Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in San Antonio, TX
Motorcycle accidents can be life-altering, often resulting in serious injuries, costly medical bills, significant financial burdens, and pain and suffering. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else's negligence, it's crucial to consult an experienced San Antonio motorcycle accident lawyer.
Insurance companies often try to argue that motorcycles are inherently more dangerous and pin blame on motorcyclists for accidents. We work tirelessly to ensure that your side of the story is heard and that justice is served.
At Alpha Accident Lawyers, we are committed to providing the support and legal advocacy you need to win your case. Call our personal injury law firm today to schedule a free consultation.
START YOUR FREE CONSULTATIONFree Consultation + ZERO Upfront Costs
At Alpha Accident Lawyers, we operate on a contingency fee agreement, which means you won't pay us anything unless we win your case. Therefore, you can utilize our legal services without worrying about any upfront legal costs.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and help you understand your legal options. During this consultation, we will listen to your account of the accident and inform you of the viability of your case.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in San Antonio
A new Forbes study ranked Texas as one of the top 5 states for the worst drivers. San Antonio motorcycle accidents often occur due to driver negligence. Some of the top causes of motorcycle crashes include:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents in Texas, including those involving motorcycles. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, eating, or engaging in other distractions are less likely to notice motorcyclists, increasing the risk of collisions. The Lone Star state ranks the 10th highest for the number of fatal auto accidents involving a distracted driver.
Speeding
Speeding continues to be the No. 1 leading cause of traffic fatalities in Texas. In 2022, 1,469 people were killed on Texas roads in speed-related crashes. When drivers speed, they may not have enough time to react to road hazards and other motorists. Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of an auto accident.
Failure to Yield
According to the Federal Highway Administration, about half of all traffic injuries occur at or near intersections. Many motorcycle accidents occur at intersections when other drivers fail to yield the right of way to motorcyclists. This can happen when making left turns, merging, or entering a roadway.
Impaired Driving
The Forbes study revealed that Texas has the 2nd highest number of drunk drivers involved in fatal car accidents. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times and poor judgment and are more likely to cause deadly crashes.
Road Hazards
Motorcycles are more vulnerable to road hazards such as potholes, debris, uneven surfaces, and poorly maintained roads. These hazards can cause a motorcyclist to lose control and crash. If a local government fails to maintain or repair a hazardous road condition, they may be held liable for an accident caused by the road hazard.
More common causes of motorcycle accidents:
- Lane splitting: Lane splitting is currently not legal in Texas. This practice involves riding between lanes or rows of slow-moving or stopped traffic traveling in the same direction. Lane splitting can be dangerous as drivers may not see or expect a motorcycle between lanes, even if traffic is stopped. Motorcyclists can also end up in a vehicle's blind spot, increasing the risk of an accident.
- Weather conditions: Poor weather conditions, such as rain, fog, and high winds, can make road conditions hazardous for motorcycle riders. Rain, snow, and ice can make roads slippery and reduce traction. Slick roads can cause a motorcycle to slide, making it easy to lose control. Fog and high winds can impair a motorcyclist’s ability to see clearly and be seen by other drivers.
- Inexperienced riders: New riders may lack the skills and judgment needed to navigate traffic safely, handle road hazards, and respond to emergencies effectively.
- Aggressive driving: Aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, and sudden lane changes can create dangerous situations for motorcyclists. The most common aggressive driving behaviors include speeding, tailgating, brake checking, cutting off other drivers, and disobeying traffic signals.
- Vehicle blind spots: Motorcycles are much smaller than passenger vehicles and can easily be hidden in a driver’s blind spots. Drivers who do not check their blind spots thoroughly before changing lanes or merging may collide with motorcyclists.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protective barriers that cars provide. Although motorcyclists make up only 3% of all registered vehicles in the US, motorcycle riders account for 14.6% of all traffic fatalities and 3.5% of all injuries. Common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents include:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Facial injuries
- Herniated discs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Road rash
- Internal injuries
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Amputations
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
Dealing with the aftermath of a serious motorcycle accident can be overwhelming and stressful, but taking specific steps can help safeguard your health, well-being, and legal rights. Here are important steps to take after a motorcycle accident:
- Call the police: Call 911 and request an officer to come to the accident scene. Ensure you obtain a copy of the police report for your records.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, it's crucial to get a medical evaluation. Get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible to ensure any injuries are diagnosed and treated promptly. Follow your prescribed treatment plan and keep records of all medical visits and treatments.
- Document the scene: If you can, take photos and videos of your injuries, the accident scene and vehicles involved, road conditions, and damage to your motorcycle.
- Gather information: Collect contact and insurance information from the other driver(s) involved in the accident. If there are witnesses, ensure you also get their names and contact details.
- Avoid making statements: Be cautious about what you say at the accident scene. Avoid apologizing, admitting fault, or making statements that could be interpreted as accepting blame.
- Notify your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance company promptly. Provide them with the necessary, factual details, but avoid giving a recorded statement or accepting a settlement offer without consulting a San Antonio motorcycle accident lawyer.
- Keep records: Maintain detailed records of everything related to the accident and your recovery, including medical bills, repair estimates, and any out-of-pocket expenses incurred. This documentation will be crucial for proving your damages and losses.
- Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer: Reach out to a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can provide legal guidance, handle communications with insurance companies, and build a strong motorcycle accident case.
Types of Compensation Available in a Motorcycle Accident Claim
Motorcycle accident victims may be able to recover different types of financial compensation in a personal injury claim, including the following:
- Medical expenses: In a personal injury claim, you may be able to recover medical expenses, including emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, physical therapy, prescription medications, assistive medical devices, and future medical expenses.
- Lost wages: If the motorcycle accident has caused you to miss work, you may be able to recover compensation for lost wages. This includes the income you have lost due to time off work and the income you will lose if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job. In some cases, this may also cover lost earning capacity if you can no longer perform the same type of work.
- Pain and suffering: This type of compensation is more subjective and covers the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the accident. These damages can include depression, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of activities or life.
- Disfigurement and scarring: If the accident results in significant scarring or disfigurement, you may receive compensation for the impact these injuries have on your appearance and psychological well-being.
- Property damage: Compensation for property damage can cover the repair or replacement of your motorcycle and any other personal property that was damaged in the accident.
- Wrongful death: If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash, you may be able to recover compensation for damages, including medical bills related to the motorcycle accident, funeral and burial expenses, and pain and suffering.
- Punitive damages: In motorcycle accident cases where the defendant’s conduct was considered egregious, punitive damages may be awarded to the victim. Punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant for their gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
Why You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle wrecks often result in severe injuries and complex legal challenges. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in San Antonio have the expertise and experience to deal with any opponent, including large insurance companies. We will meticulously investigate your case, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, advocate for your best interests, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our personal injury law firm proudly maintains a 99% success rate and has a proven track record in recovering the maximum compensation. We have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients, helping them recover financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other out-of-pocket losses.
Dealing with the Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies after a motorcycle accident can be challenging, especially due to prevailing bias against them. Often, in a motorcycle accident case, there is an unfair assumption that motorcycle riders are reckless, making them more likely to be considered at fault. In addition, insurers may try to downplay the severity of injuries suffered by a motorcycle rider.
It is crucial to have an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer by your side who will protect your rights and negotiate with insurance adjusters. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in San Antonio will handle all communications with the insurance companies, gather compelling evidence on your behalf, and prove the other party's negligence. We will help you pursue the maximum compensation available.
Contacting a San Antonio Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident, don’t hesitate to contact our motorcycle accident lawyers in San Antonio. Our award-winning personal injury lawyers can help you identify the responsible parties and hold them liable for your losses and injuries. From dealing with insurance companies to investigating the accident scene, we handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on your recovery.
Let us help you protect your rights and work to secure the compensation you deserve. Call our San Antonio law firm today for a free consultation.
Alpha Accident Lawyers — San Antonio, TX
Address: 118 Broadway Suite 534, San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: (726) 610-3212
Free Consultation
You will never be charged any fees unless we win your case. If you have been injured in an accident, contact us for your free consultation today.