An Attorney Fighting For The Rights Of Injured Motorcyclists
Everyone legally driving a motor vehicle has an equal right to use Texas roads and highways. That’s how things work in theory, but not always in practice. Motorcyclists are too often treated as unwelcome intruders and are not afforded the same respect and consideration as drivers of four-wheeled vehicles. Motorcycle accidents are common, and many are catastrophic.
If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash in Mansfield or surrounding areas, contact Bradlyn J. Cole & Associates, PLLC, for the skillful and aggressive legal representation you deserve. Attorney Cole brings more than a decade of legal experience to each client, as well as personalized service and attention.
Common Motorcycle Accident Scenarios And Causes
Motorcycles are smaller and lighter than other vehicles and offer no protection in a collision. Bikers typically know that their lives are on the line, which is why most riders are cautious and attentive. When an accident occurs between a motorcyclist and the driver of a car or truck, it is often due to the other driver’s negligence. Common causes and scenarios include:
- Left-turn accidents in which inattentive drivers make a left turn across the path of an oncoming biker
- Rear-end crashes that occur because drivers cut off motorcyclists or stop suddenly when a biker is behind their vehicle
- Crashes caused by drunk and drugged drivers
- Failure to yield the right of way
Sadly, many motorcycle accidents occur simply because drivers fail to keep a lookout for anything smaller than another car. Motorcyclists often go unnoticed until it’s too late and a crash is imminent.
Answers To Frequently Asked Motorcycle Accident Questions
Below, you’ll find answers to questions you may have about motorcycle accident claims.
What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident?
Your priority needs to be obtaining medical attention if you need it (and you likely will). If you are still conscious and able to communicate at the crash site, you should gather whatever evidence you can (including pictures of the area and vehicles) and collect the contact information of the other driver and any witnesses to the crash. Law enforcement will need to be notified if they don’t automatically arrive with the ambulance.
Once you have left the crash site, gotten medical treatment and become medically stable, it’s important to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your rights and legal options.
What damages can I seek after a motorcycle accident?
Motorcycle crash victims can seek compensation for expenses and losses related to the accident, including:
- Medical bills and treatment-related expenses
- Estimated future medical bills
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Permanent disability and expenses related to necessary adaptations
Like semi-truck crashes, motorcycle accidents are often catastrophic for victims in smaller vehicles. If you’ve been hurt, you’ll need the help of an aggressive attorney who will fight for maximum compensation on your behalf. Throughout his career, attorney Cole has helped clients recover tens of millions of dollars for their injuries or the death of a loved one.
How do insurance claims work in motorcycle accident cases?
Texas is a fault state, meaning that the costs of the accident will be covered by the insurance company of the person who caused the crash. However, insurance companies are primarily concerned with their own bottom line, and they will try to contest fault and liability if at all possible. Therefore, you need to be ready to prove (with the help of a lawyer) that the other driver was negligent and caused the crash.
Mr. Cole is a seasoned litigator who understands how to thoroughly investigate a crash and build a compelling case for liability. He is often able to obtain a favorable settlement for clients because insurers understand that taking the case to court would be a losing strategy.
Can I still claim compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Yes, you can. Texas recognizes a legal principle known as modified comparative negligence. This means that injury victims can seek compensation even if they were partially at fault for the crash or their own injuries in the crash (so long as they are less than 50% at fault). The caveat is that their compensation will be reduced by their assigned percentage of fault.
If you weren’t wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, chances are good that you would be found partially at fault for your own injuries – even if your choice to forego a helmet was perfectly legal. Therefore, you could still claim compensation, but it might be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. This is one of many good reasons to always wear a helmet.
Reach Out Today For Strong Legal Advocacy
Based in Mansfield, Bradlyn J. Cole & Associates, PLLC, serves clients throughout the surrounding areas of Texas. To claim your free initial consultation with a dedicated personal injury lawyer, call 682-332-4689 or contact the firm online.