San Antonio Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcyclists have a significant risk of injury, as they aren’t well-protected in the event of an accident. For this reason, you should take extreme caution when riding this type of vehicle. Most importantly, if you’re involved in an incident, you should contact our motorcycle injury lawyers at George Salinas in San Antonio.

George Salinas and his attorneys are professionals who have successfully represented cases in which the motorcyclist was initially blamed due to poor investigation. Call us at 210-225-0909 or fill out this form to schedule your free consultation.

There are several legal steps to take after a motorcycle accident and our attorneys will guide you through this process to protect your rights to compensation. We know the law and how to stand up to parties who will do anything to avoid liability and present misleading evidence to support their claims.

Our team has a proven track record in these types of cases in the San Antonio area and we always strive to get the best possible result for each and every one of our clients. We always work hard to fight for your rights.

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Statistics handled by motorcycle injury lawyers

Motorcycle accident statistics indicate that many crashes occur across the country. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 5,579 motorcyclists were killed in 2020, representing a significantly higher fatality rate than motor vehicle passengers.

This data indicates that riding a motorcycle is a risky endeavor that involves a variety of dangers. That said, many people happily ride their motorcycles every day in the San Antonio area.

Types of motorcycle injuries in San Antonio

When people ride motorcycles, it’s important that they’re aware of the risks of injury and know safety precautions for their motorcycles. 

In addition, motorcyclists must have the proper safety equipment. While Texas law exempts certain cyclists from wearing helmets, it’s always advisable to stay protected. Even the best helmet may not be enough to protect you from head and brain injuries. However, wearing a helmet can greatly reduce the chances of life-altering or life-threatening injuries.

What caused the motorcycle
accident?

A motorcycle injury lawyer in San Antonio will want to find out what caused the incident in order to determine if compensation can be claimed. 

If you can’t identify and prove who caused the accident, you won’t be able to hold them responsible for your medical bills, lost income and other significant damages caused by the crash. 

At George Salinas Injury Lawyers, we have the resources necessary to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the accident and determine if another party’s negligence is responsible for causing it.

Other drivers in motorcycle accidents

Motorcycle crashes with multiple drivers often occur because somebody was negligent in some way. People who drive vehicles should always operate them in a reasonably safe manner. When they fail to do so, they could be held responsible for injuries and damages in an accident.  

A driver’s negligence in a motorcycle accident may include:

  • Following a motorcycle too closely
  • Passing a motorcycle with a sudden lane change
  • Running red lights or stop signs
  • Violating other traffic safety laws

When a motorcycle accident occurs, police officers will arrive at the scene and issue a citation to the driver for the traffic violation. They may even arrest a driver for driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving or another serious offense. If a driver is convicted of a crime, this can be used to prove negligence in your legal claim. 

At George Salinas Injury Lawyers, we know what to do to gather evidence of the driver’s negligence. We’ll help you hold negligent drivers responsible for your injuries and damages.

Liability of manufacturers in motorcycle accidents

Companies that manufacture and market motorcycles, as well as add-on components, must do so in a safe manner as required by law. If a company makes a defective design or assembles a part incorrectly, it’s responsible for the malfunction and any resulting accidents.

In the event that a motorcycle’s wheels, tires, steering or brakes suddenly fail, the motorcyclist may lose control and crash. In this situation, the manufacturer may be held liable for damages and injuries.

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State and local government agencies may also be liable for a motorcycle accident, as they’re responsible for keeping streets and highways safe for all types of vehicles, including motorcycles. 

If government agencies don’t design safe roads, perform constant inspections and repair roads when necessary, they may be liable. In general, hazardous conditions can cause a motorcyclist to crash, such as:

  • Cracks in surfaces
  • Potholes
  • Uneven lanes
  • Lack of signage
  • Speed limits that are too high to make a turn
  • Lack of illumination
  • Failure to warn of hidden intersections or other hazards

If a situation on the street or highway caused you to crash your motorcycle, you may be able to claim compensation from the City of San Antonio or the State of Texas. Contact George Salinas Injury Lawyers at 210-225-0909 or complete this form to request your free and confidential consultation. 

No matter who caused your motorcycle accident, our personal injury attorneys can help. If another party attempts to make you partially responsible for the accident, we can investigate to make a strong case for compensation. Even if you were also negligent, you may still be entitled to significant compensation, and we can advise you on next steps.

How can a San Antonio motorcycle injury lawyer help?

Personal injury lawyers work to defend accident victims. They know the financial costs for the people who suffer accidents, as well as the emotional toll it takes on their well-being and health.

A San Antonio motorcycle injury lawyer will listen to you, analyze your case, explain what can be done, conduct research to build a strong case and fight to get you compensation. 

Call 210-225-0909 or complete this form to request your free consultation with the attorneys at George Salinas Injury Lawyers.

FAQs

Texas law establishes the amount of time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. In Texas, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is two years. It’s important that you do so within that time period, otherwise the claim won’t be accepted and compensation can’t be recovered.

If you get in a motorcycle accident, it’s essential to follow these recommendations to stay safe:

  • Get to a safe place where you’re not at risk.
  • Call 911 emergency services as soon as possible.
  • Seek medical attention to check for injuries.
  • Gather the contact information for anyone involved in the accident.
  • Request information from people who witnessed the accident.
  • If possible, take photographs of your injuries and any damage caused by the accident.
  • Obtain a copy of the accident report filed by the police.
  • Consult an accident attorney who can help you claim compensation for your injuries.

Other drivers may approach you at the scene of the accident or days later. It’s important that you don’t speak to them or their insurance company agents, as doing so could affect your case for compensation.

Many people wonder why it’s important to contact an accident attorney like our experts at George Salinas Injury Lawyers after a motorcycle incident. The answer is simple: having an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer represent you will increase your chances of getting compensation.

When you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, you may have to pay medical bills for your physical injuries, as well as other expenses. The attorneys at George Salinas have the knowledge and experience necessary to defend you.

Insurance companies commonly try to make motorcyclists look reckless in order to minimize or deny compensation. Therefore, it’s essential to have an expert do a thorough investigation of the case and collect as much evidence as possible.

When you get into a motorcycle accident and aren’t wearing a helmet, you can still claim compensation. Even if you weren’t wearing a helmet, it doesn’t mean that the accident was your fault. The law states that people who suffer an accident due to somebody else’s fault can claim compensation.

Damages payable in motorcycle accident cases may include reimbursement for property loss, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. To find out what damages may be claimed in your case, it’s important to consult a San Antonio motorcycle accident attorney.

The main cause of motorcycle accidents is being hit by another type of vehicle. This commonly occurs when a motorcyclist is moving forward and the other vehicle makes a left turn in front of them.

Motorcycle accident statistics indicate that accidents occur most frequently at intersections and on non-interstate highways.

If the person driving a motorcycle caused the accident and isn’t covered by insurance, you may not be able to recover compensation unless you have UI/UIM (Uninsured Motorist) motorcycle insurance coverage. With this, you may be able to claim damages through your own insurance provider.

In order to win compensation for a motorcycle accident claim, it’s important to prove the negligent action of the person who caused the incident. 

For this, it’s critical to prove the following:

  • The defendant owed a duty of care to the injured person. This means that they should have been more careful on the road. When the defendant is a business or public entity, it’s important to have the advice of a San Antonio motorcycle injury lawyer who has deep knowledge of the law and the best legal paths forward.
  • The defendant breached their duty of care. A person acting prudently in similar situations wouldn’t have acted as the defendant did. This means that the defendant didn’t fulfill their duty of care to the injured person.
  • This breached duty of care caused the accident. You must prove that the injuries were caused by the accident. Some injuries such as fractures or bruises may be easy to prove, but others may be less easy (such as pain and suffering, which are emotional injuries).
  • The victim sustained losses due to their accident injuries. You must show that losses were suffered as a result of the accident injuries. For this, you can use:
    – Doctor bills
    – Hospital bills
    – Surgery bills
    – Medication costs
    – Lost wages
    – Property damage

Giving an exact answer to this question isn’t easy, as each accident case has unique characteristics. There are many factors that must be taken into account to settle a case. It will also depend on the willingness of the insurance company to cooperate in establishing liability and accepting compensation amounts for injured persons.

Another important factor is the amount of evidence that is presented to prove the liability in an accident. When all parties cooperate, resolution of the case may be relatively quick. If not, it may take time. 

To get a better idea of how long it may take to resolve a claim for compensation, we recommend you consult with a San Antonio motorcycle accident attorney who can give you an estimated time frame.

If the driver responsible for an incident flees the scene before the police arrive, there may be no way to identify them or get their personal details. As a result, hit-and-run accidents are more complex. In these cases, you may be able to seek compensation from your own insurance company.

However, dealing with insurance companies may not be easy, since they seek to reduce their expenses. In this type of situation, it’s recommended to get the representation of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who can help file your claim.

When a loved one dies due to injuries caused by a motorcycle accident, wrongful death compensation can be claimed. In this type of personal injury claim, negligence on the part of the defendant driver must be proved to obtain compensation.

These cases aren’t typically straightforward because not all family members can make a claim. You should consult with an accident attorney to find out which family members can file a claim.  

Financial compensation that could be claimed in this type of case includes:

  • Medical expenses of the deceased family member
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Loss of family income
  • Loss of inheritance
  • Loss of companionship

In Texas, people who want to drive a motorcycle must have a Class M license. In order to apply for this license, you must meet these requirements:

  • Be over 16 years of age
  • Pass a basic motorcycle operator training course approved by the Department of Public Safety.

To get the license:

  • You must pass a written test on motorcycle-specific traffic laws and a practical test.

Class A, B or C licensed drivers seeking a motorcycle license may submit an MSB-8 certificate of completion or a course completion card that meets the Motorcycle Safety Foundation curriculum standards in lieu of taking the exams.

Motorcyclists are more at risk than car drivers because they’re completely exposed when hit. With the exception of a helmet and safety clothing, they don’t have any other type of protection.

Another important difference to take into account is the weight, volume and length of the vehicle. Common vehicles such as cars or trucks are larger than a motorcycle. In addition, they may have specific protections such as airbags that are automatically activated in the event of impact. 

In addition, due to motorcyclists’ vulnerability when hit, common types of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Whiplash
  • Paralysis
  • Broken bones (fractures or sprains)
  • Bruises and scrapes
  • Disfigurement
  • Amputations
  • Internal injuries

If you were in a motorcycle accident and your injuries were caused by the negligent actions of another person, our San Antonio motorcycle injury lawyers can help fight for your rights. 

Schedule your free consultation here! The consultation is confidential and we’ll help you get compensation.

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