Waco Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Why Should I Hire A Waco Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, seeking legal help is critical to protecting your rights and maximizing your compensation. Motorcycle accident cases require a deep understanding of Texas personal injury laws, and our Waco motorcycle accident lawyers have the experience to provide you with the best legal representation possible. At Thompson Law, we are committed to advocating for our clients and fighting to protect their rights to compensation.

If you have suffered a motorcycle accident injury due to the negligence of another driver, here are six reasons you need a motorcycle accident lawyer working for you.

1. Legal expertise in personal injury law and knowledge of Texas motorcycle accident laws.
2. Protection of your rights and pursuit of fair compensation.
3. Investigation, evidence gathering, and determination of liability.
4. Negotiation with insurance companies to ensure a fair settlement.
5. Representation in court if the case goes to trial.
6. Peace of mind and the ability to focus on your recovery while a professional handles your legal matters.

A motorcycle accident lawyer can provide valuable assistance and support throughout the legal process.

If you are the victim of a motorcycle accident in Waco, call Thompson Law at our Waco office and let us give you a FREE, NO OBLIGATION CASE REVIEW to best protect yourself.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Waco, TX

In 2021 there were 43 motorcycle accidents in Waco, Texas, and 10% of those resulted in a fatality. Comparatively, less than 4% of all Waco accidents resulted in death. These statistics speak to the dangers and negligence of driving on or around a motorcycle.

Results of Motorcycle Accidents in Waco, TX

• Fatalities:  4 collisions resulted in death representing almost 10% of the total.
• Serious injuries:  10 collisions resulted in serious injuries representing 23% of the total.
• Minor injuries:  20 collisions resulted in minor injuries representing 47% of the total.
• Possible injuries:  10 collisions resulted in possible injuries representing 23% of the total.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Texas and Throughout the US

Texas Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Comparatively to Waco, Texas had more than 8,800 motorcycle-related wrecks in 2021, with more than 8,200 motorcycle drivers and 586 passengers. Here is the breakdown of that total:

• Fatalities:  521 collisions resulted in death representing almost 6% of the total.
• Serious injuries:  2,319 collisions resulted in serious injuries representing 26% of the total.
• Minor injuries:  3,013 collisions resulted in minor injuries representing 34% of the total.
• Possible injuries:  1,520 collisions resulted in possible injuries representing 17% of the total.
• Non-injuries:  1,226 collisions resulted in no injuries, representing 14% of the total.
• Unknown severity of injuries:  248 collisions resulted in unknown injuries representing 3% of the total.

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

Motorcycle Accident Facts and Figures in the United States

Motorcycle accidents peak in the summer months during the afternoon and evening when most are on the road. Motorcycles only make up 3% of all registered vehicles on the road. However, 14% of all fatalities involved a motorcycle in 2021. In fact, death rates caused by motorcycle accidents peaked in 2021, climbing more than 33% since 2009. These trends speak directly to these vehicles’ dangers and the severe injuries and fatalities they can cause.

The trends from the National Safety Council (NSC) also say that 72% of all motorcycle operators involved in accidents were NOT alcohol-impaired. In addition to this statistic, 67% of wrecks took place on urban roads vs. highways, 83% in clear weather, 50% after dark, 53% involved two vehicles, and 59% of these accidents, the driver wore a helmet.

If you or a loved one are the victims of a motorcycle accident, call our Waco motorcycle wreck lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Most Dangerous Roadways for Motorcycle Wrecks in Waco

Most motorcycle crashes in our city happen along IH-35, which is unsurprising. However, many also occur along other significant streets inside and around our city limits. Below are where most of the collisions involving motorcycles occur in Waco:

• IH-35:  There were 7 motorcycle wrecks off this highway in our city.
• West Waco Drive:  Our city had 6 motorcycle wrecks off this street.
• Loop 340:  There were 5 motorcycle wrecks off this loop in our city.
• Loop 484:  There were 4 motorcycle wrecks off this loop in our city.

More than half of all the motorcycle wrecks that happened in Waco in 2021 took place on one of these four roadways. If you are the victim of a motorcycle accident and have suffered injuries, contact our Waco motorcycle accident lawyers today.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Waco, TX

Motorcycle accidents happen for a variety of reasons. Here are the top 5 reasons for collisions involving motorcycles in Waco:

• Speeding:  Almost 19% of all motorcycle wrecks resulted from driving too fast.
• Failure to stop at a red light or stop sign:  Almost 14% of all motorcycle wrecks resulted from failure to stop.
• Driver inattention:  Almost 12% of all motorcycle wrecks resulted from distracted driving or not paying attention.
• Making a left turn:  More than 9% of all motorcycle wrecks resulted from making a left turn.
• Failure to stay in the lane:  Almost 7% of all motorcycle wrecks resulted from a driver’s inability to stay in their lane.

Although drunk driving did not make the top 5 reasons for motorcycle accidents in Waco, driving while intoxicated accounted for almost 5% of all the motorcycle wrecks in our city in 2021. Nationwide, according to the NHTSA, 28% of all motorcycle accidents resulted from drunk driving.

Determining Fault in a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents can happen so quickly that determining fault is often more difficult. Many would assume the motorcycle driver is usually at fault. We see them sometimes driving recklessly, weaving in and out of traffic. However, most motorcycle accidents are actually the vehicle driver’s fault. Car drivers often do not take extra precautions around motorcyclists, make improper left turns, drive while distracted, and open doors before checking for oncoming traffic.

Our qualified motorcycle accident lawyers in Waco have the experience to thoroughly investigate the crash and uncover all the findings a victim might miss trying to go up against the insurance companies alone. Our motorcycle accident lawyers will collect the following:

• Testimony from all witnesses
• Any crash video from nearby surveillance cameras
• Multiple photographs of the scene and damages
• Traffic citations
• Imaging medical scans and medical records
• Police report

At Thompson Law, we believe that motorcycle accident victims deserve justice and fair compensation. Our Waco motorcycle accident lawyers understand the challenges and struggles that our clients face after an accident, and we are passionate about helping them recover the compensation they deserve. Our team is committed to providing compassionate and personalized representation to every client and will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you. If you were injured in a motorcycle crash, contact us today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

How Do You Prove the Driver that Hit You Was Negligent?

To establish negligence on the part of the other driver, our attorneys will need to:

Prove a Duty of Care

Everyone on the road is legally obligated to drive with caution and care. Every driver should drive defensively with everyone’s safety in mind. After gathering all the vital documentation, your legal team will know the standard of negligence to prove the other party’s role in causing the crash. This form of negligence is the easiest to prove and is known as a “duty of care”.

Show Breach of Duty

When someone is the victim of a motorcycle-involved crash, the other party fails to act with their duty of care in mind and violates the rules of the road. Those violations of the duty of care include, for example:

• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Driving while tired
• Unsafe lane changing
• Disregarding motorcyclists
• Failure to stop at a red light or stop sign.
• Swinging a door open without checking for oncoming traffic

Establish Causation

Causation involves proving that the other party’s breach of duty caused the motorcycle accident and your resulting injuries. Your medical records will need to reflect that your injuries were caused specifically by the accident, and were not due to some underlying preexisting condition.

Document Damages

Damages simply means we must prove that you suffered physical, emotional, and financial harm as a result of the accident. These damages can be economic in natures, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Conversely, damages can also be non-economic in nature, such as pain and suffering, reduced quality of life, or disfigurement. Further, in cases of gross negligence, such drunk driving, punitive damages may be sought.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is crucial to understand how negligence is determined in order to seek proper compensation. By proving that the other party breached their duty of care and caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Contact our Waco motorcycle accident attorneys today to discuss your case and protect your rights.

What Types of Compensation are Available to Motorcycle Accident Victims?

Once the experienced legal team at Thompson Law in Waco has determined who is at fault in your motorcycle case, we will go after multiple types of compensation for our clients. The various forms of negligence victims can collect from at-fault individuals include:

• Lost earning potential:  The difference in income before the accident versus after the accident due to injuries or emotional stress suffered.
• Lost wages:  The short-term and long-term wages a victim loses due to their injuries and inability to return to work.
• Coverage of medical bills:  At-fault parties are obligated to pay out any and all medical bills due to a victim’s injuries related to the accident.
• Pain and suffering:  A victim is also entitled to this type of compensation tied to the discomfort, inconvenience, and scarring the injuries may have caused.
• Mental suffering:  Victims of wrecks can suffer extreme anxiety after being involved in an accident, resulting in suffering from many things, including sleeplessness and phobia.
• Property damage expenses:  This is for the expense required to repair or replace your motorcycle.

The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming and confusing, with medical bills, lost wages, and physical pain. At Thompson Law, we understand the challenges that victims of motorcycle accidents face. We can help you recover the compensation you deserve for damages, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Our experienced Waco motorcycle accident lawyers understand the complexities of motorcycle accident cases and have the skills and knowledge to build a strong case on your behalf. Contact us today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

What Should I Do Immediately After A Motorcycle Accident in Waco?

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Waco, Texas, it is important to stay calm and act quickly. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the situation:

• First, check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 right away if anyone is seriously hurt.
• If it is safe to do so, move yourself and your bike to the side of the road to avoid further accidents.
• Contact the police and report the accident. A police report will be helpful for insurance and legal claims.
• Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including your motorcycle, other vehicles, and any road hazards or signs.
• Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver. Do not discuss or admit fault at the scene.
• Speak to any witnesses and ask for their contact information. Their statements can be important later.
• Even if you feel fine, visit a doctor to check for hidden injuries that may not be obvious right away.
• Notify your insurance company and provide them with all the details of the accident.
• If the situation is complex or involves significant injuries, reach out to a local attorney in Waco for guidance.

By taking these steps, you can ensure your safety and protect your rights after a motorcycle accident.

Waco Motorcycle Laws

Understanding Texas motorcycle laws is essential for riders in Waco to stay safe and ensure legal compliance on the road. These laws are designed to protect both motorcyclists and other drivers, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring accountability in case of a collision. Below are key motorcycle laws that every rider in Waco should know:

Helmet Laws

• Texas requires motorcycle riders under the age of 21 to wear helmets at all times.
• Riders over 21 can opt out of wearing a helmet if they have completed an approved motorcycle safety course or carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage.

Licensing and Endorsements

• To legally operate a motorcycle in Texas, you must have a valid Class M license.
• Obtaining a Class M license requires passing a written knowledge test, a skills test, and completing a motorcycle safety course.

Motorcycle Equipment Requirements

• Motorcycles must be equipped with the following:
  • Headlights and taillights (required to be illuminated at all times while riding).
  • Mirrors providing a clear view of at least 200 feet behind the motorcycle.
  • Functional brakes on both wheels.
  • A horn and exhaust system that meets noise control standards.
• Handlebars cannot rise more than 15 inches above the rider’s seat.

Lane Splitting

• Lane splitting, or riding between lanes of traffic, is illegal in Texas. Motorcyclists must remain within their designated lane and avoid sharing a lane with another vehicle.

Passenger Rules

• Passengers are allowed if the motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person and has a passenger seat and footrests.
• Passengers must follow the same helmet laws as the rider.

Insurance Requirements

• Texas law requires motorcyclists to carry liability insurance with the following minimum coverage:
  • $30,000 for bodily injury per person.
  • $60,000 for bodily injury per accident.
  • $25,000 for property damage.

Speed and Traffic Laws

• Motorcyclists are subject to the same traffic laws as other vehicles, including obeying speed limits, yielding right of way, and stopping at traffic signals.
• Reckless driving, such as excessive speeding or stunt riding, can result in severe penalties, including license suspension.

Night Riding and Visibility

• Motorcycles must have working front and rear lights to ride at night. Riders are encouraged to wear reflective gear to enhance visibility and reduce the risk of accidents.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Violating Texas motorcycle laws can result in fines, points on your license, and higher insurance premiums. In severe cases, riders may face license suspension or criminal charges.

Why Choose Thompson Law?

Being the victim of a serious motorcycle accident in Waco is about as bad as it gets. You do not need the extra stress of worrying about how you will get justice for your accident, including paying your medical bills, collecting for lost wages, and getting just compensation for your pain and suffering, and the damage to your motorcycle.

At Thompson Law, our Waco injury lawyers will immediately take over on your behalf after giving you a FREE, NO OBLIGATION CASE REVIEW. Also, by hiring our team of experienced attorneys, our clients never pay a dime unless we win your case. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for anyone involved in a motorcycle crash in Waco, Texas.

Whether you live here, were visiting Waco, or just passing through when your accident happened, we know Texas law and can protect your rights and fight for the settlement you deserve. The statute of limitations in Texas is two years, so get a legal team on your side immediately.