Motorcycle Accident FAQ
Our experienced Dallas motorcycle accident lawyers can answer your questions
Finding answers to legal questions about your Dallas motorcycle accident can be more complicated than you might think. How much is my motorcycle accident claim worth? Can I sue the driver? Should I accept a settlement offer?
All of these questions are important. Without accurate information, you cannot make informed legal decisions. That’s why you must trust the source when looking up information about your motorcycle accident.
You can depend on The Marye Law Firm. For more than two decades, our dedicated Dallas motorcycle accident attorneys have been helping injured motorcyclists throughout Texas. We know how the legal system works. We’re familiar with the rules and regulations that apply. We’re the law firm you want when it matters most.
What is your question?
Below, you can find the answers to many frequently asked questions about motorcycle accidents. If you don’t see your question, don’t worry. We can answer your question when we meet with you. And even if you do see your specific question, make sure you talk to us as well. Every motorcycle accident is unique. That’s why we never take a one-size-fits-all approach to such complex cases. Learn more about how we can help you. Contact us and schedule a free case evaluation.
- How much is my motorcycle accident case worth?
- What can I be compensated for?
- Who determines who was at fault?
- What if I was partially at fault?
- Should I accept a settlement offer?
- Should I file a motorcycle accident lawsuit?
- Can I sue the other driver?
- Who else can I sue?
- How much time do I have to take legal action?
- Why should I hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?
How much is my motorcycle accident case worth?
The exact dollar amount will vary depending on many different factors. Depending on the severity of your injury, the length of your recovery, and whether you can return to work, your case could be worth thousands of dollars or significantly more. So how much is your motorcycle accident claim worth? Talk to a motorcycle accident attorney. They can give you an accurate estimate.
What can I be compensated for?
Texas has an at-fault insurance system. That means the at-fault party must pay for all the injury victim’s expenses. So if another driver caused your motorcycle accident, that driver (and their insurance company) must pay for all your accident-related expenses. Such expenses can cover a wide range, including:
- All past, present, and future anticipated medical expenses related to your accident.
- The cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle.
- Modifications to your home if you have a permanent disability.
- Replacement income if you need time off from work to recover from your injury.
- Lost future income if you cannot return to work due to your injury.
- Pain and suffering in certain circumstances.
- Loss of companionship in certain circumstances.
- Other damages (financial compensation).
Who determines who was at fault?
You might think the investigating police officer or state trooper has a lot to say about who’s at fault. But their investigation often simply concerns whether the driver or motorcyclist broke any laws. They’re not concerned with providing an official determination for who was at fault, which has more to do with who’s responsible for paying for injury-related expenses.
So who decides who’s at fault? Often, it’s insurance companies that have a lot to say. And if the other driver caused your motorcycle accident, odds are that driver’s insurance company will do everything they can to try to blame you for causing the collision. That’s why it’s critical that you have an experienced attorney on your side who speak up for you and help set the record straight.
What if I was partially at fault?
If you were only partially at fault, you should still be financially compensated for your motorcycle accident. This is because Texas has a “modified comparative negligence” insurance system. Also known as “modified comparative fault,” this system reduces the amount paid to an injury victim based on what percentage they were at fault. The key is the injury victim must be less than 51 percent at fault to be compensated. For example, if you are found to be 20 percent at fault and your motorcycle accident claim is $100,000, you would receive 20 percent less or $80,000 total for your accident. This is why you need an attorney representing you and making sure you get the maximum financial compensation you deserve.
Should I accept a settlement offer?
Often, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will make a settlement offer soon after an accident. If you already have a lot of bills and expenses due to your accident, you might be tempted to accept such an offer. But keep in mind that if you accept a settlement offer, that settles your case. You can’t go back and ask for more money, even if your accident-related expenses increase dramatically in the future. That’s why it’s important to carefully consider such an offer before agreeing to accept it. Simply ask the insurance company to send you their offer in writing. That way, you can review it with your attorney and see if it makes sense for you.
Should I file a motorcycle accident lawsuit?
Sometimes, the best way to get the money you rightfully deserve for your motorcycle accident is to file a lawsuit. This is especially true if the at-fault driver’s insurance company makes a lowball settlement offer or denies your claim altogether. However, taking legal action can be a long, complicated process. And if you make a mistake, your motorcycle accident lawsuit might not be successful. That’s why it’s critical that you have a motorcycle accident lawyer on your side who knows the law and understands how the legal process works in Texas.
In most cases, yes. If the other driver caused your motorcycle accident in Texas, you have the right to take legal action against the at-fault driver. But even if the other driver was clearly at fault, be prepared to be blamed for causing the collision. That’s because some people are biased against motorcyclists. Some people think that all motorcyclists are reckless and dangerous. We know the truth. Most motorcyclists follow the rules of the road. It’s other drivers that are often to blame. That’s why you need an experienced lawyer on your side, standing up for your rights.
Along with the at-fault driver, you might be able to file a lawsuit or take legal action against other people or businesses in response to your motorcycle crash. That’s why you should talk to an attorney right away to learn more about your legal options.
How much time do I have to take legal action?
The law is very clear in Texas. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s reckless or negligent behavior, you have up to two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit or take other legal action. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, you could miss out on your opportunity to get the money you rightfully deserve for your injury-related expenses.
Why should I hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?
Motorcycle accidents can be complicated. The stakes can be high as well. This is why the at-fault driver’s insurance company often takes a very aggressive approach after an accident. They know they might have to pay injury victims thousands of dollars or significantly more. So instead of paying this money, many insurance companies do everything they can to deny such claims.
When you have an experienced attorney on your side, you can respond in an equally aggressive manner. You can demand the money you deserve. You can take steps designed to hold the at-fault party accountable for their actions. You can make sure your motorcycle accident gets the attention you deserve.
Get the law firm that gets results. Contact us
After a serious motorcycle accident, you only have one opportunity to get the compensation you deserve for all your accident-related expenses. Take a stand after your accident. Contact The Marye Law Firm. We have the knowledge, the skills, and the drive to succeed. Schedule your free case evaluation with a Dallas motorcycle accident lawyer who cares about your case.
The Marye Law Firm – you can count on us when it matters most.
