Taking a motorcycle out on the open road can be an incredibly freeing experience. Unfortunately, it can also be incredibly dangerous. Motorcyclists suffer serious injuries at a far greater rate than drivers of other motor vehicles. There are multiple reasons for this.
Motorcycles are more likely to be in an accident because their small size makes them harder for other drivers to see. Additionally, the minimal protections offered by these vehicles make riders incredibly vulnerable in the event of a collision.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. At our firm, we have helped countless motorcycle injury victims recover the compensation they need after a crash. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help with a free consultation with a member of our legal team.
Don’t Delay When Pursuing Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident
When attempting to recover compensation after a motorcycle accident, it is essential that you don’t delay taking action. Any delay to your case has the potential to decrease your chances of collecting the money you need and deserve. One important deadline to keep in mind is the personal injury statute of limitations for the state in which your accident occurred.
In Texas, the statute of limitations allows accident victims to file a lawsuit up to two years after the date of their accident. Failure to file on time will likely result in the loss of your right to pursue compensation. Furthermore, this date can be altered if certain conditions apply to your case. In some situations, this could mean that you have months rather than years to take legal action.
Another reason to move quickly after an accident is that your motorcycle accident attorney is more likely to be able to recover useful evidence that supports your claim if they begin working on your case early. Additionally, witness testimony becomes less reliable over time, so it is critical to record statements from witnesses while the event is still fresh in their minds.
For a free legal consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer serving Houston, call (800) 535-0077
How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help After a Crash
After a motorcycle accident where you suffered significant injuries, it is critical that you focus on your personal well-being. Getting healthy is the most important thing, and stress can drastically slow the healing process. Fortunately, when you hire an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer, they will handle every aspect of your legal case, leaving you free to relax and heal.
The first thing your lawyer will do will be to investigate your case with the aim of gathering evidence and proving fault. The next steps will be to evaluate the losses you have suffered, determine the damages you qualify to claim, and calculate the full value of your case.
Your lawyer will then go through all the stages necessary to submit a personal injury claim with the liable party’s insurer or file a motorcycle accident lawsuit with the court. Once completing all of the steps of the process, your attorney will represent you in court if necessary. However, your case won’t make it to trial because your attorney will be in ongoing settlement negotiations.
Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (800) 535-0077
Modified Comparative Negligence in Texas
If you suffered damages in a motorcycle accident in Texas, you need to know that the state uses a modified comparative negligence rule when determining fault. Under this rule, multiple parties can be at fault for an accident. However, sharing a level of fault will not bar you from pursuing damages as long as you are not more than 50% liable for the accident.
While you may still be eligible to recover damages, you need to understand that the amount of money you will be able to collect will be affected by the level of fault you hold for the accident.
For example, if you were 10% to blame for the collision, you will only be eligible to receive 90% of the full value of your claim. In this example, if your damages are worth $100,000, the most you could recover would be $90,000.
Click to contact our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers today
The Damages Most Often Available Following a Motorcycle Accident
After suffering an injury in a Texas motorcycle accident, there are several types of damages you will likely qualify to collect. The exact damages that apply will depend on the details of your case. When you hire an experienced Houston motorcycle accident lawyer, they will review the losses you have incurred and determine the damages that apply.
There are three main categories encompassing all of the damages you can potentially claim.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are meant to serve as compensation for an accident victim to cover the financial losses they suffered as a result of the crash. In motorcycle accident cases, the damages that are most often claimed include:
- Lost wages
- Lost earning ability
- Medical bills
- Future medical costs
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are awarded for all other types of losses caused by your accident. While these damages can be quite varied, most have a profound effect on the accident victim and are irreplaceable. In motorcycle accident cases, the damages that are most often claimed include:
- Permanent disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Decreased quality of life
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages differ significantly from compensatory damages. Instead of compensating an accident victim for a loss they suffered, punitive damages are used to punish the liable party for the role they played in causing the crash.
Punitive damages are only used in extreme cases where the at-fault party acted with the intention of causing harm or was grossly negligent.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Get a Free Consultation from an Experienced Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you are attempting to recover compensation after a crash, you should hire an experienced attorney to help. Attempting to recover damages on your own is unlikely to result in a favorable outcome. The Houston motorcycle accident lawyers at our firm have a proven track record of getting our clients the money they need and deserve.
Contact us today by phone or through our website and schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team.
Call or text (800) 535-0077 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form