One mistake on your motorcycle could completely destroy your life in one minute flat. You might be riding back from work when suddenly everything changes due to an accident, and then you will incur hospital bills, an injured bike, and an insurer who doesn’t really give a damn about you.
Well, this is where a Houston motorcycle accident lawyer comes into play to help you get compensation. They will also help you to understand how the hazards of motorcycle accidents, their causes, and how a lawyer can help you get your fair share.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Are So Common in Houston
Houston is one of those cities in Texas whose roadways attract many motorists, hence the higher risk of accidents. The riders will experience a higher risk due to the lack of protection. Unlike the riders, there are no seat belts, airbags, or the metal cage surrounding the passengers and driver in case of a car or truck accident.
The top contributing factors to motorcycle accidents in Houston include:
- Failure to check blind spots before lane change
- Distracted driving, such as texting and using mobile phones
- Failing to give way to the other motorist
- Following other cars too closely
- Road maintenance issues, potholes and highway construction, such as Interstate 45 and Interstate 10
- Rain and flooding, which is common in Houston
Many accidents occur at intersections, particularly when another car attempts to turn left without noticing an approaching rider. Other areas with the highest motorcycle collisions are highways; motorcyclists must take more care when riding on highways in Houston
The Injuries Can Be Severe
As the rider has very little protection, the injuries sustained during a motorcycle accident are more serious than those in a normal car accident and can include any of the following:
- Bone fractures
- Road rash
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Amputation or even death in extreme cases
Regardless of whether you think you are fine after the accident, it is always advisable to seek medical attention because sometimes, like head injuries, certain injuries do not exhibit symptoms immediately.
Why Insurance Companies Make It Harder
One of the first hurdles following a motorcycle accident is navigating your claim with the insurance company. Many adjusters are trained to find ways to deny your claim or minimize your compensation in any way possible. These are some tactics you can expect:
- Accusing you of causing the accident, even when it wasn’t your fault
- Saying your injuries are not as severe as they are documented by your doctor
- Trying to settle your claim quickly and for far less than the value of your injuries
- Pressuring you into giving a recorded statement they can then use against you
- Stalling and delaying your claim
- Sending someone to follow you to see if you are going against your own claims regarding your injuries
Without legal assistance from a Houston motorcycle accident lawyer, you will likely be taken advantage of during a very stressful time.
Some of the Laws in Texas Which Could Affect Your Case
There are several laws in Texas which could affect your case in terms of a motorcycle accident claim:
- Helmet laws: People over 21 years may ride without a helmet if they are licensed, have completed a safety course, and have health insurance. The fact that the person didn’t wear a helmet is not always enough reason to deny him/her any compensation, especially if he/she suffered injuries other than head injuries.
- Comparative fault: In Texas, if the victim isn’t more than 50% responsible for causing the accident, he/she can still make a claim and receive compensation. However, this means the compensation will be reduced according to the plaintiff’s share of responsibility for the collision.
- Lane splitting: It is not allowed for cyclists to ride between two lanes of traffic, and if a collision occurs, insurance companies will try to make the cyclist bear all responsibility. It does not necessarily imply that there will be no consequences for the person who caused the accident.
The examples above prove that it is useful to have an expert in Texas riding laws on your side.
How a Lawyer Can Help You
A Houston motorcycle accident lawyer can take a lot of the pressure off your plate while you concentrate on getting well. These could include:
- Gathering the police report, pictures, and witness statements.
- Obtaining your medical reports and invoices.
- Consulting with experts who can clarify the nature of the accident.
- Managing all contact with the insurance provider.
- Getting you an appropriate settlement, or taking a case to court if required.
- Preventing you from making any mistake which would jeopardize your claim.
Personal injury lawyers typically work on a contingency basis, meaning you will not have to pay anything until you succeed in your case.
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Conclusion
It takes time to recover after being involved in a motorcycle accident, and it should not make your life any more difficult than it already is, particularly when insurance companies are involved. It makes sense that you would want a Houston motorcycle accident lawyer by your side during such a difficult time.
