Texas Motorcycle Accident Lawyers You Can Trust
Did you suffer a spinal cord injury or TBI?
Our Texas motorcycle accident attorneys know what you’re going through. That’s because we’ve been there before, fighting for the rights of injured motorcyclists just like you. Our motorcycle accident lawyers at Tracey Fox & Walters know the obstacles injured bikers face and we want to help.
You've been hurt in a motorcycle accident that wasn't your fault. What happens next? It can get confusing. If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver's negligence, you have the right to seek financial compensation for expenses related to your injuries and other damages. That’s where we can help you.
It's important to contact us right away. We can immediately take steps to gather evidence and talk to witnesses to help us prove someone's negligence led to your accident. Proving negligence helps us get the maximum compensation possible for you.
Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, and they happen in an instant. What caused your accident? Here are some of the causes of motorcycle accidents that we often deal with:
- Car Turned In Front of Motorcycle
- Vehicle Rear-Ended Motorcycle
- Forced Off Road
- Hit by Distracted Driver
- Road Hazards
- Hit by Drunk/Drugged Driver
Far too often, drivers fail to see motorcycles on the road. And when they do see motorcycles, they don't treat them as they would other vehicles. That's no excuse. When a driver's negligence causes a motorcycle accident, we work to hold that driver responsible.
We get results for injured clients
Practicing motorcycle safety can go a long way toward preventing and reducing the risk of injury. But when a driver is negligent, anything can happen. And because motorcyclists are not in an enclosed vehicle, injuries are likely.
Thousands of motorcyclists are injured in accidents in Texas every year. Motorcycle accident injuries may require surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy and medication. They can leave a motorcyclist unable to work. Some injuries are relatively minor. But others are quite serious and can lead to a permanent disability or death. Injuries caused by motorcycle accidents can include:
If the accident was not your fault, you can seek financial compensation for past and future medical expenses related to your injury. You may also be able to seek compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages.
Unfortunately, the insurance companies are not on your side. They are only interested in making your claim go away as soon as possible for as little as possible.
That’s not good enough. We will fight to get you the compensation you are owed. We will take time to build the strongest case possible. We’ve gone up against insurance companies countless times before. They know we’ll be prepared to fight them in court. Many times, they will agree to a settlement that is right for our clients.
Take your Texas motorcycle accident seriously. Find out what Tracey Fox & Walters can do for you. Contact us to speak to one of our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys and get a free case evaluation.
Car Turned In Front of Motorcycle
This is a very common cause of motorcycle accidents. A car makes a left-hand turn – right into the path of an oncoming motorcycle. This can happen when the motorcycle is going straight through the intersection, passing the car or trying to overtake it. The driver usually doesn’t notice the motorcyclist as he or she makes the turn. The result can be a serious accident that leaves the motorcyclist with severe injuries.
In general, the driver of the car that made the turn is considered at fault for the accident. But if you are a motorcyclist who was injured in an accident when a car made a left-hand turn, the insurance company may try to put some of the blame on you. That's why you need an experienced attorney who knows how to find the facts and fight to get you the compensation you are owed.
In some accidents, a car rear-ends a motorcycle. This is an extremely dangerous situation, as the motorcyclist has no protection and is usually unable to take evasive action or prepare for impact. He or she can be thrown from the motorcycle or become pinned underneath the car. This can result in severe or catastrophic injuries.
If you are a motorcyclist who was injured after being rear-ended by another vehicle, you need an experienced attorney to fight for your rights. The injuries from this type of collision can take a long time to heal, and may require additional long-term treatment. An attorney can help you determine the total costs of your medical care, and help you get the total compensation you are owed.
In some accidents, a motorcycle is forced off the road by a speeding or distracted driver. This is a scary situation that can cause the motorcyclist to hit a guardrail or another object on the side of the road. Or, the motorcyclist could fall off the bike and slide on the ground. Either way, the motorcyclist can have serious injuries.
These cases can be difficult to pursue. The driver may leave the scene and remain unknown. Even if the driver does stop, it can be difficult to prove negligence. If you've been run off the road by another vehicle, contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney right away. It's important to collect any evidence and interview witnesses as soon as possible. The attorney can then advise you of your legal options.
Motorcycles are less visible on the road than other vehicles. But they are even harder to see when the driver of a car or truck is distracted. Distracted driving is engaging in any activity that takes your attention away from the road. Examples include texting, changing the radio station and eating. When a driver does not look at the road for even a few seconds, the odds of getting into a crash increase. And when a motorcycle is hit, the injuries can be quite serious.
If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a distracted driver, you need an experienced attorney on your side. The lawyers at Tracey & Fox know what to look for to prove a driver was distracted. They also know how to get clients the financial compensation they are owed for their injuries.
As any driver knows, there can be all sorts of hazards you come across on the road. Some examples are potholes, wet pavement, uneven surfaces, railroad tracks and debris. But these hazards can be much more dangerous for motorcycles than for cars. A motorcycle is smaller and less stable, and a hazard can cause the motorcyclist to crash, resulting in injury.
Can a motorcyclist seek financial compensation when a crash is caused by a road hazard? It depends. A public entity may be held responsible if it was aware of the hazard but did nothing to prevent it or warn drivers. A private individual or business could also be held responsible, if they were responsible for debris on the road (for example, debris that fell off a truck). If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a road hazard, contact Tracey Fox & Walters.
Drivers impaired by alcohol or other drugs aren't fully aware of their surroundings, make poor decisions and have slower response times. Even if they see a motorcycle near them, they may not be able to avoid a crash. This can leave a motorcyclist seriously hurt. When this happens, the drunk or drugged driver needs to be held responsible.
If you've been hurt in a motorcycle accident caused by a drunk or drugged driver, one of our attorneys can help. We will look for evidence that the driver was impaired by reviewing police reports, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. Then we will fight to get you the financial compensation you are owed for your injuries.
This is a common and serious injury that often occurs in motorcycle accidents. It can happen when a motorcyclist is hit directly by a car or truck or thrown from a motorcycle onto the pavement. The force of the impact makes the brain crash into the inside of the skull, leaving the brain bruised, bleeding or swollen. (A helmet can greatly reduce the severity of the injury, but injury to the brain can still occur.)
This type of injury is known as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and can have serious, long-lasting effects. A person with a TBI may have reduced speech, thinking and motor skills. He or she may experience a change in personality. There can also be problems with weakness, balance and walking. TBI may require long-term care and rehabilitation, which can be expensive. We can help you obtain the compensation you and your family rightfully deserve for your accident.
Another serious injury seen in motorcycle accidents involves damage to the spine. These injuries can occur when a motorcyclist is hit directly or thrown from the motorcycle. When there is damage to the spinal cord, which carries nerves to most parts of the body, the effects can be serious. Spinal cord injuries can result in pain, numbness, difficulty breathing or paralysis.
Spinal cord injuries are very difficult to treat. People with these injuries may need surgery, hospitalization and physical therapy. Some may need lifetime care and require home modifications. The cost of care for someone with a spinal cord injury can be extremely expensive. We can help you every step of the way.
The impact of a crash with a car or truck-or landing on the ground after being thrown from a motorcycle-often results in broken bones. Motorcycle accidents can result in fractures to the hips, arms, legs, wrists and hands.
While broken bones usually heal eventually, they limit mobility for quite some time. A motorcyclist with broken bones can't take part in normal activities and may not be able to return to work for a few weeks or even months. Physical therapy may also be necessary. In some cases, broken bones may lead to permanent disability.
When motorcyclists know they are going to fall, their natural reaction is to try to break the fall with their arms. This can result in a condition called "biker's arm." The force of impact damages the brachial plexus, a network of nerves in the upper arm and shoulder. These nerves transmit signals from the brain that control arm movements. If you suffered this type of injury, you may be unable to lift your arm or move your fingers.
Medical treatment and physical therapy can restore full movement in time. But until then, a motorcyclist will have to limit activities and may not be able to work. In some cases, there may be permanent nerve damage.
A very common injury in motorcycle accidents is road rash. It happens after a motorcyclist hits the pavement, either after being thrown from the bike or being dragged by it. The result is multiple scrapes and bruises that can be quite painful. In some cases, it can be so severe that hospitalization is required.
Minor cases of road rash usually heal in time. But in the meantime, a motorcyclist can have limited mobility and may be unable to work. In some cases, road rash is so severe that a motorcyclist is left with permanent disfigurement or scarring.
It is common for people involved in motorcycle accidents to suffer some type of leg injury. Bones in the leg, knee or feet can be broken on impact with a car or the ground. There could also be damage to muscles, ligaments and nerves in the leg. In some cases, the leg could be crushed between the motorcycle and the pavement.
Leg injuries can be quite serious and affect a person's ability to walk, maybe permanently. Even if a motorcyclist eventually healed and regained full function of the leg, it could take a long time. Surgery might be needed, as well as physical therapy. A motorcyclist with a leg injury may not be able to work for months. If the leg injury is serious, he or she may no longer be able to perform physical labor.
Wearing the right gear can provide some protection for motorcyclists on the road. This starts with a Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved helmet to protect your head. It also includes gloves, a long-sleeved jacket, pants and over-the-ankle boots with non-skid soles.
Practice proper braking. Coming to a hard stop without losing control is a skill that takes practice. Take the time to practice in a parking lot or on a quiet side street.
A basic motorcycle safety course is required to get a motorcycle license in Texas. But it's also a good idea to take the more advanced class, to prepare yourself for all kinds of situations you'll face on the road.
Insurance Companies and Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists have a bad reputation that they don't deserve. Many people who don't ride have this image of motorcyclists as being reckless and irresponsible. Insurance companies are no different. They often think the motorcyclist must be responsible for the accident somehow.
The truth is most motorcyclists are responsible. They obey the rules of the road. We know insurance companies rely on false stereotypes to try to keep claim settlements low. That's why we gather all the facts to prove that the other driver was negligent. We use those facts to get our clients the financial compensation they are owed.
When you choose us to represent you, we will not rest until justice is served. We know how to negotiate with insurance companies. And if they don't cooperate, we're prepared to file a lawsuit on your behalf and take the insurance company to court if necessary.