Arlington Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

People might believe motorcycle crashes happen more often in urban areas due to population density. However, statistics found 60 percent of fatal and serious injury collisions take place in rural settings. Rural roadways tend to have different speeds and road conditions than urban streets. In general, rural highways have higher speed limits than urban ones. The maximum limit for some of the interstates in Texas can go as high as 85 miles per hour. Fast speeds are a contributing factor for many motorcycle collisions. Studies have shown how many motorcycle crashes occurred close to residential places. Additionally, a portion of cases happens while the rider travels on a curved road.

Most motorcycle accident law firms provide consultations for free. When you consult a motorcycle accident lawyer, make sure to bring all the necessary documentation. Documents include a police report, photos, and medical records. During the meeting, the attorney asks you multiple questions. They might inquire about the details of the accident. The lawyer usually wants to hear about your injuries and the progress of your recovery. You should answer the questions to the best of your ability. Of course, you have the opportunity to ask the attorney some questions you might have. You might want to know about the lawsuit process. Another question is if the attorney has handled cases like yours in the past. Consultations allow you to see if the lawyer is right for you. You can learn more about the information you find important. Consultations at our firm help you understand your legal options.

The law requires motorists to be reasonably careful. They have to ensure the safety of others on the road. You would need to show the defendant was not careful. People refer to the misconduct as a violation of the duty of care. Evidence can prove how the opposing party’s behavior fell short of how a reasonable person would have acted. Next, you need to establish the direct connection between the defendant’s misconduct and your injuries. Some parties argue you had a pre-existing condition. A few people have injuries due to a specific medical condition. A prior unrelated event could have resulted in the development of an injury. The harm you suffered needs to have led to measurable losses. Negligence is straightforward in some situations. However, other cases become complicated. You should have a lawyer on your side when you try to prove liability.

Some states apply damage caps to limit how much money the plaintiff gets in specific personal injury cases. While Texas does have caps on compensation, motorcycle accidents generally do not have limits. However, you have a maximum amount you can get in a settlement if you sue the government. For lawsuits against the municipality, the cap is $250,000 for each person involved. The limit includes $500,000 per instance of bodily injury. You can get no more than $100,000 for every occurrence of property damage. In a couple of situations, the court awards the plaintiff a special form of damages called punitive damages. The judge might grant punitive damages if the defendant displayed gross negligence or egregious misconduct. Caps vary based on the amount you receive in economic and non-economic damages. A plaintiff can get up to $750,000 in punitive damages. Your attorney can speak to you about possible damage caps if one applies to your case.

A victim of a motorcycle accident can recover several damages in a lawsuit. You can get reimbursement for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages involve medical expenses, and a motorcycle accident can cost people a lot of money. Annually, traumatic brain injuries cost patients almost $76.5 billion in medical care and missed wages. A single day at the hospital can cost thousands of dollars. The price of medication, medical devices, and rehabilitation places a financial burden on victims. Lost wages are common damages people can recover. The court awards you money for the number of shifts you missed. You should keep track of how many hours you lost during treatment. You can claim loss of future income for permanent injuries. Motorcycle accidents usually result in property damage. You might have spent money on repairs or a replacement. Some people have to fix or buy new glasses and phones. Property damage increases how much money you get in a settlement. Non-economic damage involves damage to a person’s mental well-being. Emotional anguish and loss of enjoyment of life are conditions you can claim in a lawsuit. Other people can get money for PTSD from a motorcycle accident.

In a few cases, the responsible driver flees the scene. The lawsuit becomes complex since the victim cannot collect insurance information or proper identification. If you were in a hit-and-run incident, you and any witnesses should try talking to the police. Video cameras could be nearby, and footage might have caught the accident. An officer might be able to track down and locate the negligent driver. You should still take photos of the accident and seek medical assistance as you usually would. If authorities manage to find the driver, you could have an easier time with your lawsuit. People can get into trouble if they leave the accident before you can report it. The court is more likely to side with the victim. However, you might not find the liable party. You would have to deal with motorcycle repairs and medical bills independently. However, your insurance policy could include uninsured motorist coverage. The coverage can help pay for damages up to a specific limit.

Even though several motorcycle accidents are complex, cases usually are likely to end in a favorable outcome. Almost 95 percent of personal injury cases successfully negotiate a settlement before they go to trial. In general, both sides prefer to go through mediation. Insurance companies have more control over the settlement than if the jury awarded the amount. If your lawsuit goes to trial, the chances of winning are lower. Unrepresented plaintiffs are more likely to leave the courtroom with a lost claim. You should have an attorney to improve your chances of fair compensation. Our lawyers work hard to get you the money you need.

Like any personal injury case, your compensation comes in one of two forms. Some people get structured settlements. A structured settlement is when you receive more than one payment over a set period. High-valued cases might issue multiple checks. Both parties discuss the frequency and amount of money per check during negotiations. You can support long-term needs and feel less pressured to give the money away. However, you would not have the funds available to pay unexpected bills. Alternatively, you could receive the money in the form of a lump sum. A person might want a lump sum since the method is the simplest way to recover damages. Compensation arrives in a single paycheck, and you can use it however you would like. Some people spend the money quickly.