Texas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
No matter how careful you are on the roads, accidents can happen to the best of us. When you or a family member has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Granbury, Bedford or Fort Worth Texas areas, you probably have a lot of concerns about the future. The Cain Firm is an established local personal injury law firm, and your Granbury Motorcycle accident lawyer is just a phone call away. We have 13 years of experience helping people like you who need expert legal representation and support during difficult times.
Texas is an at-fault state, meaning that the person who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages to the victim(s). There’s also a comparative Negligence Rule in Texas that assigns a percentage of blame if both drivers share a degree of fault, such as if one driver was drinking and the other was driving recklessly. In those situations, any insurance payouts will be split along the same percentage. The state of Texas also requires all vehicle owners to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to help cover their obligations. The breakdown is:
- Bodily injury, one person: $30,000
- Bodily injury, all persons, one accident): $60,000
- Property damage liability: $25,000
The first thing you should do after an accident is to contact the police to file a report. This is only required if the accident resulted in injuries requiring medical treatment and property damage in an amount exceeding $1,000. Many people would be in shock after an accident, especially if a motorcycle were involved. You may discover the next morning that you were hurt worse than you thought, so it helps to have an official record of the accident.
The second call you make should be to your own insurance company. You aren’t required to call right away, but some policies have a time limit. The sooner you get the claims process started, the better. Your insurance adjuster’s report will provide additional documentation should we have to take your case to court.
If the accident was bad, for instance, if it resulted in death or disability, your motorcycle was totaled, or you’re hospitalized and facing a long recovery period, the basic liability insurance may not be enough to compensate you or your loved ones. The other driver’s insurance company will do anything to avoid paying more, or they may try to offer you a small amount above the liability maximum. That’s when you need to call The Cain Firm.
Why You Need A Qualified Motorcycle Accident Attorney In Granbury
Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits. That means time is of the essence if you need to take the matter to court. The other driver’s insurance company will probably contact you with an offer. Don’t take it. Make a phone call to us instead. Accepting the first offer from an insurance company means you won’t be able to sue for compensation later.
You won’t know the total cost of your recovery if the accident caused traumatic brain injury or you’re disabled, which are conditions that can worsen with time. In the meantime, you still have medical and living expenses, the possibility of rehabilitation therapy, and a lot of time away from work. You may also be entitled to damages for pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life.
What To Expect From The Cain Firm
Our goal is to take care of the legal details of your case so that you can focus on your recovery. It’s our job to deal with the insurance company once we take your case. Anything you say to the insurance investigator could be used against you. That means turning over any correspondence to us and referring any phone calls to our office.
Using your statements, those of any witness, medical reports, and the results of any police or other investigation, we’ll try to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. If we can’t work things out with the insurance company, we’ll take your case to trial.
There is no magic formula for compensation after a motorcycle accident in Texas. We’ll work hard to get you the maximum amount allowed by law for your situation. Judges or juries consider several factors into consideration when determining a settlement, including:
- Severity of the injury
- Prognosis for recovery
- Cost of medical expenses, including future or ongoing care and rehabilitation
- Amount of past and future lost wages
- Degree of fault
- Amount of corroborating evidence
- Our skill at preparing your case and arguing on your behalf
Contact Our Granbury Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
When you choose The Cain Firm, you’re not just getting a motorcycle accident injury lawyer. You’re getting an experienced legal professional who will fight for your rights. The BBB accredits us with an A+ rating, listed in the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and we were named a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2014. Over the past 13 years, we’ve worked hard o helped clients throughout Granbury and the surrounding communities find justice in the local civil courts.
With offices in Granbury, Fort Worth and Bedford, flexible appointment times, and fair contingency fees, The Cain Firm has a lot more than legal knowledge to offer. Call us at 817-623-9304 to schedule a free case evaluation today. We look forward to giving you the kind of personal attention you deserve and working with you to get the best possible outcome for your case.
When To File a Motorcycle Accident Claim
The emotional and psychological trauma of a motorcycle accident can be especially intense, with lasting impacts that may change an individual's life forever. Mental anguish due to the incident can include feelings of guilt or shame, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more. Additionally, individuals who have suffered catastrophic injuries may find themselves unable to continue working at their current job or level of productivity because of the injury. This can cause immense stress as they struggle to make ends meet while dealing with medical bills and trying to adjust to a new lifestyle.
The good news is that help is available for those who have been injured in a motorcycle accident. Many resources exist that can assist victims in finding financial assistance for medical bills and other related expenses. In addition, counseling and legal services can be sought to help victims and their families pursue justice. Victims of a motorcycle accident must seek out the guidance and advice of experienced professionals, who are trained to navigate the complex process of filing a claim with insurance companies and recovering compensation for damages and losses.
Taking these steps can help ensure individuals have the resources they need to get back on their feet again after a traumatic event such as a motorcycle accident. With the right support system in place, those who have been affected by an accident can begin to heal and move forward with their lives.
List Of Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists need to be aware that alcohol affects their ability to ride safely. Drinking and riding can result in slower reaction times, impulsive decisions, poor balance, and impaired vision. In addition, the physical instability of a motorcycle increases the chance of accidents if an individual is not fully alert.
The NHTSA reports that over one-third of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve drinking and riding. A sober rider is better able to anticipate potential risks on the road and react accordingly. Motorcyclists need to take the necessary precautions before embarking on any ride – regardless of how short or long, it may be.
It's essential for riders to never drink and ride under any circumstances. Anyone caught riding after drinking can face criminal charges and receive a suspended license. Even if an individual doesn’t cause an accident, they can still be held liable since alcohol impairs judgment and increases the risk of an accident occurring.
By taking the proper steps to ride responsibly, motorcyclists can ensure they stay safe while enjoying the open road. Make sure to always wear a helmet, obey traffic laws, and never drink and ride. Doing so could save your life or that of another rider.
It is important to maintain good safety practices when riding a motorcycle. This includes making sure you have a valid license, wearing the proper protective gear, and being aware of traffic signs. You should also be sure to yield when necessary and pay close attention to other drivers on the road. While these precautions can help reduce accidents, it is not always possible to avoid them entirely. Unforeseen circumstances or negligent behavior by others can lead to accidents even if a rider has taken all appropriate measures. Even in such cases, though, riders must understand the responsibility they have for their safety and take measures to minimize potential harm. By doing so, they can ensure that they protect themselves as best as possible and minimize any risk of injury or death should an accident occur.
In short, although motorcycle accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, it is always important to exercise proper safety practices and remain aware of your surroundings. This will help you avoid potentially dangerous situations and minimize the risk of harm should an unexpected accident arise. By following these simple steps, you can help ensure that your ride is as safe and enjoyable as possible. It's a small price to pay for the pleasure of riding a motorcycle!
Types Of Injuries Caused in Motorcycle Accidents
In addition to the physical injuries that can occur in a motorcycle accident, there is also the potential for psychological trauma. Accidents can be particularly traumatic for those involved, as they may have experienced fear or shock during the crash itself. There may be lingering effects of this trauma even after the accident has occurred, such as nightmares and flashbacks, or difficulty sleeping or focusing due to anxiety or PTSD.
Given these risks, motorcyclists need to take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety on the road. This includes always wearing a helmet and other protective gear when riding, adhering to speed limits and traffic laws, and avoiding dangerous driving behaviors like aggressive lane-splitting or tailgating. Taking these steps can help to minimize the risk of serious injury or psychological trauma in the event of an accident.
It is also essential to keep up with regular maintenance of the motorcycle itself to ensure it is operating safely and correctly. Regularly inspecting and replacing parts such as tires, brakes, and other mechanical items can help reduce the chance of a crash due to mechanical failure. Finally, staying aware of one's surroundings while riding is key; being attentive to shifting traffic patterns and potential hazards on the road ahead can help motorcyclists avoid or prepare for dangerous situations before they occur.
By following these tips, motorcyclists can enjoy their rides without putting themselves in unnecessary danger. Motorcycle riders face enough risks when traveling on two wheels, so it's important to take all necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.
What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident: A Step-By-Step Guide
Assess For Injuries and Seek Medical Care:
If you or someone else involved appears to be injured, you must call 911 immediately. Delaying medical assistance could lead to more serious injuries, particularly if there are head injuries present. These types of injuries can often result in concussions or brain trauma if not treated right away. To ensure your safety and health following an accident, make sure to seek medical help as soon as possible. Doing so may potentially save a life!
Collect Personal and Insurance Information:
If a hit-and-run is suspected, you must take all reasonable steps to ascertain the identity of the negligent party. Even if you do not have any identifying information about the driver or vehicle involved in the accident, your attorney can work with law enforcement to collect and analyze evidence from any available sources. This may include security camera footage, eyewitness accounts, traffic cameras, and incident reports. Your attorney can also explore other methods for seeking financial recoveries such as uninsured motorist coverage through your own insurance policy or other types of compensation from third parties such as businesses that may be held partially liable for an accident due to their negligence.
No matter what type of accident has occurred, having access to experienced legal representation is key to protecting yourself and ensuring you receive the maximum possible compensation for your losses. An experienced attorney will be able to help you explore all your legal options and build a strong case that can help you recover the damages you deserve.
Contact The Police:
After assessing the situation and gathering information from any other people involved, it is important to contact the police. Especially for serious accidents resulting in significant property damage (over $500), it is important to get police on-scene quickly. Police are required to write up a report of an accident and will keep records that can help seek compensation for any damages related to the accident. Having a police report as part of your evidence can help strengthen your legal case. Therefore, contacting the police immediately should always be taken into consideration after an accident has occurred.
It is also wise to follow their advice on how best to proceed with the situation at hand and act according to their instructions primarily for safety reasons. Doing so will ensure you take all necessary precautions to protect yourself and other involved parties.
In addition, if an accident occurred on a public road, you must report it to the local police station within 24 hours (or as soon as possible). Failing to do so can result in legal consequences. Therefore, you must contact the police promptly after an accident occurs.
When contacting the police, it is important to provide them with as much information as possible. This includes an accurate description of where and when the accident occurred, a list of all drivers and passengers involved in the accident, relevant details about each vehicle (such as make, model, and color), and any other pertinent information that can help build a strong legal case. Providing an honest account of what happened can also be beneficial for your case.
Overall, contacting the police after an accident can be essential for both safety reasons and building a successful legal case. Acting promptly and providing accurate details are key steps toward ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Take Note of Your Surroundings:
Be sure to take detailed notes of the scene immediately following an accident. This can include noting any visible injuries, such as cuts or scrapes, as well as recording information about the positions of the vehicles and other objects at the time of impact. Additionally, write down details about the weather conditions on that day and make a record of what you were wearing during the incident. All this data can provide invaluable insight into your case and should be documented accurately.
If possible, it is also recommended to identify potential witnesses who may have seen what happened during or after the incident. Take down their names and contact information in case they need to be called upon for further testimony down the line. It is important to act quickly in gathering this kind of information, as memories can become foggy or distorted over time.
Overall, paying close attention to the details of an accident can be key in helping your legal case and crafting a successful strategy for obtaining justice. It will also be beneficial to seek out help from an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions. The steps taken shortly after the incident can ultimately have a major impact on the outcome of your case, so it is important to take them seriously. Taking charge of the situation right away and gathering pertinent information could make all the difference in achieving a favorable result.
Notify Your Insurance Carrier:
When providing a statement to your insurance carrier, it is important to be very careful with the words you use. This is because the way you describe the accident may have legal implications for your case. Even if you are confident in how you explain the situation, it is always advised to seek legal counsel before calling your insurance company.
An attorney can guide you how best to communicate the details of your accident and can even help by communicating directly with your insurance agent on your behalf. By taking this extra step, you can ensure that all information provided accurately reflects what has happened and that any discrepancies or misunderstandings don't negatively affect the outcome of your claim.
Ultimately, speaking with an attorney before providing a statement to an insurer can help you get the most out of your claim and ensure you receive fair compensation for any damages.
It is also important to remember that speaking with an attorney does not always mean you have to pursue legal action. Instead, they can provide advice and guidance on how best to proceed with your insurance company to seek recoverable damages. Contacting a lawyer before discussing matters with an insurer is highly recommended to protect your rights and interests throughout the process.
Statute Of Limitations for Motorcycle Accidents
In all cases, it is important to be aware of the statutes of limitations for motorcycle accidents in your area. Failing to adhere to these time limits may result in a dismissal of your claim and could leave you without any recourse for obtaining financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages associated with a motorcycle accident.
Therefore, if you have been involved in a motorcycle crash, it is paramount that you act quickly and take legal action as soon as possible. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can review the facts of your case and provide proper guidance on how to proceed so that you don't miss out on vital opportunities to obtain fair compensation for your injuries. By taking this initiative, you may be able to protect your rights and secure a more favorable outcome.
Keep in mind that every case is unique and consulting with an attorney can help you understand the details of your situation. It is also important to note that some types of claims may have shorter deadlines than others, so it is essential to contact an experienced legal professional as soon as possible following a motorcycle accident. Doing so can allow you to benefit from their expertise and give yourself the best chance at a successful resolution of your claim.
Ultimately, understanding the statutes of limitations for motorcycle accidents in your area can be critical for helping ensure that you don't miss out on any opportunities for obtaining fair compensation for injuries incurred during a cycle crash. Taking swift action and working with an experienced attorney can be a beneficial endeavor for protecting your rights and achieving a more favorable outcome.
Who Is at Risk for Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents can cause serious injury or even death, so it is important to take precautions when riding a motorcycle. Riders should always wear helmets and other safety gear, avoid riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol, stay within posted speed limits and make sure they have a valid motorcycle license. It is also recommended that riders stick to well-lit highways and roads as much as possible, as motorcycle accidents are more likely to occur on non-interstate roads during daytime hours. By taking these precautionary measures, riders can help reduce their risk of getting into a dangerous accident while on the road.
Taking precautions and understanding the risks involved in motorcycle riding can go a long way toward keeping riders safe. It is important to remember that there is always a chance of an accident, no matter how careful you are. Therefore, riders should always be mindful of their safety while on the road. By taking extra care and precaution, riders can help ensure their ride is as safe and enjoyable as possible.
