When To Seek Help From A San Antonio Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
There are many reasons why some people believe that two-wheelers are the most convenient mode of transport today. Motorcycles are affordable, relatively simple to maintain, time-saving, and easy to learn how to operate.
In many cases, drivers will choose motorcycles over cars for these reasons and others. Sometimes, motorcycles just perfectly fit an individual’s unique desires and requirements for transportation, such as a way to satisfy their love of the outdoors or financial criteria.
However, the dangers of riding a motorcycle are well-known, and they do not necessarily decrease even for the most experienced and focused riders. While automobile accidents occur much more frequently because there are more of them on the road, the consequences of motorcycle accidents can be much more fatal.
A San Antonio personal injury attorney can handle different motorcycle accident claims that result from both minor and serious two-wheeler crashes. The causes of these accidents vary, and so do the circumstances under which they occur. If you plan to ride a motorcycle, there are some basic facts that you need to know before hitting the road.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can be complex, and the consequences of these types of accidents extend beyond just physical injuries. The losses that result from a motorcycle accident can be emotional, physical, or even financial.
Some of the specific reasons why motorcycle accidents can be more deadly include their lack of safety protection for drivers and passengers, riding under the influence of alcohol or other substances, speeding, and even poor road conditions.
Most bikers get their lessons from friends and family, which sometimes results in a lack of crucial and finely tuned on-road skills and knowledge of specific traffic laws.
Motorcycle accidents are often triggered when a rider lacks proper eye protection. When driving at high rates of speed on highways or in poor weather conditions, debris, flying insects, or dust particles may enter the driver’s eyes. Impaired vision delays the driver’s response time, and this can lead to an accident. This is one of the most common scenarios in which most people get injured in a motorcycle crash.
Operating under the influence is another leading cause for fatal motorcycle accidents. Riders under the influence demonstrate major crash avoidance issues, which can include under-braking or over-braking, an inability to counter-steer, or swerving. This is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents in San Antonio.
Most cases involve motorcycle collisions with other passenger vehicles or other motor vehicles. These types of accidents involve more than one party and can be much more complicated when determining who can be held responsible for the resulting damages. It is essential to consult a San Antonio Motorcycle Accident Lawyer, regardless of the circumstances surrounding how the accident occurred.
A Glance at Motorcycle Crash Statistics in Texas
According to National HIghway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2017 the number of people killed in motorcycle crashes were 5172 and in 2016, the number was 5332. Analyzing both years’ data, it shows a decline of 3% in the year 2017 as compared to 2016.
In 2017, motorcyclists were injured 27 times more as compared to people in cars. Amongst them, 27% of motorcyclists did not have a valid license for riding a motorcycle.
The reason for many motorcycle crashes was attributed to driving under the influence of alcohol in 2017. These motorcyclists were found to be not following the motorcycle laws in Texas and/or were not wearing helmets while riding.
In Texas, there is a motorcycle helmet rule which says that people who are under 21 must wear a helmet while driving a motorcycle. It’s also suggested that everyone wear a helmet while driving motorcycles regardless of age. However, people who have insurance and are above 21 years old are exempted from wearing helmets in Texas.
Common Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident
Some of the common injuries suffered from a motorcycle accident include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injury (SCI)
In some extreme cases, a motorcycle crash can result in dislocations, lost limbs, and even wrongful death.
You must file an injury lawsuit within 2 years from the date when the injury happened. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this time, then you will lose your chance of getting any compensation. You can get financial assistance for the expenses of your medical treatment, loss of income, loss of companionship, and other damages.
How Can A San Antonio Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Simplify Your Situation?
Working with legal counsel can help you understand where you stand. These individuals can help you protect your rights with regard to claiming compensation from the party responsible. They can also thoroughly review your unique situation to help determine the viability of your claim.
- Protecting your rights
Protecting your rights following a motorcycle accident is critical. Whether or not you’re eligible to receive compensation likely depends on whether you can prove that another party was truly at fault for the accident and your related damages.
However, if you were at fault for the accident, even partially, the amount you may recover would likely be reduced based on the proportion of your responsibility.
Additionally, insurance agencies might aggressively push you to admit that you were at fault for the accident, even if you were not, which can cause you to lose the opportunity to collect compensation. Therefore, you must think wisely before accepting a settlement offer.
- Gathering crucial evidence will strengthen your case
Gathering all the necessary evidence can be daunting as you are still navigating the process of recovery. Often victims simply miss out on gathering proof from the accident scene or contacting witnesses to the accident.
- Negotiating a fair settlement amount
Negotiating for compensation against another party or multiple parties demands critical thinking skills and acumen. If you or anyone you know becomes involved in a similar situation, you should know how to proceed carefully. This is why legal representation is so important following an accident.
Need Legal Help? Contact an Experienced Law Firm
When you are looking for an experienced San Antonio Motorcycle Accident Attorney, get in touch with our team at Khattar Law, PC. We have more than 20 years of experience catering to accident victims’ unique needs and requests, and we make every effort to understand their situations in order to fight for their rights effectively.
Contact Khattar Law today to schedule a FREE Consultation.