Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in San Antonio

FAQs

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

  You may contact the San Antonio Police Department at (210) 207-7273.

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

  There are many ways to obtain a police report:

  • Requesting in person - Visit the SAPD Headquarters at 315 S. Santa Rosa, San Antonio from 9 AM to 4 PM, from Monday through Friday
  • Requesting by mail - Accomplish the police crash report: https://www.sanantonio.gov/Portals/0/Files/SAPD/Police-Crash-Reports.pdf and then submit it in a self-addressed stamped envelope to the San Antonio Police Department Records Office at 315 S. Santa Rosa, San Antonio, TX 78207
  • Requesting online - Click this link: https://www.sa.gov/Directory/Departments/CE/Open-Records-Request

• A pothole caused me to crash my motorcycle on a dimly lit road in San Antonio, Texas. Who can I sue for this?

  The Texas Torts Claims Act allows a citizen to sue a local municipality, such as when the said citizen has suffered damages in a driving-related accident because of neglecting to perform safety inspections, make necessary repairs, or add streetlights.

• What should I do about my injuries caused by a motorcycle accident in San Antonio?

  Seek immediate medical help. Not only does this allow a doctor to detect any hidden injuries or those injuries with delayed signs and symptoms, but it also yields medical records that you can use later when you file for a damage claim. You are also encouraged to write a daily injury journal that documents your daily suffering and struggles. This should help establish how you were significantly impacted by the accident.

• Am I going to get in trouble with the law if I allowed my four-year-old child to ride with me on my motorcycle in San Antonio, Texas?

  According to Texas Transportation Code Section 545.416(d), a child must at least be five years of age in order to be legally allowed to be a motorcycle passenger. You will be fined anywhere from $100 to $200 if you are found to be in violation of this law. In addition, the motorcycle in question should be equipped with a firmly attached child passenger seat.

• My motorcycle crashed in the middle of the road in San Antonio, Texas. Should I move it?

  If there is enough space for other vehicles to swerve around it, then leave your motorcycle exactly where it is. This is to avoid disturbing the scene of the accident and keep it as intact as possible for the investigators to see when they arrive. However, if it is causing traffic to build up or posing any danger, it would be better to get it out of the way.

• Should I just take the settlement offer I have received as compensation for my motorcycle accident injuries in San Antonio?

  It depends on whether you are satisfied with the amount you are being offered. However, refusing this and then getting an attorney involved may result in you getting awarded a higher amount. Legal procedures will be able to accurately quantify the extent of damages you actually suffered.

• 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.