Motorcycle accidents can be severe and devastating. By the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates, the cost of any single motorcycle accident could come to over $200,000.
In Texas, there were 410 fatalities and 4,536 confirmed injuries caused by motorcycle crashes in 2019.
Motorcycles are fun to ride, but they offer much less protection than most cars.
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in Texas, you’re likely injured and unsure what to do next. No need to worry; just take a deep breath and remember the following important steps to help you get through it.
10 Steps To Take After Your Motorcycle Accident
Immediately after an accident, there are several steps to take to make sure that you and others are as safe as possible.
- Stay calm. Accidents are frightening, but you can deal with them much better if you keep your head and try to think clearly. You will be a big help to others that way too.
- Get as far off the road as possible to avoid oncoming traffic.
- Check to see that everyone is okay and call an ambulance. Motorcyclists account for about 14% of all accident fatalities in the United States each year due to their vulnerable position. It is important to seek medical attention in any motorcycle accident to make sure everyone is okay.
- Call the police to get official help and a police report.
- Take photos if you are physically able to. These will help you remember what happened later if you should decide to pursue a personal injury claim.
- Collect insurance and contact information from the other driver(s) involved.
- Get witness statements and/or contact information to keep on hand if you need them for your claim.
- Get the medical attention you need by going to the hospital and listening to the paramedics.
- Keep track of any medical bills, repair bills, and other costs associated with your accident and resultant injuries.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer in the Fort Worth area to help you as you move forward.
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Why Do I Need A Texas Blue Form After Your Motorcycle Crash?
Texas law requires that you fill out a Texas Blue Form (also known as a driver’s crash Form CR-2) if a police report was not placed and you meet one or both of the two requirements:
- An injury or death occurred due to the accident.
- Property damage from the accident will cost $1,000 or more.
Because motorcycle accidents are more costly and dangerous than many other types of crashes, a Texas Blue Form (CR-2) might become necessary. However, Texas Blue Forms are not always beneficial.
Because all drivers involved in an accident have to fill out a Texas Blue Form, it can be harder to know and believe exactly what happened. Any driver will likely provide a biased account, making it more likely that judges and juries won’t fully trust the Blue Form report.
Also, lawyers helping other drivers may take your words and try to use them against you.
If you are in an accident and the police don’t fill out a report, contact one of our lawyers at Patterson Law Group before you fill out the form. We will help you look over your Blue Form and make sure it is as accurate as possible without saying anything that might hurt your case.
Most Common Motorcycle Injuries?
Motorcycle accidents have the potential to cause many and severe injuries. Some of the most common types are:
- Head injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, only about 65% of motorcyclists wear proper helmets when riding. While helmets can not stop everything, they do significantly reduce the possibility of severe head injury. With or without helmets, though, head injury is one of the most common injuries after a motorcycle accident.
- Biker’s arm. After using your arms to brace for impact, you may feel severe pain due to muscle damage, broken bones, or any other cuts, bruises, or tears. This is often referred to as biker’s arm.
- Facial injury. With more exposure, your face is much more likely to be damaged by impact with vehicles, debris, or the roadway.
- Foot and leg injuries. It is difficult to protect your feet and legs when riding a motorcycle. If you are thrown off into the road, you could suffer serious breaks, scrapes, bruises, and muscle tears.
- Spinal injuries. Though not as common as in some other types of accidents, spinal injuries can easily occur if your body twists and leaves you with a slipped disc or fracture in your back. These injuries are often caused by impact with a solid object such as a tree, guardrail, or car.
- Emotional trauma. A motorcycle accident can be extremely painful and terrifying. If you are struggling with getting back to normal and suffering emotional distress, you are not alone, and you have every right to get help.
If you suffer any of these injuries, you may be able to seek compensation. Contact our team at Patterson Law Group, our Fort Worth personal injury attorneys have 80 years of experience combined. We will fight for you.
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Why You Should Contact A Personal Injury Attorney After A Motorcycle Accident?
Texas is a comparative fault state, which means if you didn’t cause your accident, you should be able to sue the person who did and recover compensation.
Keep records of the medical bills, repair bills, and lost income you have had to deal with after an accident. You should also record any severe emotional distress or loss of relationships that you have suffered through because of your injuries.
Each of these things can be used to sue for damages. If another driver caused you all this pain, you shouldn’t have to pay for it yourself. You need a lawyer to help you determine the compensation you deserve and how you should pursue a settlement.
Don’t wait to get in touch with an attorney from Patterson Law Group. We have helped hundreds of clients get huge settlements in cases like yours. We are here to help you get the justice you deserve. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, call Patterson Law Group now!
