Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Fort Worth

FAQs

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

  The Fort Worth Police Department may be contacted at 817-392-4222 for non-emergency inquiries.

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

  The Fort Worth Police Department allows residents to obtain accident reports through its Records and Reports Division, which is located at 1000 Calvert St., 76107. People can also contact the division's staff members at 817-392-4160.

• What happens to your personal injury claim if you are not wearing a helmet during a motorcycle accident in Fort Worth?

  You can lose your right to compensation or the amount of your claim can be reduced if the court finds that not wearing a helmet during the accident made your injuries worse. This means that you are partially at fault for your injuries, and the percentage of your liability will directly affect the damages you can recover. Under Texas comparative fault law, if you are more than 50% at fault, you are no longer allowed to claim damages.

• What counts as contributory negligence in a motorcycle accident in Fort Worth?

  A motorcycle rider's failure to comply with local safety regulations and traffic ordinances may be counted as contributory negligence in an accident in Fort Worth, regardless of whether the rider was the victim. People who cause accidents or get hurt because of lane splitting can also be deemed liable because Texas laws prohibit motorcyclists from driving side by side within the same line.

• What factors commonly cause motorcycle accidents in Fort Worth?

  Motorcycle accidents in Fort Worth are often caused by a car's failure to spot an oncoming rider due to poor visibility, distractions, and sudden turns. A driver's failure to yield or use proper turn signals can also lead to collisions. Other factors include tailgating and drunk driving, as well as hazards that are caused by inclement weather and dangerous road conditions. Lane splitting by motorcyclists is also deemed a common cause of crashes.

• Who is deemed liable in an open-door motorcycle accident in Fort Worth?

  The driver or passenger of a vehicle can be held liable if he or she opens the vehicle's door and causes a motorcycle rider to crash. If the at-fault party is a taxi or commercial truck driver, his or her employer can also be sued for damages. An auto manufacturer can be held accountable if a mechanical defect causes one of their vehicle's doors to open and cause an accident.

• How common are motorcycle accidents in Fort Worth?

  Due to the rising number of registered motorcycle owners in Texas, accidents are common occurrences in Fort Worth. In 2022 alone, the Texas Crash Records Information System recorded 248 crashes throughout the city, with 200 of them resulting in injuries and 17 ending in fatalities.

• 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.