Motorcycle accidents can be significantly dangerous, resulting in severe injuries and lifelong disabilities. Victims can also experience financial strains due to the damage or loss of their property. It can be helpful to have a Beaumont motorcycle accident lawyer guide you through the complex legal process that comes after an accident. They can assist you in understanding your legal options, help you negotiate with insurance companies, and more.
At Renick Law Firm, PLLC, we understand the legal complexities of such cases. One important aspect of any type of accident involving a vehicle or motorcycle is determining and proving fault. This element can drastically affect how your case will be handled. If you are found to be at fault for the accident, you could be required to pay large fines as well as restitution. A lawyer can help you navigate this complexity as well as protect your rights.
It can be difficult to determine who is at fault in a car or motorcycle accident. In Texas, this task is the responsibility of the relevant insurance adjusters. However, police and other local law enforcement personnel can gather evidence and information at the scene, which may be used later.
Texas is classified as an at-fault state, which means that the responsibility for fault is based on each driver’s degree of negligence. Both involved parties can be recognized as contributing to the accident, although one may have contributed more than the other. Texas uses the comparative negligence rule, meaning that if one driver is found to be more than 50% at fault, they may be unable to recover any compensation for damages.
The legal ramifications for those who have been involved in a motorcycle accident specifically can be complex. While motorcycles are not as common as cars are, in Beaumont, Texas, 41 of 1,498 households report having and using a motorcycle as a means of transportation. Due to the lack of structural protection that a motorcycle offers the driver, riders are subject to more intense and direct impact in the event of a crash.
Victims of a motorcycle crash may face various legal ramifications, including medical bills, loss of wages, long-term rehabilitation and treatment costs, and the responsibility of paying for any damages caused to other drivers. Determining fault can be complicated, especially when multiple drivers are included. It can also be difficult to determine if exterior factors are relevant, such as icy roads or inclement weather conditions.
There are innumerable reasons why a motorcycle accident may occur, but there are certain characteristics of motorcycles that may pose bigger challenges for drivers. Visibility is one of these. Motorcycles are smaller than cars, making it more difficult for some drivers to see them. Other common causes include the following:
Regardless of the reason for a motorcycle accident, a lawyer can provide essential guidance and assistance in protecting your rights and interests.
There are various factors that affect the settlement amount for a motorcycle accident. Some of these elements include the severity of injuries, costs of medical expenses, the amount of wages lost, the extent of property damage, and the degree of liability. Since 2020, the percentage of motorcycle fatalities in Texas has risen, with around 600 being reported in 2023. Wrongful death settlements can provide family members with significant amounts of compensation.
There is no set amount of time that a motorcycle accident settlement will take, but you can expect it to be somewhat of a lengthy process. There are many informative details that must be gathered, which can take time to compile. Going to trial is another factor that, if present, may increase the length of time a case requires. It is important to allow time for all necessary steps to be taken to ensure your rights are protected.
While you are not required to hire an attorney after a motorcycle accident, it can be beneficial in many ways to have one. They can help in numerous ways, including investigating the facts of the circumstances surrounding the crash, helping to determine fault, guiding you in how to interact with the respective insurance companies, representing you in court if necessary, and more.
Motorcycle accidents can be considered common in Texas. The annual number of fatalities and injuries as a result of motorcycle accidents statewide in 2023 was 9,405. While motorcycle crashes are not a leading cause of death in Texas, they do contribute to a significant number of fatalities and injuries each year.
Motorcycle accidents can have significant effects on all parties involved. If you have been involved in a crash, it is important to secure experienced legal representation, regardless of your degree of liability. A skilled lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of your case, handle negotiations with other lawyers, and protect your interests. Don’t face this challenging time alone. Instead, contact Renick Law Firm, PLLC today to learn more about how we can help.
We understand the difficulties that can come with motorcycle accident cases. There is an extravagant amount of paperwork that must be completed, appointments that must be made and kept, and other legal demands that are necessary. It can feel impossible to accomplish all these tasks on your own, which is why we are here to assist and guide you every step of the way.