The Texas sun, the open road, the raw thrill of a motorcycle beneath you – it’s an experience like no other. But that freedom comes with a stark reality: vulnerability. On the streets of New Braunfels, a motorcycle offers none of the steel cage protection of a car or truck. When accidents happen, the consequences can be devastating.
If you’ve been injured, or tragically lost a loved one, in a motorcycle accident in the New Braunfels area, understand this: you may have legal recourse. Navigating the aftermath of a crash – medical bills, lost income, insurance companies – is overwhelming. Securing experienced legal representation from a New Braunfels motorcycle accident attorney can be the most important decision you make.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in New Braunfels
There are many potential causes of motorcycle accidents on New Braunfels roads:
- Motorist Negligence – One of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes is when a motorist fails to see the motorcycle and turns into or in front of the rider. Distracted or careless driving puts motorcyclists at great risk.
- Hazardous Road Conditions – Slick roads, debris, uneven pavement, and other dangerous conditions can easily cause a motorcyclist to lose control of their bike.
- Speeding – Excessive speed is especially dangerous for motorcycles, reducing reaction time and increasing the risk of losing control.
- Impaired Riding – Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs judgment and reaction time. An intoxicated motorcyclist is a danger to themselves and everyone on the road.
- Mechanical Failure – Motorcycle maintenance issues like worn tires, brake problems, and other equipment failures can lead to catastrophic accidents.
- Reckless Riding – Stunt riding, ignoring traffic laws, unsafe passing, and other reckless behaviors endanger everyone.
Liability in New Braunfels Motorcycle Accidents
When a motorcycle collision occurs in New Braunfels, liability generally falls into one of two categories:
- Motorist is at Fault – If the other driver caused the crash through actions like failing to yield, distracted driving, drunk driving, etc., they can be held fully liable for any injuries and damages.
- Motorcyclist is Partially at Fault – Texas follows modified comparative negligence rules. If the motorcyclist was partially responsible through actions like speeding, illegal passing, etc., their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault. However, a motorcyclist cannot recover damages if they were 51% or more at fault.
In many cases, multiple parties may share liability. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in New Braunfels can help determine fault and fight for maximum compensation.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in New Braunfels
Motorcycle accident injuries in New Braunfels can range from minor to catastrophic. Some common injuries include:
- Broken bones – Fractures of the arms, legs, ribs, collar bone, or vertebrae. Severe fractures may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
- Traumatic brain injuries – Severe concussions or bleeding/swelling of the brain. This can lead to long-term cognitive and functional impairment. Memory, concentration, speech, and motor skills can be impacted.
- Spinal cord injuries – Damage to the spinal cord resulting in partial or total paralysis of the arms and/or legs, impaired bodily functions, and loss of sensation. This often leads to a lifetime of disabilities.
- Road rash – Painful abrasions caused by contact with pavement. Often requires skin grafts and results in permanent scarring. Can lead to infections.
- Internal organ damage – Lacerations, bleeding, or injuries to organs like the lungs, heart, kidneys, spleen, etc. May be life-threatening.
Any injury can be life-changing. Immediate emergency medical treatment is critical. Survivors may face a lifetime of medical treatment, rehabilitation, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
The Legal Process After a New Braunfels Motorcycle Accident
After a motorcycle crash, it is essential to take the proper legal steps to protect your rights. Key steps include:
- Report the Accident – All accidents must be reported to the police to create an official record. Get a copy of the police report.
- Seek Medical Care – Get evaluated and treated for any injuries as soon as possible. Follow all doctors’ treatment plans. Keep records of all diagnoses, treatment, and expenses.
- Document the Accident – Take photos of property damage, skid marks, road hazards, weather conditions, etc. Obtain contact info for witnesses.
- Consult a Motorcycle Accident Attorney – An experienced New Braunfels motorcycle accident lawyer can handle the legal process for you while you focus on recovery. They will launch an investigation, preserve evidence, determine liability, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries, damages and losses.
- File an Insurance Claim – Your attorney will submit a claim to the at-fault driver’s insurance demanding compensation for medical costs, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering and other damages. If the offer is insufficient, they can file a lawsuit on your behalf.
- Demand a Settlement – Your attorney will aggressively negotiate with the insurer to reach a fair settlement agreement. If negotiations fail, they will take the case to court.
Having a qualified attorney makes navigating the legal process after a motorcycle accident much less stressful. They know how to maximize your compensation.
Why Hire a New Braunfels Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
After a motorcycle accident, your focus should be on healing – physically and emotionally. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can handle all aspects of your injury claim so you can devote your energy to getting your life back on track.
Benefits of hiring an attorney include:
- In-depth investigation to determine liability
- Experienced negotiators who know how to maximize settlement offers
- Willingness to take your case to court if needed
- No fees unless they recover compensation for you
When choosing an attorney, pick a firm that specializes in motorcycle accident cases, not a general practice lawyer. Also, ensure they have a proven track record of delivering results for clients.
Contact Us Today
The New Braunfels motorcycle accident attorneys at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys have extensive experience representing injury victims in motorcycle crashes. We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for clients over the years.
Put our team to work for you. Call Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys today at 1-800-4THE-WIN (1-800-484-3946) for a free consultation on your New Braunfels motorcycle accident case. Let us fight to get you the maximum compensation you deserve. Focus on your recovery while we handle the legal process.
