Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in McKinney

FAQs

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

  Dial +1 972-547-2700 to call the McKinney Police Department for non-emergency concerns.

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

  To obtain an accident report from the McKinney Police Department, complete out the Crash Report Request Form: https://www.mckinneytexas.org/982/Records-Reports. After filling out the form, submit it along with a copy of your photo ID in person at the McKinney Police Department or mail the information to 2200 Taylor-Burk Dr., McKinney, TX 75071 along with your payment and a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

• Are motorcyclists in McKinney, TX required to have insurance?

  McKinney and the rest of Texas, a fault accident state, requires all motorcycle drivers and owners to carry automotive insurance, specifically liability insurance, which pays for others’ medical bills and property damage following a crash. The minimum coverage thresholds are as follows:

  • Bodily injury liability insurance per person: $30,000
  • Bodily injury liability insurance per accident: $60,000
  • Property damage liability insurance: $25,000

• Are children allowed to ride a motorcycle in McKinney, TX?

  Following the motorcycle laws regarding children in Texas, kids who are five years of age and up are allowed to ride a motorcycle in McKinney, provided that the motorcycle has handholds and footrests for the child passenger and that the child fits comfortably in the passenger seat and wears a perfectly fitted helmet. Additionally, transporting a baby or a toddler on a motorcycle, regardless of who is operating the vehicle, is illegal in the state.

• How can you gather and preserve evidence for your personal injury claim after figuring in a motorcycle crash in McKinney, TX?

  There are several ways you can gather and preserve evidence to support your personal injury claim and help your attorney build a compelling case after getting involved in a motorcycle accident in McKinney.

  • Take photos of the accident scene with your smartphone and gather eyewitness statements.
  • Call the police to help preserve the accident scene and assess liability.
  • Get the contact details of the other party.
  • Seek medical assistance immediately. Make sure your doctor includes all your symptoms in your medical report.
  • Seek legal representation, so your attorney can discuss compensation with the other party and insurance companies.

• Who can you hold responsible if you sustain injuries in a motorcycle accident in McKinney, TX?

  The responsible parties in motorcycle accidents that happen in McKinney highly vary from case to case, but typically, the identified liable parties are:

  • Another driver who might be drunk, distracted, or recklessly operating their vehicle.
  • A motorcycle manufacturer that let a defective product go to market
  • A motorcycle technician or mechanic who might have failed to properly repair the bike.
  • A local or state government agency that contributed to hazardous road conditions or design

• Is there a deadline in McKinney, TX, for filing a lawsuit after a motorcycle accident?

  Victims of motorcycle accidents in McKinney have two years from the date of the accident to file their case. This statute of limitations is followed by the rest of Texas as well. If a motorcycle accident victim allows the two-year window to lapse without them taking legal action, they might not be able to recover damages or collect compensation for the injuries they sustained in the accident.

• 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.