Austin Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Fighting For Motorcycle Crash Victims in Texas
Motorcycle accidents have the potential to result in devastating, potentially catastrophic harm to the rider. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reports that 410 motorcyclists were killed in accidents in 2019 alone. Many hundreds more suffered severe injuries. After a motorcycle crash, injured victims need immediate medical attention and legal representation from a trustworthy motorcycle crash lawyer.
At National Trial Law, our Austin motorcycle crash attorneys have the legal skills, expertise, and tenacity to get injured victims’ full financial compensation. If you or your loved one was hurt in a motorcycle wreck, we are ready to help. To set up a free, fully confidential initial case evaluation with an experienced Texas motorcycle injury attorney, please contact our Austin law office today.
Call National Trial Law today at (833) 913-1885 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our motorcycle accident attorney in Austin.
Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim in TX
Texas is a fault-based motorcycle accident state. To hold another party—a driver, truck company, motorcycle manufacturer, etc.—liable for your crash, you must prove that their negligence caused the accident. It is crucial that you reach out to an Austin motorcycle accident attorney immediately after a collision. Your lawyer will secure the evidence you need to prove fault and ensure that your motorcycle accident lawsuit is filed before any statute of limitations expires. In Texas, motorcycle accident victims have the right to recover compensation for the full value of their damages, including:
- Motorcycle repairs or replacement
- Ambulance costs and emergency medical care
- Medical and hospital bills
- Physical and psychological therapies
- Loss of current and future wages
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent scarring or disability
- Wrongful death
We know that you and your family need financial compensation to cover medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At National Trial Law, our Austin motorcycle accident lawyers have a proven record of successful results in motorcycle accident claims.
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What are the motorcycle laws in texas?
Before you get on a motorcycle in Texas, it is essential that you understand our state’s laws. Motorcyclists have every right to use the road—but they also have legal responsibilities to protect themselves and others from harm. Here are three key things to know about the motorcycle laws in Texas:
- Licensing Requirement: As explained by the Texas Department of Public Safety, a rider must obtain a Class M driver’s license to operate a motorcycle on public roads in our state.
- Lane-Splitting: Motorcycle lane-splitting is not permitted in Texas. A rider cannot navigate in between lanes of traffic, even if that traffic is stopped or moving very slowly.
Texas Motorcycle Helmet Law
In Texas, motorcycle riders and passengers who are younger than 21 years old are required by law to wear a helmet that meets the safety standards set by the Texas Department of Public Safety. However, riders who are 21 years old or older are not legally required to wear a helmet if they have completed a motorcycle safety course or possess health insurance that covers motorcycle accidents.
Real Client testimonials
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Warm demeanor and true professionals.
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Professional and supportive team
“National Trial Law and the entire team were amazing! They were always there to answer questions and provide support. During tough times, they were nothing but professional and comforting. Thank you!”
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“We are truly grateful for National Trial Law and the dedication they put towards our son's case. The trusts they set up help him immensely. Always easy to communicate with, we highly recommend them.”
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Some of the things that separate motorcycle accidents from other types of motor vehicle collisions are the unique causes of these crashes. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle wrecks in Texas include:
- Speeding
- Unsafe lane changes by drivers
- People turn left directly into an oncoming motorcycle
- Following a motorcycle too closely
- Distracted driving
- Intoxicated driving
Every motorcycle accident requires a comprehensive investigation to determine exactly what happened and why it happened. Too often, motorcycle crashes occur because other drivers simply fail to notice and respect bikes. Our Austin, TX motorcycle lawyers will take immediate action to investigate your crash, gathering all the evidence and information needed to prove fault.
How to Prove Negligence for a Motorcycle Accidents
Proving negligence typically involves establishing four key elements:
- Duty of Care: The first step in proving negligence is indicating that the other party owed you a duty of care. All drivers have a legal duty to drive their vehicles safely and responsibly, taking care to evade causing harm to others, including motorcyclists.
- Breach of Duty: After establishing the duty of care, it must be shown that the at-fault party breached this duty. A breach of duty often occurs when a driver fails to act in a manner that a reasonable person would under similar circumstances. Common examples of a breach in motorcycle accident cases include speeding, distracted driving, running red lights, failing to yield, or driving under the influence.
- Causation: Next, it must be proven that the at-fault party's breach of duty directly caused the accident and your injuries. This step is crucial because the defendant may argue that something else caused the crash or that your injuries were not directly connected. Evidence like witness testimony, accident reports, and expert opinions can help establish causation.
- Damages: Lastly, you will need to establish that the accident resulted in measurable damages to recover compensation. Damages include physical injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Documentation of your injuries, medical records, and repair estimates for your motorcycle are essential pieces of evidence.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle crashes are one of the most dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 80% of motorcycle accidents result in injuries to riders. As motorcyclists and motorcycle passengers are exposed, injuries can be truly devastating.
Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Road rash and deep lacerations
- Biker’s arm
- Burn injuries
- Broken bones
- Whiplash and other soft tissue damage
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Severe mental and psychological distress
- Internal bleeding and internal organ damage
Spinal cord injuries
What is the Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Claims in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for motorcycle accident claims is generally two years from the accident date. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit pursuing compensation for injuries, property damage, and other losses. Failing to file within this timeframe could result in losing your right to pursue legal action.
It is important to note that certain circumstances can affect the statute of limitations. For example, if the motorcycle accident resulted in the death of a loved one, a wrongful death claim must also be filed within two years from the date of death. In some cases, exceptions may apply, such as when the injured party is a minor or the defendant cannot be located. Consulting with our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys in Austin as soon as possible after an accident can help ensure that crucial deadlines are met and your rights are protected.
Contact Our Austin Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today
At National Trial Law, our firm is committed to providing injured motorcyclists with the experienced legal representation they deserve. We will work tirelessly to understand all aspects of your particular case, and fight on behalf of your rights.
Contact our Austin motorcycle accident lawyers today for an evaluation of your accident.
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PEER APPROVED
More attorneys named Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters in the “Personal Injury Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff” category in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 than any other law firm in Texas (Bill Whitehurst, Chip Brees, Michelle Cheng, Jamal Alsaffar, Laurie Higginbotham and Tom Jacob)
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TEXAS ROOTS
Founded in Austin with more than 50 years of trial experience.
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NATIONAL REACH
National results in complex personal injury litigation.
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DEEP BENCH
Many experienced lawyers ready to serve you.
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SE HABLA ESPAÑOL
Our team has multiple Spanish speaking staff members.