In 2020, Texas ranked sixth in the nation for the highest number of registered motorcycles, totaling 328,300. The “Lone Star State” offers over 260,000 square miles of diverse scenery from the Gulf of Mexico shoreline to rolling grassy plains, lakes, rivers, forests, rugged mountains, and more. There are plenty of reasons to ride a motorcycle in Texas, whether it is for your daily commute, a weekend ride, or a long road trip.
Unfortunately, the freedom and fun of riding a motorcycle also come with inherent danger. Despite your best efforts to drive responsibly, other drivers on the road may fail to adhere to best driving practices, and accidents can occur. Any collision involving a motorcycle can result in severe injuries for the motorcycle rider. If you or someone you know has been in a motorcycle accident, it is important to speak to a Richardson motorcycle accident lawyer to understand your legal rights. Contact us today!
Texas Motorcycle Accident Statistics
There were about 5,700 fatal motorcycle crashes on U.S. roads in 2020, translating into a fatal motorcycle crash involvement rate of 32.4 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. Motorcycles accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities, despite the fact that they make up only 3% of all registered vehicles in the United States.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the total number of motorcycle accidents in Texas in 2020 was 7,481. Across the state, there were 482 motorcycle accident fatalities. There were also 1,856 motorcyclists seriously injured.
Types of Richardson Motorcycle Accident Injuries
The severity of motorcycle injuries depends mainly on the speed and angle of impact. By law, Texas motorcyclists over the age of 21 are required to wear a DOT-approved helmet unless they can prove that they have completed an approved motorcycle operator training course or they have medical insurance coverage of at least $10,000. There is no helmet exception for riders under the age of 21. Other safety apparel such as eye protection, gloves, a jacket, pants, and foot coverings are also recommended. Here are a few common types of Texas motorcycle injuries:
- Whiplash and neck injuries,
- Broken or fractured bones,
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI),
- Cuts and lacerations,
- Spinal cord and back injuries,
- Facial scarring or disfigurement,
- Damage to organs, and
- Internal bleeding.
These injuries can be life-changing. If you or a loved one was involved in a motorcycle accident caused by the negligent action of another person, you may be eligible for compensation. If your loved one died in a motorcycle accident, you may have a wrongful death claim. Your Richardson TX motorcycle accident attorney can help you identify your legal options. Contact us today!
Can I File a Lawsuit for a Richardson Motorcycle Accident?
If you sustained serious injuries from a motorcycle accident that was not your fault, you should not have to pay for the expenses associated with those injuries and have a right to compensation for their impact.
In many cases, motorcycle accidents are caused by vehicle drivers who fail to follow traffic laws or notice motorcycles on the road. Here are some common ways that negligent driving cause motorcycle accidents:
- The driver did not recognize the speed of the motorcycle and cut them off;
- The driver failed to yield to a motorcycle;
- The driver did not check their blind spot before merging;
- The driver was speeding or following the motorcycle too closely;
- The driver merged without signaling; or
- The driver did not provide enough room for nearby motorcycles.
Your Richardson motorcycle accident attorney can conduct an independent investigation into your claim to determine what happened and who was at fault.
What If I Was Partially at Fault for My Texas Motorcycle Accident?
Texas follows the rule of modified comparative negligence. Under this system, your level of responsibility for the accident is taken into consideration. If you were 20% responsible, you will receive compensation for only 80% of your damages. If you were more than 50% responsible, you won’t be able to recover compensation at all.
If you are worried that your part in the accident will bar you from recovery, you should talk to your Richardson TX motorcycle accident attorney. Your legal counsel can help you gather evidence and build your case in a way that helps defend against any accusations from the defendant claiming that you had a greater part in the accident than you actually did.
Hiring a Richardson Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Navigating the legal system is a complex endeavor, to say the least. An experienced attorney can simplify the process and help you craft the ideal legal strategy for your specific case. Hartley Law Firm has received multiple industry awards for excellence in the legal field. We pride ourselves on aggressive representation and results that speak for themselves. Contact us today to schedule your free case consultation.
