An Arlington motorcycle accident lawyer fights for your rights when another driver causes your crash. Insurance companies often try to blame motorcyclists or minimize payouts, but skilled legal representation levels the playing field.
If you’re facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and bike repairs, you don’t need to deal with the added stress of the law. The legal system favors those who know how to navigate it effectively.
DFW Injury Lawyers understands Texas motorcycle laws and how to build strong cases that maximize compensation. Call (972) 441-5244 for immediate help with your Arlington motorcycle accident case.
Why Choose DFW Injury Lawyers for Your Arlington Motorcycle Accident Case
DFW Injury Lawyers has deep roots in the Arlington community and knows the local roads where motorcycle accidents happen most often. Our team understands how traffic patterns on Cooper Street, Abram Street, and I-30 create dangerous conditions for riders.
Local Knowledge of Arlington's High-Risk Areas
Our attorneys regularly drive the same roads you do and see the hazards firsthand. We know that intersections near the UTA campus create visibility issues, while highway on-ramps along I-20 and State Highway 360 present merging dangers.
The busy shopping areas around Lincoln Square and Parks Mall generate heavy traffic that increases accident risks.
Experience With Texas Motorcycle Laws
Texas has specific laws about motorcycle operations, helmet requirements, and lane splitting that affect your case. Our team stays current on all state regulations and how they apply to accidents in Arlington.
We know which local law enforcement agencies investigate crashes and how their reports impact your claim.
Proven Track Record With Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters often target motorcycle accident victims with lowball offers or blame tactics. Our attorneys have negotiated thousands of settlements and know every strategy these companies use. We've built relationships with medical providers, accident reconstruction experts, and other professionals who strengthen your case.
Immediate Response to Your Emergency
Motorcycle accidents create urgent situations that require fast action. Evidence disappears quickly, witnesses forget details, and insurance companies start building their defense immediately.
We begin investigating your case immediately to preserve crucial evidence and protect your rights. For emergency legal assistance, call DFW Injury Lawyers at (972) 441-5244.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Arlington
Driver negligence causes most motorcycle accidents in Arlington. Other motorists often fail to see motorcycles or misjudge their speed and distance.
Left-Turn Collisions
Cars turning left at intersections cause many serious motorcycle crashes. Drivers often look for other cars but miss motorcycles in their peripheral vision. These crashes typically result in severe injuries because motorcycles have little protection compared to enclosed vehicles.
Lane-Changing Accidents
Drivers who change lanes without checking blind spots put riders in danger. These accidents happen most often on busy Arlington highways like I-30 and State Highway 360. The impact often throws riders off their bikes, leading to road rash, broken bones, and head injuries.
Rear-End Collisions
Distracted or following-too-closely drivers rear-end motorcycles at traffic lights and in heavy traffic. Arlington's Entertainment District and downtown areas see many accidents during peak hours.
Even low-speed rear-end crashes can seriously injure motorcyclists who lack the protection of a car frame.
Intersection Accidents
Busy Arlington intersections like Cooper Street and Division Street create dangerous conditions for motorcycles. Drivers rushing through yellow lights or running red lights often strike motorcycles that have the right of way.
These high-speed impacts frequently cause catastrophic injuries because motorcycles can't withstand the force of larger vehicles.
Door Opening Accidents
Parked car doors opening into traffic lanes (dooring) cause serious motorcycle accidents, especially in the Downtown Arlington Business District. Drivers and passengers often fail to check mirrors before opening doors.
Motorcycles traveling at normal speeds can't stop quickly enough to avoid these sudden obstacles.
Drunk Driving Crashes
Impaired drivers pose extreme dangers to motorcyclists because alcohol affects judgment, reaction time, and coordination. Arlington's nightlife areas see increased drunk driving incidents, particularly on weekends.
Types of Injuries From Arlington Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents typically cause more severe injuries than car crashes because riders lack protective barriers. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and long recovery periods.
Common injuries include:
- Road Rash: Sliding across pavement tears skin and muscle tissue, often requiring skin grafts and leaving permanent scarring.
- Broken Bones/Fractures: Arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones frequently break during motorcycle crashes, sometimes requiring surgery and metal plates.
- Head/Brain Injuries: Even with helmets, riders can suffer concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and skull fractures that affect cognitive function.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Impact forces can damage the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or loss of sensation. These life-changing injuries require immediate emergency treatment and long-term rehabilitation.
- Internal Organ Damage: Blunt force trauma can injure internal organs like the liver, spleen, and kidneys. These injuries aren't always immediately apparent but can be life-threatening without prompt medical care.
How Insurance Companies Handle Motorcycle Accident Claims
Insurance adjusters often approach motorcycle accident claims differently than car accident claims. They may use stereotypes about motorcyclists to justify lower settlements or deny claims entirely.
An Arlington motorcycle accident lawyer knows these tactics and can help you avoid common pitfalls that weaken your case.
Bias Against Motorcyclists
Many people, including insurance adjusters and jury members, harbor negative feelings about motorcyclists. They may assume riders are reckless or that accidents are their fault.
Your attorney must address these biases head-on and present evidence contradicting unfair stereotypes.
Quick Settlement Offers
Insurance companies often make fast, low settlement offers before you understand the full extent of your injuries. They know medical bills will continue mounting, and some injuries don't appear immediately.
Never accept these initial offers without consulting an Arlington motorcycle accident lawyer first.
Requesting Recorded Statements
Adjusters may ask you to give recorded statements about the accident while you're still recovering. They use these statements to find inconsistencies or admissions they can use against you later. Politely decline and refer them to your attorney instead.
Building a Strong Motorcycle Accident Case
Successful motorcycle accident cases require thorough investigation and compelling evidence. Your Arlington motorcycle accident lawyer must prove the other driver's negligence while countering any claims you contributed to the accident.
Strong cases are built on:
- Accident Scene Investigation: Photographing skid marks, debris patterns, and vehicle damage helps reconstruct how the crash occurred.
- Witness Statements: Independent witnesses provide crucial testimony about what they saw before, during, and after the accident.
- Medical Documentation: Complete medical records link your injuries directly to the accident and establish the extent of your damages.
- Police Reports and Traffic Citations: Police reports provide official documentation of the accident, but aren’t always accurate or complete. Your attorney reviews these reports carefully and investigates any discrepancies. Traffic citations issued at the scene can support your case but aren't required to prove negligence.
- Expert Testimony: Accident reconstruction experts can analyze physical evidence and create computer simulations showing how the crash happened. Medical experts explain your injuries and future treatment needs to judges and juries. These professionals provide credible testimony that strengthens your case significantly.
Compensation Available for Arlington Motorcycle Accident Victims
Texas law allows motorcycle accident victims to recover several types of damages from at-fault drivers. The amount depends on your specific injuries, lost income, and how the accident affects your daily life.
An experienced Arlington motorcycle lawyer knows how to calculate and pursue maximum compensation.
Medical Expenses
You can recover costs for emergency room treatment, surgery, hospitalization, medication, and ongoing rehabilitation. Future medical expenses are also included if you need additional treatment or therapy. Keep all medical bills and receipts related to your accident injuries.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
If injuries prevent you from working, you can recover lost wages from the time you missed. Victims may receive compensation for reduced earning capacity if they can't return to their previous jobs.
An attorney can help self-employed individuals overcome the special challenges of proving lost income.
Property Damage
You can claim compensation for damages to your motorcycle, helmet, and other personal property. This includes the cost of repairs or the fair market value of items that were totaled.
Pain and Suffering
Physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life have real value under Texas law. These damages compensate you for the non-economic impacts of your injuries. Calculating pain and suffering requires skilled legal representation and thorough documentation.
What To Expect During Your Motorcycle Accident Case
Most motorcycle accident cases settle without going to trial, but the process still takes time and requires patience. Your Arlington motorcycle accident lawyer handles all communication with insurance companies while you focus on recovery.
Continue following your doctor's treatment plan throughout the legal process. Missing appointments or failing to follow medical advice can hurt your case. Your attorney needs complete medical records to prove the extent of your injuries and future treatment needs.
Here is how an attorney helps you:
- Initial Investigation: Your attorney gathers evidence, reviews medical records, and begins building your case within the first few weeks.
- Demand Negotiations: Once your injuries stabilize, your attorney presents a demand package to the insurance company and begins settlement talks.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If negotiations fail, your attorney files a formal lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires.Texas law, specifically the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, establishes a two-year deadline
Your attorney will keep you informed about case developments and explain any settlement offers you receive. Ask questions whenever you don't understand something. Good communication between you and your legal team leads to better outcomes.
FAQ for Arlington Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
How Long Do I Have To File an Arlington Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
Texas gives you two years from the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means you lose your right to compensation forever. Some rare exceptions exist for cases involving government entities or if you didn't discover your injuries immediately.
Start the legal process as soon as possible to protect your rights and give your personal injury attorney time to build a strong case.
What if the Other Driver Says I Was Partially at Fault?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault. This is known as the 51% bar rule, detailed in Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001. Your compensation gets reduced by your percentage of fault.
Insurance companies often exaggerate your fault to reduce their payments. An experienced Arlington motorcycle attorney fights these claims and presents evidence showing the other driver's primary responsibility.
Do I Need an Arlington Motorcycle Accident Lawyer if the Other Driver's Insurance Accepts Responsibility?
Legal representation is extremely advantageous even when insurance companies accept liability. Accepting fault doesn't mean they'll offer fair compensation for your injuries. Insurance adjusters often make quick, low settlement offers before you understand your full damages.
An Arlington motorcycle injury attorney fights for compensation for all medical bills, lost wages, future treatment, property damage, and pain and suffering.
What if I Wasn't Wearing a Helmet During My Arlington Motorcycle Accident?
Under Texas Transportation Code § 661.003, riders under 21 must wear a helmet. Riders 21 and older may ride without a helmet only if they have successfully completed a state-approved motorcycle operator training course or carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage.
However, insurance companies may argue that your injuries were more severe because you weren't wearing a helmet. Your attorney can counter these arguments and focus on the other driver's negligence that caused the accident.
Can I Still Get Compensation if I Was Lane Splitting During My Arlington Motorcycle Accident?
Lane splitting is illegal in Texas, so this behavior could affect your case. However, the other driver's negligence may still be the primary cause of your accident. Texas follows comparative negligence rules, meaning you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault.
Your attorney will analyze how lane splitting impacts your specific case and work to minimize its effect on your compensation.
What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident?
First, check for injuries and move to a safe location away from traffic if you can. Call 911 to report the crash and request medical assistance, even for seemingly minor injuries. Use your phone to take pictures of the scene, your bike, the other vehicles, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver but avoid discussing fault. Finally, see a doctor to get a full medical evaluation.
How much does it cost to hire an Arlington motorcycle accident lawyer?
Our firm handles motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs or hourly fees. We only collect a fee if we successfully recover compensation for you through a settlement or court verdict. The fee is a predetermined percentage of the total amount recovered.
What happens if the driver who hit me is uninsured or underinsured?
If the at-fault driver has no insurance, you may still recover compensation through your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This is an optional part of your own motorcycle insurance policy that protects you in these situations. We can review your policy to determine your coverage and file a claim with your own insurance company.
My motorcycle was totaled. How is its value determined?
The insurance company for the at-fault party is responsible for the actual cash value (ACV) of your motorcycle if it is a total loss. This value reflects the bike's market price just before the crash, considering its year, make, model, mileage, and condition. We help you gather evidence, such as documentation of custom parts and upgrades, to ensure you receive a fair valuation for your property.
Your Road to Recovery Starts Here
The path forward after a motorcycle accident isn't easy, but you don't have to walk it alone. An experienced Arlington personal injury lawyer at DFW Injury Lawyers helps Texas motorcycle accident victims get the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
We know the law, we know the local courts, and we know how to fight for your rights. Call (972) 441-5244 today for your free consultation and take the first step toward justice.