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Over 2,300 Texan motorcyclists suffered serious injuries in 2021. The Texas Department of Transportation reports that 519 motorcycle riders died. The majority of motorcyclist fatalities in 2020 occurred on urban roads (60%) in good weather conditions (78%) when the rider was wearing a helmet (58%). The majority of motorcycle accidents occur in the afternoon into the early evening, during the summer months, with June being the most dangerous month. Speeding, intoxication, and distractions are some of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents.
We at Thompson Law, your trusted source for experienced and dedicated Denton motorcycle accident lawyers and the surrounding areas can help you if you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident. It’s crucial to understand your rights and options for seeking compensation. Our team of skilled attorneys is here to guide you through the legal process and help you recover the damages you are entitled to. Don’t wait to take action—reach out to us today and schedule a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your case.
When riding a motorcycle in Denton, it is important to be aware of the unique hazards motorcyclists face in order to stay safe. According to statistics from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), motorcycle accidents accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities in Denton County in 2021, even though motorcycles only make up a small percentage of registered vehicles on the road.
In 2021 alone, TxDOT reported that there were over 130 motorcycle collisions that resulted in injuries within Denton city limits. Additionally, the agency recorded 5 fatal motorcycle crashes in the county last year. Head-on crashes are the deadliest type of collision for motorcyclists in Texas, according to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, rear-end crashes are the most common type of accident overall.
Speeding is another major risk factor, contributing to over 30% of fatal motorcycle wrecks according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). Even experienced riders can lose control when traveling at excessive speeds.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle riders are overrepresented in intersection crashes because other motorists often fail to detect and recognize approaching bikes. NHTSA data shows over 40% of motorcycle crashes involve a second vehicle violating the rider’s right-of-way.
Additionally, the National Safety Council (NSC) reports that head injuries occur in about 60% of motorcycle collisions. Proper helmet use is critical for preventing devastating brain trauma. As motorcycles become more popular in Denton, it is crucial for all road users to keep these risks and statistics in mind and share the road safely.
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming and distressing. However, you don’t have to face the legal complexities alone. At Thompson Law, we specialize in representing victims of motorcycle accidents, and we are dedicated to fighting for the justice and compensation they deserve. According to the American Bar Association (ABA), most cases are resolved before reaching the courtroom, but having professional legal representation can provide you with peace of mind in case your case does go to trial.
Every motorcycle accident case is unique, and the amount of compensation you may be eligible to receive will depend on various factors. These factors include the extent of your injuries, the parties involved in the accident, and the circumstances surrounding the incident. To determine the potential value of your compensation, our experienced attorneys will carefully evaluate the different types of damages you can pursue.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover tangible monetary losses resulting from the accident. These may include medical expenses, vehicle repairs, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages due to time off work for recovery. At Thompson Law, we understand the financial burden these damages can place on you and your family, and we will work diligently to ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more challenging to quantify, as they involve losses that don’t have a specific monetary value. These damages may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of companionship. Our compassionate attorneys are well-versed in handling these complex calculations and will strive to maximize your recovery for these intangible losses.
How much will I get as settlement? A question that crosses the mind of anyone involved in an injury claim, determining the appropriate settlement figure requires an in-depth understanding of Texas insurance company practices and legal precedents. Our skilled lawyers will meticulously assess each individual loss you have incurred and assign a value to them. By aggregating all your losses, we will arrive at a comprehensive settlement figure that accurately reflects the damages you have suffered.
It’s important to note that valuing intangible damages can be particularly challenging without the guidance of legal professionals. Factors such as the impact of a lost limb or severe scarring on your quality of life and future earning potential require expert knowledge to assess properly. At Thompson Law, we have extensive experience in these matters, and we will leverage our expertise to ensure that you receive fair compensation for all your losses.
After a motorcycle collision, it is crucial that you focus on your recovery while our dedicated legal team handles the arduous tasks involved in building a strong case. At Thompson Law, we will take on the responsibility of gathering evidence to support your claim and establish liability. Our comprehensive approach includes:
Communicating with Insurance Companies and Legal Teams
Dealing with insurance companies and the other party’s legal team can be daunting, especially while you’re trying to recover. Our attorneys will handle all communication on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and that your case progresses smoothly.
Filing Necessary Paperwork
Navigating the paperwork required for personal injury claims can be overwhelming, but our team will handle all necessary filings, ensuring that all documentation is submitted accurately and on time.
Finding and Interviewing Eyewitnesses
Eyewitness testimony can be crucial in establishing the facts of the accident and determining liability. Our skilled attorneys will actively search for and interview any witnesses to the accident, gathering valuable information to support your case.
Obtaining Security and Traffic Camera Footage
In today’s world, many accidents are captured on security and traffic camera footage. Our dedicated team will work diligently to secure any available footage that may have captured the accident, providing additional evidence to strengthen your claim.
Researching Traffic Patterns and Weather Conditions
To fully understand the circumstances surrounding your accident, we will investigate the traffic patterns at the accident location and research the weather conditions on the day of the incident. These details can play a crucial role in establishing liability and strengthening your case.
Consulting with Medical Experts
Understanding the full extent of your injuries is essential when seeking fair compensation. We will collaborate with your medical team to gather comprehensive information about your condition, ensuring that no aspect of your injuries is overlooked during the legal process.
Recruiting Expert Witnesses
In complex cases, expert witnesses may be necessary to provide professional opinions and affirm the validity of your claim. At Thompson Law, we have a network of medical experts and accident re-constructionists who can provide expert testimony, bolstering your case and increasing your chances of a favorable outcome.
Determining how your accident occurred is a crucial step in building a strong case. Our experienced attorneys will meticulously analyze all the evidence collected, uncovering the causes and factors that led to your injuries. Some common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
Failure to Yield
Many accidents occur when drivers fail to signal or check their blind spots for motorcycles before merging or changing lanes. Such negligent behavior can result in devastating collisions and severe injuries.
Intoxication
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication that impairs judgment and reaction time is illegal and dangerous. If the other driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident, their impaired state may have contributed to the collision.
Lack of Road Maintenance
Poor road maintenance can also lead to accidents. Municipalities have a responsibility to maintain safe road conditions, and neglecting to repair hazards such as potholes or clearing roadkill can put motorcyclists at risk.
At Thompson Law, we will investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident to establish liability and hold the responsible parties accountable for their negligence.
How You Can Help Your Case
While our dedicated team will handle the legal aspects of your case, there are steps you can take to support our efforts and give your case the best possible chance of success.
Organize Your Documentation
Gather and organize all relevant documentation related to your accident, such as medical records, accident reports, insurance correspondence, and receipts for expenses incurred. This will help streamline the investigation process and ensure that no crucial evidence is overlooked.
Exercise Caution on Social Media
It’s essential to be mindful of your social media activity during your case. Insurance companies often monitor claimants’ social media profiles, hoping to find evidence that can be used against them. Avoid discussing the accident or your injuries on social media platforms to protect the integrity of your case.
The Negotiation Process: Fighting for Fair Compensation
Once we have gathered all the necessary evidence and assessed the full extent of your damages, we will enter into negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. Our skilled attorneys are experienced negotiators, adept at navigating the complex settlement process and fighting for fair compensation. We will vigorously advocate for your rights and ensure that you receive the maximum settlement possible.
If the insurance company unfairly denies your claim, undervalues your damages, or refuses to cooperate, our legal team is prepared to escalate the matter by filing a lawsuit. We will not hesitate to take your case to court, where our experienced accident attorneys will present a compelling argument to secure a favorable verdict on your behalf.
It’s important to note that at Thompson Law, we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that you won’t have to pay us any fees upfront or on an hourly basis. Our fees are only collected if we successfully recover compensation for you, ensuring that you can focus on your recovery without the added financial burden.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Denton or the surrounding areas, don’t delay in seeking legal help. The knowledgeable attorneys at Thompson Law are here to assist you every step of the way. Call us today at 844-308-8180 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case. We understand the urgency of your situation, and we are committed to providing you with the dedicated representation you deserve.
Don’t let the aftermath of a motorcycle accident overwhelm you. Trust the experienced team at Thompson Law to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us now and let us help you navigate the legal process with confidence.
If you are injured in any type of accident, your first priority should be to seek immediate medical attention, even if you are not certain that you are injured. Seeking immediate medical treatment does two things: 1) it ensures injuries you sustained are diagnosed and treated; and, 2) it helps eliminate any doubt by the insurance company that your injuries were caused by the accident.
Often, the shock and adrenaline of an accident can mask symptoms of injuries, so making the mistake of skipping a medical examination can have profound consequences. By seeking prompt medical treatment, you protect both your health and your ability to seek compensation for your injuries with the help of your attorney.
If you were in a motor vehicle accident we have also detailed here what to do after a car accident.
A skilled personal injury lawyer is necessary to get full and fair compensation for injuries you sustained in an accident. Most defendants, whether individual drivers or commercial vehicle operators, are covered by liability insurance. Those insurance companies are not obligated to protect or take care of you. Insurance companies exist to protect the defendant (their customer) who caused the wreck.
A personal injury attorney can help you obtain compensation for every category of damages to which you are legally entitled. These damages can include things like: medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain & suffering, punitive damages, loss of limb, diminished mental function, physical impairment, scarring or disfigurement, emotional or mental trauma, and loss of consortium (in wrongful death claims). Further, you may be entitled to future medical bills, future lost income, future pain and suffering, and other damages in severe injury cases.
The largest factor affecting your claim’s value is the severity or magnitude of your injuries. More severe injuries typically require more medical treatment. So it is essential to have all your injuries documented properly by seeking immediate treatment with doctors or hospitals, and continuing under the care and direction of your doctors as long as necessary to heal. Without prompt and consistent medical treatment and documentation, an injury claim becomes very difficult to pursue, let alone win.
Of course, other factors an also have an impact, and each and every case is different. Were you injured in a commercial vehicle wreck or truck wreck that totaled your car, or was it a fender bender that did very little damage? Was the other driver intoxicated or drunk, or speeding? A multitude of factors may play into your claim’s overall likely value. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to visit with you and talk to you more specifically about factors which may affect your particular claim.
In Texas, you usually have two (2) years from the date of incident to file a personal injury claim before it is barred by the statute of limitations. There are exceptions to this 2-year time limit in Texas, for minors and others. Further, other states have different time limits, and the limit that applies is typically for the state in which the accident occurred.
The safest course of action for someone injured in a car wreck, truck wreck, slip and fall, or any other type of accident is to consult with a personal injury attorney. This will help ensure that you do not miss the applicable limitations period. Moreover, it will ensure the right investigations are conducted, and the proper steps are taken to preserve the evidence, photos, witness statements, and records needed to successfully pursue your claim.
If you are injured in a hit-and-run wreck (and are unable to locate the driver) or are hurt in a collision where the other driver does not have insurance, you are not necessarily out of options in terms of financial recovery. You may still be able to recover for your personal injuries if your own policy has Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage or Personal Injury Protection (PIP). It’s a good idea to contact your insurance company to confirm what types of coverage you have on your policy before an accident, but if you have been hit be sure to ask these questions before finalizing your claim request. Even if you do not have UM or PIP, the attorneys and investigators at Thompson Law can work to track down the other driver in a hit-and-run accident. To do this, we rely on witnesses who may have captured a photo of the car or license plate and/or available surveillance camera footage that might have captured the wreck.
Typical damages you can recover in a personal injury claim include: medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and in some cases even punitive damages. In severe injury cases, other damages may be recoverable, such as: future medical bills, future lost income, future pain and suffering, loss of body member or mental function, physical impairment, disfigurement, emotional or mental trauma, and loss of consortium (in wrongful death claims).
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage can help save the day if you are hit by an uninsured driver or if you are the victim in a hit-and-run collision. In short, UM coverage is an add-on coverage that drivers can add to their auto insurance policies that will protect them in the event that they are in an auto accident with a driver who either does not have insurance or cannot be located. You can contact your insurance provider to confirm whether your policy includes UM. If you do not have this coverage, the personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law recommend that you consider adding UM to your auto insurance policy today.
Knowing how comparative negligence works is vital if you live in a state that uses it. In simple terms, comparative negligence implies both drivers can share fault for an accident, but one driver can be more at fault than the other. For example, you are texting while driving when another driver runs a stop sign and hits your car.
A jury finds that the driver who ran the stop sign is 80 percent at fault, but they believe you would have had a better chance of avoiding the accident if you were not texting at the time. They find you 20 percent at fault. You can only collect enough compensation to cover the other driver’s fault. In this case, you would get $8,000 if the jury thinks your case is worth $10,000.
Having the police respond to the accident scene is of paramount importance. Make sure that YOU call them and insist that they come and investigate the accident. When the police arrive, they will separate the drivers and witnesses from one another and take statements from everyone involved. Be cooperative, detailed, and firm in describing the accident. The investigating officer will usually determine fault based upon these statements, and it is essential that your version of the events is heard and believed. If you think that you may be injured, make that clear to the officer. If an ambulance or other medical professionals arrive on scene, get checked out. If not, make plans to visit an emergency room or doctor soon after you leave the scene. Before you do leave for this care, the officer will provide you with a report number and their contact information. Make sure this information is safely saved, as it will be very important in any auto accident injury claim you may have.
Call an attorney. Your first instinct might be to call your insurance company, but it’s best to seek legal council first so you don’t accidentally admit guilt or take responsibility for the accident. In many cases your attorney will call the insurance company for you to prevent that from happening.
Absolutely not. It’s important to leave the investigation to the professionals. They know exactly how to work a case to determine all of the facts and details.
Typically, yes. If a family member is seriously injured or killed in an accident, or if the injured party is a minor child, then it may be appropriate under the law for a parent, spouse, relative, or legal guardian to file a claim or lawsuit on behalf of the injured or deceased party. These types of claims are complex, and usually depend on the type of relationship involved, as well as the individual facts and circumstances of the injury. Calling the experienced personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law is step one to explore filing a legal claim on behalf of your loved one.
Even if you are partially to blame for a car accident, you may be able to recover some of your damages from the other party. Under Texas’s proportionate responsibility system (also known as comparative negligence), unless you as the claimant/plaintiff are determined more than 51% at fault, you may recover legal damages that are reduced by the percentage you are determined at fault. For example, if you are determined to be 30% at fault, you can recover 70% of your damages from the other responsible party (you can’t recover the other 30% because that was the amount of liability that was determined to lie with you). The personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law can help you navigate this proportionate responsibility system – so reach out online or call anytime for a free consultation.
Unless you ran a red light or were exceeding the speed limit, the driver turning left is responsible.
I’ve Been in a Motorcycle Accident. What Should I Do?
Sadly, people tend to jump to blame motorcyclists for causing collisions, even though basic motorcycle training helps make motorcyclists among the most conscientious and aware drivers on the road. In fact, more often than not, the other motorist is at-fault in collisions with motorcycles. Remember these 6 steps to make sure you are safe and to help preserve your legal case right from the start:
While Texas law does not legally require you to wear a helmet, basic motorcycle training tells you to wear “All the Gear, All the Time” – and this is just as important for when you are in an accident. Not only will wearing a helmet help reduce the likelihood of serious injury, but refusing to wear a helmet can work against you when trying to prove your case. Unfortunately, an insurance carrier adjuster, or even a jury, may believe that your failure to wear a helmet contributed to the severity of your injuries and try to blame you as the victim for being injured. There simply is no reason to give the insurance adjuster or a jury any reason to put any fault on you or to endanger yourself. Wear a helmet, always!
Check the back of the helmet – there should be a sticker that tells you if the helmet meets one of the three safety standard certifications. There are three major safety standards for motorcycle helmets: DOT (“Department of Transportation”, ECE “Economic Commission for Europe”, and SNELL (“Snell Memorial Foundation”). If a helmet has one of these safety certifications, this means that it has passed testing by one of these organizations, which is a sign of the helmet’s quality and safety rating. The most basic safety standard is usually considered to be DOT, and ECE is very similar. SNELL is considered to be a more demanding safety standard. At minimum, you should try to purchase helmets with these safety standards, and preferably DOT/SNELL, for the highest safety rated helmets. Additionally, a helmet is a purchase you should always buy new. A previously owned or used helmet may have been damaged or compromised in a way that has diminished its structure and features, leaving you vulnerable to more severe injury.
Helmet laws are valid in many states. By having Helmet laws, states can reduce the risk of injury to the motorcycle driver, and contribute towards lower health care and insurance payouts.
Given the vulnerability of motorcycle riders, even minor, low-speed accidents can result in lifelong injuries, and the severity of your injures might not be apparent right away. Insist on emergency medical attention after any motorcycle accident, as speed of care can make a life changing difference. Additionally, the motorcyclist involved in the accident is usually not the person at-fault for the collision, so it is important to make sure that the details of the event are correctly represented. Contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible to help preserve the details of your accident and to explain your right to compensation from the responsible party.
If you or a family member are injured in an automobile accident, you cannot afford NOT to hire the very best attorney available. Thompson Law works on a contingency fee basis. What this means is that you only pay legal fees IF we win for you and AFTER your case is settled. We understand that legal fees upfront are simply too much to deal with after a serious accident where you are dealing with property damage repairs, medical bills, missed work and lost wages. The fact that you owe $0 upfront is an added bonus when you hire great legal representation at Thompson Law.
If you were injured as the result of someone else’s negligence, there is a good chance we can help you out. We will look at the facts of your accident, whether a car wreck, truck wreck, motorcycle accident, or on-the-job-injury and examine whatever reports or records are available. If we believe that you were injured and it was someone else’s fault, it is likely to be a case we can take. The more information and documentation you can give us about your accident and your injuries, the quicker we can evaluate your case and let you know. Give us a call or reach out online anytime!
The best personal injury attorney has three major characteristics: Excellent customer service, cutting edge technology, and a willingness to take cases and win at trial. Ask your potential attorney about the client experience they offer, what kind of technology they use to make your life easier, and when was the last time they took a case to jury trial. Asking these types of questions will give you guidance on what kind of experience you can expect as a client and what kind of results you can expect at the end of your case.
Thompson Law has high ratings from clients for its emphasis on customer service, and its attorneys have achieved significant results on small, large, and complex cases alike. No matter if you have been involved in a minor car wreck or are dealing with catastrophic injuries from a rarer and more devastating event like a terrible workplace accident, dog bite, or an 18 wheeler wreck, Thompson Law can assist you.
Yes! Thompson Law is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide free consultations. If you have been injured in a truck wreck or car accident, hurt in a slip and fall incident, or otherwise injured from the negligence of another person or party, give us a call any time at 1-800-LION-LAW. We can speak to you over the phone, chat online through our website or social media outlets, or arrange an in-person meeting at your convenience. Our team is ready to help!
Thompson Law is available 24/7 to provide free consultations and to sign up new clients. We can sign you up over the phone or we can send one of our experienced licensed investigators to meet you at the hospital or at your home if you prefer. Whether you live in Arlington, Ft. Worth, El Paso, McAllen, or even outside of the state of Texas, we are always here to assist you and provide the resources you need at a difficult time. We do the hard work for you so that you can focus on healing from your injuries.
Let’s be honest: this isn’t a legal show on TV and your case will not settle in the next hour – or even tomorrow. The true answer is: it depends. We find that most cases settle within 6-12 months from date of incident; but the timeline in your case could be shorter or longer depending on: the facts and circumstances of the accident; the length of time it takes you to complete medical treatment; and the character of the insurance company, or companies, involved in your case. In the event that your case cannot settle pre-litigation and it becomes necessary to file a lawsuit, the litigation process alone can take 1 to 2 years due to the court system and legal process necessary to prepare for trial. But because so much of the timeline depends on the facts and circumstances of your unique case, call Thompson Law today to discuss the personal injury claims process.
Thompson Law receives an attorney fee and you pay no legal fees as our client unless we pay you. Thompson Law has 350 years of combined experience in legal representation and has won over $1.8 billion dollars in cash settlements for our clients. We master the art of managing client cases with empathy, compassion, respect and, of course, prodigious skill. Contact us today for a free, risk-free consultation to discuss your accident and your options.
State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an auto accident. If you have been injured in an accident, call now to get the help you need.
