Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Cypress, TX

FAQs

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

  The Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Police Department's non-emergency contact number is 281-897-4337.

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

  You can use this system: https://cris.dot.state.tx.us/public/Purchase/app/home, to look for and purchase certified copies of Texas Peace Officer's Crash Report (CR-3).

• What kind of negligence law does Cypress have in place for motorcycle accidents?

  Cities across Texas, including Cypress, use modified comparative negligence law, also known as proportionate responsibility. Under the law, victims of motorcycle accidents can seek compensation even if they were partially to blame for the accident and their injuries. For example, if the claimant is found to be 30% at fault, he or she can only receive 70% of the financial relief. However, if the claimant's percentage of responsibility exceeds 50%, he or she is ineligible for compensatory damages.

• What is the deadline for filing a Cypress motorcycle accident lawsuit?

  Two years window from the date of the accident is given to individuals with a motorcycle crash injury claim in Cypress, following the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003. The claimants must file within the time limit, failure to do so, will dismiss their legal right to negotiate or sue liable parties for maximum compensation.

• How long should you wait for the insurance companies to resolve your monetary settlement for a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Cypress?

  In Cypress, insurance companies have 15 days to give you a response regarding your motorcycle accident injury claim. Once the insurer has collected all relevant documentation, time begins to run its course. The time limit may, however, be extended by the firm for a valid cause by an additional 45 days.

• What happens if an unlicensed motorcycle rider is involved in an accident in Cypress?

  Driving without a license may make recovering compensatory damages in a Cypress motorcycle accident more difficult, but it does not preclude a rider from filing a third-party liability insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. However, the rider should expect that the insurance company or the legal court will argue that the rider's injuries and losses were caused by unlicensed driving. This accusation may result in a lower financial settlement.

• How can keeping a journal help your claim and recovery as a victim of a motorcycle accident in Cypress?

  Your journal will be your personal documentation of your injuries and the wreckage from a motorcycle accident in Cypress. It can also include notes from doctor's appointments, medical surgeries, expense receipts, invoices, lost income, and your emotional health, all of which will assist your loved ones and lawyer in determining your recovery needs and better estimating the compensation you are entitled to.

• 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.