- 1. We Represent Injured Bikers and Their Families
- 2. Crosley Law: Getting Results in San Antonio Motorcycle Accident Cases
- 3. Texas Motorcycle Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries
- 4. What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Texas?
- 5. Insurance Claims Can Be Extremely Complex for Motorcycle Crash Victims
- 6. Victims Need a Skilled San Antonio Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
- 7. Crosley Law: San Antonio’s Trusted Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
We Represent Injured Bikers and Their Families
People love motorcycles because they offer remarkable freedom and power. However, the statistics are grim. Motorcycle riders are 27% more likely to die in a crash than someone in a car or truck. In 2021, there were 8,322 motorcycle accidents in Texas, causing thousands of injuries and 545 deaths.
Unfortunately, motorcycle accident victims often struggle to recover compensation after serious crashes for a variety of reasons, including insufficient evidence, lack of available insurance coverage, and even anti-motorcycle bias among insurance companies and juries.
If your family suffered a loss or you were seriously injured in a motorcycle crash, you have legal options. At Crosley Law, our motorcycle accident attorneys represent injured bikers who have been hurt by other careless drivers. We always put our clients first, and we use evidence-based litigation strategies to serve injured Texans.
Below, we’ve outlined information about motorcycle accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death cases. However, keep in mind that nothing compares to personalized advice from an injury lawyer. To schedule your free consultation, use the contact form on this page or call our office at 210-LAW-3000 | 210-529-3000.
Crosley Law: Getting Results in San Antonio Motorcycle Accident Cases
Our personal injury law firm aggressively represents San Antonio-area injury motorcycle accident victims and their loved ones in personal injury and wrongful death cases. We go the extra mile for our clients, helping them overcome the burden of proof and anti-motorcycle bias to recover fair compensation for their serious injuries.
$1.5 Million Settlement
Our client, Lee, was stopped at a red light when a distracted driver rear-ended him, launching him from his motorcycle and into the side of another vehicle. He sustained life-threatening and life-altering injuries, including a fractured sternum, collapsed lung, and a traumatic brain injury. In addition to significant medical bills, he will likely never fully regain the same level of independence he once had.
Crosley Law acted quickly to gather evidence from the scene, subpoena cell phone records (which showed that the driver was likely texting while driving), and collected critical medical, vehicle, and police records. Fortunately, the at-fault driver had general liability and umbrella coverage, and after less than a year of negotiations we were able to settle the case for the maximum compensation available under the policy limits of all applicable insurance policies.
$1.3 Million Settlement
Ronald, an auto mechanic, was riding a motorcycle in San Antonio when a pickup truck in front of him made a sudden, illegal right turn from the left lane. Ronald had no time to react, collided with the truck, and was severely injured. But the insurance company refused to pay, claiming that their driver had been in the right lane, and that Ronald was at fault for accelerating too quickly and trying to pass on the right.
Crosley Law hired a reconstructionist to evaluate the accident scene, who concluded that Ronald’s version of events (corroborated by two eyewitnesses) was correct. We also talked with medical experts and economists to accurately project Ronald’s long-term medical expenses. Ultimately, we negotiated a large settlement in mediation.
Confidential Settlement
Our clients, a father and son, were out riding motorcycles when a negligent driver heading the opposite way rear-ended a pickup, pushing it directly into the riders’ path. Michael, the father, survived but suffered severe and permanent injuries that required several surgeries. Justin, the son, avoided the truck; his physical injuries were minor, but the emotional trauma was significant.
Because the at-fault driver was underinsured, the settlement offer was nowhere near what Michael and Justin needed or deserved. Crosley Law went above and beyond to secure as much as possible for them. Not only did we demand (and receive) maximum policy limits settlements from the at-fault driver’s insurance and Michael’s PIP and uninsured motorist policies, but after the case was concluded we negotiated with third-party medical providers to significantly reduce their medical debt. As a result, Michael and Justin were able to walk away without overwhelming debit, and with money left over to help with daily expenses and challenges.
Father and Son Get More Than a Settlement: Michael and Justin’s Story
Read MoreConfidential Settlement
Bill, an executive with USAA Insurance Company, was riding his Harley Davidson to the office when a teenage driver turned in front of him at an intersection. Bill had no time to react, and the resulting collision left him with life-altering injuries, including a collapsed lung, 11 fractured ribs, and fractures to his femur, tibia, and wrist.
Bill asked his fellow USAA executives and the company legal department to recommend a top notch personal injury attorney, and they pointed him to Crosley Law. The at-fault driver denied responsibility, but we were able to prove that he was lying. We also were able to negotiate settlements with three separate insurance companies with applicable coverage, and get an outstanding result for Bill.
Crosley Settles Motorcycle Wreck Involving Severe Injuries
Read MoreTexas Motorcycle Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries
Compared to other vehicles, motorcycles have very few safety systems. Their smaller size also makes bikes less visible on the road. This leaves motorcycle riders vulnerable during a collision.
For these reasons and more, one careless action can result in catastrophic injuries for motorcycle crash victims. Common injuries can include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Severe road rash, lacerations, and other soft tissue injuries
- Injuries to the eyes and face
- Spine and spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries and organ damage, including lung and kidney injuries
- Dislocated joints
- Broken bones, including:
- Broken arms
- Broken legs
- Dental fractures
- Rib fractures
- Pelvic fractures
- Skull fractures
- Nerve damage
- Emotional injuries, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Death
Many motorcycle injuries require intense medical treatment (including multiple invasive surgeries), time off from work or school, and ongoing care for permanent disabilities. But with the help of a San Antonio motorcycle accident lawyer, you may be able to recover financial compensation (known as damages) for injuries that resulted from someone else’s reckless driving.
Request Your Free Consultation
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Texas?
Motorcycle crashes have many potential causes. While factors like weather are out of our control, many wrecks involve negligence and risky decisions.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other sources, some of the most common causes of motorcycle collisions include:
- Speeding
- Failure to yield the right of way (especially during a left turn)
- Drunk driving and drugged driving
- Distracted driving
- Improper lane changes
- Ignoring traffic control systems, like stop signs and traffic lights
- Defective car, truck, and motorcycle parts
When someone else causes your motorcycle wreck, you deserve answers and fair compensation. Our team of trial-tested personal injury lawyers can help you and your family.
Insurance Claims Can Be Extremely Complex for Motorcycle Crash Victims
All motorcycle riders in Texas must carry a minimum level of liability insurance. However, this policy only covers you when you’re at fault. After a motorcycle wreck, you’ll need to file insurance claims with the at-fault driver’s insurance companies.
Motorcycle accident claims typically involve multiple insurance policies, including:
- Motorcycle liability insurance
- The at-fault driver’s auto insurance
- Personal insurance protection (PIP) policies
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policies
Your motorcycle insurance claims might be different, depending on the circumstances of your accident. For example, if the driver who hit you was working at the time of the crash, you may be able to make claims against their employer. If a part malfunctioned and caused the crash or made the crash worse, you may be able to file a claim against the manufacturer.
Why Insurance Companies Frequently Deny Legitimate Motorcycle Accident Claims
Unfortunately, bikers often face significant practical and legal challenges when they pursue compensation after a crash. Some of the most common include:
- Increased risk of serious injury. Motorcycle accidents are especially likely to result in significant injuries or death, which usually means higher financial claims. Insurance companies have a lot to lose, so they will do everything they can to minimize or deny what they must pay out.
- Complex cases involving multiple insurance companies. Any time an injury-causing accident involves multiple insurance companies, the chances for disputes and litigation increase. Insurance companies are for-profit companies that want to reduce their costs and liabilities. They often try to shift the blame to other insurers and deny liability, which leads to disputes.
- Overcoming anti-motorcycle bias when determining driver negligence. Unfortunately, negative stereotypes about bikers being dangerous, irresponsible thrill-seekers are common. Motorcycles also can accelerate much faster than passenger cars, which may make it look like they are speeding even if they aren’t. If you don’t have strong evidence proving your side of the story, juries often tend to give the other driver the benefit of the doubt, rather than the motorcycle rider.
If your motorcycle accident claim was denied or you received a low settlement offer, contact Crosley Law immediately. There are strict filing deadlines for motorcycle and other motor vehicle accident claims. If you do not file a claim or lawsuit within the correct timeframe, you will automatically lose your right to recover compensation. Use our online form to schedule your free consultation with one of our motorcycle crash lawyers now.
Texas Motorcycle Helmet Laws and Victim Blaming
Currently, Texas law does not require riders to wear helmets if they are at least 21 years old and have either completed an approved training course or have health insurance that would cover motorcycle-related injuries.
Crosley Law encourages all riders to wear protective gear when they’re riding a motorcycle. In 2017 alone, NHTSA estimates that helmets saved more than 1,800 people’s lives. However, even with the best motorcycle helmet and gear, you are still vulnerable on a bike.
If you weren’t wearing a helmet during your motorcycle accident, don’t be surprised if the insurance company tries to reduce your settlement using our state’s comparative fault rules. This kind of victim blaming is common, even though a helmet can’t prevent every brain injury, road rash, or damage to your spine or legs.
If the insurance company tries to use our state’s comparative fault rules against you, contact one of our experienced San Antonio personal injury lawyers right away.
Victims Need a Skilled San Antonio Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
A motorcycle accident claim typically involves more than just completing a few insurance forms, which is why it’s so important to contact a qualified and experienced motorcycle accident law firm. Your attorney can start working on your case right away by:
- Applying Texas’ personal injury laws to your situation
- Reviewing and analyzing medical records
- Reconstructing the motorcycle crash using police reports, data, and expert witnesses
- Interviewing witnesses and experts
- Calculating your damages, which may include compensation for:
- Medical care, including hospital and doctors’ bills, physical therapy, and mental health treatment
- Lost wages and wage-earning capacity
- Costs associated with tasks you can no longer do (like self-care, lawn maintenance, and housecleaning)
- Pain and suffering
- Reimbursement for property damage
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Negotiating with the insurance companies and their lawyers
- Carefully following all procedural and evidentiary rules
- Guiding you through your personal injury lawsuit and educating you about your options
Due to the complexity of motorcycle accident litigation, it’s in your best interest to hire an experienced Texas personal injury attorney.
At Crosley Law, we can talk to you about the strength of your case, guide you through the claims processes, and help you file a motorcycle accident lawsuit if necessary. Then, while we focus on getting you a fair settlement for your personal injury claim, you can focus on healing and being there for your loved ones.
Crosley Law: San Antonio’s Trusted Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
The San Antonio motorcycle accident attorneys at Crosley Law use careful legal and factual analysis, aggressive litigation strategies, and cutting-edge technology to tackle personal injury lawsuits like yours. We also offer a no-fee policy.
If you would like more information about how we handle motorcycle injury claims, contact a Crosley Law motorcycle accident attorney using our online form or by calling 210-LAW-3000 | 210-529-3000 to schedule your free case evaluation with an attorney from our team.
References
Count of vehicles in crashes by body style, 2021. (2022). Texas Department of Transportation. Retrieved from https://ftp.txdot.gov/pub/txdot-info/trf/crash_statistics/2021/28.pdf
Dischinger, P. (2006). Injury patterns and severity among hospitalized motorcyclists: a comparison of younger and older riders. Annual Proceedings/Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3217482/
Fact + statistics: Motorcycle crashes. (n.d.). Insurance Information Institute. Retrieved from https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-motorcycle-crashes
Motorcycle Operator’s Manual (2014, June). Texas Dept. of Public Safety. Retrieved from https://www.dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-8.pdf
Motorcyclist fatalities and injuries by age group and helmet use, 2019. Texas Dept. of Transportation. Retrieved from http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/trf/crash_statistics/2019/10.pdf
Traffic Safety Facts: Motorcycles, 2017 Data. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Retrieved from https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812785
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.
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