From backroads to highways connecting vibrant cities, there is no shortage of roads for motorcycle riders to explore and enjoy the Texas landscape. However, even the safest motorcyclists in Pasadena could suffer severe or catastrophic injuries if other motorists fail to exercise appropriate caution.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Pasadena, Texas, you could be facing an uphill battle to get the compensation you need for your medical expenses, lost income, and other losses. Negotiating with insurers can be difficult, especially when dealing with severe injuries and pain. But you don’t have to take on insurers alone. The experienced Pasadena motorcycle accident lawyers of The Callahan Law Firm are ready to help.
Contact our office to set up a free, no-obligation consultation with a Pasadena motorcycle accident attorney. We are ready to review your situation and evaluate your next steps for seeking the financial recovery you deserve.
Why You Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Motorcycle accidents are different from car accidents. The injuries tend to be much more severe, medical expenses tend to be higher, and riders can be out of work for longer. In addition to more extensive injuries, injured motorcyclists often endure negative stereotypes about their recklessness, making it difficult for them to get the fair compensation they deserve.
Our attorneys can help you get a fair shake.
Keep in mind, you may have been released from the hospital, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your medical bills will stop accumulating. Motorcycle accidents can leave victims with lifelong complications. A one-time lump sum offered mere days after an accident will cover your long-term medical expenses and time away from work.
Bikers who’ve been injured should hire an attorney who has handled similar cases in the past, knows what expenses they are facing, and is prepared to fight for the full compensation they deserve.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Pasadena, Texas
You may be a safe rider and take all the precautions in the world. Unfortunately, not all motorists are as careful as you.
Negligent drivers are perhaps the number-one cause of motorcycle accidents in Pasadena, TX. Some of the most common factors that contribute to significant motorcycle crashes include:
- Drunk driving
- Drowsy driving
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Unsafe lane changes, turns, and merges
- Failing to obey traffic signs and signals
- Dooring accidents
- Lane-splitting
- Inclement weather conditions
- Vehicle or part defects
Common Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents
The Texas Department of Transportation recorded 413 motorcyclist fatalities on state roadways in one recent year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to die in a collision than occupants of passenger vehicles. NHTSA also estimates at least 84,000 riders were injured in the same time frame. These statistics highlight one stark fact: motorcyclists are overrepresented in injury and death statistics.
Some of the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Other spinal injuries
- Amputations
- Fractured bones
- Joint damage
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Road rash
- Burns
- Lacerations
- Contusions
Who Is Liable for a Motorcycle Accident?
If a negligent driver causes a motorcycle accident, they should be legally obligated to compensate the injured motorcyclist for all related losses. To get this compensation, the injured motorcyclist needs to make a claim against the driver’s insurance policy or file a lawsuit against them.
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule for motorcycle accident claims. This rule establishes that the compensation someone can recover following a collision is tied to their responsibility for causing it. For example, if the court finds that a motorcycle accident victim is 15 percent responsible for an accident, their total compensation is reduced by 15 percent. If a person is more than 50 percent responsible for a crash, they are barred from receiving any compensation.
The modified comparative negligence rule guides how an insurer will value a claim. If an insurer can shift some of the blame on the victim, they can offer the victim a lower payout.
It is also essential to understand that you may also be able to file a claim with your insurance carrier if the other motorist was uninsured or underinsured, provided you have this coverage.
When to File a Motorcycle Accident Injury Claim
Failing to promptly report an accident to the insurer can raise red flags and cause delays in the claim process. Failing to file in a reasonable time frame can also trigger a claim denial. You want to file a motorcycle accident injury claim as soon as possible, but you also want to have all the facts in order. Getting started on the potentially complicated claim process while you are severely injured and still in pain can be immensely challenging.
That’s why you should talk to an experienced Pasadena motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you with the claim process from start to finish by investigating the accident, collecting evidence, and managing communication with the insurance company. Your attorney can focus on building a solid claim and negotiating on your behalf while you focus on getting better.
What Compensation Can Be Recovered?
The severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the accident can be significant factors in determining how much money you could be owed in a Pasadena motorcycle accident claim. In general, you may be able to recover compensation for the following:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Physical impairment
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Pasadena Today
You don’t need to face the difficulties of a severe motorcycle accident on your own. Hold the negligent driver accountable for their actions by contacting an experienced Pasadena motorcycle accident lawyer at The Callahan Law Firm today. We offer free consultations, so there’s no cost to learning more about what you may be owed and how we can help you demand it.
