Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Austin

FAQs

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

  Austin's non-emergency police hotline is 3-1-1.

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

  Police accident reports are kept at the Main Police Headquarters, located at 715 E 8th Street. Requests can also be made via policereports.lexisnexis.com/ui/report/search?state=TX&jurisdiction=Austin%20Police%20Department.

• What could a motorcycle accident lawyer in Austin do for personal injury claimants?

  Motorcycle accident lawyers in Austin have the training and experience to determine the parties at fault, the causal link between fault and injury, and the extent of the liability under the law. They may employ a team skilled in investigating crash scenes and gathering pertinent and weighty evidence. An attorney is also helpful for negotiating with insurers and countering lowball offers.

• Am I barred from recovering damages if I am partly at fault for a motorcycle accident in Austin?

  Plaintiffs who are partially at fault for a motorcycle accident may still recover damages since Austin follows Texas's modified comparative negligence law. This means the court will reduce the award you may receive based on how much of the blame can be attributed to you. However, recovery is prohibited if you are found to be over 50% at fault.

• What pieces of evidence would my lawyer want from me for my motorcycle accident case in Austin?

  As a plaintiff in a motorcycle accident case in Austin, you may be asked by your lawyer to produce medical records and receipts to determine the extent of your financial losses due to treatment. Statements from eyewitnesses can also help establish another party's fault. Additionally, video surveillance footage and property damage estimates can prove to be useful.

• What are the usual reasons for motorcycle crashes in Austin?

  Motorcycle accidents in Austin often result from the negligent actions of motorists, such as passing unsafely or driving too fast. Being drunk or impaired behind the wheel is also a common cause. Additionally, crashes may occur due to inclement weather and roadside hazards that reduce a motorcyclist's control over the bike.

• What should a victim do immediately after a motorcycle accident in Austin?

  Immediately after a crash, a motorcycle accident victim in Austin must acquire the offending driver's contact information and insurance details without saying anything about the possible cause of the incident itself. Pictures must be taken of the scene, any skid marks, debris, and hazards on the road. Additionally, the names and phone numbers of witnesses are best taken down together with the names of the police. Victims should also avoid speaking to insurers without a lawyer present.

• 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.