Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The feeling of freedom on an open road is why you ride. A split second, however, can steal that freedom with the crunch of metal and the negligence of a driver who offers the all-too-common excuse of not seeing you.
This phrase is not a valid defense; it is an admission of inattention. A car or truck driver’s carelessness that leaves you injured means they must be held accountable. The bias against riders is real, but a dedicated Fort Worth motorcycle accidents lawyer from Stephens Law is the strong advocate you need to fight back with facts and pursue the compensation your family deserves.
The Unfair Bias Against Motorcycle Riders
Injured motorcyclists often face an uphill battle from the moment a crash occurs. A persistent and unfair stereotype paints riders as inherent risk-takers. Insurance companies exploit this bias to shift blame, devalue your injuries, and protect their bottom line. We have seen this tactic time and again, and we know how to dismantle it.
The frequent excuse of not seeing a rider
The most frequent explanation from drivers who cause motorcycle accidents is that they simply did not see the rider. This statement does not justify their actions. It confirms their negligence.
In most cases, a driver’s failure to see a motorcycle has nothing to do with the type of motorcycle involved and instead means the driver was distracted, failed to check their blind spot, or did not properly judge speed and distance. It reflects a failure to uphold their basic duty of care to all road users.
Overcoming preconceived notions
Insurance adjusters often try to paint a picture of the motorcyclist as a reckless speeder who weaves through traffic. They will scrutinize every detail of your life, looking for anything to support this false narrative. Our approach is to counter this bias with a methodical presentation of the facts.
We use evidence to show what really happened, proving you operated your motorcycle safely and that the other driver’s actions were the sole cause of the collision.
How we fight back with evidence
We do not let the insurance company control the story. Our team launches an immediate and thorough investigation to build a case based on irrefutable evidence. This involves gathering the police report, interviewing witnesses, securing any available traffic or surveillance camera footage, and retaining accident reconstruction professionals when necessary.
We build a factual timeline that exposes the other driver’s negligence and shuts down the insurer’s attempts to shift blame.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Wrecks in Tarrant County
Motorcycle accidents are rarely accidents in the true sense of the word. They are preventable collisions caused by specific, careless actions of other drivers. A state where 562 motorcyclists were killed in 2023 alone, according to the Texas Department of Transportation, shows the severity of the problem. Identifying the cause is the first step toward accountability.
Cars making unsafe left turns
One of the most dangerous situations for any rider is an approaching vehicle that suddenly turns left in front of them. Drivers often misjudge a motorcycle’s speed and distance or fail to see the rider altogether at intersections. These left-turn violations are a leading cause of serious and fatal motorcycle crashes.
Distracted and inattentive drivers
A driver looking down at a phone, adjusting a GPS, or engaged in a deep conversation is a threat to everyone on the road, but especially to motorcyclists. A motorcycle’s smaller profile requires a driver’s full attention to be seen and respected. A few seconds of driver inattention can have catastrophic consequences for a rider.
Unsafe lane changes and blind spot violations
Large trucks and SUVs have significant blind spots where a motorcycle can easily disappear from view. A driver who changes lanes without a proper head check can force a rider off the road or into another vehicle. This negligent act is entirely preventable and is a clear breach of a driver’s duty to safely share the road.
Road hazards and government liability
Not all accidents are caused by other drivers. Poorly maintained roads, unmarked construction zones, loose gravel, or large potholes can be especially hazardous for motorcyclists. In some cases, a government entity or a construction company may be held liable for failing to maintain safe road conditions.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
A motorcycle offers no structural protection, so a rider absorbs the full force of any impact. This reality means that injuries are often severe, life-altering, and require extensive, long-term medical care. Our firm appreciates the true cost of these injuries, and we fight to ensure your compensation reflects your long road to recovery.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and Head Trauma
A rider’s head, even with a helmet, can sustain a violent impact in a crash, leading to a traumatic brain injury. A TBI can range from a concussion with lingering symptoms to a severe injury causing permanent cognitive or physical disabilities. The effects can impact memory, personality, and the ability to work for the rest of a person’s life, which is why speaking with a brain injury lawyer can be critical when pursuing long-term compensation.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Damage to the spinal cord is one of the most catastrophic outcomes of a motorcycle wreck. These injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. The lifetime costs of medical care, assistive devices, and home modifications for a spinal cord injury can easily run into the millions of dollars.
Road Rash and Severe Abrasions
The term road rash does not do justice to the severity of this injury. A rider sliding across asphalt can have layers of skin, muscle, and tissue torn away. These deep abrasions are incredibly painful, carry a high risk of infection, and often require skin grafts and other painful procedures to treat.
Broken Bones and Orthopedic Injuries
A rider often sustains multiple fractures in a collision, particularly to the legs, arms, and ribs. These are not simple breaks. They can be complex fractures that require multiple surgeries, the implantation of plates and screws, and months or even years of painful physical therapy. Many riders are left with chronic pain and permanent mobility issues.
The Legal Process for Your Fort Worth Motorcycle Injury Claim
A motorcycle injury claim is a complex process filled with potential pitfalls. We manage every step, allowing you to focus your energy on healing while we focus on fighting for your rights.
The immediate investigation
Time is of the essence. We begin our investigation immediately to preserve evidence before it disappears. We document the accident scene, take statements from witnesses, and send a formal spoliation letter to the at-fault driver or their employer demanding they preserve key evidence.
Calculating your claim’s full value
We work with you and your medical providers to document the full extent of your damages. This includes not just your current medical bills but also the projected costs of all future care.
We build a comprehensive demand package that accounts for every single loss you have suffered. This detailed accounting is the foundation of our negotiation strategy.
- All past, current, and future medical expenses.
- Lost wages and income from being unable to work.
- Loss of future earning capacity if you are disabled.
- Costs for physical therapy and rehabilitation.
- Compensation for your physical pain, mental anguish, and suffering.
This methodical approach ensures we are fighting for a recovery that addresses your family’s needs today and for years to come.
Negotiating with the insurance company
Our firm sends a formal demand letter to the insurance company once we have compiled all the evidence and calculated your damages. The insurer will almost certainly respond with a lowball offer. This is where our experience makes a difference. We engage in aggressive, evidence-based negotiations to push back against their tactics and fight for a settlement that is fair and just.
Why Choose Stephens Law as Your Fort Worth Motorcycle Accidents Lawyer
A long recovery and an aggressive insurance company require a law firm with the resolve and the resources to see your case through to a just conclusion.
Our record of success
Our firm’s history of case results shows our commitment to our clients. We prepare every single case as if it is going to trial. This meticulous preparation sends a clear message to the insurance company: we will not accept an unfair offer. This reputation for being ready and willing to go to court is a powerful tool in securing fair settlements for the families we represent.
We see the rider’s perspective
We know the freedom of the ride and the frustration of being stereotyped on the road and in a personal injury claim. We approach every motorcycle accident case with a deep appreciation for the challenges riders face. We are not just your legal representatives; we are your staunch advocates against the unfair bias that can stand in the way of justice.
The resources to build a winning case
Serious injury claims require significant resources. We can collaborate with leading professionals in accident reconstruction, medicine, and economics to accurately determine how your accident occurred and what you will need for a lifetime of care. We have the financial strength to stand up to the largest insurance corporations and fight for as long as it takes.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Fort Worth and Texas?
The statistics paint a grim picture of the dangers riders face on Texas roads. The year 2023 saw 562 motorcyclists killed in crashes across the state, with another 2,422 riders suffering serious injuries, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.
This means, on average, more than one rider loses their life every single day in Texas. Intersections continue to be hazardous zones, accounting for a large portion of these serious and fatal collisions.
Warmer weather brings more riders onto the roads, and tragically, a higher number of accidents. The months from May through October consistently see the highest concentration of motorcycle crashes and fatalities each year.
Major urban centers are the epicenters for these incidents, and Fort Worth, along with Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, consistently ranks among the cities with the highest number of serious motorcycle wrecks. These are not just statistics; they are our neighbors, friends, and family members.
Frequently Asked Questions for a Fort Worth Motorcycle Crash Lawyer
What if I was not wearing a helmet in my accident?
Texas has specific helmet laws. Under the Texas Transportation Code § 661.003, riders over the age of 21 do not have to wear a helmet if they have completed a safety course or are covered by a specific health insurance plan.
Importantly, even if you were required to wear a helmet and did not, it does not prevent you from filing an injury claim. While helmets improve survival in a motorcycle crash, the insurance company may try to argue that not wearing one contributed to your injuries, but it does not give the at-fault driver a free pass for their negligence.
The other driver’s insurance is blaming me. What can I do?
This is a very common tactic. Do not engage in an argument with the adjuster. You should politely decline to discuss the matter further and contact a personal injury attorney. The single most effective way to fight back against unfair blame-shifting is with a thorough, independent investigation that establishes the facts of what happened.
How much is my motorcycle accident claim worth?
There is no simple answer to this question, as every case is unique. The value of your claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the total of your medical bills and lost wages, your long-term prognosis, and the strength of the evidence proving the other party’s fault.
A dedicated Fort Worth motorcycle accident attorney can evaluate these factors to determine the full and fair value of your claim.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
You have been through enough. You do not have to take on the insurance company by yourself. Let us handle the legal fight so you can focus on what matters most: your health and your family.
The law limits the amount of time you have to act, so protecting your rights today is imperative. Call our office immediately to discuss your case.
