Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle accidents can be devastating and life-altering events. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Fort Worth, knowing your rights and options for seeking compensation is essential. Hiring the right Fort Worth motorcycle accident lawyer makes it possible for you to focus on healing while your attorney handles the legal issues.
At Allbee Law Firm, our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers are dedicated to helping motorcycle accident victims get the compensation they deserve. We understand the complexities of motorcycle crashes and the challenges that come with them.
Table of Contents
How Much Compensation Can I Get For A Motorcycle Accident?
Every motorcycle crash is unique, so it’s impossible to throw a few pieces of information into a “settlement calculator” and come up with an amount that would be considered fair compensation. However, the following factors have a direct impact on how much money is paid for motorcycle accident claims:
The Severity Of Your Injuries
The severity of your motorcycle accident injuries is a critical factor in determining the amount of compensation you can receive. Serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment or long-term disability (Ex. traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, head injuries, and broken bones) will generally result in higher compensation than minor injuries.
The Extent And Cost Of Your Medical Treatment
The cost of medical treatment, including hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, can quickly add up after a motorcycle accident. The extent of medical treatment required to recover from the injuries, the amount of medical bills you currently owe, and the amount of future medical expenses are all considered as you seek compensation.
Lost Wages
Motorcycle accidents can cause injuries that impact a victim’s ability to work and earn an income. Victims may be entitled to compensation for lost income, both current and future, as well as loss of earning capacity.
Property Damage
Motorcycle accidents can also result in significant property damage, including damage to the motorcycle and protective gear. Victims may be entitled to compensation for repairing or replacing damaged property.
Clear Liability
In determining the amount of compensation a victim can receive, the degree of fault attributed to each party involved in the accident is a critical factor. Suppose a motorcycle rider is partially at fault for an accident. In that case, the rider’s compensation may be reduced based on the percentage of fault attributed to the rider.
The Amount Of Available Insurance Coverage
The amount of insurance coverage available from the at-fault party’s insurance company is a significant factor in determining a victim’s compensation. The victim’s compensation may be limited if the at-fault party is underinsured or uninsured.
Your Lawyer’s Skill And Experience
The skill and experience of your motorcycle accident attorney can also impact the compensation amount. A skilled and experienced motorcycle Fort Worth motorcycle accident lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies and advocate for your rights and the maximum compensation you deserve.
The Amount And Quality Of Evidence
The quality and strength of the evidence gathered to support a victim’s case, including medical records, witness statements, and accident reports, can significantly impact the compensation amount.
What Types Of Compensation Can I Receive For A Motorcycle Crash?
“Damages” is the legal term used to describe the types of compensation that motorcycle accident victims can receive. Damages can include economic and non-economic losses.
Economic Damages
Economic Damages
Economic damages are financial losses that have a specific dollar amount associated with them. Economic damages include the following:
- Medical expenses, including hospital bills, doctor visits, prescription medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages, both current and future, due to the inability to work after the accident
- Property damage, including damage to the motorcycle, protective gear, and any other property damaged in the accident
- Funeral expenses in the case of a wrongful death resulting from a motorcycle crash
- Loss of earning capacity due to long-term or permanent disability resulting from the accident
- Costs associated with the loss of household services or child care as a result of the accident
- Other direct costs resulting from the accident that can be quantified
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages include losses unique to the individual and don’t have specific bills, invoices, or dollar amounts connected to them. Non-economic damages include the following:
- Pain and suffering, including physical discomfort and chronic pain resulting from the accident
- Emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from the accident
- Loss of enjoyment in life due to the inability to engage in activities that the victim enjoyed before the accident
- Disfigurement or scarring that may affect a victim’s self-esteem and quality of life
- Mental anguish resulting from the accident, such as humiliation, embarrassment, and feelings of despair
- Loss of consortium or companionship due to the impact of the accident on the victim’s personal relationships
- Other losses that cannot be quantified with a specific dollar amount but significantly impact the victim’s life, such as the loss of a limb or a permanent disability.
When Do You Need A Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
The short answer is you should consider hiring a motorcycle accident attorney if you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault.
After a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to gather the information to help you build a solid case to recover compensation from the insurance company. Witnesses and evidence tend to “go missing” if you don’t have an experienced Fort Worth personal injury attorney helping you investigate and gather the vital evidence.
Speak With A Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
What Should I Do After A Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident?
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Fort Worth, there are several steps you should take to protect your rights and ensure the best possible outcome for your case.
Seek Medical Attention
Your health and well-being should be your top priority. Even if you don’t feel injured, seeking medical attention is essential as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Report The Motorcycle Accident
Report the accident to the police so they can investigate and create an accident report that documents how the wreck occurred.
Document The Scene
If it’s safe, take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to your motorcycle and other vehicles. Get the contact information of any witnesses and note any traffic violations or other factors that may have contributed to the accident.
Contact A Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
An experienced Fort Worth motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and options for seeking compensation. We can also help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
FAQs Regarding Motorcycle Crashes In Fort Worth
What Evidence Should I Gather After A Motorcycle Accident?
After a motorcycle accident, it is crucial to gather as much evidence as possible to support a potential claim. Helpful evidence can include:
- A police report
- Photographs of the accident scene and all vehicles involved
- Witness contact information
- Medical records
- Insurance and contact information for everyone involved
- Any other documentation that you believe is related to your accident
It is also essential to keep track of any medical bills or expenses related to the accident.
Who Will Pay For My Medical Bills?
Many personal injury victims receive medical treatment under a Letter of Protection. A Letter of Protection is a contract that is sent to a medical provider. The contract promises that medical bills will be paid once a case is settled or a jury verdict is awarded.
A Letter of Protection allows injury victims to receive medical treatment without having to pay upfront costs or wait for the at-fault driver’s insurance company to process the claim.
What If the Other Driver Doesn't Have Insurance?
If the at-fault driver does not have insurance, you may have the option of filing an uninsured motorist claim with your insurance company. Uninsured motorist coverage is optional insurance coverage that is used when an uninsured driver injures you.
What If The Insurance Company Offers Me A Settlement For My Motorcycle Accident?
If an insurance company offers a settlement, consulting with a personal injury lawyer before accepting the offer is essential. Insurance companies may offer a low settlement amount to avoid a lawsuit. A personal injury lawyer can evaluate the settlement offer and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
How Long Do I Have To File A Claim After A Motorcycle Accident In Fort Worth?
A statute of limitations is a law that sets a time limit for how long you have to file a lawsuit. In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. However, cases involving cities, counties, and other government entities have specific steps that you must follow within six months of the accident.
It’s crucial to speak with a Fort worth motorcycle accident attorney early in the process to protect your rights and comply with all the necessary deadlines.
How Much Will It Cost To Hire A Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Our personal injury law firm provides legal services on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t have to pay any upfront costs or fees. Our fees are a percentage of the compensation we recover for you, so you won’t have to pay anything unless we win your case.
The contingency fee varies depending on the amount of work needed to help you recover the compensation you deserve. If we can help you resolve your case prior to filing a lawsuit, the contingency fee is 33.33% of the total settlement amount. The contingency fee increases to 40% if it’s necessary to file a lawsuit. Finally, the contingency fee rises to 45% if your case goes to trial.
Can I Handle My Motorcycle Accident Case On My Own?
While it is possible to handle a motorcycle accident case independently, we don’t recommend it. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters trained to minimize the compensation you receive. An experienced Fort Worth motorcycle accident lawyer can level the playing field and ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
Do I Have To Wear A Motorcycle Helmet In Fort Worth?
Motorcyclists are required to wear a helmet in Fort Worth and throughout the State of Texas unless they are over the age of 21 and have taken a motorcycle operator and training and safety course or have a health insurance plan that will cover injuries caused by a motorcycle accident.
Do I Have to Take A Motorcycle Operator Training Course?
Yes, Texans must take a state-approved motorcycle safety course to get a motorcycle license. When applying for your motorcycle license, you must prove that you completed the training course.
Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents
Garbage And Obstructions On The Road
Items that fall off a truck or trailer can easily cause a motorcycle or car accident. The person who owns a vehicle that dropped garbage or other items on a highway or road may be liable if the debris causes a motorcycle accident.
Negligent Drivers
Even if no other vehicle hits a motorcycle, the other driver may still be responsible for an accident. For example, if a negligent driver is not paying attention and goes into the lane where the motorcycle is, the motorcycle might have to move. If the motorcycle then crashes, even though there is no direct contact between the vehicles, the first driver may be responsible.
Visibility Issues
Because they’re much smaller than cars and trucks, many motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers who only see motorcycle riders once it’s too late. Not seeing motorcyclists can be due to some or all of another driver’s view being obstructed by cars, trees, or other items. Changes in the slope of a road and other factors can create blind spots.
Distracted Driving
Drivers can be distracted by other people in the car, the radio, texting and driving, and many other factors.
Speeding
It’s essential to slow down to a safe speed before making a left turn. However, some people become “too comfortable” and drive through intersections before determining if it’s truly safe for them to do so. Drivers moving at a lower rate of speed will have more time to stop and avoid a left-turn motorcycle accident.
Likewise, motorcycle riders who drive at a moderate speed can increase their chances of having time to slow down and avoid a left-turn motorcycle accident.
Drinking And Driving
Alcohol and drugs can decrease a driver’s reaction time and cause them to be sloppy. For example, an intoxicated driver might forget to turn on their headlights or use their turn signal to let oncoming traffic know that they are going to make a turn. Drunk drivers are also less likely to notice a motorcycle rider when compared to sober drivers.
Following Too Closely
Motorcycles can accelerate and stop much more quickly than most vehicles. Rear-end motorcycle accidents usually involve drivers who are driving too fast, following too closely, or not paying attention as they should.
Free Consultation With A Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The Fort Worth motorcycle accident attorneys at Allbee Law Firm have the experience and resources you need. Contact us at (817) 244-6453 if you’ve been injured in a Fort Worth motorcycle accident.
We can handle everything from setting up your motorcycle accident claim to helping you find medical providers who will provide medical treatment without charging you out of your own pocket and much more.
We know what it takes to help you have a strong case so that you can recover compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Our Fort Worth motorcycle accident lawyers only receive compensation when we help you win, so there’s no risk of you owing us any money. Contact Allbee Law Firm about your motorcycle accident claim today.