Denton Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Helping Accident Victims Fight for Justice Against Negligent Drivers in Denton County TX

Being involved in a motorcycle crash is frightening, and motorcyclists can suffer severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, lacerations, bruises, and broken bones. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries after a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and other economic and non-economic damages.

At Goline & Roland Law Firm, PLLC, our Denton motorcycle accident lawyers have over three decades of collective experience. We are dedicated to helping our clients seek justice and fight for their right to fair compensation. While you may be tempted to take an initial settlement offer, insurance companies often try to offer accident victims unfair settlements. Our team can strengthen your case and work to ensure you recover the damages you need and deserve. Our commitment extends beyond mere advocacy; we prioritize understanding the nuances of each client’s situation to offer personalized legal strategies.

Understanding the legal process, including filing deadlines and procedural nuances, is crucial for those affected by motorcycle accidents. Our team provides clarity and guidance, ensuring our clients are well-informed every step of the way. We strive to alleviate our clients' burdens so they can focus on healing while we handle the legal complexities.

Schedule a no-obligation case consultation with our Denton motorcycle accident lawyers today by telephoning (940) 400-0475 or completing our online contact form. 

Denton-Specific Laws & Regulations for Motorcycle Accidents

Understanding local laws is important for any motorcycle accident attorney. In Texas, motorcyclists are required to follow specific regulations that may affect the outcome of their claims. For instance, Texas mandates that riders under the age of 21 must wear a DOT-compliant helmet unless they can demonstrate completing a safety course or having sufficient insurance coverage. Moreover, Texas is a "fault" state, meaning the party found at fault for the accident is responsible for damages. Knowing these laws allows us to better assist our clients in understanding their legal position and potential outcomes. At Goline & Roland Law Firm, PLLC, we tailor our approach to ensure our clients' rights are protected under local and state laws.

Additionally, the local infrastructure in Denton, including busy highways like I-35E and US 377, contributes to the frequency and nature of motorcycle accidents. Understanding traffic patterns and accident-prone areas helps us build more comprehensive legal strategies tailored to our client's needs.

The Role of Medical Experts in Motorcycle Accident Claims

In severe motorcycle accident claims, collaborating with medical experts is pivotal. Injuries like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage have long-term implications that must be accurately evaluated to ensure fair compensation. At Goline & Roland Law Firm, PLLC, we work with reputable medical professionals who provide thorough assessments of our clients' injuries. These evaluations become crucial evidence when negotiating with insurance companies or presenting our arguments in front of a judge and jury.

Our connections with local healthcare providers, including hospitals and specialist clinics in Denton, allow us to facilitate timely and effective medical consultations. This not only aids in rigorous documentation of injuries but also ensures our clients can access necessary care without undue delay. By integrating medical insights into our legal approach, we enhance the robustness of our representation, advocating for the full spectrum of our clients' needs and ensuring that the long-term effects of injuries are fully accounted for in any settlements.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Denton

In 2019, 84,000 riders were injured and 5,014 motorcyclists were killed in traffic accidents. Common causes of such accidents include: 

• Drinking (or riding) while intoxicated. Drunk drivers and motorcyclists put themselves and others on the road at risk of suffering injuries in an accident. Alcohol and drugs can dull your senses, impair your judgment, and delay your reaction time, which is dangerous for those operating vehicles. 
• Lane splitting. Sometimes motorcyclists ride between lanes and vehicles, which is not only illegal but dangerous. This maneuver can take other drivers by surprise, leading to potential side-swipes or worse. 
• Left-hand turns. When drivers make left hand-turns, they may not pay attention to the road they are turning onto but focus on incoming traffic, which can lead to tragic collisions. 
• Motorcycle defects. If a motorcycle has not been maintained or has been poorly manufactured, riders may experience issues that can result in an accident. Regular maintenance checks can help prevent accidents caused by mechanical failures. 
• Open car doors. Drivers in parked vehicles (in parking lots and on the street) may forget to check their mirrors before exiting their vehicle. Thus, when they open the door, a motorcyclist may collide with the person and/or their car door. 
• Poor road conditions. If the highways or roads are not well maintained, motorcyclists may get into an accident because of the debris, potholes, cracked pavement, and other dangerous conditions. Awareness of road environments can mitigate some risks, but infrastructure improvements are crucial. 
• Speeding. When any vehicle on the road is speeding, everyone sharing the road with them is at risk of being involved in an accident. Speeding can cause riders and drivers to lose control of their vehicle, struggle to steer, or drastically increase their stop time (i.e., the time it takes to come to a full stop). 
• Tailgating/sudden stops. If riders or drivers do not leave space between their vehicles and others, a rear-end collision may occur. Ensuring a safe following distance can significantly reduce the likelihood of such accidents. 
• Unsafe lane changes. While drivers are often reminded to watch for motorcyclists, they often forget to check their blind spots or mirror when they change lanes, which can cause a dangerous collision. Mirrors and blind spot checks are essential for road safety. 

Raising awareness about these common causes is a step towards reducing the overall number of motorcycle accidents. Additionally, promoting motorcycle safety courses can empower riders with defensive techniques that improve their safety on increasingly busy roads.

Schedule a no-obligation case consultation with our Denton motorcycle accident lawyers today by telephoning (940) 400-0475 or completing our online contact form. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Motorcycle Accident Claims

What Should I Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident?

Immediately following a motorcycle accident, it's crucial to prioritize safety and legal steps. First, ensure that all individuals involved receive medical attention if necessary. Even if injuries seem minor, it's important to get a thorough medical evaluation as some injuries can manifest symptoms later on. Next, document the accident scene as best as you can. Take photographs of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. It's equally important to gather contact information from witnesses and other parties involved. After ensuring these initial steps, contacting law enforcement to file an accident report is a critical step. The report can serve as a vital document in any future legal proceedings or insurance claims. Finally, reach out to a qualified motorcycle accident attorney in Denton, like those at Goline & Roland Law Firm, PLLC. Legal professionals can guide you through the complexities of your claim, ensuring your rights are protected and helping you navigate the path towards rightful compensation.

How Is Fault Determined in Texas for Motorcycle Accidents?

In Texas, determining fault in a motorcycle accident involves examining various factors, including traffic laws, accident reports, and witness statements. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system, where the person responsible for the accident is liable for damages. However, if both parties share fault, the compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault. For instance, if you are found to be 20% at fault, the compensation you receive will be reduced by that percentage. This legal framework makes it crucial to have experienced legal representation, such as the team at Goline & Roland Law Firm, PLLC, who can effectively argue your case and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. An attorney can help gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and build a strong argument to minimize your fault and maximize your potential recovery.

What Are My Rights If I'm Hit by an Uninsured Driver?

Being hit by an uninsured driver can be a distressing situation. However, that doesn’t mean you are without options. In Texas, motorcyclists have the right to file a claim under their own uninsured motorist coverage, provided they have this option in their insurance policy. This coverage can help pay for medical bills, bike repairs, and other out-of-pocket expenses. At Goline & Roland Law Firm, PLLC, we’ll review your policy to explore all possible avenues for compensation. It's important to note that insurance companies may seek to minimize payouts, making it essential to have a legal team that can effectively negotiate on your behalf. Additionally, if the uninsured driver does have personal assets, it may be possible to pursue compensation through a civil claim. Legal guidance is critical here, as navigating claims against uninsured drivers often involves complex legal strategies.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Motorcycle Accident in Denton?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a claim after a motorcycle accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you must initiate legal proceedings within this timeframe, or you could lose the right to claim any compensation. It's important to start the process as soon as possible, not only due to the legal time limit but also to preserve evidence and witness testimonies. Early action helps in constructing a robust legal approach and can often lead to more favorable outcomes. At Goline & Roland Law Firm, PLLC, we advise contacting a legal professional promptly to ensure all necessary steps are taken to secure your rights. Procrastination in seeking legal guidance can result in complications or even relinquishment of your ability to claim damages. Our team is ready to assist you with comprehensive legal support from day one.

What Types of Compensation Can I Seek After a Motorcycle Accident?

After a motorcycle accident, Texas allows victims to pursue several types of compensation. These include economic damages, such as medical expenses, repair costs, and lost wages due to time away from work. Non-economic damages, covering pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, are also recoverable. In severe cases, where the at-fault party exhibited particularly reckless behavior, punitive damages may be pursued as well. At Goline & Roland Law Firm, PLLC, our goal is to tailor each claim to fit the client's specific needs, ensuring that all potential avenues of compensation are explored. We diligently evaluate every element of the case to maximize recovery while understanding that financial compensation cannot entirely erase the trauma experienced. We are committed to being your advocates in pursuing the compensation you deserve for both current and future impacts of the accident.

Schedule a no-obligation case consultation with our Denton motorcycle accident lawyers today by telephoning (940) 400-0475 or completing our online contact form.