Recent statistics show that more than 2,400 victims were hurt in crashes across Texas, while nearly 600 people ended up losing their lives in these accidents. Although motorcycle accidents can occur at any location, intersections are one of the most common.
Intersections are busy and sometimes chaotic, making them especially dangerous for motorcyclists. With multiple cars and pedestrians trying to move in different directions, intersections are a common site for accidents, often leading to severe injuries.
Having the proper legal support can make all the difference after a motorcycle accident at an intersection. At Patterson Law Group, our Dallas motorcycle accident lawyer is dedicated to protecting the rights of accident victims and helping them get the compensation they deserve.
The Risks of Intersection Motorcycle Accidents
Intersections are high-risk zones for motorcyclists due to their complex designs and the unpredictability of these traffic areas. Drivers may rush to beat a red light, turn without checking their surroundings, or fail to notice a motorcycle in their path. Some of the most common causes of intersection motorcycle accidents include:
Left-Turn Collisions
A common cause of crashes is when a car turns left without properly yielding to an oncoming motorcycle. Drivers often underestimate how quickly a motorcycle approaches or simply don’t see it, leading to a serious collision.
Red-Light Running
When drivers run red lights, they put everyone at risk, but motorcyclists are especially vulnerable. A car that rushes through an intersection can collide with a motorcycle that’s legally crossing, causing a severe accident.
Failure to Yield
At stop signs or pedestrian crossings, drivers who fail to yield can hit motorcycles, which are already harder to see due to their smaller size. Not paying attention while traveling through these locations can have devastating consequences for motorcyclists.
Unfortunately, intersection-related motorcycle accidents are common in Dallas. Busy areas like downtown intersections or major roads with high-speed traffic pose a significant danger to motorcyclists.
These accidents often result in severe injuries, making it essential to have the right Dallas intersection motorcycle accident lawyer on your side.
Common Injuries in Intersection Motorcycle Accidents
Intersection motorcycle accidents frequently lead to serious injuries. Due to their exposed position on the road, motorcyclists are more vulnerable to harm than passengers in cars. Common injuries from these crashes include:
- Head Injuries: Even with a helmet, motorcyclists can suffer concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in a collision.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact of being struck at an intersection can lead to broken arms, legs, or ribs, requiring surgeries and long recoveries.
- Internal Injuries: Collisions at high speeds often cause damage to internal organs, which can be life-threatening.
The physical, emotional, and financial impacts of these injuries can last for months or even years. Victims may face medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing pain or trauma, making it crucial to have a skilled accident attorney in Dallas, TX, to help you seek compensation for these losses.
Establishing Fault in Intersection Motorcycle Accidents
Determining who is at fault in an intersection accident can be tricky, especially when involving multiple vehicles or complex traffic rules. To prove fault, you need to demonstrate that the other driver was negligent. Common negligent actions in these accidents include:
- Running Red Lights: Failing to stop at a red light is a clear sign of negligence and can lead to severe intersection accidents.
- Speeding: Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react to changing road conditions, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
- Distracted Driving: Drivers texting, eating, or talking on the phone while driving are likelier to miss traffic signals or fail to notice motorcycles.
Traffic laws and rules at intersections play a key role in proving liability. An experienced Dallas auto accident lawyer understands these rules and knows how to gather evidence to build a strong case.
Legal Responsibilities of Drivers in Intersection Motorcycle Accidents
Drivers have specific responsibilities on the road, especially at intersections, to keep everyone safe. These duties are even more critical when motorcyclists are involved because motorcycles are smaller and more exposed than other vehicles.
One of the most basic responsibilities of drivers is to keep a safe distance from other vehicles to avoid rear-end collisions. When drivers don’t maintain this distance, they are more likely to cause accidents that could result in serious injuries.
A key legal obligation of drivers is to pay attention to the road and the vehicles around them. When approaching an intersection, drivers must be cautious, yield when necessary, and keep enough distance between themselves and the vehicle in front of them.
This practice, called maintaining a safe following distance, is vital in preventing rear-end accidents. Failing to do so can result in the driver being legally responsible for any accidents.
There are legal consequences if a driver is found to be following too closely and causing a crash. The driver could face traffic tickets, fines, or even legal claims for damages.
This responsibility is not just about avoiding trouble; it’s about keeping everyone on the road, including motorcyclists, safe from harm. When drivers fail to meet their responsibilities, motorcyclists can face severe injuries, and holding the responsible party accountable is essential.
How Comparative Negligence Affects Intersection Motorcycle Accident Claims in Texas
Comparative negligence is a legal concept used in Texas to determine who is responsible when more than one person is at fault in an accident. The motorcyclist and the other driver might share some responsibility in many motorcycle accidents. For example, if a motorcyclist was speeding but a car driver didn’t yield at an intersection, both parties could be partially at fault.
Under Texas law, the amount of compensation a person can receive depends on their level of fault. This system, known as “modified comparative negligence,” allows a person to recover damages if they are not more than 50% at fault. However, the amount they can receive is reduced based on their percentage of fault. So, if a motorcyclist is found to be 20% at fault for an accident, their compensation would be reduced by 20%.
This rule is essential to understand because it directly impacts how much compensation you can get after an accident. It doesn’t mean you can’t recover any money if you’re partially at fault, but the final amount might be lower.
Insurance companies often use this law to try and place some of the blame on motorcyclists, which is why having an experienced lawyer on your side is so important. They can help gather evidence to show that the other driver was primarily responsible and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Our team is here to guide you if you have questions about your case or need help after an accident. Call us today to discuss your options and learn how we can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why You Need an Experienced Dallas Intersection Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Proving fault in an intersection accident can be challenging. Some people wrongly assume that the motorcyclist is always at fault due to reckless riding or speeding. However, this is far from the truth.
Having an experienced Dallas intersection motorcycle accident lawyer on your side can help you overcome these biases and present your case effectively.
Patterson Law Group has extensive experience handling intersection motorcycle accident claims. Our team understands the complex nature of motorcycle laws and knows how to protect your rights. We work diligently to ensure you get fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
The Legal Process for Motorcycle Accident Claims
Filing a claim after a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what you can expect:
Report the Accident and Seek Medical Attention
The first step is to report the accident to law enforcement and seek medical help for your injuries. Getting a medical evaluation puts your health first and creates an important record of your injuries.
Gather Evidence
Collect any evidence you can from the accident scene. Take photos of the damage, injuries, and road conditions. It’s also essential to gather contact information from any witnesses. This evidence will support your claim later on.
File an Insurance Claim
Once you have the basics, your lawyer will help you file a claim with the insurance company. Insurance adjusters often try to offer quick and low settlements to victims. It’s essential to have an experienced lawyer handle all communications and negotiations.
Evaluate Settlement Offers
Your lawyer will review any settlement offers to determine if they are fair. If the offer doesn’t cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain, your lawyer will negotiate for a better one.
Consider Legal Action
If negotiations fail, your lawyer will discuss taking your case to court. They’ll guide you through this stage, ensuring you’re informed and prepared.
At Patterson Law Group, we’re with you every step of the way, fighting to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Compensation You Can Pursue for Intersection Motorcycle Accidents
After an intersection motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses, both immediate and long-term
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Rehabilitation costs
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
You don’t have to worry about paying upfront legal fees with a no-win, no-fee motorcycle accident lawyer in Dallas. Patterson Law Group will only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you.
How Our Dallas Intersection Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
Our team at Patterson Law Group takes pride in helping motorcycle accident victims rebuild their lives. We know every case is unique, and we use a personalized approach to achieve the best results for our clients. Our strategies include gathering crucial evidence, consulting with experts, and working tirelessly to hold negligent drivers accountable.
We have a history of successfully representing motorcycle accident victims and obtaining substantial settlements. Choosing the best motorcycle accident lawyer in Dallas gives you the best chance of securing fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Contact Patterson Law Group for a Free Case Evaluation
The sooner you contact a top-rated motorcycle accident lawyer in Dallas, the stronger your case will be. Our team at Patterson Law Group offers free case evaluations, allowing you to discuss your accident and legal options.
Call us today to speak with one of our attorneys. Let us fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve. Remember, our team is committed to protecting accident victims’ rights and holding negligent drivers accountable.
