Bastrop Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Bastrop Accident Response Guide

If you or someone close to you has been injured in a motorcycle accident, here are some steps to take:

• Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask serious harm.
• Contact the police to file an official report.
• Gather information and evidence from the scene, like photos of damage and skid marks.
• Avoid discussing fault with anyone, as what you say can impact your claim.
• Speak with a Bastrop motorcycle accident attorney promptly about your options.

Our Bastrop motorcycle accident lawyers provide FREE CONSULTATIONS, so you have nothing to lose by calling Thompson Law today. Timing is critical in personal injury cases, WE ARE STANDING BY 24/7 so don’t delay in pursuing fair compensation.

Factors That Lead to Texas Motorcycle Collisions

Motorcycle riding is a popular activity in Texas, but it does come with risks. Several factors contribute to the high number of motorcycle crashes across the state each year. Understanding these dangers can help riders stay safe.

• Driver Inattention:  One of the most common factors in motorcycle collisions is driver inattention and failure to notice the motorcycle. Because bikes are smaller than cars and trucks, it can be easy for motorists to overlook them, especially in blind spots. Drivers looking only for other cars often fail to properly check for motorcycles before changing lanes or turning. Distracted driving also exacerbates this issue, as texting or otherwise not fully paying attention makes drivers less likely to spot a motorcycle.
• Speeding Excessive:  Speed is a major contributor in many motorcycle crashes. High speeds reduce a rider’s ability to properly control and maneuver the bike. They also shorten stopping distances and reaction times in the event of an emergency. High speeds make it harder for riders to take proper evasive actions and recover from errors. And in crashes at high speeds, injuries tend to be more severe. Texas has many roads with high speed limits, which can entice riders to open up the throttle in an unsafe manner.
• Impaired Driving:  Riding a motorcycle well requires coordination, balance, and quick reflexes. Intoxicated riding strips away those abilities. But even more dangerous is intoxicated drivers of other vehicles. Impairment slows reaction times and impacts judgment, making drivers less likely to notice motorcycles on the road and more likely to make erratic maneuvers. Motorcyclists are severely endangered when sharing the roads with drunk drivers.
• Road Hazards:  Road conditions also contribute to crashes. Gravel, sand, and other debris on roadways can cause riders to lose traction and control. Potholes and uneven pavement are likewise hazards. These road defects are harder for riders to notice and avoid compared to drivers of larger vehicles. Infrastructure issues like poor road maintenance, absent lighting, or risky merge lanes also endanger motorcyclists.
• Aggressive Driving:  Unsafe driving behaviors like speeding, tailgating, improper passing, and weaving pose risks to all road users. But aggressive driving can be particularly hazardous for motorcyclists, who lack the protection of a car or truck. Reckless motorists make unpredictable moves that are challenging for riders to evade. And dangerous driving often reflects impaired judgment and lack of care for others on the road.

Riders must be extra vigilant to look out for these hazards. However, even responsible, safety-conscious motorcyclists can end up injured in a crash caused by a negligent driver. This is when our Bastrop motorcycle accident lawyers can help level the playing field against careless motorists and their insurance companies.

We provide FREE CONSULTATIONS, so you have nothing to lose by calling Thompson Law today. Timing is critical in personal injury cases, and our Bastrop motorcycle accident lawyers are STANDING BY 24/7, so don’t delay in pursuing fair compensation.

The State of Motorcycle Accidents in TX

According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there were over 8,700 motorcycle crashes in our state in 2022. Tragically, 575 motorcycle riders lost their lives.

Given the ongoing rise in motorcycle registrations in Texas, the number of collisions will likely continue to climb without major action. Our Bastrop motorcycle accident attorneys are committed to pushing for more safety initiatives and regulations to protect motorcyclists on area roads. We will also fight on behalf of injured victims to obtain the compensation they deserve when negligent motorists cause collisions.

We provide FREE CONSULTATIONS, so you have nothing to lose by calling Thompson Law today. Timing is critical in personal injury cases, WE ARE STANDING BY 24/7 so don’t delay in pursuing fair compensation.

Statistical Look at Bastrop Motorcycle Collisions

Examining motorcycle crash data for our local region provides more specifics on the factors at play:

• Over the past 5 years, there were 126 motorcycle collisions in Bastrop County. This resulted in 7 rider fatalities and 37 serious injuries.
• Approximately 20% of these Bastrop motorcycle crashes involved excessive speed.
• Distracted driving was a factor in 10% of local motorcycle wrecks.

Understanding the primary causes of motorcycle accidents in our community allows our Bastrop injury attorneys to build more effective cases for clients. We use statistics and crash data to help prove negligence and preventable factors in a collision.

We provide FREE CONSULTATIONS, so you have nothing to lose by calling Thompson Law today. Timing is critical in personal injury cases, WE ARE STANDING BY 24/7 so don’t delay in pursuing fair compensation.

Sources: NHTSA, TXDOT, IIHS.

Understanding the Different Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle riders face hazards from all directions on the road. There are several common accident scenarios that result in motorcycle crashes:

• Rear-End Collisions:  One of the most frequent motorcycle collisions occurs when a motorcycle is struck from behind by another vehicle. This often happens because a driver fails to notice the motorcycle ahead of them. Distracted or impaired drivers are especially prone to rear-ending motorcyclists, as they may not check mirrors or focus fully on the road ahead. The consequences of rear-end crashes can be severe due to the vulnerable nature of motorcycles.
• Left-Turn Accidents:  A major danger comes when a vehicle makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. The turning driver may fail to spot the approaching motorcycle or misjudge its distance and speed. Intersections are particularly hazardous, as drivers attempt to cross oncoming traffic. A left-turning vehicle can violate a motorcyclist’s right-of-way with catastrophic results.
• Sideswipe Crashes:  Sideswipe accidents happen when a vehicle drifts out of its lane and collides with a motorcycle. Driver inattention, distraction, or impairment often contribute to these crashes. Hazards like debris or uneven road surfaces can also cause vehicles to swerve unexpectedly into the path of a passing motorcycle. The minimal protection of bikes leaves riders vulnerable to severe injuries in sideswipe events.
• Road Departure:  Accidents Factors like gravel, potholes, uneven pavement and other road hazards can cause a rider to lose control and crash off the roadway. Obstacles on the shoulder like trees and poles pose additional dangers to motorcyclists in these single-vehicle accidents. Infrastructure conditions, weather effects, and high speeds all contribute to road departure crashes.

In many motorcycle wrecks, our lawyers find that driver inattention or recklessness is to blame. Our Bastrop motorcycle accident lawyers help clients recover damages in these at-fault cases. We provide FREE CONSULTATIONS, so you have nothing to lose by calling Thompson Law today. Timing is critical in personal injury cases, WE ARE STANDING BY 24/7 so don’t delay in pursuing fair compensation.

What Kinds of Injuries Result From Motorcycle Crashes?

Given their lack of protection compared to a car or truck, motorcyclists often sustain severe, disabling injuries in collisions. These can include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI):  Impacts to the helmetless head are a major cause of TBI in crashes. Even helmeted riders can experience concussions or more profound brain trauma from strong forces. TBI can result in long-term cognitive deficits.
• Spinal cord damage:  The body’s sudden deceleration in a collision can cause spinal vertebrae to dislocate or fracture, damaging the cord. Injuries range from temporary numbness to permanent paralysis.
• Amputations:  Motorcyclists’ limbs are vulnerable in the event of a crash. Legs and arms can be crushed or severed by impacts, road debris or even parts of the motorcycle itself.
• Bone fractures:  The arms and legs are commonly broken in motorcycle accidents due to the extreme forces involved. Fractured ribs, collar bones and hip bones are also frequent injury sites.
• Road rash:  Asphalt provides no cushion for unprotected skin sliding across it. Riders thrown from bikes often suffer painful friction burns over large skin areas.
• Facial injuries:  The face hits roadway surfaces or objects like windshields at high speed, resulting in fractures, lacerations and dental trauma. Riders without full-face helmets are especially prone to facial harm.

Crash victims frequently require extensive medical treatment and surgery. Some are left with permanent impairment and disability. Our Bastrop motorcycle accident lawyers have seen how lives are forever changed in an instant by negligent drivers. We are committed to holding them fully accountable.

We provide FREE CONSULTATIONS, so you have nothing to lose by calling Thompson Law today. Timing is critical in personal injury cases, WE ARE STANDING BY 24/7 so don’t delay in pursuing fair compensation.

Legal Recourse For Motorcycle Accident Victims

Motorcyclists who are injured in crashes caused by another party’s negligence have legal options to seek compensation for their damages. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can advise victims on pursuing their rights through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

Financial recovery is available for a range of motorcycle accident losses and consequences. These can include:

• Medical Expenses:  Bills for hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation and ongoing care can quickly become astronomical after a serious motorcycle injury. Victims have a right to claim compensation for both current and future expected medical costs.
• Lost Income:  Injuries often prevent accident victims from returning to work for an extended period, resulting in lost wages. Reimbursement can be sought for past and future diminished earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering:  Crashes frequently leave bikers with chronic pain, emotional distress and reduced quality of life. Financial compensation can provide solace for intangible suffering.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life:  Severe disabilities from injuries take away pleasure and participation in activities the victim previously enjoyed. Damages can address this deprivation.
• Disability:  Some motorcycle crash injuries lead to permanent impairment or loss of bodily function. Compensation can provide for disability needs like mobility equipment and home healthcare.

To successfully bring a motorcycle injury claim, you must be able to show negligent actions by the motorist caused the crash. Our experienced Bastrop motorcycle wreck lawyers handle this process for you while you focus on healing.

We provide FREE CONSULTATIONS, so you have nothing to lose by calling Thompson Law today. Timing is critical in personal injury cases, WE ARE STANDING BY 24/7 so don’t delay in pursuing fair compensation.

Critical Filing Period For Motorcycle Cases in Bastrop

Because Texas follows a modified comparative negligence model, there are strict deadlines for filing injury claims after motorcycle wrecks. This includes:

• 2 years from the crash date for standard injury lawsuits.
• 90 days notice for suits against government entities.

Meeting case filing requirements is crucial. Our seasoned Bastrop motorcycle accident lawyers help ensure your rights are protected by initiating claims promptly. We also immediately launch investigations and preserve evidence. We provide FREE CONSULTATIONS, so you have nothing to lose by calling Thompson Law today. Timing is critical in personal injury cases, WE ARE STANDING BY 24/7 so don’t delay in pursuing fair compensation.

How to Avoid Motorcycle Crashes and Injuries

Tips From Experienced Bastrop Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

While many factors in motorcycle accidents are beyond your control, smart riding can help reduce crash risk:

• Take an approved safety course and practice regularly.
• Wear full protective gear every ride.
• Maintain safe speeds and distances between vehicles.
• Avoid drivers’ blind spots.
• Use caution and slow down in hazardous conditions.
• Drive defensively and watch for sudden threats.

However, even responsible riders get hit by negligent drivers. Our Bastrop motorcycle wreck lawyers are here to help you recover if this happens. We provide FREE CONSULTATIONS, so you have nothing to lose by calling Thompson Law today. Timing is critical in personal injury cases, WE ARE STANDING BY 24/7 so don’t delay in pursuing fair compensation.

Speak to Thompson Law About Your Case

The period after a motorcycle crash is difficult, with mounting bills, pain and uncertainty. Getting experienced legal help is critical. The Bastrop motorcycle accident lawyers at Thompson Law are ready to start helping you. We provide FREE CONSULTATIONS, so you have nothing to lose by calling Thompson Law today. Timing is critical in personal injury cases, WE ARE STANDING BY 24/7 so don’t delay in pursuing fair compensation.

Motorcycle Collision FAQs

Will Lack of Helmet Reduce My Settlement?

No, not wearing a helmet does not automatically make you ineligible for damages. An experienced attorney can recover compensation for your injuries and losses regardless.

Is a Lawyer Needed with Motorcycle Insurance?

Yes, absolutely. Your own insurance company will protect their bottom line, not yours. An attorney ensures you receive your full policy benefits and maximum compensation from at-fault parties.

When Do Motorcycle Cases Go to Trial?

Most claims settle out of court. But insurers often drag out negotiations to get victims to accept unfair sums. We prepare every case for trial and won’t hesitate to litigate for full damages if needed.

How Can a Lawyer Help With My Motorcycle Case?

Dealing with insurers alone puts you at a disadvantage. Adjusters are experts at denying, downplaying, and delaying claims to increase profits. Our lawyers handle negotiations so you can focus on your health while we fight for fair compensation.

Who is at Fault With Hazardous Road Conditions?

If hazardous road conditions like uneven pavement, debris, or lack of maintenance contribute to an accident, government entities can share liability. Experienced attorneys identify all potentially responsible parties.

How to Properly Preserve Claim Evidence

Preserving key evidence like the vehicles, motorcycle gear, crash scene photos, police reports, video footage, and medical records greatly strengthens your case. Our Bastrop motorcycle accident lawyers take swift action to gather and document evidence.

We provide FREE CONSULTATIONS, so you have nothing to lose by calling Thompson Law today. Timing is critical in personal injury cases, WE ARE STANDING BY 24/7 so don’t delay in pursuing fair compensation.