Cruising through Houston on two wheels is an exhilarating experience, but some riders find themselves involved in life-changing motorcycle wrecks. Motorcycle crashes are all too common in Houston, seeing as Texas ranks as the second most dangerous state for motorcyclists.
If you’ve been involved in a Houston motorcycle wreck, you may be entitled to compensation. The legal path ahead of you can be overwhelming, so here’s what you need to know to help protect your rights and seek fair compensation for your injuries.
Understanding Your Rights After a Motorcycle Wreck
Texas allows injured riders to seek compensation for their injuries and losses. However, you must prove that the other party acted negligently and that their negligence caused or contributed to your injuries. It’s here where an experienced attorney becomes crucial for your case.
Hiring a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer with experience handling motorcycle accident cases will help you navigate the road to compensation. Acting fast will help protect your rights to file a claim so you can seek to obtain the resources you need to recover.
What to Do After Your Accident
The clock starts ticking the moment you are involved in a motorcycle wreck. Here’s what you need to do:
Get to a Safe Place
Take a moment to assess where you are and whether you are safe. If you are in the middle of the road, do your best to get to the shoulder or sidewalk, as other drivers may not see you and could accidentally hit you.
Call the Police
Once you are out of harm’s way, call 911 and do your best to answer the dispatcher’s questions. They will send local law enforcement and emergency medical personnel to your location and attempt to gather additional information about the incident in the meantime.
Gather Any Information You Can
While you wait for EMS and law enforcement to arrive, gather any evidence you can, including photographs of the accident scene and witness contact information.
Seek Medical Treatment
Let EMS treat you on scene, but then seek follow-up care at the nearest emergency department. You should receive treatment even if you think your injuries are minor, as the adrenaline and stress of a crash can mask the severity of the harm you’ve sustained.
A medical professional can perform an examination and diagnostic tests to reveal the full extent of your injuries. These interventions will also provide valuable evidence as you seek compensation.
Talk to an Attorney
Once you’ve addressed your immediate needs, schedule a free consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer. During your free case review, an attorney will evaluate your claim and help you determine what to do next.
Why You Should Speak to a Lawyer Before the Insurance Companies
Before discussing your accident with insurance companies, it’s essential that you speak to a Houston motorcycle accident lawyer. Insurance adjusters aren’t looking out for your best interests; they’ll often attempt to minimize payouts and save money.
An attorney by your side can do the following:
- Advise you on what to say and avoid
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies
- Account for all damages when requesting compensation
A personal injury attorney works for you. They are there to protect your rights and keep the insurance companies from taking advantage of you during such a vulnerable time.
How to Help Your Attorney Build a Strong Case
You can help your lawyer build a strong case for compensation by submitting important documents in a timely manner. Some of the records your attorney will need include the following:
- Medical records
- Photographic evidence
- Police reports
Bring any documents you have to your consultation and work with your lawyer to obtain any others they may need. The more evidence your attorney has, the better equipped they will be to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
Who Is Responsible for Your Crash?
To determine fault, your lawyer must consider the following factors:
- Whether the other driver was distracted or otherwise acting negligently
- Road conditions
- Defective parts or mechanical failures
Typically, the driver who acted negligently is the one found at fault. However, if poor road conditions contributed to your crash, the city could be held liable. Even equipment manufacturers could share some liability if your motorcycle was defective or unsafe.
Common Challenges on Your Path to Compensation
The biggest barrier to compensation is your own contributions to a crash. Fortunately, Texas follows a proportionate responsibility rule, which allows you to seek compensation as long as you are 50% or less at fault for your injuries. Other common hindrances include lowball offers from insurance companies and disputes about the severity of your injuries.
Getting the Most Out of Your Claim
If you've been injured in a Houston motorcycle wreck, you may be entitled to damages for the following:
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
Your attorney will account for all of these expenses when negotiating your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is My Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Worth?
Every case is unique. The value of your claim will vary based on the severity of your injuries and the level of negligence involved.
Will My Case Go to Trial?
Most personal injury cases are settled before going to court. However, your case may go to trial if the other party refuses to negotiate in good faith.
How Long Does It Take to Receive Compensation for Motorcycle Accidents?
If the other party was clearly at fault, your attorney may be able to settle your case in as little as a few weeks to a few months. More complex cases, however, can take months to resolve.
Seek Compensation for Your Motorcycle Accident Injuries With Ramsey Law Group
The path to compensation after a motorcycle wreck is long and complex, but you don’t need to walk it alone. Our experienced attorneys are here to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation in your time of need. Contact Ramsey Law Group for a free consultation.