Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcyclists in Fort Worth enjoy scenic routes like the Lizard’s Tail near Lake Worth and the North Dallas Twistys. However, riding comes with risks. Texas is one of the most dangerous states for motorcyclists, with thousands of crashes and hundreds of fatalities each year.

Unfortunately, the number of motorcycle accidents in and around Fort Worth continues to rise, leaving many riders dealing with serious injuries or families losing a loved one. It takes only a split second for these accidents to happen, but the consequences can last a lifetime. 

When the unexpected happens, an experienced Fort Worth motorcycle accident lawyer with DFW injury lawyers can help you navigate this difficult situation and put you back on the road to recovery. Call (817) 646-2527 for your free consultation.

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Key Takeaways

  • Texas often ranks as the worst state in the country for motorcycle accidents.
  • Motorcycle accident victims injured by a negligent driver may have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries.
  • A qualified Fort Worth motorcycle accident lawyer can fight for your rights and muscle up to help you recover maximum compensation for your losses.

Motorcycle Accidents in the Lone Star State

Kevin and Peter Smiling: Attorneys at DFW Injury Lawyers

Texas consistently ranks among the worst states for motorcycle accidents, often claiming the top spot. In one recent year, Texas authorities recorded 8,636 motorcycle crashes statewide. These crashes resulted in 599 fatalities and 2,483 serious injuries. These numbers put Texas far ahead of Florida, the other state that often ranks number one for annual deadly motorcycle accidents.

At DFW Injury Lawyers, we understand the unique challenges that motorcycle accident victims face, and we are dedicated to helping you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Riders who seek compensation for their injuries often meet bias, not just from insurance companies but often from juries and the general public. 

While many view motorcycle riders as risk-takers and daredevils, we know that other motorists often fail to treat riders with the same respect and caution they give to other drivers. Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers in Fort Worth have seen firsthand the devastating impact motorcycle accidents can have on individuals and their families, all because of a negligent driver’s impatience, aggression, or carelessness.

At DFW Injury Lawyers, our Fort Worth motorcycle accident lawyers are committed to fighting for rider’s rights. If a motorcycle accident injured you or a loved one, reach out for a free consultation today.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Fort Worth

Most motorcycle crashes occur in an instant, leaving riders with life-altering injuries or worse. Many of these accidents stem from preventable causes and often involve the negligence of other drivers. In a busy city like Fort Worth, with its major highways and high-speed roads, riders face constant dangers. 

Some of the most significant factors contributing to motorcycle accidents in Fort Worth are:

Speeding

Excessive speed is a leading contributor to motorcycle accidents in Fort Worth. Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions. High-speed crashes often result in devastating injuries for motorcyclists, who lack the protective structure of a car or truck. 

Certain roads in Fort Worth, such as I-35W, Loop 820, and Highway 287, are notorious for speeding-related crashes. In response to rising fatalities, Fort Worth has reduced speed limits in high-risk zones like Litsey Road to curb reckless driving.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a growing problem in Fort Worth and a leading cause of motorcycle accidents across Texas.

While smartphone use is one of the most well-known distractions, drivers may engage in many other dangerous behaviors that take their focus off the road. Eating, adjusting the radio, and using in-car entertainment systems are other common distractions that can lead to deadly accidents. 

Texas law prohibits texting while driving, but many drivers still use their phones for navigation, making phone calls, or using social media. A distracted driver may fail to notice a motorcyclist in their blind spot, drift into another lane, or react too late when traffic slows or stops.

Even a few seconds of inattention can cause a catastrophic accident, making distracted driving one of the biggest dangers for motorcyclists on Texas roads.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI/DWI)

Drunk drivers have impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and reduced motor control, making them a significant threat to motorcyclists.

Drunk driving is a major problem in Texas, contributing to nearly 26% of all traffic fatalities in Texas in one recent year. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reports that drunk driving kills more than 1,000 people annually. 

Fort Worth sees a disproportionately high number of DUI/DWI accidents, particularly on weekends and holidays. In one recent year, 423 drunk-driving traffic crashes killed 16 people and seriously injured 35 others.  

Failure to Yield to Motorcyclists

Drivers often fail to respect a motorcyclist’s right of way, especially at intersections and during lane changes. Because motorcycles are smaller than cars, drivers often misjudge their speed or fail to notice them entirely.

More than 40% of all motorcycle crashes occur at intersections, typically due to left-turning vehicles failing to yield. When a car cuts off a motorcyclist or merges into their lane without checking, the consequences for the rider can be catastrophic. 

Hazardous Road Conditions

Poor weather and road conditions aren’t just challenging for motorcyclists but for all motorists. You can be the safest rider in Fort Worth, but it still may not be enough to protect you from drivers who fail to compensate for driving rain, fog, snow and ice, construction debris, uneven pavement, and other environmental situations that heighten the risk of accidents.

When motorists fail to reduce their speed or give motorcyclists ample space, they can cause preventable accidents.

Mechanical Failures and Defective Parts

Not all motorcycle accidents are caused by driver error. Some crashes occur due to mechanical failures or manufacturing defects.

If a motorcycle’s brakes, tires, or steering systems malfunction, the rider may lose control, leading to severe injury or death. In such cases, the manufacturer, mechanic, or dealership responsible for the defective part may be held liable.

Aggressive Driving and Road Rage

Aggressive driving like tailgating, weaving through traffic, and road rage incidents are serious problems in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Speeding in heavy traffic, tailgating, blowing the horn, making rude or obscene gestures, and other acts of aggression are linked to 66% of traffic fatalities, according to traffic safety experts.

Aggression and road rage especially endanger motorcyclists, who impatient and hostile motorists often target. 

Poor Visibility and Nighttime Riding

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that more than half of all fatal motorcycle accidents occur at night. Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see, making them more vulnerable to negligent drivers. Low visibility and glare from oncoming headlights increase the risk of a crash for motorcycle riders.

The chance of encountering drunk drivers is another factor that makes nighttime driving more dangerous for motorcycle riders.

Common Injuries in Fort Worth Motorcycle Accidents

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Motorcycle accidents often lead to serious injuries due to the lack of protection compared to passenger vehicles.

Some of the most common injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Even with helmets, riders may suffer severe head injuries that impact memory, cognitive function, and mobility.
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or total paralysis, requiring lifelong medical care.
  • Multiple fractures and broken bones: Motorcyclists are often thrown from their bikes, leading to shattered bones that require extensive rehabilitation.
  • Internal injuries and organ damage: The impact of a crash can cause internal bleeding and damage to vital organs.
  • Severe road rash and lacerations: When a rider slides across pavement, they can suffer deep abrasions that require skin grafts.
  • Limb amputations: In some cases, injuries are so severe that a limb must be surgically removed.

Wrongful death: Tragically, many motorcycle accidents result in fatalities. Families who lose a loved one in a motorcycle crash may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Let DFW Injury Lawyers Handle the Insurance Adjusters 

Navigating insurance claims after a motorcycle accident can be tedious and frustrating. Insurance companies often hold biases against motorcyclists, portraying them as reckless or risky drivers, even when the evidence suggests otherwise. They may try to put undue blame on you to reduce their liability while minimizing your compensation or denying it outright. 

Adjusters may attempt to exploit legal loopholes, question the extent of injuries, or downplay the long-term impact of the accident. They often pressure victims into quick settlements that fail to cover ongoing medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.

On the other hand, they may continually stall progress on your claim, hoping that you will settle out of frustration or necessity. 

Working with an experienced Fort Worth motorcycle accident attorney levels the playing field.

At DFW Injury Lawyers, we know the strategies insurers use and how to counter them. We build strong cases backed by medical records, accident reconstructions, and expert testimony to ensure our clients receive the full compensation they deserve. We handle all communications and negotiations so you can focus on your recovery while we fight for your rights.

What To Do After a Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident

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Recovering from a motorcycle accident doesn’t end with medical care. Once you’re stable and beginning the healing process, there are important steps you can take to protect your rights and strengthen your claim for compensation. 

Here’s what to do as you move forward:

  • 1. Follow Your Medical Treatment Plan

Stay committed to your doctor’s recommendations, attend all follow-up appointments, and complete prescribed physical therapy. Insurance companies often look for gaps in treatment as a reason to minimize and weaken your claim.

  • 2. Organize Medical Records and Expenses

Keep a detailed file of all medical bills, prescriptions, therapy costs, and travel expenses related to your care. These documents help establish the financial impact of your injuries.

  • 3. Document Your Recovery Process

Maintain a personal journal tracking your pain levels, emotional struggles, and how your injuries affect your daily life. This kind of evidence can strengthen claims for non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

  • 4. Preserve Evidence From the Accident

Store photos of the accident scene, damaged motorcycle, your injuries, and any property damage. Keep police reports, witness statements, and any communication with insurance adjusters.

  • 5. Avoid Speaking Directly With Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters may try to get you to say something that weakens your claim. Direct all communications through your attorney to avoid common pitfalls and ensure your rights are protected.

  • 6. Be Cautious on Social Media

Insurance companies often review social media accounts for evidence to downplay and dispute your injuries. Avoid posting about the accident, your recovery, or activities that could be misinterpreted.

  • 7. Consult Our Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

An experienced lawyer can help you navigate complex legal processes, gather the strongest evidence, and advocate for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Types of Damages Motorcycle Accident Victims May Be Able to Claim

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Motorcycle accidents can lead to devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Texas law allows victims of negligent drivers to pursue compensation to help them recover and rebuild their lives. These damages typically fall into three categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and wrongful death damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages compensate victims for measurable financial losses resulting from the accident.

These can include:

  • Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, rehabilitation, prescription medications, physical therapy, and long-term care needs. Future medical expenses for ongoing treatments are also recoverable.
  • Lost Income: Compensation for income lost due to missed work during recovery. This includes part-time, full-time, gig workers, self-employed individuals, and independent contractors.
  • Diminished Future Earning Capacity: If your injuries result in long-term or permanent disabilities that reduce your ability to earn a living, you may be entitled to compensation for future lost wages.
  • Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your motorcycle, riding gear, and other personal property damaged in the accident.
  • Out-of-Pocket Expenses: These can include travel expenses for medical appointments, the cost of hiring help for household tasks, and other accident-related costs.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address the more personal, intangible losses that victims suffer after an accident.

These damages require a lawyer to quantify, and they are just as critical to a full recovery:

  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and the resulting injuries.
  • Emotional Distress: This includes anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological impacts that may result from a traumatic motorcycle accident.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from engaging in hobbies, sports, or daily activities you once enjoyed, you may be compensated for this loss.
  • Scarring and Disfigurement: Severe accidents can result in permanent scarring or disfigurement, which can have lasting emotional and social impacts.

Wrongful Death Damages

When a motorcycle accident tragically results in a fatality, surviving family members may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim. These claims aim to provide financial support for the family and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Family members may claim compensation for:

  • Loss of Income and Financial Support: Compensation for the income the deceased would have provided.
  • Loss of Inheritance: If the victim has accumulated wealth or assets, the family may recover these losses.
  • Loss of Companionship and Consortium: Surviving spouses and children may be entitled to damages for the emotional loss of a loved one.
  • Pain and suffering: Certain close family members may pursue damages for the pain and suffering they experience as a result of their loved one’s untimely death.
  • Funeral and Burial Expenses

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How Much Time Do I Have To File My Motorcycle Accident Injury Case?

Texas’s statute of limitations determines the time frame within which you can file a motorcycle accident lawsuit. For civil personal injury cases, including motorcycle accidents, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the accident date.

If you don’t file your lawsuit within this two-year window of opportunity, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries. However, some exceptions to this rule may apply to your case and affect the timeline, so contact a motorcycle accident attorney with DFW Injury Lawyers today.

Q: I wasn’t wearing my motorcycle helmet. Can I still receive compensation?

Under Texas Transportation Code § 661.003, all motorcycle riders and passengers under the age of 21 must wear a helmet that meets the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard #218 (FMVSS-218). So, if you are over 21, you are not legally required to wear a helmet when riding. However, many insurance companies try to blame a rider who was injured when they were not wearing a helmet.

Since many factors may cause your accident, you may still pursue compensation even if you were not wearing a helmet. A motorcycle crash attorney in our office can explain the best course of action in your case.

Q: I might have been partly at fault in my motorcycle wreck. Will this affect my settlement?

Our state follows the modified comparative negligence rule, which means that if your fault is no more than 50%, then you might still qualify for compensation. However, your settlement will be decreased depending on the percentage of fault assigned to you. Choosing the right motorcycle accident attorneys can fairly apportion your percentage of fault.

Q: I had a previous injury. Will this affect my case’s outcome?

If you had a previous injury before your motorcycle accident, it could potentially affect the outcome of your case. Under the eggshell skull rule, the person responsible for an accident typically must pay the full extent of the damage, even if the victim’s pre-existing condition made them more susceptible to injury.

A knowledgeable Fort Worth motorcycle accident attorney at DFW Injury Lawyers can explain how this rule affects your claim and help ensure that the other parties do not use your previous injury against you unfairly.

How Our Dedicated Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Help You

Choosing the right legal representation after a motorcycle accident can be the difference between a lowball settlement and the full compensation you deserve. 

At DFW Injury Lawyers, we bring a unique combination of experience, dedication, and compassion to every case we handle.

Here’s why injured motorcyclists choose us:

  • Proven Track Record: Our attorneys have secured substantial settlements and verdicts for motorcycle accident victims throughout the DFW area.
  • In-Depth Knowledge of Motorcycle Laws: We understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face and the legal complexities that come with these cases.
  • Aggressive Negotiation & Litigation: We’re not afraid to take on insurance companies that try to minimize your claim, and we’re fully prepared to go to trial if needed.
  • Personalized Legal Strategies: No two cases are alike. We tailor our approach based on your specific injuries, losses, and recovery goals.
  • Full Transparency: We keep you informed at every stage, answering your questions and ensuring you feel confident in the process.
  • No Win, No Fee Promise: We work on a contingency fee basis—if we don’t win your case, you don’t pay us.
  • Free Consultations: Get a risk-free evaluation of your case and learn how we can help before making any commitments.

Our attorneys understand the devastating impact a motorcycle accident can have on your health, finances, and future. We take pride in standing up for riders and hold negligent drivers and insurance companies accountable.

Don’t Settle for Less Than You Deserve: Call DFW Injury Lawyers Today.

Kevin L. Edwards, attorney for slip and fall accidents in Fort Worth
Kevin L. Edwards, Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

At DFW Injury Lawyers, we understand the unique challenges that motorcycle accident victims face, and we are dedicated to fighting for your rights. Our experienced team will guide you through the legal process, provide support, and muscle up to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

If you are looking for legal representation after a motorcycle accident, call us today at (817) 646-2527  or reach out online for your free legal consultation, and let us help you seek justice.

Schedule A Free Case Consultation

Fort Worth Office Location

4200 South Fwy Suite 2335,
Fort Worth, TX 76115
817-646-2527