Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Odessa, TX

FAQs

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

  The Odessa Police Department can be reached at (432) 333-3641.

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

  To obtain an accident report from the Odessa Police Department, call (432) 335-3306 to check for availability. The Records Unit, which can be found at 205 N Grant Avenue, is open to receiving visitors from Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.

• Why is it important for motorcycle drivers to get an attorney for an accident in Odessa?

  Sadly, motorcyclists have been stigmatized as reckless, and in many cases where an accident happened between a four-wheel vehicle and a motorcycle in Odessa, the blame is almost, always unjustly placed upon the motorcyclist. An attorney on your side is going to fight against this discrimination and will be reviewing all the evidence and using the resources at hand to establish your innocence.

• Can you go to jail if you are charged with DWI in Odessa because you were involved in a motorcycle accident?

  Yes, even first-time offenders can face a minimum of 6 months in jail up to a year, as the penalties for DWI are severe in Odessa and the rest of Texas. Some of the other penalties for first-time offenders include a 6,000-dollar fine, hefty court costs, a driver's license suspension, and a permanent criminal conviction.

• Why do insurance companies take a long time to compensate motorcycle accident victims in Odessa?

  It is to be expected that insurance companies in Odessa may present some form of resistance, especially if the amount they are about to pay the claimant is huge. One way they show this is causing delays in the hope that the statute of limitations deadline is going to be missed. To avoid this, make sure to acquire the legal aid of an attorney.

• How do you know if you're still within the statute of limitations for a motorcycle accident claim in Odessa?

  A motorcycle accident claimant in Odessa has two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit to be compensated for damages. However, if the injured passed away, the statute of limitations may be moved from the accident date to the date of death. An attorney can help make sure that you are still working within the time frame.

• What are some of the steps involved in filing a motorcycle accident claim in Odessa?

  Here are some of the steps that one must accomplish in filing a motorcycle accident claim:

  • Calculating the value of the damages
  • Identifying the at-fault or liable party
  • Collecting, gathering, and analyzing evidence of the injuries
  • Beginning the claims process with the insurance company
  • Resolving the case or going to trial

• 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.