Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Laredo

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number of the Laredo Police Department in Laredo, Texas, is 956-795-2800.

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

  472 Maher Ave. Laredo TX 78041 or online at https://myaccident.org/texas-accident-reports/laredo-police-department. A police report costs between $6 and $20, depending on how you receive it. You will be required to supply information such as the report number, your name, driver's license number, and motorcycle or car plate number, the time and date of the accident, the location of the accident, who was involved in the accident, your postal address, phone number, and email address.

• How many motorcycle fatalities occur in Laredo?

  Texas, where Laredo is located, ranks among the top three states regarding motorcycle accident fatalities. Between 2018 and 2021, 32,081 motorcycle crashes occurred in Texas, with 5.8% being fatal, compared to 0.65% of all motor vehicle events. In Texas in 2021, there were 8,847 motorcycle accidents involving 8,261 motorcycle drivers and 586 motorcycle passengers.

• Should you wear a helmet when driving a motorcycle in Laredo?

  Yes, motorcycle riders in Laredo should wear helmets under 21 without exemption. Motorcyclists over 21 may choose to wear or not to wear helmets as long as they can demonstrate that they have completed an approved motorcycle operator training course and have motorcycle accident insurance coverage. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that riders select a helmet that fulfills the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.

• What are the leading causes of motorcycle collisions in Laredo?

  The roads around Laredo, Texas, have some of the highest motorcycle collision rates in the country. Speeding causes 1,640 motorcycle accidents, while unsafe speeds cause 734. There were 600 accidents caused by riders failing to yield to oncoming traffic when turning left, and 246 incidents caused by drivers failing to stop when someone entered private property. There were 510 instances of failure to drive in a lane when turning left, 490 incidents of cars failing to stop at red lights, 428 episodes of dangerous lane changes, and 206 motorcycle accidents involving intoxicated drivers.

• What are the most dangerous roads in Laredo?

  Mines Road is the most dangerous road in Laredo and the site of numerous motorcycle collisions. Due to the intersections and short roads, it is challenging for vehicles to turn. Other hazardous roads include Mines Road to Interstate 35, the 69W underpass, and the Frontage Road Junction, which is parallel to 69W and has access ramps that make it difficult for drivers to adjust their speed.

• What factors affect a claim's value in Laredo?

  The severity and quantity of injuries are factors influencing the value of claims. Victims of motorcycle accidents in Laredo should have all injuries recorded and they should seek quick treatment with physicians or hospitals. Pursuing a claim will be simple if they have immediate and continuous medical care and all of the supporting evidence intact. Another factor to consider is whether or not the driver was intoxicated and speeding.

• 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.