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Beaumont Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

What You Need to Know About Motorcycle Accidents in Texas

Motorcycle on the ground after being hit by a grey car

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 93 percent of all motorcycles involved in fatal crashes in 2013 were two-wheeled motorcycles. These motorcycles added up to 14 percent of all traffic deaths that year as well as 4 percent of all people injured.

Texas is generally known to rank first or second in the totality of crashes. One reason for this is that Texas lacks a helmet law for all riders. Those above the age of 21 are not required to wear a helmet if they are insured. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle when not wearing a helmet, it’s crucial that our Beaumont motorcycle accident attorney evaluate your case as soon as possible. Helping Motorcycle Accident Victims in Southeast Texas for 40+ Years


Now is the time to get in touch with our Beaumont motorcycle accident attorney at Dugas Law Firm. Contact us for a free consultation at (409) 226-0990.


Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

While riding a motorcycle, you have to keep your head on a swivel to keep an eye out for potential hazards. Aside from the same things that can cause a car accident, people on motorcycles face even more threats on the road. Knowing the common causes of car accidents can help you to know what to look out for and even potentially avoid an accident. 

Some of the common causes are:

  • Open car doors
  • Reckless driving (speeding)
  • Riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Lane splitting
  • Vehicles switching lanes
  • Bad weather
  • Vehicles suddenly stopping
  • Inexperience
  • Road hazards
  • Mechanical defects

Many circumstances can cause motorcycle accidents that are not the fault of the rider. 

These can include:

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle on the road after an accident

Traveling in a vehicle with airbags and a steel frame offers some protection in a traffic accident. For motorcyclists, however, very little exists between the rider, the road, other vehicles, and objects. Motorcyclists can be hurled onto the pavement, into guardrails, trees, other cars, or buildings. 

Because of this, serious or even catastrophic injuries can occur, such as:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Burns
  • And more

Motorcyclists also have a much higher rate of fatality from traffic accidents than passengers in vehicles. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact our motorcycle accident attorneys in Beaumont today.

What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

A motorcycle accident can be a traumatic experience, and knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath is crucial for your safety and well-being. It's essential to stay calm and follow a set of steps to ensure your safety, gather information, and protect your legal rights. In this guide, we'll walk you through the necessary steps to take after a motorcycle accident.

  • Ensure Safety First: Your safety should be your top priority. If you're able to move and it's safe to do so, try to get yourself out of harm's way, away from oncoming traffic. Turn off your motorcycle's engine and activate hazard lights to alert other drivers.
  • Check for Injuries: After ensuring your safety, check yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance. Even if injuries seem minor, it's advisable to seek medical attention as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
  • Contact the Authorities: It's essential to report the accident to the police, even if it seems minor. A police report can be valuable for insurance claims and legal purposes. Provide a factual account of the accident to the responding officers.
  • Document the Scene: While waiting for the authorities to arrive, gather information about the accident scene. Take photos of the vehicles involved, your motorcycle, any damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and the surrounding area. This documentation can be valuable later on.
  • Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident. Collect names, addresses, phone numbers, driver's license numbers, and insurance policy details. Be polite and cooperative, but avoid admitting fault.
  • Obtain Witness Statements: If there were any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information and a brief statement regarding what they saw. Their statements can be crucial if there's a dispute about the accident's details.
  • Seek Medical Attention: Even if you initially feel fine, it's wise to undergo a medical evaluation. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal injuries, may not manifest immediately. Document all medical visits, treatments, and expenses for insurance purposes.
  • Notify Your Insurance Company: Contact your motorcycle insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Provide them with all the relevant information and follow their guidance on filing a claim. Be truthful and accurate when recounting the accident.
  • Consult an Attorney: Depending on the severity of the accident and the extent of your injuries, it may be beneficial to consult with a personal injury attorney. They can help protect your legal rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue compensation if necessary.
  • Keep Detailed Records: Maintain a comprehensive record of all accident-related documents, including medical bills, repair estimates, correspondence with insurance companies, and any other relevant paperwork. This will be vital for any potential legal actions.

Do I Still Have A Case For a Motorbike Accident If I Only Have Minor Injuries?

Yes, even if you consider your injuries to be minor, you may still have a case for a motorcycle accident. Although the severity of the injury and the level of physical damage can often influence the compensation claim, even minor injuries or damages to your motorcycle can justify a lawsuit or an insurance claim.

Minor injuries, despite their appearance, can occasionally lead to more serious health problems over time. As a result, it is critical to seek quick medical assistance following an accident, regardless of how small your injuries appear, in order to appropriately document these injuries.

Moreover, the cost of repairs for your motorcycle can be substantial, even for minor damages. It's also important to remember that compensation is not only for physical injuries but also for the trauma and mental anguish caused by the accident.

Therefore, it's advisable to consult with experienced Beaumont motorcycle accident attorneys at Dugas Law Firm  who can guide you through the process and help ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and any property damage. Regardless of the scale of injury or damage, you have rights as a victim, and these should be defended and upheld.

Find Out How We Can Help You after a Motorcycle Crash

Negligent or distracted drivers are probably the most common cause of motorcycle accidents. Often drivers fail to see motorcyclists and fail to provide them the road respect they deserve. Proving fault is crucial in order to get full and fair compensation for your personal injury claim. We want to help you in the same way we have helped thousands of others during our years of practice.

Recommended Reading

  • Motorcycle Helmet Laws in Texas - Statistically, there is no question that wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle is infinitely safer. However, in Texas, you are not required to wear a helmet if you are over the age of twenty-one. Continue reading to learn more about this hotly debated topic.
  • Does Laying Down a Motorcycle Help Avoid Major Injuries? - The reality is that laying down your motorcycle is not a safe strategy for avoiding major injuries in the event of an accident. If fact, riders who lay down their motorcycles not only destroy their bikes, but also often sustain broken bones, serious road rash, head injuries, and neck injuries.

Call our Beaumont motorcycle accident lawyer at (409) 226-0990 for a free case evaluation. We also take cases on contingency, so we don't get paid until you do.


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