Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in The Woodlands

FAQs

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

  The Woodlands is covered by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, which can be reached for non-emergency concerns at 936-442-7797. The 4th precinct of the Harris County Constable's Office may also respond to non-emergencies and can be contacted at 281-376-3472.

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

  A copy of your police report can be acquired through the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office website or through an in-person request at the 4th precinct of the Harris County Constable's Office at Harris County 6831 Cypresswood Dr. Spring, Texas.

• What are common tactics that insurance companies use to mitigate your compensation following a motorcycle accident in and around The Woodlands area?

  In The Woodlands, insurance companies commonly ask for a statement from you following an accident, using curated questions to assign partial fault on your part to mitigate due compensation. Insurance providers also occasionally use contractual language in their policies that lower insurance payouts according to your area's average accident expenses instead of your medical bills. Knowing these, you must be careful in dealing with them, and a better course of action is to seek guidance from a lawyer.

• In The Woodlands, what are common injuries motorcycle accident victims sustain?

  Victims of motorcycle accidents in The Woodland typically suffer from a range of minor to major injuries, from road rash caused by coming into contact with the road at high speeds to fractured ribs that puncture internal organs such as the lungs, stomach, or heart. Some of the most severe injuries still common in motorcycle accidents include permanent spinal trauma and brain injuries causing long-term disability.

• What do law firms do when advocating for motorcycle accident victims in The Woodlands?

  Law firms serving motorcycle accident victims in The Woodlands usually handle the paperwork involved in filing a compensation claim against at-fault parties and insurance companies while staying on top of investigations to collate evidence supporting clients' claims. Some firms employ a network of medical professionals and accident reconstruction specialists to better determine the value of compensation due to their clients.

• Are you required to litigate your motorcycle accident claim in The Woodlands?

  For motorcycle accident victims in The Woodlands, you are not required to litigate your claim if you can reach a settlement with your insurance company and the negligent parties involved. Law firms generally assist in negotiating, helping you get due compensation according to the economic and non-economic losses and damages you suffered following the accident.

• Within the general area of The Woodlands, what are some hazards to look out for to avoid getting into a motorcycle accident?

  Common hazards motorcyclists can look out for in The Woodlands include poorly or illegally parked vehicles, unsafe road conditions, and fixed barriers like roadside railings and overpass supports. Motorists can also look out for hazards from fellow drivers, such as sudden turns from neighboring vehicles, unsafe entries from oncoming traffic, and aggressive or reckless drivers.

• 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.