Corpus Christi Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Pursuing Fair & Timely Compensation for Injured Riders in Nueces County, TX

Almost two-thirds of motorcycle accidents are caused, not by motorcycle riders, but by other drivers on the road. Unfortunately, this means that no matter how attentive motorcyclists are when riding on Texas roadways, they are still at high risk of being injured or killed in an accident. If you have suffered injuries caused by a motorcycle accident in Nueces County or anywhere in Texas, don’t hesitate to contact our team of qualified Corpus Christi motorcycle accident attorneys, skilled professionals at Bandas Law Firm can help you protect your legal rights and pursue fair and timely reimbursement for your injuries.

Common Causes of Texas Motorcycle Accidents

The most common cause of motorcycle accidents in Texas is the failure of motorists to detect riders on the road. In fact, more than half of all motorcycle accidents occur because the driver simply didn’t see the motorcycle and its rider. Because of their small profile and unique riding pattern, motorcycles are sometimes harder to spot on the road, especially if motorists are driving distracted.

Other common causes of Texas motorcycle accidents include:

• Wet or icy weather conditions
• Hazardous road conditions
• Vehicles pulling out in front of motorcycles, causing them to over-brake and slide
• Left turns at intersections
• Drivers changing lanes into motorcyclists’ paths

Typical Motorcyclist Injuries

For every mile they drive, motorcycle riders are about 21 times more likely to lose their life in an accident than a driver or passenger in a car. Motorcyclists are also about four times more likely to suffer injuries, due in large part to the fact that motorcycles offer riders far less protection than passenger vehicles do.

Besides the risk of fatality, motorcycle riders are also at risk of suffering the following injuries upon being involved in a motorcycle accident:

• Road rash
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Back and neck injuries
• Broken bones or fractures
• Spinal cord injuries
• Amputation

Motorcycle Accident Statistics & Helmet Use

During 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 5,286 riders lost their lives in motorcycle accidents across the U.S. This number represents a 5.1% increase in the number of motorcyclist deaths from 2015 to 2016. Texas had the third highest number of rider deaths in 2016 with 458 motorcycle-related fatalities statewide. When you compare the number of miles traveled during the year, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in traffic crashes than occupants of cars.

The NHTSA estimates that the use of motorcycle helmets saved 1,859 lives during 2016. Another 802 riders may have survived if they had been wearing a helmet at the time of the motorcycle crash. Motorcycle helmets are thought to be about 37% effective in preventing the death of a motorcyclist and 41% effective in preventing the death of a passenger on a motorcycle. During 2016, the NHTSA reports that 43% of the people killed in motorcycle accidents in Texas were wearing a helmet and 54% were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

What Are the Helmet Laws in Texas?

Motorcyclists and passengers under the age of 21 must wear a motorcycle helmet when riding a motorcycle, according to Texas motorcycle helmet laws. However, riders and passengers 21 years of age and older may ride without a helmet if they are covered by health insurance, or if they complete a motorcycle safety course. While the law may allow riders and passengers to forgo helmets, the prevailing belief is that motorcycle helmets do reduce the risk of death and significantly reduce the risk of brain injuries in crashes.

Determining Liability: Who Is At Fault?

Following a serious motor vehicle accident, you must determine who is at fault. If you are pursuing legal action for your damages, you need to know who is liable for the injuries you sustained so that you can hold them accountable for their negligent actions and obtain the compensation you deserve.

What Damages Am I Eligible To Receive?

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you could be eligible to receive compensation for medical bills, future medical expenses, pain and suffering, property damage, and loss of wages. In the event that you are filing a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a loved one who was fatally injured in a motorcycle crash, you may also be eligible to receive compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, and future loss of earnings.

What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

Immediately after a motorcycle accident, your first priority should be to seek medical attention. Once treated, if your injuries are not too serious, you should collect information from everyone else at the scene of the crash, including other drivers, pedestrians, witnesses, and police officers. Make sure you collect insurance information and identification from the other driver, and take photos of the damage at the crash site. You should also record the officers’ badge numbers, a copy of the accident report, and the contact information from witnesses.

When Can I File a Claim?

Texas enforces a statute of limitations on all motor vehicle accidents, including motorcycle crashes. If you were harmed in a motorcycle crash, make sure you file within the appropriate time frame in order to recover compensation for the damages you suffered, otherwise your claim may be deemed invalid. In Texas, the statute of limitations for motorcycle accidents is 2 years from the date of the accident. If a lawsuit is filed after that time limit has expired, the claim may be invalid. However, special circumstances may allow for an extension, so make sure you discuss your situation with our experienced Corpus Christi motorcycle accident attorneys.

Why Should I Contact a Corpus Christi Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

Insurance companies are notorious for blaming the motorcyclist for causing the collision. Even some police officers tend to look more harshly at a rider when investigating an accident because of the unfounded stereotype that riders are reckless and careless. Therefore, it may be difficult for a rider to recover compensation for an injury claim if he or she is pursuing the claim without the assistance of an attorney.

An attorney who has experience handling motorcycle accident claims will understand the challenges of proving fault. When you contact a Corpus Christi motorcycle accident lawyer immediately after the crash, the lawyer can begin an investigation to identify the cause of the crash and gather evidence to prove that you were not at fault.

Some of the steps that our law firm may take when handling a motorcycle accident claim include:

• Inspecting and documenting the accident scene
• Interviewing and documenting the statements of eyewitnesses
• Collecting physical evidence from the accident scene and the motorcycle
• Obtaining and reviewing the police report
• Reviewing the other motorist’s driving history
• Recreating the accident with the assistance of an accident reconstructionist and other experts
• Reviewing medical records and working with your physicians to obtain a permanent impairment rating, if applicable
• Retaining economic and medical experts to calculate future damages, including future medical expenses and future loss of income and/or earning capacity
• Filing an insurance claim on your behalf and negotiating with the insurance company for compensation of damages
• Filing a personal injury lawsuit, if necessary, and preparing for trial

Our Corpus Christi motorcycle accident attorneys are familiar with motorcycle laws in Texas and the personal injury laws governing motorcycle accident claims. By working closely with you, your medical providers, and experts, we can aggressively pursue full compensation of all damages, losses, and injuries.

Free Motorcycle Accident Consultation

In addition to life-altering injuries, motorcycle accidents can inflict numerous hardships on injured motorcyclists, including exorbitant medical bills, lost wages, months or even years of rehabilitation, and significant pain and suffering. You may have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver found liable for the accident, in order to pursue financial compensation for your injuries, medical costs, and other accident-related expenses.