San Antonio is a popular city for motorcycle enthusiasts, offering scenic rides and open roads. However, single motorcycle accidents can happen without warning, and they often result in serious injuries.
These accidents occur when only the motorcycle is involved, meaning no other vehicles are part of the crash. They are more common than you might think and can be caused by various factors.
If you’ve been in a single motorcycle accident, it’s important to understand that you’re not always to blame. Our San Antonio single motorcycle accident lawyer at Patterson Law Group is here to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What is a Single Motorcycle Accident?
A single motorcycle accident happens when a motorcyclist crashes without any other vehicle being involved. It could be caused by losing control of the bike, skidding off the road, or hitting an object like a tree or guardrail.
Many people assume that it’s their fault if a motorcyclist crashes alone, but that’s not always true. Sometimes, road conditions, mechanical failures, or even animals can cause these accidents.
A single motorcycle accident attorney in San Antonio, TX, can help determine what caused the crash and who might be responsible.
Common Causes of Single Motorcycle Accidents
Several factors can lead to a single motorcycle accident, and it’s not always due to the rider’s mistakes. Here are some common causes:
- Road Hazards: Potholes, loose gravel, or uneven pavement can make a motorcyclist lose control.
- Weather Conditions: Rain, wind, or slick roads make it more difficult to keep control of the bike.
- Mechanical Failures: If something like the brakes or tires on the motorcycle fails, it can cause a crash.
- Improper Maintenance: Poorly maintained roads or missing road signs can increase the risk of accidents.
- Sharp Turns or Curves: Sharp curves or turns on unfamiliar roads can catch riders off guard and cause them to lose control.
- Animal Crossings: Sudden appearances of animals like deer or dogs can force a motorcyclist to swerve, leading to an accident.
- Excessive Speed or Reckless Driving: Riding too fast or taking risks can cause the rider to lose control of the motorcycle.
Each situation presents a unique challenge in determining who is at fault for the accident. A San Antonio single motorcycle wreck lawyer can help investigate the situation and determine what caused the accident.
Parties Who Can Be Held Liable in Single Motorcycle Accidents
Not all single motorcycle accidents are the rider’s fault. Several other parties may be held responsible, depending on the cause of the crash. These include:
Government Entities
If the accident happened because of poor road conditions, like potholes, uneven pavement, or missing signs, the government agency responsible for maintaining the roads might be at fault. It’s their job to keep roads safe; they can be held accountable if they neglect that duty. Suing the government can be tricky, but it’s not impossible.
Manufacturers
Sometimes, motorcycle crashes happen because of faulty parts. The manufacturer could be held responsible if the brakes, tires, or another part of the bike were defective and led to the accident. This is especially true if the defect is known and nothing is done to fix it, which puts many people at risk.
Mechanics or Repair Shops
If the bike had been recently repaired or maintained and something went wrong because of poor work, the mechanic or repair shop could be to blame. For example, if they didn’t fix the brakes properly and that caused the accident, they would be liable for not doing their job right.
Property Owners
The property owner might be responsible if your accident happened because a private driveway or road, like large cracks or poor lighting, was unsafe. They’re supposed to keep their property safe, especially if it’s accessible to others.
Animal Owners
In Texas, if a domesticated animal like a dog runs onto the road and causes a motorcycle accident, the animal’s owner could be liable. Pet owners have a duty to keep their animals under control to prevent accidents like this from happening.
A motorcycle accident lawyer in San Antonio can help figure out who’s at fault for your accident. They’ll investigate the crash, gather evidence, and ensure the right people are held responsible, giving you the best chance for compensation.
Injuries Common in Single Motorcycle Accidents
Single motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries, even if no other vehicles are involved. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and Concussions: Even with a helmet, a motorcyclist can suffer from serious head injuries, including brain damage.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can cause paralysis or long-term disability, drastically changing the victim’s life.
- Broken Bones: Arms, legs, and ribs are often broken in motorcycle accidents, sometimes requiring surgery and rehabilitation.
- Road Rash and Lacerations: Severe road rash or deep cuts can lead to infections and long-lasting scars.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to organs and internal bleeding may occur, even if there are no obvious external injuries.
The long-term impact of these injuries can be overwhelming. Medical bills pile up, wages are lost, and emotional trauma can take a toll. That’s why having the best single motorcycle accident lawyer in San Antonio on your side is essential to ensure you receive the compensation needed to recover.
Recovering Compensation After a Single Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve been injured in a single motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to various types of compensation. This includes:
Medical Expenses
You can get coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and any future medical treatments you may need. This can help cover the immediate costs as well as long-term medical needs caused by your injuries.
Lost Wages
If your injuries have made it hard or impossible for you to work, you can seek compensation for your lost income during your recovery. This can also cover future earnings if your ability to work is impacted for a long time.
Pain and Suffering
This type of compensation is for non-economic damages, like the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve gone through, as well as the loss of enjoyment in activities you once loved. It’s more than just covering bills—it’s about acknowledging the emotional toll of the accident.
Property Damage
You can also receive compensation to repair or replace your motorcycle and any other damaged belongings in the accident. This helps you get back on the road or replace important items.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, if extreme negligence was involved, such as a defective motorcycle part, you may be awarded punitive damages. This is meant to punish the responsible party and prevent them from repeating the same mistake.
A top-rated motorcycle accident lawyer in San Antonio can help you understand all the compensation you may be entitled to and will fight to get you the best outcome possible. They’ll make sure you don’t miss out on anything you deserve.
How a San Antonio Single Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
Having a no-win, no-fee motorcycle accident lawyer in San Antonio means you don’t have to worry about paying legal fees unless your lawyer wins your case. This takes much of the financial stress off your shoulders while your lawyer focuses on fighting for you.
A good lawyer can help in several important ways. They’ll start by investigating the accident, looking into road conditions and possible motorcycle defects, and gathering witness testimony to strengthen your case.
They’ll also figure out who’s responsible for the accident, whether it’s another driver, a manufacturer, or a government agency. Insurance companies often try to offer less than you deserve, but your lawyer will handle the negotiations to ensure you get fair compensation.
If the insurance company won’t settle fairly, your lawyer can take things to the next level by filing a lawsuit and representing you in court. At Patterson Law Group, our San Antonio motorcycle injury attorney has the experience and dedication to guide you through this tough time, ensuring you get the help you need.
Contact Our San Antonio Single Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a single motorcycle accident, don’t wait to get legal advice. Texas has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, meaning you only have a limited time to file your case. Acting quickly is crucial to protecting your rights.
At Patterson Law Group, we offer free consultations and work on a no-win, no-fee basis, so you don’t pay unless we win your case. We understand the challenges you’re facing, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
If you’re searching for a single motorcycle accident lawyer near me in San Antonio, TX, call Patterson Law Group today to schedule your consultation with an experienced and affordable single motorcycle accident attorney in San Antonio, TX. We’re here to fight for you and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
