The Lone Star State has thousands of motorcycle crashes every year. In 2023 alone, these resulted in nearly 600 deaths and 2,400 serious injuries. Just because these accidents are common doesn’t mean you aren’t entitled to compensation if you’ve been involved in one. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another person’s negligence, contact our team at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law today for a free and confidential case review.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can result in a range of injuries, and the severity can vary widely depending on factors such as speed, impact, protective gear, and the type of collision. Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:
Road Rash
Abrasions and lacerations are caused by friction between the skin and the road surface. Wearing protective gear, such as leather or durable textiles, can help minimize road rash.
Fractures and Broken Bones
In motorcycle accidents, fractures and broken bones are common, especially in the extremities. Riders often experience fractures in the arms, legs, hands, and feet.
Head Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur if the rider is not wearing a helmet or if the helmet is inadequate. Head injuries can range from concussions to severe brain damage.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Injuries to the spinal cord can result in paralysis or loss of motor function below the injury site. These injuries can have long-term consequences on a person’s quality of life.
Internal Injuries
Trauma to internal organs can occur due to the impact of a motorcycle accident. These injuries may not be immediately apparent and may require medical evaluation to determine their severity and the proper course of treatment.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons can occur, leading to strains, sprains, and other soft tissue damage.
Joint Injuries
Dislocations or injuries to joints, such as the shoulder, hip, or knee, can happen during a motorcycle accident.
Facial Injuries
Facial injuries, including fractures, contusions, and lacerations, can occur if the rider’s face comes into contact with the motorcycle or other objects during the crash.
Burn Injuries
Burns can result from contact with hot surfaces, such as the motorcycle engine or road pavement, and may require specialized medical care.
Psychological Injuries
The trauma of a motorcycle accident can lead to psychological injuries. Examples include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can occur due to various factors, and understanding the common causes is crucial for improving safety on the road and reducing your chances of being involved in accidents. Some of the most frequent causes of motorcycle accidents include:
Failure to See Motorcycles
In many cases, motorcycles are less visible than larger vehicles, and drivers may fail to notice them, especially in blind spots. Collisions can occur when drivers fail to check carefully for motorcycles before changing lanes or making turns.
Left-Turn Accidents
Accidents frequently happen when a car makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. This is often due to the driver misjudging the motorcycle’s speed or failing to see it.
Distracted Driving
Drivers distracted by texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting in-car entertainment systems may not be fully aware of their surroundings, increasing the risk of collisions with motorcycles.
Failure to Yield
If drivers fail to yield the right of way to motorcycles at intersections or when merging, collisions can occur, and motorcyclists can experience severe injuries.
What to Do after a Motorcycle Accident
If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to prioritize safety, assess injuries, and take appropriate actions. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do after a motorcycle accident:
Ensure Safety
Move to a safe location, especially if the accident occurred in the middle of the road. This helps avoid additional collisions or injuries.
Check for Injuries
Assess yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, call for emergency medical assistance immediately.
Call the Police
Report the accident to the police, even if it seems minor. An official police report can be valuable for insurance claims and legal purposes.
Exchange Information
Exchange contact information, insurance details, and vehicle registration information with the other parties involved. Also, get contact information from any witnesses.
Document the Scene
Take pictures of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, the damage, and any relevant road signs or conditions. This documentation can be valuable for insurance claims.
Don’t Admit Fault
Don’t admit fault or make statements that could be interpreted as admissions of guilt. Stick to factual information when you discuss the accident with other parties and the police.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if injuries don’t seem particularly serious, it’s essential to seek medical attention. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and early medical intervention can make a big difference in your recovery.
File an Accident Report
In some jurisdictions, you may need to file an accident report with the local law enforcement agency. Check local laws and regulations to determine if this is required.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with accurate and detailed information about the accident. Follow their instructions for filing a claim.
Preserve Evidence
Keep copies of all documentation related to the accident, including the police report, medical records, and communications with insurance companies. This information may be crucial later on.
Consult an Attorney
Consult with an attorney specializing in personal injury or motorcycle accidents, especially if there are legal implications or disputes. They can provide guidance on your rights and help you figure out the best course of action.
Follow Up on Medical Treatment
Attend all necessary follow-up appointments and adhere to the recommended medical treatment plan. This is important for your recovery and can also strengthen your case if you pursue legal action.
What If the Driver Flees the Scene?
In Texas, it is illegal for a driver to flee the scene of an accident. If a driver chooses to leave the scene, they may be subject to the following:
- Fines
- Jail or prison time
- Licenses suspension.
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident, you should contact a lawyer and your insurance company for help navigating the situation and getting compensated fairly.
What if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?
It is legal in Texas to ride a motorcycle without wearing a helmet. Therefore, you can still pursue your case even if you weren’t wearing one. Particularly if you were injured as a result of someone else’s negligence and your lack of a helmet did not cause or exacerbate your injuries, it should not impact your compensation.
Keep in mind that insurance companies frequently look for ways to deflect responsibility and minimize the amount they have to pay you. They might argue that your choosing not to wear a helmet is a sign that you were careless and, therefore, don’t deserve as much compensation.
Having a team of motorcycle accident lawyers on your side can help you avoid these situations and get you the compensation you deserve.
What Will a Conroe Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Do for You?
Conroe motorcycle accident lawyers will help with all aspects of your case, from conducting an investigation and proving the other driver’s negligence to helping you file a claim and negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf.
Our Conroe motorcycle accident lawyers have decades of experience navigating crashes and injuries like yours, and they know what it takes to help you win your case. They will also provide ongoing support throughout the legal process, freeing you up to focus on your physical and psychological recovery.
What Damages Can Our Conroe Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Recover?
The motorcycle accident lawyers at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law can recover a variety of damages for our clients, including but not limited to the following:
- Medical expenses: Compensation for medical costs associated with the treatment of injuries sustained in the motorcycle accident, including hospital bills, surgery costs, medications, rehabilitation, and future medical expenses.
- Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery. This may include past and future lost earnings.
- Pain and suffering: Damages designed to compensate the victim for physical and emotional distress, as well as suffering resulting from the motorcycle accident and the aftermath.
- Property damage: Compensation for the repair or replacement of the motorcycle and any other personal property.
- Loss of consortium: Compensation for the negative impact the injuries may have on the victim’s relationships.
- Punitive damages: Punitive damages may be awarded if the at-fault party’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious to punish them and reduce their chances of engaging in similar behavior in the future.
Choose Our Conroe Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident? If so, the Conroe motorcycle accident lawyers at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law are here for you.
Call us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for a free and confidential consultation. Remember, we offer a no-fee guarantee, so you don’t pay anything unless you win your case!
Attorney Terry Bryant
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]