Were you hit by a motorcycle in Friendswood, Texas? Contact The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation today at (281) 992-8633. Our Friendswood motorcycle accident lawyers can explain your rights, investigate the crash, and help you pursue compensation for your losses.
Whether you were walking, biking, driving, or riding as a passenger, the steps you take after a motorcycle crash can affect your health and your injury claim. Keep reading to learn about what steps you should take immediately after the accident, as well as what to do after that.
Why Choose The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers to Help Me if I Was Hit by a Motorcycle in Friendswood, TX?
After a motorcycle accident in Friendswood, TX, you may be dealing with pain, insurance calls, and questions about who is responsible. A Friendswood motorcycle accident attorney from The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers can take over the legal process so you can focus on healing.
Our attorneys have 58 years of combined experience and have recovered over $500 million for injury victims. We understand how serious motorcycle crashes can be, even when the person hit was not riding the motorcycle.
Our Friendswood personal injury lawyers have also been recognized by respected legal organizations, such as:
- The Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- The Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Super Lawyers
Insurance companies may try to blame you or downplay your injuries. Our attorneys can push back with evidence and demand fair treatment. Call today to schedule a free consultation.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Motorcycle Crash
Your first priority should be your safety. Move out of traffic if you can do so safely, and call 911. Ask for police and emergency medical help.
You should also try to:
- Get the motorcyclist’s name, contact information, and insurance details
- Take photos of the motorcycle, vehicles, roadway, injuries, and debris
- Get contact information from witnesses
- Note nearby businesses or homes that may have cameras
- Avoid admitting fault or guessing about what happened
- See a doctor as soon as possible
Even if you feel fine, do not ignore medical care. Pain from concussions, soft tissue injuries, and internal injuries may appear hours or days later. Medical records can also help connect your injuries to the crash.
Identify Everyone Who May Be Responsible for the Crash
The motorcyclist may be liable if their careless actions caused the crash. However, other parties may also share fault.
Possible liable parties may include:
- A driver who caused the motorcycle to swerve
- A vehicle owner who let an unsafe rider use the motorcycle
- A bar or restaurant in limited alcohol-related cases
- A company, if the rider was working at the time
- A parts manufacturer, if a defect caused the crash
- A government entity, if unsafe road design or poor maintenance contributed
Liability depends on the facts. Our attorneys can review the crash, gather evidence, and determine where your claim should be filed.
Keep Records of Your Injuries, Expenses, and Lost Income
If someone else caused your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation for economic and non-economic damages.
To ensure you recover the damages you’re entitled to, you need to carefully document all of your losses. In the days and weeks following an accident, try to keep track of medical records, invoices, and personal journals, as they can become important evidence in a personal injury claim.
Do Not Accept Blame Without Speaking to a Texas Attorney
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means any share of the fault that you’re assigned for your accident can affect how much money you can recover. You typically cannot recover compensation if you are more than 50% responsible for the accident. If you are 50% or less at fault, your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were found 20% at fault, your compensation would usually be reduced by 20%. Insurance companies may use this rule to shift blame and reduce what they pay.
Do not assume you caused the crash just because an insurer says so. A lawyer can investigate and challenge unfair claims of fault.
Watch for Serious Injuries After the Motorcycle Accident
Some injuries may take a while to appear, so accident victims should continue to monitor their health and well-being after a collision, even if they feel fine at first.
Common injuries that can occur if someone is hit by a motorcycle include:
- Broken bones
- Head and brain injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Road rash
- Internal bleeding
- Knee, shoulder, and hip injuries
- Facial injuries
- Burns
Motorcycle crashes often cause serious harm because riders and others nearby have less protection than occupants of enclosed vehicles.
Act Quickly Before the Statute of Limitations Expires
You typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Texas. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation in court.
Some deadlines may be shorter, especially if a government entity is involved. It is best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible so evidence can be preserved and deadlines can be reviewed.
Call Our Friendswood Motorcycle Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation
The hours and days after a crash can feel confusing, especially when you are trying to heal and sort out what happened. Getting answers early can help you avoid mistakes and make informed decisions about your next steps.
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers offers a free consultation, so you can discuss your situation with no obligation. Reach out today to learn how a Friendswood motorcycle accident lawyer can help you move forward.
