Austin Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

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Millions of Americans own motorcycles, and many of them ride their vehicles on a daily basis. While motorcycles offer a number of benefits to riders, they also pose a dramatically increased risk of injury when riders are involved in an accident. Unfortunately, other drivers often fail to practice safe driving practices when operating vehicles around motorcyclists, and this puts riders at greater risk for serious injury in the event of an accident.

When another person’s negligence causes a motorcyclist to be injured or suffer other losses, the individual responsible for the accident should be the one to bear the consequences.

At the Law Offices of Vic Feazell, P.C., our Austin motorcycle accident attorneys believe in fighting for victims and the compensation they deserve. We've successfully recovered millions of dollars on behalf of victims of negligence and their families in the state of Texas. Can't come to us? Our team can travel to your place of residence to discuss your case during a free, no obligation consultation.

Call us at (254) 938-6885 to discuss your situation and learn how we can help you seek maximum compensation for your pain and suffering.

COMMON CAUSES OF MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

A motorcycle accident is a type of traffic accident involving a motorcyclist and their motorcycle. These accidents can result in various degrees of injury or damage to property, and in some cases, they can be fatal.

Just like other types of motor vehicle accidents, motorcycle collisions can be caused in a number of ways. However, some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents for which other motorists can be held liable include:

• Left Turn Collisions: One of the most common types of motorcycle accidents occurs when a car or other vehicle makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. This often happens because the motorist fails to accurately judge the motorcycle's speed or doesn't see it at all.
• Rear-End Collisions: Motorcycle riders are at risk of being rear-ended by other vehicles, especially at intersections or in congested traffic. This can happen if the driver of the following vehicle is distracted or doesn't maintain a safe following distance.
• Lane Changes: Motorcycles are smaller and may be less visible than larger vehicles. When a driver fails to check their blind spot before changing lanes, they may collide with a motorcycle in the adjacent lane.
• Dooring Accidents: In urban areas, motorcycles are vulnerable to accidents caused by parked cars. A motorist or passenger opening a car door without checking for approaching motorcycles can lead to a collision.
• Speeding: Excessive speed by either the motorcyclist or other motorists can significantly increase the risk of an accident. High speeds reduce reaction time and make accidents more severe.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug impairment is a major contributor to motorcycle accidents, both for the motorcyclist and other drivers.
• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving, such as texting or using a phone while driving, can cause accidents involving motorcycles, as it reduces a driver's focus on the road.
• Failure to Yield Right of Way: Many motorcycle accidents occur when motorists fail to yield the right of way to motorcycles. This can happen at intersections, while merging onto highways, or when making turns.
• Reckless Driving: Reckless driving behaviors such as aggressive tailgating, excessive speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, and disregarding traffic signals and signs can lead to accidents involving motorcycles.

If another motorists causes you harm as a result of these or other negligent acts, they can be held liable to for the physical pain and emotional trauma that result. Call our personal injury law firm to learn more about your rights at this time.

THE DANGERS OF MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

Motorcycle accidents are often more devastating than car accidents due to several factors that make motorcyclists more vulnerable on the road:

• Lack of Protective Barriers: Unlike car drivers and passengers, motorcyclists are exposed to the elements and lack the protective barriers of a car's body. In a car, the frame, seat belts, airbags, and other safety features can absorb and distribute the impact forces during a collision. Motorcyclists have no such protection.
• Size and Weight Disadvantage: Motorcycles are significantly smaller and lighter than cars, making them more likely to be overlooked by other motorists. In a collision with a larger vehicle, the motorcyclist is at a distinct disadvantage, as the sheer mass of the car or truck can cause more severe damage.
• No Crumple Zones: Cars are designed with crumple zones that absorb the energy of a crash, thereby reducing the impact on the occupants. Motorcycles lack such protective engineering, leading to direct and often severe impacts in a collision.
• Limited Stability: Motorcycles have just two wheels and can be less stable than cars. Sudden evasive maneuvers, road hazards, or inclement weather conditions can result in a motorcycle losing control, potentially leading to a crash.
• Increased Vulnerability to Ejection: In a car accident, occupants are generally restrained by seat belts and surrounded by the vehicle's structure. In contrast, a motorcyclist can be easily ejected from the motorcycle during a collision, increasing the risk of serious injury upon impact with the road or other objects.
• Higher Risk of Head Injuries: Motorcyclists are at a greater risk of head injuries, even if they wear helmets. In many car accidents, head injuries are less common due to the protective interior of the vehicle. In contrast, motorcyclists can be thrown from their bikes and are more exposed to head trauma.
• Less Visibility: Motorcycles are often less visible to other drivers on the road, especially in blind spots or during poor weather conditions. This can lead to a higher likelihood of collisions when drivers fail to notice the presence of a motorcycle.
• Less Room for Error: Motorcyclists have less margin for error when it comes to maneuvering and reacting to hazardous situations. A momentary lapse in attention or judgment can result in a severe accident.
• No Seat Belts or Airbags: Cars have safety features like seat belts and airbags to mitigate the impact on occupants during an accident. Motorcycles lack these features, leaving riders more exposed to injury.
• Road Hazards and Surface Conditions: Motorcycles are more susceptible to road hazards like potholes, loose gravel, and uneven road surfaces, which can lead to accidents. Car suspensions and tires are better equipped to handle such challenges.

TYPES OF COMPENSATION IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

You can pursue various types of damages after being injured in a motorcycle accident, including damages to account for your lost wages, wrecked ride, and pain and suffering. The most significant form of damages you might experience could be your medical bills and costs associated with future medical care.

You might require compensation to help pay for:

• Emergency medical care
• Reconstructive surgery
• Extended hospitalization
• Diagnostic imaging tests
• Prescription painkillers
• Rehabilitative physical therapy
• Living adjustments like building a wheelchair ramp

Whenever you see a doctor for medical treatments, be sure to hold onto all bills and make copies of them. Allowing our attorneys to study your medical records is instrumental in calculating a fair amount of damages to demand in your claim.

WHY SHOULD I CONTACT A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY?

Motorcycle accident claims are not like other types of motor vehicle accident cases. For one thing, motorcyclists tend to suffer serious, catastrophic injuries when they are hit by other, larger vehicles. You need an attorney who understands the long-term impact of these injuries on your life—from your ongoing medical bills to your future lost wages, pain, and suffering.

Additionally, proving liability in motorcycle accident cases can be tough. Despite the fact that the majority of motorcycle accidents result from the carelessness or recklessness of another driver, there is a stigma against motorcycles that they are dangerous and that bikers don’t follow the rules of the road. An experienced attorney can help clearly explain your position to a jury in straightforward, relatable language.

Lastly, all personal injury claims tend to be complicated; those who choose to work with a knowledgeable attorney tend to receive better settlements and, when fair settlements cannot be reached, have a legal team on their side that can represent their best interests at trial. Our firm is here to answer your questions and guide you through the process from start to finish. Importantly, we do not charge any attorneys’ fees until we have successfully secured compensation for you.

CALL THE LAW OFFICES OF VIC FEAZELL, P.C. FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

At the Law Offices of Vic Feazell, P.C., we dedicate ourselves to protecting the rights of motorcyclists who’ve been unfairly harmed or suffered undue loss at the hands of other reckless drivers. We’re ready to do the same for you.

Contact us today at (254) 938-6885 to schedule a free, confidential consultation with an Austin motorcycle accident lawyer at our office.