The roar of the engine between your legs and the feel of the wind whipping past creates an unparalleled thrill for motorcycle enthusiasts. However, that exhilaration comes with immense risk, as motorcyclists are significantly more vulnerable on the road compared to the cocooned drivers of cars and trucks. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, motorcycle fatalities accounted for 14% of all traffic deaths in 2020 while motorcycles themselves made up just 3% of all registered vehicles in the United States.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Houston, it is crucial that you hire an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to protect your rights and help you pursue maximum compensation. Here’s why hiring a motorcycle lawyer in Houston is so important after an accident:
They Understand Motorcycle Accident Laws and Regulations
Laws and regulations surrounding motorcycle accidents can be complex. For instance, Texas is a “comparative negligence” state when it comes to motorcycle crashes. This means that even if the other driver is predominantly at fault for the collision, compensation amounts may be reduced based on any contributing factors of the motorcyclist.
An experienced Houston motorcycle accident attorney will have intricate knowledge of relevant state and local laws and how they can impact your potential to recover damages. They can help build a strong argument for why you should receive maximum compensation – even if there are attempts to shift partial blame onto the motorcyclist.
They Can Thoroughly Investigate the Accident
Conducting an in-depth investigation into your motorcycle crash with comprehensive evidence gathering can make or break your injury claim. An experienced motorcycle lawyer will know what details to focus on and how to recreate the accident scene.
Some techniques a skilled lawyer may use include visiting the scene to take measurements and photographs, interviewing eyewitnesses, consulting with accident reconstruction experts, reviewing police reports, and inspecting the vehicles involved. They can then piece together how the crash happened and where the fault lies.
They Can Bring in Accident Reconstruction Experts
Reconstructing how a motorcycle collision transpired is one of the most important aspects of proving fault and winning injury claims. Motorcycle accident lawyers Texas have trusted relationships with respected accident reconstruction experts who can analyze the physical evidence and provide scientifically based opinions on how the crash unfolded.
Having an expert like this strengthen your case with testimony on critical factors like vehicle speeds prior to impact, positioning of the vehicles, what maneuvers were made before the crash, and more can sway the verdict in your favor.
They Can Handle Negotiations with Insurance Companies
Do not attempt to handle negotiations with insurance adjusters yourself. They are trained to minimize payouts, often taking advantage of victims who do not have legal representation.
A motorcycle accident lawyer has extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies on injury claims. They know what settlement strategies adjusters use and how to counter them effectively. Having a knowledgeable lawyer fighting for you at the negotiation table can result in a significantly higher settlement.
They Can Take Your Case to Trial If Needed
If insurance companies refuse to offer a fair settlement, a motorcycle accident attorney can take the case to court. Most injury victims do not have the legal resources or trial experience to effectively argue their case before a judge and jury.
However, motorcycle accident lawyers Houston TX understand what it takes to present persuasive arguments in court, examine witnesses skillfully, and convey why the defendant should be held liable for your injuries and other losses. If negotiations fail, they have the skills to win compensation for you at trial.
They Allow You to Focus on Recovery
The aftermath of a motorcycle crash is stressful enough without having to handle an injury claim alone. All the phone calls, documents, legal issues, and negotiations can become overwhelming, and it’s easy to slip up and say the wrong thing just to get it to go away. Hiring a lawyer lifts that burden so you can focus fully on your health.
A motorcycle accident attorney will handle everything related to your injury claim while you devote your energy to recovering from any injuries sustained. Let them carry this load while you take care of yourself.
They Can Bring in Expert Witnesses If Needed
Having neutral expert witnesses provide statements supporting your claim can go a long way with insurance companies and juries. A motorcycle lawyer has connections with reputable experts, such as accident reconstructionists, doctors, economists, and more, who can analyze evidence and speak on your behalf.
For example, a medical expert can confirm the extent of your injuries, prognosis, and appropriate value of necessary treatments. Or an economist can calculate the true cost of the income you lost due to the crash. Relying on testimony from highly qualified experts strengthens motorcycle accident claims considerably, often resulting in a settlement as opposed to trial.
They Know How to Maximize Case Value
There are many compensable damages stemming from a motorcycle accident you may not be aware you can claim. A top lawyer will identify all possible avenues for recovery and ensure the evidence supports them so that you receive maximum value for your case.
Some damages a skilled motorcycle accident attorney may obtain include medical expenses, lost income and benefits, loss of future earning capacity, pain and suffering, physical impairment, property damage, and loss of consortium for your spouse. With an attorney fighting for the compensation you deserve, you’ll get the highest settlement possible.
Contact Us Today
If you or someone you care about has suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver anywhere in the Houston area, the motorcycle accident attorneys Texas at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys are here to help. Our decades of experience with Texas motorcycle laws and history of winning results make us the right choice to represent your interests.
We will thoroughly investigate how the crash happened, build a strong argument for maximum compensation, and tenaciously negotiate to get you the recovery you deserve. And if the insurance company does not offer you a fair settlement, we are more than willing to take your case to court and win justice for you before a jury.
