Legal Protection After a Motorcycle Accident

adriana
Jun 24
3 min read

There’s nothing quite like the freedom of riding a motorcycle. The feeling of the open road, the ability to cut through traffic, and the lower cost of ownership make motorcycles an attractive alternative to cars. But these two-wheelers also come with a unique set of dangers. Unlike cars, they lack a protective frame, airbags, and seat belts, making riders more vulnerable in crashes. One mistake, whether yours or another driver’s, can lead to life-changing injuries.

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This article will discuss the top causes of motorcycle accidents, what to do if involved, and how to protect your rights. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in San Antonio, a knowledgeable personal injury attorney from Felix Gonzalez Accident and Injury Law Firm can help you recover compensation for your damages.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

No matter how experienced or cautious a rider is, every rider carries risk. Some dangers are obvious, like speeding or driving under the influence. Here is what you need to know about the common causes of motorcycle accidents:

Driver negligence and inattention: A car might get away with a minor fender bender after a blind spot mistake, but for a motorcyclist, that mistake can be deadly. Drivers who fail to check their surroundings before turning, merging, or changing lanes put riders at serious risk.
Hazardous road conditions: A pothole that barely shakes a car can send a motorcyclist crashing to the ground. Riders rely on balance and precision, making even minor road hazards a serious threat.
Speeding and reckless behavior: Speeding in a car is dangerous, but speeding on a motorcycle is deadly. Without seat belts, airbags, or a protective metal frame, riders involved in high-speed crashes almost always suffer severe or fatal injuries.
Impaired or fatigued riders: Whether it's alcohol, drugs, or extreme fatigue, the effect is the same: slower reactions, poor judgment, and an increased risk of crashes.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

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The immediate moments after a motorcycle accident are critical. What you do or don't do can impact your health, recovery, and rights. Here is what you should do:

Get treated: You may feel fine, but some injuries take hours or days to appear. So, it's crucial to get treated right away.
Call the police: If you can, call the police, and if you can’t, ask someone else to do it for you. A police report provides official documentation, making it harder for insurance companies to dispute your claim.
Document the scene: Take photos, get witness names, and write down what happened.
Choose your words carefully: Even saying something like, “I didn’t see them coming,” can be twisted against you. So, avoid admitting fault or guilt.
Hire a lawyer: Adjusters work for the insurance company, not you. Hiring a lawyer can protect you from lowball offers, ensuring you get what you deserve.

Understanding Compensation for Motorcycle Accidents

Insurance companies want to settle for as little as possible, but your case may be worth more than they admit. Depending on the nature and severity of your accident, you may be eligible for:

Medical expenses: Compensation for hospital bills, surgeries, rehab, and long-term care.
Lost wages: If your injuries keep you out of work, you may be compensated for earnings lost during this period.
Pain and suffering: You can also receive compensation for the emotional toll of the crash.
Property damage: Compensation designed to cover repairs or replacement of your motorcycle.

How a Lawyer Can Help You

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After a motorcycle accident, insurance companies will do everything they can to minimize your claim. They may argue that you were partially at fault, challenge the severity of your injuries, or offer a lowball settlement before you understand your rights.

A personal injury lawyer can identify all liable parties, gather strong evidence, and ensure that insurance companies don’t exploit you. They will take care of all legal deadlines, negotiate aggressively, and fight for fair compensation that reflects the full extent of your injuries.