Arlington Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Arlington, TX

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) tracks motorcycle crashes statewide using crash report data from the Arlington Police Department and other law enforcement groups across the state. Motorcycle accidents include crashes involving two- and three-wheeled motorcycles, mopeds, motor scooters, off-road motorcycles, mini-bikes, and pocket bikes. From 2018 to 2021, TxDOT reported 432 motorcycle crashes in Arlington consisting of:

• Fatal Crashes:  36 fatal crashes, with the most common contributing factors to the accidents being speeding (25% of motorcycle wrecks), drinking and driving (11.5% of motorcycle collisions), and failing to drive in a single lane (11.5% of motorcycle crashes).
• Serious Injury Crashes:  93 serious injury crashes, with the most common contributing factors to the accidents being speeding (18.5% of motorcycle wrecks), tailgating (16.4% of motorcycle collisions), and failing to drive in a single lane (11.8% of motorcycle crashes).
• Minor Injury Crashes:  111 minor crashes, with the most common contributing factors to the accidents being tailgating (25.3% of motorcycle collisions), speeding (15.7% of motorcycle wrecks), and failing to yield right of way when turning left (13.3% of motorcycle crashes).
• Possible Injury Crashes:  217 possible injury crashes, with the most common contributing factors to the accidents being speeding (18.3% of motorcycle wrecks), tailgating (13.7% of motorcycle collisions), and failing to drive in a single lane (12% of motorcycle crashes).
• Non-Injury Crashes:  16 non-injury crashes

Texas Motorcycle Accident Statistics

For the state of Texas, there were a total of 8,847 motorcycle crashes in 2021 involving 8,261 motorcycle drivers and 586 motorcycle passengers, which consisted of:

• Fatal Crashes:  521 fatal crashes involving 501 fatally injured drivers and 20 passengers
• Serious Injury Crashes:  2,319 serious injury crashes with 2,152  seriously injured drivers and 167 passengers
• Minor Injury Crashes:  3,013 minor crashes with 2,816 minorly injured drivers and 197 passengers
• Possible Injury Crashes:  1,520 possible injury crashes with 1,407 possibly injured drivers and 113 passengers
• Non-Injury Crashes:  1,226 non-injury crashes with 1,146 uninjured drivers and 80 passengers
• Unknown Severity Crashes:  248 unknown severity crashes leaving 239 drivers and 9 passengers with unknown injuries

If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle wreck in Arlington, call our Arlington motorcycle crash lawyers for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Source:  TxDOT – Motorcyclist Fatalities and Injuries by Age Group and Helmet Use.

Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Arlington, TX

TxDOT also tracks the most commonly cited factors contributing to motorcycle accidents reported by the Arlington Police on crash reports. The most common contributing factors to motorcycle accidents in Arlington from 2018 to 2021 were:

1. Speeding:  71 motorcycle crashes were caused by exceeding the speed limit (19.5% of motorcycle wrecks)
2. Tailgating:  60 motorcycle crashes were caused by following too closely (16.4% of motorcycle wrecks)
3. Failed to drive in a single lane: 42 motorcycle crashes were caused by driving in multiple lanes of traffic (11.8% of motorcycle wrecks)
4. Changed lane when unsafe:  42 motorcycle crashes were caused by unsafe lane changes (11.8% of motorcycle wrecks)
5. Failed to yield right of way turning left:  38 motorcycle crashes were caused by unsafe left hand turns (10.1% of motorcycle wrecks)

If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle wreck in Arlington, call our Arlington motorcycle accident lawyers for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Crash in Arlington, TX

After a motorcycle crash, your adrenaline is likely to be highly elevated and your mind will be racing. Our Arlington motorcycle accident lawyers want you to know it is important to remain calm, and to follow these steps.

1. Move to Safety and Leave Your Bike.  Move yourself to a safe location off the roadway and outside the lane of traffic, such as a sidewalk. Our Arlington motorcycle accident lawyers understand your bike is you baby, but it is very important not to try and move it. Trying to move your bike puts you at risk of another driver target fixating on you, leading to another collision. Moreover, trying to move the bike can exacerbate injuries masked by your adrenaline, and destroy evidence related to the cause of the accident.
2. Check for Injuries.  Initially, it may be difficult to know the extent of your injuries due to the rush of adrenaline you will experience. However, it is important to understand what injuries you may have so you know whether to tell emergency services to call an ambulance. Although it may sound counterintuitive, do not remove your gear as doing so can create further damage where injuries are present. Even removing your helmet can risk furthering head, neck, and spinal injuries. Simply try to rest in a comfortable, neutral position until emergency services arrives.
3. Call Emergency Services.  Even if you have an automatic crash detection app like REALRIDER or Eat Sleep Ride, our Arlington motorcycle accident lawyers suggest you call 911. Texas Transportation Code § 550.026 requires you report accidents involving property damage or injuries to the local police. The police will protect and investigate the accident scene, call an ambulance if needed, gather evidence to help determine liability, and produce an Arlington crash report which will be a critical piece of evidence for your claim.
4. Search for Witnesses.  See whether any nearby drivers or pedestrians have stopped to render aid. If so and they witnessed the accident, politely request their contact information to serve as witnesses. Further, ask if they have a dash camera or mobile phone which may have caught the accident on video.
5. Exchange Information.  Texas Transportation Code § 550.023 requires you to exchange information with the other driver. Our Arlington motorcycle accident lawyers suggest you limit communication with the other driver to exchanging: 1) drivers licenses, 2) insurance IDs, 3) contact information, 4) license plates, 5) VIN numbers, and 6) contact information with any passengers.
6. Gather Evidence.  After exchanging information, document the scene by taking photos of everything, such as: property damage to all vehicles, skid marks on the road, road signs, position of the sun, any field of view obstructions, and whatever else may serve as evidence to support your version of events related to what caused the accident. Further, our Arlington motorcycle accident lawyers suggest you take photos of all the information you have gathered to ensure accuracy, and as a back-up in case it is lost.
7. Call Our Arlington Motorcycle Accident Lawyers.  Thompson Law offers free case reviews and charges no fee unless we win. We obtained 15 of the top 50 personal injury settlements in the State of Texas in 2021, and stand ready to help you with your personal injury claim after your motorcycle crash.

If you have been hurt in a motorcycle wreck in Arlington and want advice on what steps you should take next, call our Arlington motorcycle accident lawyers for a FREE CASE EVALUATION.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle drivers are more exposed than people operating cars or trucks. As a result, motorcycle accident victims are prone to serious, even life-altering injuries.

In the United States in 2020, 82,528 motorcyclists were injured and 5,579 were killed in crashes (an 11% increase over the prior year). In terms of per vehicle mile travelled, motorcyclists were nearly 28 times more likely to perish in fatal traffic crashes than regular passenger vehicles, and 43 times more likely than light truck drivers. In Texas, motorcyclist fatalities increased an alarming 17% in 2020.

Common motorcycle accident injuries include:

• Back and neck injuries
• Fractured bones
• Chronic pain
• Spinal cord injury
• Brain injury
• Internal bleeding
• Paralysis
• Organ damage
• Concussions
• Loss of limbs

Many motorcycle accident injuries require extensive medical treatment and a high level of professional care and supervision. As a result, medical expenses can quickly get out of control.

If someone else’s negligence or recklessness led to your motorcycle accident injury, an Arlington personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights. At Thompson Law, we advocate for accident victims to help relieve the burdens of lost wages, pain and suffering, and mounting medical expenses.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle crash in Arlington, call our motorcycle accident lawyers in Arlington, TX for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Can I Make an Injury Claim if I Was Not Wearing a Helmet?

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident and not wearing a helmet at the time, you can still make an injury claim in Texas. However, your injury claim may be negatively impacted in a few ways. For example, if your injuries may have been prevented by wearing a helmet or if you were breaking the law by not wearing a helmet, making a claim will be more difficult, though not impossible.

Texas Transportation Code § 661.003 states all motorcycle drivers and passengers must wear a helmet if they are under the age of 21. However, the law allows for two exceptions to helmet wearing when a person is 21 or older and:

1. has successfully completed an approved motorcycle operator training and safety course (Chapter 662), or
2. has a health insurance plan to cover motorcycle accident injuries you may suffer while operating or riding on a motorcycle.

Although the law does allow for exceptions to motorcycle helmet wearing, our Arlington motorcycle accident lawyers suggest you wear one. Only 64.9% of motorcycle riders and passengers wore Department of Transportation compliant helmets in 2021, according to the National Occupant Protection Use Survey.

However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that over 25,000 lives were saved by wearing motorcycle helmets between 2002 and 2017. Moreover, the NHTSA estimates helmets are effective in preventing fatal injuries for 37% of drivers and 41% of motorcycle passengers.

If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a motorcycle accident while not wearing a helmet, call our Arlington motorcycle accident lawyers for a FREE CASE REVIEW. Our attorneys will answer any questions you may have, and let you know if we can help.

What Is the Legal Process for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Arlington?

Filing a motorcycle accident claim in Arlington typically involves several key steps:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Ensure that all injuries are properly assessed and treated by healthcare professionals. This is crucial for your health and also for documenting the extent of your injuries for your claim.
2. Gather Evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible from the scene of the accident, including photos of the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, road conditions, and any other relevant factors. Also, gather contact information from any witnesses.
3. File a Police Report: Report the accident to the local police department. A police report can provide valuable documentation of the accident and its details.
4. Notify Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with the necessary information and cooperate with their investigation.
5. Consult with an Attorney: It’s advisable to consult with a motorcycle accident attorney in Arlington. They can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and represent you in negotiations with insurance companies or in court if necessary.
6. Investigation: Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, including reviewing evidence, gathering witness statements, and assessing your damages.
7. Negotiation or Litigation: Your attorney will work to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, they may recommend filing a lawsuit and representing you in court.
8. Resolution: Once a settlement is reached or a court judgment is issued, the legal process will conclude. You may receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident.

This is a general overview, and the specific steps and requirements may vary based on the details of your case and the applicable laws in Arlington. It’s important to consult with a qualified attorney for personalized guidance.

Contact Our Experienced Arlington Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today

Arlington Motorcycle Accident Lawyers with No Out-of-Pocket Costs

Following an accident, you might feel overwhelmed by stress and inundated by obligations. Whether you are dealing with lost wages, emotional distress, physical pain, or all of the above, a motorcycle accident attorney can ensure your injury claim meets the necessary deadlines and requirements. At Thompson Law, we have won many cases for exaple:

• Head Injury Accident due to a failed Motorcycle Helmet for $2,067,049
• Wrongful Death due to a Defective Motorcycle for $512,414
• Head Injury caused by a Faulty Helmet for $1,800,680

After an Arlington motorcycle accident, you and your family are not on your own. Call Thompson Law today to discuss your case for free. Our personal injury attorneys are available 24/7 to help make things right.

The statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years in most injury accidents. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, call us today or submit a form for a NO COST, NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION with an Arlington motorcycle accident lawyer at Thompson Law.

Whether you live here, were visiting Arlington, or were just passing through on your way to Dallas or Fort Worth when your crash happened, the Arlington motorcycle accident lawyers at Thompson Law can help. If you do not need an attorney today you can save our contact information in your phone so you do not have to go searching for “motorcycle accident lawyers arlington tx near me” when you are in need of an attorney.

Take action to protect your right to a full value monetary recovery. The sooner you speak with our auto accident lawyers and understand your options, the faster you’ll be on the path to recovery.