Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in El Paso
Even with numerous signs and commercials reminding drivers to “share the road,” motorcycle accidents are still common across Texas. Texas has a high number of motorcycle owners because Texas enjoys some of the best “riding weather” year round. The downside is the more time spent on a motorcycle provides more opportunity for a negligent driver to put you in harms way. Defensive driving is the best defense against negligent drivers. However, If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, Joseph Law, PLLC, can help you hold the other driver responsible for your injuries.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Motorcycle accidents are some of the most common accidents on roads across the country and Texas. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle accidents account for 14 percent of all accidents annually. In 2015, nearly 90,000 people were injured in motorcycle related accidents. The unfortunate reality is that riding a motorcycle is dangerous. However, this does not relieve other drivers of exercising due care while driving their vehicle. There is no excuse for hitting a motorcyclist absent any negligence on the motorcyclist.
Two-thirds of motorcycle accidents are caused by negligent drivers failing to yield to a motorcyclist’s right-of-way. In addition, intersections are the most common spots for motorcycle accidents. Many of these accidents are caused by drunk drivers or by drivers who are distracted by their cell phones. Distracted driving is on the rise regardless of state law and municipal ordinances that ban the use of cell phones while driving. The rise in distracted driving will continue to contribute to motorcycle accidents and other accidents on our roadways. Other causes of motorcycle accidents include running stop signs and improper lane change by negligent drivers. Be advised, lane-splitting (riding your motorcycle between lanes in traffic) is considered to be negligent and an insurance company may deny your claim if you were involved in an accident because of lane splitting. It is important for all drivers and motorcyclists to exercise due care and to stay aware of their surroundings while they are on the roadway.
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
It is important to speak to an attorney as soon as possible following the motorcycle accident. However, the first thing you should is ensure that you and any other people involved in the accident receive medical care if there are injuries. You should also be sure to receive the insurance information from the other driver and make sure to notify the police so they can investigate the accident and file an accident report. The accident report is important for liability purposes and sometimes includes who was at fault in the accident providing grounds for establishing liability on the other party.
Personal injury cases are time-sensitive and immediate action is the best step forward. There are many moving parts in a personal injury case that can increase or decrease the value of your claim. Injury severity, property damage and which party was negligent are a few of the factors in determining the value of your claim.
Contact Joseph Law, PLLC
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, Joseph Law, PLLC, can help you hold the driver responsible for your injuries. We offer free initial consultations and accept motorcycle accident cases on contingency fees. This means it does not cost you anything to contact us, you will not have to pay any legal fees or expenses unless we recover compensation for your injuries. Contact us today.
