Killeen Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

What Should I Do If I am Involved in an Accident on My Motorcycle?

If you are involved in a motorcycle crash, follow these steps:

• Move to a safe location, if possible, and call 911. Seek any necessary medical treatment.
• Report the accident to law enforcement and cooperate with the investigation.
• Document the scene with photos and take down names of witnesses.
• Seek medical treatment, even for minor injuries. Adrenaline can mask serious issues.
• Contact your motorcycle insurance provider to start a claim.

Consult an experienced Killeen motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can deal with the insurance companies while you focus on recovery.

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Texas?

According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Driver inattention or distraction – Drivers often fail to notice a motorcycle and turn into the rider’s path.
• Speeding – Excessive speed reduces reaction times and leads to more severe crashes.
• Impaired driving – Intoxicated drivers cause a disproportionate number of motorcycle crashes.
• Hazardous road conditions – Slick roads, uneven pavement, debris and other hazards can lead to single-vehicle motorcycle wrecks.

No matter what caused your motorcycle accident, a skilled Killeen motorcycle accident lawyer can help you recover damages.

Motorcycle Accidents in Texas

Texas has one of the highest motorcycle ownership rates in the U.S. Unfortunately, this also means a high number of motorcycle crashes. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there were 1,855 people killed and 9,981 seriously injured in motorcycle crashes in 2021.

Motorcycle accident victims suffer extensive injuries that often require months or years of medical treatment and recovery time. An experienced Killeen motorcycle accident lawyer can hold negligent parties accountable.

Killeen, Texas Motorcycle Accident Statistics

The Killeen-Temple region sees a particularly high rate of fatal motorcycle crashes compared to statewide figures. According to data from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there were 30 people killed in deadly motorcycle crashes in Killeen in 2021 [1]. Of these fatalities, 17 deaths were motorcycle riders and 13 were passengers or people in another vehicle involved in the crash [1].

Some key statistics on motorcycle accidents in Killeen:

• In 2021, the Killeen area had one of the highest rates of fatal motorcycle crashes among Texas cities, with 0.64 fatalities per 10,000 people. The statewide rate was 0.26 fatalities per 10,000 people [1].
• Over the past decade, Killeen has averaged approximately 350 motorcycle crashes per year, resulting in an average of nearly 30 serious injuries annually [2].
• According to TxDOT figures, lack of helmet use has been a significant factor in Killeen’s high motorcycle fatality rate. Over the 5-year period from 2017-2021, helmets were not used by 56% of fatality victims in the Killeen area [1].
• Speeding is one of the most common factors in Killeen’s deadly motorcycle crashes, cited as a crash factor in 44% of fatal motorcycle wrecks in 2021 [1].
• Nearly 4 out of 10 motorcycle fatalities in Killeen (39%) involved alcohol use in 2021. This is significantly higher than the 27% alcohol involvement rate in deadly motorcycle crashes statewide [1].

An experienced Killeen motorcycle accident lawyer can help injured victims and families of riders killed in crashes understand their legal options and pursue maximum compensation from at-fault drivers.

Sources: [1] https://ftp.txdot.gov/pub/txdot-info/trf/crash_statistics/2021/42.pdf  [2] https://ftp.txdot.gov/pub/txdot-info/trf/crash_statistics/annual_summaries.pdf

Types Of Motorcycle Accidents

• Rear-end collision – When a vehicle crashes into the back of a motorcycle stopped at a light.
• Left-turn accident – Occurs when an oncoming vehicle turns left into the path of the motorcycle.
• Sideswipe accidents – When a vehicle drifting out of its lane strikes a motorcycle.
• Road debris accidents – Crashing due to loose gravel, fallen cargo, potholes, etc.
• Single-vehicle motorcycle crashes –Usually caused by speeding, impairment or hazardous conditions.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Due to the lack of protection on a motorcycle, riders often sustain catastrophic injuries, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries, paralysis
• Amputations
• Severe fractures and broken bones
• Road rash and disfigurement
• Internal organ damage

Legal Options for Injured Motorcyclists in Killeen, TX

If another driver’s negligence caused your motorcycle wreck, you have legal options, such as:

• File a claim with your insurance – Seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, bike damage, etc.
• File a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance – Their liability coverage should pay for your damages.
• File a personal injury lawsuit – If insurance won’t fully compensate you, a lawsuit can hold the at-fault driver accountable.

An experienced Killeen motorcycle accident lawyer can handle your insurance claim negotiations and lawsuit.

Types of Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident

If you are injured by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses – Bills for hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, etc.
• Lost income – If injuries prevent you from working.
• Loss of future earnings – If disabilities impact your long-term earning potential.
• Pain and suffering – Compensation for the physical and emotional trauma caused by the motorcycle wreck and injuries.
• Punitive damages – Financial penalties to punish gross negligence or malicious actions.

Damages in Motorcycle Accident Claims in Killeen

The skilled attorneys at Thompson Law thoroughly investigate accident claims and seek maximum damages, which may include:

• Property damage – Repairs or replacement cost for your damaged motorcycle.
• Disfigurement damages – Compensation if crash injuries cause permanent scarring or disfigurement.
• Wrongful death damages – Financial compensation for families who lose a loved one in a fatal motorcycle collision.

Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accidents

In Texas, the deadline to file a motorcycle injury claim is two years from the date of the accident. It is critical to start the claims process immediately, so evidence remains fresh and witnesses’ memories have not faded. An experienced lawyer can preserve your right to take legal action even while trying to settle with insurers.

Motorcycle Safety Tips

While no rider can prevent all accidents, following safe riding practices can reduce crash risks:

• Wear DOT-compliant helmet, gloves, jacket, pants and boots.
• Complete a motorcycle safety course.
• Ride defensively – Watch for hazards and keep distance from other vehicles.
• Avoid riding impaired.
• Slow down – Excessive speed is a factor in many serious motorcycle wrecks.

Contact Thompson Law for your Killeen accident claim

Call Our Killeen Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Killeen-area motorcycle crash, contact the dedicated motorcycle accident lawyers at Thompson Law for a FREE CASE REVIEW. We have secured billions in compensation for injured motorcycle riders throughout Texas. Call our Killeen motorcycle accident lawyers at (844) 308-8180 or reach out online to schedule a free, no-obligation case consultation.

FAQs

Do I get compensation If I was Not Wearing A Helmet?

Texas does not have a universal motorcycle helmet law. Even if you were not wearing a helmet, you can still recover damages if the accident was caused by a negligent driver. An attorney can help protect your right to fair compensation.

Do I Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Even If I Have Motorcycle Insurance?

Yes, insurance companies will try to minimize claim payouts. An attorney thoroughly investigates accidents, calculates full damages, and negotiates firmly for a fair settlement. This helps motorcycle riders maximize compensation.

Will I need to go to court if I was involved in a motorcycle accident?

Not necessarily. Many motorcycle accident claims settle out of court. However, if the at-fault driver’s insurance refuses reasonable compensation, then litigation may be necessary. An attorney can advise you on the best course of action.

Why do I need an attorney to deal with a motorcycle accident claim?

Insurers have adjusters and attorneys working to limit claim payouts. Having an experienced lawyer levels the playing field and ensures your legal rights are protected during the claims process.

What if poor road conditions caused the motorcycle accident?

If hazardous roadway conditions contributed to your crash, an attorney can investigate whether the state or local government may share liability due to improper design, maintenance failures, etc.

How do I Preserve Evidence for my Personal Injury Claim

• Take photos of property damage, skid marks, road hazards, weather conditions, etc.
• Obtain contact info for witnesses. Statements can prove vital.
• Save medical records, accident reports, and bills related to the motorcycle wreck.
• Avoid making any statements accepting blame for the accident.
• Consult an attorney, who can secure additional evidence like video footage, vehicle data, government records, etc.

Preserving all evidence boosts the potential value of an injury claim.