Motorcycles offer an exhilarating way to travel, but they also come with significant risks. Riders are far more exposed than car drivers, making them vulnerable to severe injuries in the event of an accident. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are becoming more frequent, often due to reckless driving, poor road conditions, or other factors. When these accidents occur, the consequences can be life-changing, leading to medical bills, loss of income, and long-term physical trauma. That’s where hiring a motorcycle wreck attorney becomes crucial. These legal experts specialize in handling motorcycle accident claims, ensuring that victims get the compensation they deserve.
What is a Motorcycle Wreck Attorney?
A motorcycle wreck attorney is a legal professional who focuses on representing individuals involved in motorcycle accidents. Unlike general personal injury lawyers, these attorneys specialize in the unique aspects of motorcycle accident law, such as the challenges riders face with insurance companies and the types of injuries common among motorcyclists.
They act as advocates for victims, guiding them through every stage of the legal process—from investigating the crash to negotiating settlements or representing clients in court if necessary.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can occur for various reasons, and identifying the cause is crucial in determining liability. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers texting or not paying attention often fail to notice motorcycles.
- Unsafe Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, or poorly marked roads increase the risk of crashes.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Speeding drivers pose a significant threat to motorcyclists due to the reduced reaction time.
- Mechanical Failures: Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or defective parts can cause serious accidents.
Types of Injuries in Motorcycle Wrecks
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with helmets, riders can suffer concussions or more severe brain injuries.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These can lead to partial or total paralysis, drastically changing a victim’s quality of life.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Arms, legs, and ribs are particularly vulnerable in crashes.
- Road Rash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Scraping along the pavement can cause painful abrasions that require medical treatment.
Why You Need a Motorcycle Wreck Attorney
Handling a motorcycle accident claim on your own can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries and property damage. A motorcycle wreck attorney provides several benefits, including:
- Navigating Legal Complexities: Accident claims involve intricate legal procedures that an attorney can expertly manage.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often attempt to undervalue claims; an attorney ensures fair compensation.
- Maximizing Compensation: Attorneys help calculate the full extent of your losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
How a Motorcycle Wreck Attorney Can Help Your Case
A motorcycle wreck attorney does more than file paperwork. They work diligently to build a solid case by:
- Investigating the Accident: An attorney will reconstruct the accident, gather evidence, and consult with experts if necessary.
- Collecting Evidence and Witness Statements: Photos, police reports, and eyewitness accounts strengthen the claim.
- Negotiating Settlements with Insurers: Attorneys know how to push back against lowball offers and get the best possible settlement for their clients.
Determining Liability in Motorcycle Accidents
Proving fault in motorcycle accidents can be challenging. Attorneys investigate all aspects of the crash to establish negligence.
- Proving Negligence: The attorney must show that the other party’s actions directly caused the accident.
- Comparative Negligence: Even if you share some blame for the accident, you may still recover compensation depending on your state’s comparative negligence laws.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Taking the right steps immediately after an accident can strengthen your claim. Here’s what you should do:
- Call Emergency Services: Always report the accident to the police and seek medical help.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the damage, injuries, and surroundings.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor to avoid complications later.
Insurance Challenges Motorcycle Riders Face
Insurance companies are often biased against motorcyclists, assuming they take unnecessary risks. Riders frequently face:
- Denied Claims or Delays: Insurers may look for ways to avoid paying.
- Uninsured Motorist Issues: If the at-fault driver lacks insurance, the process becomes more complicated.
- Lowball Settlement Offers: Adjusters may undervalue injuries and losses, assuming victims won’t challenge the offer.
Learn More About Motorcycle Wrecks and Protecting yourself
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 5,579 motorcyclists killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2020.¹ This is the highest number of motorcycle fatalities since the creation of the Fatality Analysis Reporting System in 1975. There were an estimated 82,528 motorcyclists injured that year as well.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys at Snellings Law have handled numerous motorcycle crashes. We’ve also handled motorcycle accidents that resulted in death. As bike accident lawyers, we know that motorcycle riders are more vulnerable to severe injury and death than drivers in other vehicles. Oftentimes, drivers will attempt to avoid responsibility by claiming not to have seen the motorcycle. Drivers also attempt to use motorcycle stereotypes to their advantage by claiming the motorcycle driver was going too fast or weaving in and out of traffic. Our motorcycle accident attorneys know how to refute these claims. We go the extra mile and work to obtain the full value of our injured motorcycle clients’ claims.
How our personal injury law firm can help:
As motorcycle wreck lawyers, we are driven to help our motorcycle clients in Frisco, Sherman, and the surrounding North Texas areas. We want motorcyclists to stay safe on the road and know how to protect themselves.
We have blogs that you might find helpful if you or someone you love rides a motorcycle. Motorcycle Crashes Happen and Helmets and the Law contain good information for riders to know before they hop on their bikes. Motorcycle Insurance provides helpful information about insurance policies. Uneasy Riders can help you determine if you need a motorcycle accident lawyer after a crash. Hopefully, you will never need to use that information or our services as motorcycle wreck lawyers.
However, please remember that Snellings Law is here for you if you need us. It is our mission to help victims in North Texas, and we work to achieve this goal by providing legal representation to bike accident victims. If you have been injured in a bike accident, we can help you receive the full settlement you deserve to cover your medical bills and compensate you for your pain and suffering.
We know the stresses that come with being injured in a bike accident. Motorcycle accident injuries usually require more involved medical care, and finding medical treatment after a bike accident can be tough. We can help connect you with providers that will help you get the medical treatment you need while fighting for you so that you don’t have to worry about your medical expenses.
Our motorcycle accident lawyers will go above and beyond to fight for you. If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle crash in Collin or Grayson County, give us a call today. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys can help you determine your next steps.