Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Abilene

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Abilene, Texas?

  For non-emergency concerns, you may call the Abilene police station at (325) 673-8331.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Abilene, Texas?

  You may get a copy of the police report online by visiting Abilene's website, www.abilenetx.gov. You may also request it in person by visiting the Abilene Police Department Records Division at 4565 S 1st Street, Abilene, TX 79605.

• Does wearing a helmet during a motorcycle accident matter when you file a claim in Abilene?

  Despite the fact that motorcycle riders in Abilene who are 21 years or older are not required to wear helmets by law, liability will be determined whether or not you are wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. If you had a head injury while not wearing a helmet, your insurance provider can claim that you contributed to your injuries.

• What are the insurance laws regarding motorcycle accidents in Abilene?

  Abilene follows the fault-based laws in Texas. This implies that determining the person responsible for the accident is critical for insurance considerations. This assessment of culpability might help explain who is accountable for paying the injured party's claims. When another motorist is to blame for your injuries, the appropriate lawyer can help you present your case effectively.

• How fatal are motorcycle accidents in Abilene?

  Because a rider is exposed to the road and other vehicles without additional protection, motorcycle accidents in Abilene are catastrophic. According to the Texas Department of Transportation's "Count of Vehicles in Accidents by Body Style" report, there were 8,322 motorcycles involved in vehicle accidents across Texas in 2021. Out of those, there were 2,820 suspected serious injuries or fatalities. In fact, there were just over 1,100 that did not result in any injuries to the individuals involved.

• Is there a time limit for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Abilene?

  There is a time limit for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Abilene. Texas law mandates that a plaintiff file for an accident claim within two years, which starts at the date of injury. In some cases, such as for a child injury victim or if the wounded individual does not know the identity of the at-fault party, extra time may be granted to file a lawsuit.

• What are the most common injuries that motorcycle accident victims in Abilene sustain?

  The most common motorcycle accident injuries in Abilene are as follows:

  • Biker's arm, which refers to various injuries that can occur to a bike rider's arm when they automatically put it down to brace a fall
  • Road rash, which is when a biker falls off his or her motorcycle and slides against the pavement. It can range from minor bruises and scratches to major lacerations and muscular damage.
  • Head, brain, and facial injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Broken bones

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.