Texas Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

5 Things You Should Do after a Texas Motorcycle Accident

If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident in Texas, here are five crucial steps you should take:

1. Ensure Safety: Immediately after the accident, move yourself and others involved to a safe location, if possible. Turn on hazard lights on your motorcycle and activate any other safety equipment. Check yourself and others for injuries and call emergency services if medical attention is needed.
2. Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with all parties involved in the accident, including drivers, passengers, and witnesses. Be sure to obtain the other driver’s name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, and license plate number. Likewise, provide your information to them.
3. Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signs. This documentation can be crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings. Also, try to get contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident.
4. Report the Accident: In Texas, you are required to report accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) within 10 days. If law enforcement responds to the accident scene, they will typically file a report. However, if they don’t, you’ll need to submit a report yourself.
5. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t believe you’re seriously injured, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a motorcycle accident. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical professional can assess your condition and provide necessary treatment. Additionally, obtaining medical records will be important for insurance claims and legal proceedings.

Remember, it’s crucial to stay calm and avoid admitting fault at the accident scene. Let the insurance companies and legal professionals handle the determination of fault and liability. If you have any doubts or concerns about your rights or the legal process, consider consulting with a personal injury attorney experienced in motorcycle accidents in Texas.

Why You Should Contact a Texas Motorcycle Accident Attorney at Sweet James

Acquiring a motorcycle accident attorney at Sweet James after a crash is crucial for several reasons:

1. Legal Experience: Motorcycle accident cases can be complex, involving various legal nuances and regulations. An experienced motorcycle attorney has the knowledge and experience to navigate through these complexities and ensure that your rights are protected.
2. Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Immediately following an accident, crucial evidence needs to be gathered to support your case. A skilled Texas motorcycle attorney knows what evidence is needed and how to obtain it, including witness statements, police reports, and accident scene reconstruction.
3. Determining Liability: Determining who is at fault in a motorcycle accident in Texas can be challenging. An attorney will investigate the circumstances of the accident thoroughly to establish liability. This may involve proving negligence on the part of another driver, a defective road condition, or other factors contributing to the crash.
4. Maximizing Compensation: Motorcycle accidents can result in significant damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. A knowledgeable attorney will assess the full extent of your damages and work to maximize your compensation by negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court if necessary.
5. Navigating Insurance Claims: Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting, especially when you’re trying to recover from injuries. An attorney can handle communications with insurance adjusters on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation.
6. Statute of Limitations: In many jurisdictions, there are time limits, known as statutes of limitations, for filing claims. Missing these deadlines can result in the loss of your right to seek compensation. An attorney will ensure that all necessary paperwork is filed within the appropriate time frame.
7. Peace of Mind: Dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to focus on your recovery. Having a skilled attorney by your side can provide peace of mind, knowing that your legal matters are being handled effectively, allowing you to concentrate on healing.

Hiring a motorcycle accident attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case, ensuring that your rights are protected, and you receive the compensation you deserve.

How Photographs and Documentation Can Help Your Texas Motorcycle Accident Claim

After a motorcycle accident, photographs and documentation play a crucial role in aiding both insurance claims and legal proceedings. Capturing images of the accident scene, including the positions of vehicles, road conditions, and any relevant signage, provides concrete evidence that can help establish liability. These visual records offer clarity amid the chaos of an accident and can help reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the collision.

Additionally, documenting injuries sustained in the accident through photographs is essential for both medical treatment and legal purposes. Detailed images of injuries can provide valuable evidence of the extent of harm suffered, aiding medical professionals in providing appropriate treatment and serving as evidence in any legal proceedings. Keeping thorough records of medical reports, bills, and correspondence with insurance companies strengthens one’s case for compensation, ensuring that necessary expenses are covered and justice is served.

Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Texas

Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be severe or even fatal due to the lack of protection compared to other vehicles. Here are some common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents:

• Road Rash: When a rider slides along the road surface after a crash, they can suffer from road rash. This is essentially a severe abrasion of the skin, often resulting in painful scrapes, cuts, and sometimes even infections. Road rash can vary in severity depending on the speed of the motorcycle and the protective gear worn by the rider.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact of a motorcycle accident can easily cause fractures and broken bones. Commonly affected areas include the legs, arms, wrists, and collarbones. These injuries can range from simple fractures to compound fractures that break the skin and require surgical intervention to repair.
• Head Injuries: Head injuries are among the most serious and potentially life-threatening injuries in motorcycle accidents. Even with helmets, riders can suffer from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) such as concussions or more severe injuries like skull fractures and intracranial hemorrhages. Wearing a helmet greatly reduces the risk of fatal head injuries, but it does not guarantee protection against all head trauma.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Motorcycle accidents can cause damage to the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries can have long-term implications on mobility and quality of life. Spinal cord injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, and some individuals may never fully recover.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: In addition to road rash, motorcycle accidents can cause various soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, and deep bruising. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can cause significant pain and discomfort, requiring medical attention and rehabilitation.
• Internal Injuries: The force of impact in a motorcycle accident can also cause internal injuries, including damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs. Internal injuries may not be visible externally but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
• Limb Amputation: In severe motorcycle accidents, particularly those involving collisions with larger vehicles or fixed objects, riders may suffer traumatic injuries that require limb amputation. Losing a limb can have profound physical and psychological effects on the individual, necessitating long-term rehabilitation and support.
• Emotional Trauma: Motorcycle accidents can also result in emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event can have a lasting impact on mental health, requiring therapy and support to cope with the aftermath.

Facing Insurance after a Texas Motorcycle Accident 

When facing insurance after a motorcycle accident, expect a process that can be complex and potentially stressful. Insurance companies typically initiate investigations to determine fault and assess the extent of damages. You can anticipate thorough scrutiny of the accident scene, witness statements, and medical reports. Communication with insurance adjusters may involve negotiation regarding settlements for property damage, medical expenses, and lost wages. It’s important to be prepared for possible challenges, such as disputes over liability or coverage limitations. 

Seeking legal advice can often be beneficial in navigating the intricacies of insurance claims, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation. Overall, patience and diligence are key when dealing with insurance after a motorcycle accident.

Contact our Texas Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Sweet James Today

Our experienced team is ready to fight by your side after a serious motorcycle crash. While you focus on your emotional and physical recovery, leave the legal complexities to the Texas motorcycle accident attorneys at Sweet James. Call our offices at 1-800-900-0000 today.