At intersections, motorcyclists have to deal with cars turning, pedestrians crossing, and other vehicles moving in different directions simultaneously. These situations can quickly become dangerous, especially if drivers aren’t paying attention. As a San Antonio intersection motorcycle accident lawyer, it’s crucial to understand that motorcycle riders often come out of these accidents with severe injuries. That’s why knowing what to do is important if you’ve been involved in a motorcycle crash at an intersection.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an intersection motorcycle accident, it’s time to contact an Intersection motorcycle accident attorney in San Antonio. At Patterson Law Group, our team of dedicated attorneys is ready to help you understand your rights, guide you through the legal process, and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
The Dangers of Intersections
Intersections are among the most common places where accidents happen. In 2022 alone, nearly 23% of all fatal crashes occurred at intersections, where vehicles, pedestrians, and motorcyclists cross paths.
When so many different types of commuters are in the same area, the chances of something going wrong increase. A driver might not see a motorcycle, a pedestrian might cross the street at the wrong time, or someone might not follow traffic rules. All these factors make intersections especially dangerous for motorcyclists.
Accidents are more likely to occur at these locations because:
It’s Where Most Motorists and Pedestrians Cross Paths
Intersections serve as critical meeting points for various travelers, yet not everyone adheres to traffic rules. Drivers may focus on other vehicles but overlook motorcycles. Pedestrians might engage in jaywalking, oblivious to an approaching motorcyclist. This mix of vehicles and pedestrians in one area makes intersections particularly hazardous.
Most Turns Happen at Intersections
Most drivers execute turns at intersections, significantly heightening the crash risk. Many times, drivers misjudge the speed of an oncoming motorcycle or make illegal turns, such as turning right on red despite clear signage prohibiting it. These errors can easily culminate in serious accidents.
Many Drivers Are Unfamiliar With Local Traffic Rules
In a large city like San Antonio, not everyone is well-versed in local traffic laws. Tourists or inexperienced drivers may be confused by traffic signals or right-of-way rules. Drivers lacking an understanding of these regulations are more prone to causing accidents.
Riders Get Aggressive at Intersections
Motorcyclists or drivers sometimes become impatient at intersections, particularly when the light turns yellow. They may attempt to speed through the intersection to beat the impending red light, which can result in collisions. Aggressive driving stands as a leading contributor to intersection accidents, with motorcyclists often enduring the most severe injuries.
How Intersection Motorcycle Accidents Occur
Motorcycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers on the road, but that doesn’t always mean they are treated the same. Many drivers fail to see motorcycles or don’t respect their space on the road, especially at intersections. Here are some common ways intersection motorcycle accidents occur:
- Running red lights or stop signs: One of the most common causes of intersection accidents is drivers running a red light or failing to stop at a stop sign. This is especially dangerous for motorcyclists, who may not have enough time to avoid a collision.
- Illegal traffic maneuvers like U-turns: Making illegal U-turns or other sudden moves can easily cause a crash, especially if the driver doesn’t notice a motorcycle approaching from the side.
- Misjudging a motorcyclist’s direction: Many drivers struggle to judge the speed and direction of a motorcycle. They may think they have enough time to make a turn but end up cutting off the motorcyclist, causing a crash.
- Beyond driver negligence: Sometimes, it’s not just the driver’s fault. Equipment failures or defects, like faulty brakes or tires, can also lead to accidents. If a motorcycle or car isn’t functioning properly, it can make an intersection crash even more likely.
How Our Intersection Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help
After an intersection motorcycle accident, it’s not uncommon for drivers to try to shift the blame onto the motorcyclist. They might say the rider was speeding or didn’t follow the rules. This is why it’s crucial to have a San Antonio intersection motorcycle accident lawyer by your side. Your lawyer will ensure that the right person is held accountable and your story is heard.
Texas uses modified comparative negligence, which means that more than one person can be found at fault for an accident. If you’re found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, you might not be able to get any money for your injuries or damages.
That’s why your lawyer will work hard to gather proof showing that the other driver was mostly responsible for the crash. They’ll also do everything they can to reduce any blame put on you, so you have a better chance of getting the compensation you need.
Determining Liability Following an Intersection Motorcycle Accident
Proving who is at fault in a motorcycle accident is a key part of any case. Liability means that someone is legally responsible for causing the crash. To determine liability, your intersection motorcycle accident attorney in San Antonio will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and determine who is at fault. Determining liability involves the following steps:
Filing Insurance Claims lawsuits.
After the accident, you must file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Our lawyer may suggest filing a lawsuit if the insurance company doesn’t offer a fair settlement.
Investigating the Accident
Our team will investigate the details of the crash. This may involve gathering police reports, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing any available traffic camera footage.
Collecting Evidence
The more evidence our San Antonio, Texas, motorcycle crash attorney can collect, the stronger your case will be. This evidence will help show who was responsible for the crash and how it happened.
Damages You Can Claim After an Intersection Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve been injured in an intersection motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Damages are the financial and emotional losses you’ve experienced from the accident. The two main types of damages you can claim include:
Economic Damages: These are the financial losses that you can put a specific dollar amount on, such as:
- Lost earnings
- Diminished earning ability
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages: These damages are more difficult to quantify but still impact your life. They include:
- Permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of quality of life
Your motorcycle wreck lawyer in San Antonio, Texas, will help calculate the value of your damages and fight to ensure you are compensated for everything you’ve lost.
Why Do I Need an Intersection Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Texas?
Intersection accidents can be complicated. Multiple vehicles and people may be involved; figuring out who is at fault isn’t always easy. That’s where a San Antonio injury attorney comes in. Your lawyer will help you every step of the way, from investigating the accident to collecting evidence and negotiating with insurance companies.
Here’s how our attorney will help:
- Offering Legal Advice: Our lawyer will clarify your legal options and guide you through the necessary steps after the accident. They’ll break everything down in simple terms so you’re not left feeling confused or overwhelmed by the legal process.
- Investigating the Accident: We will conduct a comprehensive investigation to collect evidence and establish the other party’s negligence. Our team will meticulously examine every detail, from police reports to witness statements, to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Collecting Evidence and Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Our lawyer will take charge of communications with the insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement. They’ll protect you from being pressured into accepting less than you deserve and advocate for the best possible outcome.
- Consulting Specialists and Pursuing Fair Compensation: Our lawyer may engage experts to bolster your case, whether it’s related to medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering. These specialists can articulate how the accident has impacted your life, helping to demonstrate the necessity of the full compensation you are seeking.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Damages If I Was Injured in an Intersection Accident?
Liability for an intersection motorcycle accident doesn’t always fall on just one person. There may be several parties responsible for causing the crash. These could include:
- Careless drivers, pedestrians, or bus drivers: Anyone on the road who acted negligently and caused the accident could be held responsible.
- Employers: If the driver who caused the accident was working at the time, their employer could also be held liable.
- Government agencies or transit officials: In some cases, poor intersection design or malfunctioning traffic signals could be to blame, making a government agency or transit official responsible.
Your accident lawyer in San Antonio will investigate the accident thoroughly to determine who is at fault and hold them accountable for their actions.
Contact Our San Antonio Intersection Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been hurt in an intersection motorcycle accident, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. The team at Patterson Law Group is here to provide you with the guidance and support necessary to handle your case.
Contact our San Antonio intersection motorcycle accident lawyer today to schedule a free consultation and seek justice for your injuries. We’re here to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
