Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Denton

FAQs

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

  You can reach the Denton Police Department’s non-emergency line at 940-349-8181.

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

  You can inquire about obtaining a copy of the police report by calling the Denton Police Records Division at 940-349-7973 or visiting its office at 601 E. Hickory Street, #E, Denton, TX 76205. You can also purchase the report from a state-wide online database at https://cris.txdot.gov/public/purchase. You must prepare the following information for both actions: the date or location of the accident, the incident number, and the names of the drivers or parties involved.

• Why are motorcycle riders and their passengers more vulnerable in a Denton collision than other vehicle drivers?

  Individuals riding a motorcycle are extremely vulnerable to injuries and damages in a Denton crash accident due to the characteristics of the vehicle itself. Motorcycles, unlike automobiles, lack safety features such as seat belts, enclosures, and airbags to absorb direct impact. It also lacks significant weight and size to prevent greater damage in the event of a collision. The vehicle's size also made it less visible to other drivers, increasing the likelihood of a collision. Motorcycles are also unstable and vulnerable to road hazards.

• What motorcycle riding laws must be followed by riders and passengers in Denton?

  To legally ride a motorcycle in Denton, the rider and his passenger must follow strict guidelines to ensure safe motorcycle riding conditions. These requirements include: (a) no one under the age of five may ride as a passenger on a motorcycle; (b) anyone over the age of five but under the age of 21 must wear a helmet; and (c) the motorcycle must have a fixed and comfortable vehicle seat.

• Is it illegal to ride a motorcycle without a helmet in Denton?

  Riders over the age of 21 are exempt from wearing a helmet if they can demonstrate one of the following: (a) the rider has either completed an approved TDLR Motorcycle Operator Training Course or carries a minimum of $10,000 in medical insurance coverage. However, it is advised for motorcyclists to wear a DOT-compliant helmet, which can serve as protection to mitigate critical injuries that are likely sustained in a crash.

• What happens to your Denton motorcycle accident compensation claim if you are found to be lane splitting?

  You may be able to recover compensation that has been reduced by the percentage of your fault. In cases where the Denton motorcyclist is found to be lane splitting, the court will use the contributory negligence doctrine to assign fault and award damages. For example, if you are 15% at fault, you will only receive 85% of your compensation amount. Furthermore, if you are found to be 51% at fault, your claim is denied.

• What medical expenses should a Denton motorcycle accident victim expect?

  A Denton motorcycle accident victim may be required to pay for both temporary and permanent medical expenses, depending on the severity of their injuries. Emergency ambulance bills, hospital accommodations, minor operations, and major surgeries are all included in the initial bills. Additional costs will be incurred for follow-up appointments, medications, and assistive medical equipment. Some victims will also require in-home care, physical or occupational therapy, and rehabilitation services.

• 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.