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Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

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How Common Are Fort Worth Motorcycle Accidents?

According to txdot.gov, at least one motorcyclist dies in a crash on Texas roads each and every day. In 2021, 519 motorcyclists lost their lives in motorcycle collisions, while 2,318 sustained serious or catastrophic injuries. The combination of motorcycles that look farther away than they are, congested roadways, distracted driving, and careless driving is a recipe for disaster for many Fort Worth motorcyclists. If you or a loved one have been involved in a serious motorcycle accident, you need an experienced Fort Worth motorcycle accident lawyer. The attorneys at Noteboom—The Law Firm, have the experience, knowledge, and skills necessary to ensure you are properly protected following your motorcycle accident.

Texas City and Galveston made the list of the top ten most dangerous cities in the U.S. for motorcyclists, and the state of Texas makes the top five most dangerous states for motorcyclists on a regular basis (11.8 fatalities per 10,000 motorcyclists). Fort Worth motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable when involved in an accident. Motorcyclists in Fort Worth—and across the nation—have virtually no protection in the event of an accident other than a helmet (if worn).

 What Are the Primary Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcyclists face a number of dangers and challenges each time they ride. While every motorcycle accident is unique in some way, these are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents:

  • Drivers who open their car door into oncoming traffic after parallel parking without properly looking for a motorcyclist
  • Excessive speed can reduce a driver’s chance of seeing and reacting to a motorcyclist in time to prevent a collision
  • Drivers who change lanes in an unsafe manner, without checking blind spots or signaling when changing lanes
  • Impaired drivers who have slowed reaction times and may show a lack of judgment are a serious danger to motorcyclists
  • Drivers who make sudden stops can cause a motorcyclist behind them to slam into the vehicle, causing serious injury or death to the motorcyclist
  • Left turns are a major cause of motorcycle accidents. Drivers who are turning left can misjudge how quickly the oncoming motorcyclist is approaching, causing the motorcyclist to either slam into the car or attempt to evade hitting the turning car, perhaps hitting another car, pedestrian, or fixed object.
  • Dangerous road conditions like potholes, crumbling pavement, debris, and other hazards are much more likely to cause a motorcyclist to crash than a car
  • Defective or dangerous motorcycle parts may be the cause of a motorcycle crash. If this is the case, this could lead to a product liability claim.

What is the Process for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

In the state of Texas, the statute of limitations (your window of time) to file your motorcycle claim is two years from the date of the motorcycle accident. Once you file a claim—which should be done sooner, rather than later—the insurance company will either deny or approve your claim for damages. Generally speaking, the insurance company wants to pay out as little as possible on every claim to boost its annual profits.

The adjuster may offer far less than your claim is worth, may unreasonably delay your claim, or may outright deny the claim.  Having an experienced Fort Worth motorcycle accident lawyer from Noteboom—The Law Firm can help you get the settlement you are entitled to receive. When the insurance company stalls or refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, your attorney can file a lawsuit.

Under the comparative negligence rule used in Texas, you must not be more than 50 percent at fault for the accident or your claim will be denied. If your motorcycle accident was caused by a driver who was driving a government vehicle, or on a hazardous government-owned property, your statute of limitations might be two years but you might only have six months to file a “notice of claim”.  When filing against a Texas municipality, that window of time may be even shorter—as little as 90 days. While statutes of limitations are meant to encourage the prompt pursuit of claims, there are certain exceptions, including:

  • You need assistance in filing your claim because you were disabled or catastrophically injured during the accident.
  • A military deployment prevented you from filing your claim in a timely manner.
  • The person who hit you has disappeared.
  • A minor was involved in the accident.

While it may seem like you have plenty of time to file your claim for damages following your motorcycle accident, time passes quickly. The sooner you have an experienced Fort Worth motorcycle accident lawyer on board, the better the outcome will be. Negotiating with the insurance company may take a few weeks, or could stretch into months, depending on whether liability is clear and how complex the case is.  When negotiations fail, a lawsuit is filed, and the case may stretch into a year or more. In any case, speak to an attorney as soon as possible following your motorcycle accident so your claim can be filed quickly.

Do I Really Need a Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

While handling any type of auto accident on your own is inadvisable, handling a motorcycle accident on your own can result in an extremely adverse outcome. Motorcycle accidents are especially complex for a variety of reasons. Should the case go to trial, jurors tend to view motorcyclists as free-wheeling, hard-living, risk-takers. Having a highly experienced attorney means you are more likely to receive full compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Evidence is typically cleaned up quickly to clear the roadway following a motorcycle accident, making it difficult to collect evidence to prove liability. Since motorcycles are much smaller than cars, it can be more difficult to learn details of the accident by looking at the two vehicles. Your motorcycle attorney has the necessary resources to gather the evidence necessary to prove your claim, including medical experts, investigators, and an accident reconstructionist.

At the same time, your Fort Worth motorcycle accident lawyer will monitor your physical progress while keeping an eye on the statute of limitations. Bringing an attorney from Noteboom—The Law Firm, into the situation as quickly as possible will definitely pay off in the end. When your attorney has early access to evidence and information, you have the best chance of a strong case with no missteps.

Hire A Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near You

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you may find your life has been changed forever. Seeking legal representation is not an option, rather it is an absolute necessity. Having a highly-skilled Fort Worth motorcycle accident lawyer in your corner can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. The attorneys at Noteboom—The Law Firm, will place an experienced legal team on your case that will work aggressively on your behalf for a fair settlement.

Since we exclusively handle accident claims which result in serious, even catastrophic injuries, we have the resources necessary to prepare every case as if it were going to trial. With an on-staff investigator, along with access to medical and vocational experts, our attorneys will prepare your case in a thorough, systematic manner. We have been practicing personal injury law since 1982 which greatly benefits you and your case. Contact Noteboom—The Law Firm today!

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