If you or someone you love has been injured or killed while riding a motorcycle, please accept our sympathies as we know this is an extremely stressful situation for you and your family.
As a longtime motorcycle accident lawyer, Ted Liggett has extensive experience representing victims of motor vehicle accidents and securing the financial compensation they deserve and need to recover. From medical bills, lost wages and loss of earning capacity to sadly funeral costs, our lawyers are experienced in getting the maximum possible compensation for victims and their families who suffer injuries from motorcycle accidents.
Motorcycle Accidents are More Often Fatal
Motorcycles offer very little protection when a collision occurs. Although helmets can save lives, motorcyclists have little else to rely on should a crash occur. While motorcycles account for only 2% of registered vehicles in the U.S., motorcyclists are 35 times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident than those in passenger cars, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Automobile drivers often believe vulnerable motorcyclists should look out for cars rather than vice versa. When drivers of cars or trucks think they own the road and fail to watch out for motorcycles, the results are tragic. Motorcycle accident injuries can range from minor to disabling, and can even be fatal.
Motorcycle Accident Injury Facts
Many injuries from motorcycle accidents are internal, so you will need to see a medical professional able to diagnose and treat your injuries. It is also very important to reach out to a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible after your crash. An experienced trial attorney will know how to begin gathering and preserving the evidence that will help you obtain future compensation.
Most motorcycle accidents happen because other drivers are not sharing the road safely. Things like passing too closely, not looking for motorcycles before changing lanes or turning, and braking too quickly can easily cause devastating collisions. Many motorcycle accidents could be avoided if other motorists just drove responsibly.
Many people and insurance companies have a prejudice against those who ride motorcycles, but bikers have the same rights as any other motorists. Oftentimes after an accident, insurance companies will try to minimize blame or even shift blame completely to the motorcycle rider. The only way to get fair compensation after an accident is to work with an experienced lawyer. When you’ve been seriously injured, a motorcycle accident claim can help you get compensation for your medical bills related to the wreck, including:
It is widely known how dangerous Texas roads are for motorcyclists. During the opening session of the fourth annual Traffic Safety Conference hosted by Texas A&M’s Transportation Institute, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) speaker David Strickland reported that 16% of all motor vehicle fatalities are motorcycle riders.
Scientist Patricia Turner, also out of the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, reported the “most recent statistics show that motorcycle fatalities increased by 10 percent, from 435 in 2010 to 479 in 2011.” She was followed by the Texas Department of Public Safety Deputy Executive Director, who noted in his speech that “motorcyclists are 25 times more likely than passengers in cars to be killed in an accident, and they are five times more likely to be injured.”
More recent data continues to show that Texas roadways are still too dangerous for motorcycle riders, especially older ones. NHTSA reported fatalities for motorcycle riders over the age of 55 rose from 22% in 2010 to 28% in 2019.
What To Do After a Texas Motorcycle Accident
All car accidents can be traumatizing, but motorcycle accidents can be particularly dangerous. If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a motorcycle wreck, we understand that moving forward can seem like a tremendous task. We have worked with countless families to protect their interests while they spend time healing and grieving.
After the accident, if you or your loved one went to the hospital, you will likely start receiving medical bills and phone calls from insurance adjusters requesting that you review paperwork, to collect a statement from you, and asking for evidence related to the accident. For the sake of your case, we ask that you do not speak to the insurance company until you have spoken with an attorney.
This is critical because insurance companies are looking for any reason to deny your claim. Only the lawyer you hire will be legally bound to protect you and your family’s interests.
Motorcycle Accident Damages
When you’ve been injured or a loved one has been killed in a motorcycle accident, the consequences can be massive and Texas law recognizes this. Texas law allows you to file claims for the damages you’ve sustained for personal injuries, such as broken bones, head injuries, etc., or for the wrongful death of a close relative, such as a spouse or parent, killed in a motorcycle accident. Additionally, you are entitled to request compensation for lost wages during your time spent in the hospital and otherwise unable to return to work. If you are unable to engage in the work you previously did, and now have lost earning capacity, you can also claim damages for lost future earning capacity.
Determining what your specific damages are and the full extent of the financial impact the accident had is an extremely important. Once your case is over, what you obtain as a result will be the last time anything can be done about your crash and the resulting damage – so it is extremely important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer build a strong case that takes into account all damages you and your family sustained and will continue to deal with in the future, if applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is at fault in fatal motorcycle accidents?
The drivers of passenger vehicles are most often at fault in fatal motorcycle accidents. Car drivers commonly fail to detect and recognize bikers in the flow of traffic, as motorcycles are smaller and less visible on the road. Car and truck drivers making errors at intersections and/or in hazardous road conditions often cause fatal motorcycle crashes.
What is a major cause of death in a motorcycle accident?
One of the most common causes of fatal motorcycle accidents is an injury to the head and/or brain. Motorcycle crashes often result in serious head trauma even if the rider and/or passenger are wearing helmets. Traumatic brain injuries are the most common cause of death in motorcycle accidents.
What are the odds of getting into a motorcycle accident?
While a variety of factors can influence your chances of being involved in a motorcycle accident, the most recent statistics show that at least 1% of or one out of every 100 motorcycle riders is likely to get into a motorcycle accident.
"My sister was in a motorcycle collision and she suffered many injuries including a mild spinal injury. The staff really paid attention to her detail. She was able to keep her home and move on with her life. I am so glad she found this attorney! "
Staci Beckel, Texas
Lubbock Motorcycle Accident Attorney
When you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in or near Lubbock, Texas caused by the fault of someone else, you shouldn’t have to bear the costs of your injuries and damages. The motorcycle accident lawyers of Liggett Law Group will fight to protect your rights and hold the responsible party accountable for what they did to you.
Our experienced legal team is prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure that you get full and fair financial compensation. We will investigate what happened and use the evidence, expert reports, and other information to determine the total amount of compensation you should be paid so you don’t settle for less than you deserve. Contact us below to begin your case investigation today.
