While riding a motorcycle can be a fun way to see the country, aggressive and inattentive drivers mean that motorcycle accidents are all too common. Unfortunately, since motorcycles offer little protection in the event of an accident, these accidents can result in catastrophic injuries including permanent disability.
Motorcycle accidents in San Antonio can cause a variety of serious injuries including:
- Brain Trauma
- Spring Cord Injuries Resulting in Paralysis
- Broken Vertebrae
- Broken Bones
- Lacerations
- Road Rash
- Joint Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can require a long recovery period, and if you have been injured in an accident you may feel a sense of uncertainty as you find yourself facing time off of work and mounting medical bills.
At Patterson Law Group, we know how stressful and confusing the time immediately following a motorcycle accident in Bexar County can be. If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact a personal injury attorney in San Antonio at 210-874-2424 to find out how we can help you during this difficult time, or keep reading to learn more about what you should do, and what you need to know, if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident.
Common Causes for Motorcycle Accidents in San Antonio, Texas
One of the most common reasons motorcycle accidents occur is that cars often do not want to share the road with motorcycles. Many drivers do not give motorcyclists the space they deserve, and more aggressive drivers will even go out of their way to prevent motorcyclists from getting around them, which can lead to accidents.
The low profile of motorcycles also often makes them difficult to see, which means that it is easy for them to be hit by drivers who are not paying close attention. These factors make motorcycle accidents an all too common occurrence on Texas roadways.
What You Need to Know About Motorcycle Accident Injury Claims
One of the reasons why it is so important to work with an attorney after being injured in a motorcycle accident is that you likely do not know what your claim is worth.
When filing a personal injury claim, you will need to take into account your medical bills, time off of work, pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, and any future losses resulting from permanent injuries.
Before accepting any settlement offers, it is important that you consult an attorney to make sure that you are not being taken advantage of by the insurance companies. Patterson Law Group offers a free consultation so you can determine the best course of action when filing your claim. Just call 210-874-2424 to speak to our qualified attorneys.
San Antonio Motorcycle Accident FAQ
How Does Wearing a Helmet (or Not Wearing a Helmet) Affect Your Motorcycle Accident Case?
The fact is that Texas motorcycle laws have fairly lenient helmet laws for motorcycle riders, but you may still wonder if the fact that you weren’t wearing a helmet at the time of the accident will affect your case. The answer depends on the circumstances surrounding your accident.
As we previously mentioned, Texas has a comparative fault auto accident system that also applies to motorcycle accidents. Under this system, you can only recover damages from another driver if you are less than 50 percent at-fault for an accident or your injuries. If you were not wearing a helmet at the time of your accident and you suffered head, neck, or face injuries, the court and jury might rule that the lack of helmet was the reason (or the partial reason) for the injuries.
This makes it important that you work with a personal injury attorney if you were involved in a San Antonio motorcycle accident and did not wear a helmet, as they can help bring your case properly and look after your rights.
How Long Do I Have to Start a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
Like all states, Texas has a statute of limitations that dictates how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit after being injured in a car or motorcycle accident.
In Texas, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of injury. You only have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in the state’s civil court system. After this time, you will lose your opportunity to receive proper compensation for your injuries.
This makes it critical that you begin the process of filing a personal injury lawsuit after being injured in a motorcycle accident if negotiations with the negligent party’s insurance company seem to have stalled.
What If I Am Partly at Fault for My Motorcycle Accident in San Antonio?
An important thing to keep in mind is that Texas is an at-fault state, which means that injured parties can receive compensation from the negligent party in the event of a car accident.
Yet, what happens if you believe that you may be partly at fault for your motorcycle accident in San Antonio?
First, even if you believe you may be partially to blame, it is important that you do not admit your percentage of fault without consulting an attorney, as the other party’s insurance company or representation may try to use this against you. Fortunately, even if it is determined that the accident was partly your fault, Texas uses comparative negligence when settling personal injury claims. This means that if you are found to be 30% responsible for the accident, you will still be able to recover 70% of what your claim is worth.
What Would an Attorney Recommend Doing after a Motorcycle Accident?
After being involved in a motorcycle accident, taking certain steps can help to strengthen your case and ensure your quick recovery. As a San Antonio motorcycle accident attorney, we recommend that you take the following steps:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you think you feel fine after your accident, it is still important to be evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries may take time to show symptoms, and some internal injuries may not show symptoms at all. A medical evaluation can help to ensure that any problems are caught before they become more serious. Additionally, medical records documenting your injuries can be essential evidence as you move forward with your personal injury case.
- Call The Police: Anytime you are involved in a car accident, it is important that you immediately call the police. The police will likely write a report about the accident, which can be vitally important in supporting your personal injury case. Police officers are experienced at analyzing car accidents, and they will be able to include information in their report regarding what they believe happened, which can help to prove the other driver’s negligence.
- Take Plenty of Pictures: You should also make sure to take extensive photos of the accident scene after being involved in a motorcycle accident. Pictures of the wreckage, debris, and even pictures of skidmarks can help to show the circumstances and severity of the accident, and images of the accident scene may even be able to be used to determine fault.
Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in San Antonio Today
Of course, perhaps the most important thing that you can do after being injured in a motorcycle accident in San Antonio is to consult an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.
An experienced attorney can help you to determine what your case should be worth based on the extent of your injuries, and they can help to walk you through the process of negotiating with insurance companies. If necessary, they can also defend your case in court should you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit. The fact is that hiring a personal injury attorney is the best way to ensure that you have someone to support you and look out for your interests during this stressful and difficult time.
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a motorcycle accident, feel free to contact Patterson Law Group at 210-874-2424 anytime. One of our experienced attorneys can help you determine what your next steps should be moving forward.
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San Antonio, Texas 78216
210-874-2424
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