycle accident navigate everything from insurance reimbursement to determining if any additional legal proceedings need to occur.
Even the most vigilant motorcycle rider can get in an accident. The smaller size of motorcycles compared to cars and trucks mean other drivers might not see a motorcycle and thus switch lanes, speed up, or stop suddenly resulting in an accident. Motorcycle riders need to be constantly on alert when riding and watch for signs other drivers might not be driving safely. When an accident does occur, it is important to examine all angles to determine who is at fault for the motorcycle accident. If it can be attributed to a party other than the motorcyclist, they may be able to seek damages to help pay for items such as medical bills, lost income, ongoing treatment, and pain and suffering from the responsible party. If the motorcyclist was killed, a wrongful death lawsuit may be pursued.
Although other drivers of cars or trucks are often at fault for motorcycle accidents, others might be to blame as well. For example, city or state governments that do not properly maintain the roads could be at fault in some cases. Also, if a motorcycle company improperly designed or manufactured the bike, that could be the cause of an accident as well. If the accident occurred in a construction zone or other area where the roads might be compromised or additional signage is required, this could be a contributing factor as well. Ramsey Law Group has the resources, experience, and knowledge to review each case to help determine if some person, business, or government was negligent and can be held responsible for an accident. If a case can be brought, we work hard for our clients during the entire process to lobby for the best outcome possible.
There are several critical steps riders and passengers should take after a motorcycle accident. If you are able to, the first step should be to get yourself out of harm’s way. Get off of the road and out of traffic. Once you’re clear of traffic, call for help; however, if you cannot call 911 after a motorcycle accident, someone else likely will. If you are able, gather contact information for all parties involved at the scene. You should also take photos and videos of the vehicles involved as well as any injuries. Once you’ve been treated, you will need to file an accident claim with your car insurance carrier. As things progress, don’t forget to save all of your medical records, bills, and other expenses as evidence of your damages so you can be financially reimbursed. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will have other tips to help injury victims and their families, including staying off of social media and taking care with agreeing to recorded statements.
There are a variety of potential causes of fatal motorcycle accidents. In fact, motorcyclists are 35 times more likely to die in a road traffic accident per distance traveled. Speeding is a major factor contributing to all types of motor vehicle accidents. Driving the speed limit and maintaining a safe distance between a motorcycle and other vehicles may mean the difference between a safe ride and a fatal crash. To help protect against injury, riders should use protective gear, first and foremost a helmet. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics, motorcycle helmet use can reduce the risk of death by 37 percent and the risk of a serious brain injury by 67 percent.
The single most effective thing you can do after a motorcycle accident is to retain a lawyer to represent you. Motorcycle accident lawyers are skilled negotiators who know how to significantly increase the value of your case. Insurance companies try to take advantage of unrepresented victims by offering them lowball settlement offers.
A Texas personal injury attorney will negotiate with the insurance company for you, examine all evidence, determine the parties that can be held liable, and guide you through the process. There’s a common misconception that lawyers are expensive and can make things complicated, but a motorcycle accident attorney will work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case. Remember, delay in obtaining a lawyer could result in the loss or destruction of important evidence. Call a Houston motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after your crash.
If you have been injured while riding a motorcycle, contact Ramsey Law Group at 1-888-335-7477 or info@ramseylawpc.com Our team is here to explore your case and help you with insurance claims, personal injury lawsuits, and settlement discussions, among other items.