Houston Motorcycle
Accident Lawyer
OUR FIRM HAS RECOVERED MILLIONS OF
DOLLARS FOR MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT VICTIMS THROUGHOUT HOUSTON, TX
MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT Attorney in Houston, TX
Motorcycles have become increasingly popular in recent years due to fluctuating gas prices and the baby boomer generating retiring and finding a new hobby on two wheels.
Although there are few things more thrilling than riding a motorcycle with the wind in your hair, many riders are unaware of the dangers, and other vehicles frequently neglect to look out for motorcycles.
We are aware of the dangers that motorcycle riders face when they choose to ride, but we also understand why they do so. We recognize that enjoying an adrenaline high and staying safe are not mutually exclusive concepts. Whether you’re a casual rider or spend the bulk of your time on two wheels, Ramji Law Group has the case-tested experience to help you if you’re in an accident.
How Dangerous Are Motorcycles?
According to a recent research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 100,000 motorcycle accidents occur each year in the United States. Motorcycles lack the external covering and protection provided by a metal frame found in cars and trucks. Riders are 39 times more likely than other motorists to die in an accident. In an accident, they also have a substantially higher likelihood of suffering a serious personal injury. Motorcycle accident rates in the United States more than doubled between 1997 and 2011, while total traffic accident fatalities fell by 23%. Part of this was attributable to the rise in popularity of motorcycles. In 2012, there were 460 fatal motorcycle accidents in Texas, compared to 488 the year before.
If you are hurt in a motorcycle accident, you may suffer very serious injuries such as head and spinal injuries and will need to recover the most you can for your medical bills. Other drivers are the most significant cause of motorcycle accidents. In many cases you may have grounds to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy.
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TYPES OF MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS THAT WE CAN HELP YOU WITH
Ramji Law Group has successfully handled hundreds of motorcycle accident cases on behalf of riders throughout the state of Texas. Call us to schedule a free consultation so that we can begin working together to put your life back together by holding the people that caused your injuries responsible.
- Adventure / Dual Sport
- Cruisers
- Scooters
- Choppers
- Dirt Bikes
- Sport Bikes
The Main Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Even the most experienced motorcyclist can face being involved in an accident on the highway due to other drivers, bad weather conditions or merely losing control. Here are six leading causes of motorcycle accidents:
- Drivers Making Left Turns – Drivers making turns and failing to see a motorcyclist is one of the most common forms of accidents with injuries involving riders. Typically, a car driver fails to see a rider or misjudges the speed of a motorcyclist. Either the car hits the rider or the biker is unable to take evasive action in time and hits the car. The driver can be liable for injuries in both scenarios. While the car may only sustain minimal damage, the motorcyclist will often be thrown off his or her bike, sustaining serious or even life-threatening injuries.
- Lane Changes by Cars – When motorcyclists are riding in traffic, cars can make sudden changes and veer into the space they are occupying. Many motorists have a blind spot when it comes to riders. The car can either strike the motorcycle or cause the rider to crash while trying to avoid hitting the car. As a rider you should be aware of where blind spots are and spend as little time in them as possible. If you can see a driver’s eyes in their mirrors, then they have the ability to see you too.
- Distracted Drivers – the increased use of smart phones and other electronic devices has made the roads more dangerous for motorcyclists. Distracted drivers are a major cause of accidents involving motorcyclists. Riders should keep their distance if possible when they are near cars.
- Car Doors Being Opened – Cyclists refer to the area close to a car door as the “death zone.” A carelessly opened door on a parked car can also cause very significant injuries or even kill motorcyclists. The best way to avoid this cause of an accident is to keep away from parked cars.
- Rear End Collisions – If you have to suddenly brake or slow down at an intersection or due to an obstacle, a car may hit you from behind. The rear-ender is the most common kind of auto accident. Even a “fender bender” can prove fatal to a motorcyclist. Riders should consider pulling in front of cars at intersections or stopping to the side rather than the center of a lane.
- Speeding – Traveling too fast is a common cause of motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclists often lose control of their bikes on curves. Riders should slow down on curves make sure they can see what’s ahead of them.
The Main Kinds of Injuries Sustained by Motorcyclists
Any type of injury can occur in a motorcycle wreck, but here are the main types.
- Amputations –It’s not uncommon for motorcyclists to lose limbs, in particular legs that are vulnerable due to their closeness to the road.
- Back and Neck Injuries -Motorcyclists’ backs and necks are vulnerable if they are thrown off their bikes. The severity of their injuries range from simple muscle sprains to major issues with the spine, including fractures and discs that can get herniated. In severe cases, this can lead to paralysis, which can end up in Paraplegia or Quadriplegia, which is paralysis to some degree in all four limbs.
- Severe Road Burn also known as Road Rash -Many bike riders can end up with such severe road rash that can cover a great percentage of their body. The skin is the largest organ of the body and when such great exposure happens, then major infection can develop.
- Broken Bones and Fractures – Accidents in which riders are thrown from bikes during accidents can result in fractures of their arms, legs, and even facial bones, particularly when full-face helmets aren’t worn.
- Head Injuries, medically known as TBI which stands for Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) -Motorcyclists are far more likely to sustain head injuries from the dramatic impact their head and face when hitting the road during accidents. These TBIs can range from minor concussions with a mild lapse of memory and loss of consciousness to major loss of consciousness that can lead to coma. Cognitive functions, memory issues, and a coma in severe cases can also happen.
We at Ramji Law Group, want to help you if you are a victim of a motorcycle accident.
Should You Wear a Helmet?
A universal helmet safety course was in place in Texas until 1997, when it was repealed. Only riders under the age of 21 and older riders who have not completed a rider education course or do not have at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage are now required to wear helmets.
Despite the shift, a number of studies show that riders who wear helmets are more likely to prevent death or major injury. According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 700 deaths may have been avoided in 2010 if all motorcycle riders involved in incidents wore helmets.
If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to hire an experienced Houston Motorcycle Accident Attorney who will advise you if pursuing a legal claim is a worthwhile pursuit and help you recover the most. Contact Ramji Law Group at 713-888-8888, if you need help or have any questions regarding a motorcycle accident.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here are some of the most common questions we’re asked about Motorcycle Accident injury claims in Texas.
You may be surprised to learn that Motorcycle accidents are no more common than other vehicular accidents. The difference is that a motorcycle accident is 35 times more likely to result in death. 56% of motorcycle deaths are caused by collision with other vehicles. 78% percent of the time , it’s a frontal collision which is often tragically fatal.
Overtaking and Lane Splitting: One of the perks of having a motorcycle is that you can avoid traffic. A common practice is to drive between the spaces of other vehicles to overtake them. What most drivers are not aware of is that other vehicles don’t see them coming. Cars are not expecting a vehicle to pass while they are stuck in traffic. An accident can happen fast when a car simply goes out of its lane, makes a turn, or shifts the angle of the vehicle without checking for an unexpected motorcyclist splitting lanes.
Driving while Drunk or Drugged: Half of motorcycle accidents are caused by drunk drivers. A motorcycle is vulnerable while traveling down the road with bigger vehicles. Drivers need to have full control of the vehicle or else the danger is multiplied several times. Since the motorcycle does not provide any protection, accidents often result in serious injury or death.
Roadblocks and Potholes: Anything that stands in the way of a motorcycle is a serious threat. 25% of motorcycle deaths are caused by colliding with unexpected objects.
Road Conditions: Wet roads, uneven roads, potholes, construction projects and other road hazards can be a danger to motorcycle riders. It can cause the motorcycle to skid, overturn and throw the driver off their seats.
Blind Spots and Glares: A motorcycle driver has blind spots, even when they’re wearing high-quality helmets. Other drivers might not see them coming if they are fighting direct sunlight or glare from nearby objects.
The fact that a motorcycle provides very little protection to the driver means that injuries are more likely and oftentimes more severe.
If you get into a motorcycle accident, get with a personal injury lawyer that specializes in motorcycle accidents to get real answers to your questions based on the specifics of your Texas motorcycle accident.
You only have 2 years from the time of the accident to file a suit. You have a legal right to pursue compensation for any personal injury or damage to your motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents often result in lost wages, psychological trauma, and severe physical pain. Medical expenses can add up quickly – especially if you have injuries that require long-term treatment.
Motorcycles can be dangerous vehicles. They offer very little protection to the driver that the smallest of accidents can cause serious injury and even death. There are so many factors that can contribute to a motorcycle accident that even if the driver takes all precautions, sooner or later an accident is bound to happen. We hope it does not happen to you, but when it does, you should know the right steps after a motorcycle accident.
As a motorcycle rider, you need to be aware of the motorcycle and helmet laws in your state, your legal rights, and what you can be compensated for. 70% of motorcycle accidents are caused by other vehicles. When an accident happens, the strength of your claim will depend on the actions you take 24 hours after the accident happens. Below we’ve outlined the first steps following a motorcycle accident:
Do Not Leave the Scene: Leaving the scene of an accident can be construed as Hit and Run.
Assess the Injuries Sustained: Check if you or your passenger were injured. Since you are driving a motorcycle, you will most likely have injuries. Call for assistance.
Seek Medical Attention: Your safety and your passengers are your primary concern. Even if you do not feel pain, have yourself checked for internal injuries that may present symptoms in the future.
Document all your Injuries: Take pictures of bruises or wounds sustained in the accident. Tell your doctor about them and ask for a medical report. Include any treatment and medication recommended by the doctor.
Inform the Proper Authorities: Report the accident to the police or the Texas Highway Patrol. Serious accidents resulting in death, injuries, or damages that exceed $750 should be reported to the DMV within ten days. You, your insurance agent, or your lawyer must complete and submit the SR1 form whether you caused the accident or not.
Do Not Apologize or Discuss Fault: We automatically say “I am sorry” when someone gets hurt, whether it is our fault or not. In a motorcycle accident, DON’T APOLOGIZE. Acts of kindness and any statement you make on the scene of the accident can be used against you when you file a claim.
Do not talk to Insurance Companies: Find a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer right away. They are well versed in motorcycle laws and personal injury claims and you can tell the insurance company to contact them when they call you. You do not have to answer their questions if you have engaged a motorcycle accident attorney.
Get all the Information: If it is safe and you are able to do so, ask for the other driver’s license, car registration and insurance documentation. If you have a smartphone, get permission to take pictures of these documents for your file. Take pictures of the scene of the accident and the plate number of all vehicles involved.
Find Witnesses: If there are bystanders who witnessed the accident, try to get their names and contact information.
Do not accept Settlement Offers: Your first instinct is to get it over with, especially if you do not feel like you or your passenger were injured. Do not accept an insurance settlement offer without speaking to a California motorcycle accident attorney. You may have sustained injuries that have not yet become apparent. If injuries emerge after you’ve settled, the waiver you signed will prevent you from seeking compensation to cover ongoing medical treatment.
Do not repair your motorcycle: When you file a claim, your motorcycle can be used as evidence. Keep it as it is until after the case. Motorcycle accidents can result in a loss of income because you may be unable to work until you fully recover from psychological trauma and pain caused by physical injuries. You’ll also need to repair or replace your motorcycle after an accident. If you follow the steps outlined above, you will have a chance to recover any losses you incurred from the accident and be compensated for the injuries you sustained.
Contact a lawyer specializing in California motorcycle accidents to find out your next steps after an accident. The May Firm is standing by to help take over the process and allow you to focus on recovery – confident in the knowledge that an experienced team is fighting for the compensation you deserver after your accident.
With the weather and great views, Fresno, Califonia can be a great place for riding a motorcycle – however, it can also be a dangerous one, with motorcyclists 25 times more likely to die in a traffic accident than those driving cars. In 2009 there were 385 fatal motorcycle accidents in the state.
The best solution to this is to stay ultra alert, wear the correct gear (pads, helmet etc.) and drive carefully. But what happens if you are involved in a motorcycle accident in California? Hundreds of these types of accidents are investigated by insurance companies every year, and this article will give you a good idea of what to expect if you are ever involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault. Bearing this information in mind, you can give yourself the best chance of getting compensation for your accident.
Why an investigation?
It is a sad public misconception that motorcycle accidents are often the fault of the motorcyclist. Motorcycle investigations are essential in challenging this idea, either during the claims process or if the case ends up in court. We have motorcycle accident investigations to accurately find the sequence of events and the cause of the accident, which can back up the validity of your claim.
Statements at the scene
When you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you will be expected to give a statement at the scene of the accident. Accident victims can often be in shock, or confused about exactly what happened. In this situation, try to keep a clear head and report the simple facts of what happened – not whose fault it might be. Accidents are often traumatic and difficult experiences, and it is not always obvious whose fault they are. The other party, plus witnesses will also make statements which may coincide with, or argue against, your own. Giving a statement to police will provide a reliable record for whatever comes next, and may also be used by your insurance company, who should also be contacted as soon as possible after the accident has occurred – which brings us onto our next point.
Contact your insurance company
This should be done as soon as it is reasonable to do so – the best way to do this is by using the toll free number usually provided. Be prepared to give the claims person as much information as possible, including the police report number (or incident number), the other person’s details and insurance info, and the names and contact numbers of any witnesses involved. All of this information will aid any investigation which may occur, but do not admit any fault. Just give the facts as they happened, and assume that your call is being recorded for legal purposes.
The person dealing with your claim may ask you about any property damage of physical injuries – however, it may be too soon to know the full extent of either. In this scenario, it is best not to guess, as injuries can manifest days or even weeks after an accident has occurred. It is wise to consult a physician if you feel you have any injuries such as whiplash, or aches and pains. Of course, broken bones or any other serious damage will be much more apparent, and can be reported along with any medical bills. As for your motorcycle, it is best to wait until a mechanic has carried out a full inspection. When reporting the damage, also keep hold of any bills or receipts that you can use in your claim.
Fault assessment
Assessment of fault can involve looking at all the evidence such as witness statements, expert investigations, police investigations, photographic or CCTV evidence, reconstructions of the scene, and assessment of the damage caused by the accident. If it becomes clear that the other person was at fault (say, they ran a red light or you were rear-ended), your insurance company may decide to directly work with their insurance company to pay for any damage that was caused. If the person does not have insurance, you would be entitled to payment from your uninsured motorist coverage if applicable (strongly recommended). However, it is possible that your damages exceed your policy limits and it is then advisable to contact a motorcycle lawyer.
If it is found that you were at fault by an insurance company, it could stay on your record and affect any future coverage you decide to take out, which is why finding the right lawyer is a must. The right lawyer could provide you with valuable assistance on making a claim and either clearing your name, or taking the best course of action.
70% of all motorcycle accidents in California are caused by the negligence of other drivers. A motorcycle driver is particularly susceptible to personal injury, since a motorcycle does not provide any protection to the driver. Statistics say that a fatal outcome is 35 times more likely in motorcycle accidents than in other car accidents. When you are involved in an accident, the next best thing to do after seeking medical attention is to hire the services of a motorcycle accident injury litigation lawyer.
Under California Law, a person who sustained injury through the negligence and carelessness of others is entitled to recover past and future medical costs, past and future lost wages, property damage, rental vehicle expense, and pain and suffering. You need to hire a lawyer who is experienced in motorcycle accidents and motorcycle litigation. They can determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit and the amount of compensation you’re entitled to.
You have a strong case if the following scenario can be proven:
- The driver was not careful. The defendant’s behavior will be compared to that of a “reasonable person’s” actions.
- The driver’s behavior caused you to be injured (physical or mentally) and sustain losses.
- You were not breaking the law when the accident occurred.
It is better to have a Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyer determine whether you have a case for a lawsuit or not. They are more experienced in dealing with motorcycle litigation and may see angles to the accident that are not obvious to you.
Motorcycle drivers have the same rights and privileges as other drivers on the road. It has been estimated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that half of motorcycle accidents happen because another vehicle turned into the path of the motorcycle. The most common reason used by defendants in motorcycle accident injury litigation is that they were looking out for other vehicles and did not notice the motorcycle until it was too late. That doesn’t excuse the fact that they failed to look and identify you in their path.
Before you contact a Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyer, you need to provide the evidence to help them file a lawsuit. Here’s what you need to prepare:
- A copy of the Police Report detailing of the accident.
- Your Medical Record will have details of your injuries.
- Pictures of the scene of the accident, the damage to your vehicle and the injuries you sustained.
- Copies of all Medical Bills.
- Contact information of witnesses to the accident.
- Any supporting evidence that will show loss of income/wages due to the accident.
The Litigation Process
In the investigation phase, your lawyer will question you about the accident, your driving history and your injuries. Once your lawyer is satisfied with all the information they have, they will begin negotiating with the insurance company of the other driver. They will begin by sending a Demand Letter informing them of your intent to pursue reasonable damages to make up for the injuries you sustained, the current and future costs of your medical bills. This may put you on the path towards a motorcycle accident lawsuit, but it’s important to take strong steps to secure the compensation you deserve.
If the insurance company agrees to a reasonable settlement amount, your lawyer will assist you in quickly settling the claim. If the insurance company contests the claim, your lawyer will file a claim with the court and the litigation process will begin.
Most claims are settled before they go to court because litigation is also costly for the insurance company. If they can quickly negotiate a settlement, they will.
If you’re involved in a serious motorcycle accident, qualified legal representation is a necessity. You haven’t spent the past few decades of your life holding negligent drivers accountable and protecting families as they struggle to rebuild their lives after a motorcycle accident in California. The motorcycle accident attorneys at The May Firm have.
An attorney does more for you than just work with the insurance company. They also research the events of the accident itself. This can include expert analysis from outside professionals, a review of the accident scene, interviews with witnesses and research into all of the facts surrounding your motorcycle accident claim.
Sadly, insurance companies often work against the drivers they insure. They want to maximize the premiums you pay and minimize the payouts they send out the door. You should never agree to an accident settlement before having it reviewed by a knowledgeable attorney. Often these settlements greatly undervalue the true costs of an accident, which may not be apparent at first. Many accident injuries are not immediately obvious. It may take days or perhaps a week or more for the true extent of certain types of injuries to become apparent. If you’ve already agreed to a settlement at this point, you have not been fairly compensated for what you are truly owed.
Hire one of the best Fresno motorcycle accident injury lawyers specializing in motorcycle accidents. The May Firm is standing by to help.
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