]A motorcycle collision brings immediate chaos into your life and raises complex questions about insurance, liability, and your financial future. Securing fair compensation requires a disciplined approach and dedicated advocacy. An Austin motorcycle accident lawyer provides the skill and knowledge your claim needs to succeed. Contact Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC at (512) 477-7333 to discover how we can help you. With over 20 years of serving Austin, we’re ready to put our experience to work for you.
Key Takeaways for Austin Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
- Texas law allows you to seek compensation from an at-fault driver for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
- Insurance companies for the at-fault driver have adjusters who work to protect the company's financial interests.
- Preserving evidence, including photos of the scene, your motorcycle, your injuries, and witness contact information, provides a foundation for your claim.
- You generally have two years from the date of the collision to file a lawsuit in Texas, but some exceptions can alter this deadline.
- Working with a Texas personal injury lawyer gives you a professional advocate to manage your case from start to finish.
Getting Help Is Easy
Getting the help you need is easy. All you have to do is call to get started with our experienced attorneys. If you have a case, we’ll take it from there.
You Deserve Compensation
If you were injured because of someone else, you deserve compensation for your injuries and expenses. We’ll fight for every penny you deserve.
No Fees Unless We Win
When you work with us you won’t have to worry about any attorney fees unless we win for you.
Why Choose Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC for Your Motorcycle Crash Claim
After a motorcycle wreck, you need a law firm with a deep connection to your community, a meticulous approach to case preparation, and a history of holding negligent parties accountable. Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC builds every case on these foundational principles.
We Know Austin
Our attorneys live and work in Central Texas and drive the same roads you do, whether it's commuting on a congested I-35, heading for a ride through the Hill Country, or navigating the busy intersections along Lamar Boulevard and South Congress. ‘
We see firsthand the dangers riders face from distracted or aggressive drivers near Lady Bird Lake or commercial hubs in East Austin. Our local knowledge helps us investigate accidents and construct case narratives that resonate with local juries and arbitrators.
Our Detail-Oriented Approach
A strong motorcycle accident claim demands a high level of detail. Our legal team begins to gather all the fragmented pieces of your case to form a clear picture of what happened. We request and review police reports, interview witnesses, and collect medical records.
We clarify the complex sequence of events to establish fault and document the full extent of your damages. This diligent preparation allows us to forge a powerful claim designed to secure the compensation you need to move forward.
Your Austin motorcycle accident attorney will fuse every piece of evidence together into a coherent and compelling argument.
Our Record of Success
Our commitment is to the people we represent. We have a long history of successfully resolving personal injury claims for clients in Austin and throughout Texas, with over $500 million recovered. While past results don’t predict future outcomes, they show our dedication to fighting for our clients’ best interests.
We prepare every case as if it will proceed to trial, which often leads to favorable settlement offers, as opposing parties recognize our readiness to present a strong case in court. We believe our determined approach gives our clients a distinct advantage.
Let our Austin motorcycle accident lawyers start on your claim today. Contact Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC for a free case evaluation at (512) 477-7333.
How Insurance Companies Evaluate Motorcycle Accident Claims
After a motorcycle crash, the other driver's insurance company immediately starts its own evaluation. The company's adjuster works to find ways to reduce or deny your claim and review evidence with a focus on protecting their bottom line.
An Austin motorcycle crash attorney from our firm helps you present your case in a way that effectively communicates the full value of your damages.
The Role of the Police Report
The responding officer’s official crash report provides an initial framework for the insurance claim. Adjusters examine the report for key details, including the officer's narrative of the collision, any citations issued, witness statements, and a diagram of the accident scene.
An officer's initial determination of fault carries significant weight, even though it’s not legally binding. Your lawyer will review the report for accuracy and gather additional evidence to support your version of events.
Assigning a Percentage of Fault
Texas uses a modified comparative fault rule in personal injury cases. Under this system, you can recover damages as long as your share of responsibility for the accident doesn’t exceed 50%. If you’re found partially at fault, your final compensation award is reduced by your fault percentage.
For instance, a person found 5% responsible for a collision would have their compensation reduced by 5%. Insurance companies often attempt to shift as much blame as possible onto the motorcyclist to reduce their payout. A skilled attorney challenges unfair allocations of fault with factual evidence.
Calculating Economic and Non-Economic Damages
Adjusters calculate a claim's value based on two main types of damages: economic damages, which are tangible financial losses with clear monetary values, and non-economic damages, which compensate for intangible, personal losses that lack a specific price tag.
Insurers often use software to calculate these damages and may present a low initial offer that fails to account for the full human cost of the injury. Your lawyer works to document every loss to justify a full and fair compensation amount.
Documenting Your Losses After a Motorcycle Crash
A complete and accurate record of your losses forms the foundation of your claim. Thorough documentation helps you and your Austin motorcycle crash attorney prove the extent of your damages during negotiations with an insurance company or in court.
Keep a dedicated file for all crash-related paperwork, receipts, and correspondence. Your lawyer helps you identify and calculate every financial loss you may be able to recover.
These losses often include:
- Medical Treatment: This category includes all costs associated with your physical recovery, from the initial emergency response and hospital stay to ongoing physical therapy and future medical needs.
- Lost Income: Your claim covers any wages, salary, or self-employment income you lost while unable to work. It also includes any reduction in your long-term earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job.
- Property Damage: This covers the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle, helmet, and any other personal property damaged in the crash.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: You may pursue compensation for any other costs you incurred because of the collision, such as prescription medication costs, transportation to medical appointments, or modifications to your home.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
- Mental Anguish: This payment addresses conditions like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from the traumatic event.
- Physical Impairment: Your claim may account for the loss of enjoyment of life you experience if your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies or activities you previously enjoyed.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Wrecks in Central Texas
Motorcyclists have the same rights to the road as any other driver. Unfortunately, many car and truck drivers fail to operate their vehicles with the necessary caution around them. This negligence can lead to serious and life-altering collisions.
Many motorcycle accidents in the Austin area happen because another driver made a preventable error. An attorney investigates the specific cause of your accident to build a strong case for liability. This work often involves showing that another driver’s careless actions directly led to your injuries.
Some of the most frequent causes we see include:
- Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers often fail to check their blind spots or misjudge a motorcycle's speed before changing lanes, cutting off the rider or causing a direct collision.
- Left-Turn Accidents: A large number of motorcycle accidents occur when a car making a left turn at an intersection strikes an oncoming motorcycle.
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention to the road frequently fail to see motorcyclists.
- Following Too Closely: Tailgating a motorcycle is extremely dangerous. It leaves the rider with no margin for error if they need to slow down or stop suddenly.
Understanding Your Legal Options in Texas
After a serious motorcycle accident, you have a right to pursue compensation through the at-fault driver's insurance. The primary options for resolving your claim involve either a negotiated settlement or filing a personal injury lawsuit.
The vast majority of personal injury claims end in a settlement without ever going to court. Your lawyer’s initial step is to build your claim and present a comprehensive demand package to the insurance company.
This package details the facts of the accident, establishes the other party's liability, and provides full documentation of your damages. Your attorney then enters into negotiations with the insurance adjuster. The goal is to reach a settlement agreement that fully compensates you for your losses.
If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, your attorney may recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit. This action moves the case into the formal civil court system. An experienced Austin motorcycle accident lawyer can guide you through this process.
Certain factors influence the decision to file an Austin motorcycle crash lawsuit, including:
- Liability Disputes: The insurance company may unreasonably dispute that its insured driver caused the accident.
- Lowball Settlement Offers: An Austin motorcycle crash lawsuit becomes necessary when an insurer's final offer is far below the reasonable value of the claim.
- Complex Legal Issues: The case may involve multiple at-fault parties or complex questions of law that a court must resolve.
- Approaching Statute of Limitations: A lawsuit must be filed before the legal deadline to preserve your right to seek compensation in court.
FAQ for Austin Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
What Are the First Steps To Take After Leaving the Hospital?
If you’ve already received immediate medical care, your first priority is to follow all medical advice from your doctors. Attend all follow-up appointments and physical therapy sessions. This step is not only beneficial for your health but also shows insurers that you’re taking your recovery seriously.
The next step is to report the accident to your own insurance company. Provide only the basic facts, and then consult with an Austin motorcycle accident attorney to learn about your legal rights and options.
How Does Texas Law Address Motorcycle Lane Splitting?
Under Texas law, lane splitting (riding a motorcycle between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic) is explicitly prohibited. The state also prohibits passing a motor vehicle while in the same lane.
If a crash occurs while someone is illegally lane splitting, insurance companies will likely point to that violation as evidence of fault. An Austin motorcycle accident lawyer can help evaluate how such conduct might affect your claim under Texas’s modified comparative negligence rules.
What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Was Uninsured?
If the at-fault driver has no insurance, you may still have options for compensation. You can file a claim with your own insurance company if you carry Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This type of coverage is optional in Texas, but it protects you in these exact situations.
An attorney can help you file a UM/UIM claim with your insurer.
Why Do I Need an Austin Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
An Austin motorcycle accident lawyer advocates for you. The at-fault driver's insurance company is not on your side and wants to pay out as little as possible. A lawyer manages the entire legal process, including communications with the insurer, so that you can focus on your recovery.
Your attorney's job is to protect your interests, gather the necessary evidence to build a strong claim, calculate the full value of your damages, and negotiate for fair compensation.
Does It Matter if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet During the Crash?
In Texas, motorcyclists are required to wear a helmet unless they’ve completed an approved motorcycle operator training course or have medical insurance coverage that applies to motorcycle accident injuries.
Even if you weren’t wearing a helmet during your accident, you may still be able to recover compensation if another driver caused the accident. Contact our experienced Austin motorcycle accident lawyers today to learn more about your options.
How Long Do I Have To File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for an Austin motorcycle crash lawsuit is two years from the date of the incident. If you miss this deadline, you’ll likely lose your right to seek compensation in court forever.
Speak with an attorney well before the deadline approaches to allow adequate time to investigate and prepare your case.
Forging a Clearer Path
A motorcycle accident creates sharp, unpredictable fractures in your life. You need a clear strategy to put the pieces back together in a way that creates stability and strength for your future. The legal team at Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC can help you reshape your circumstances.
We’ll gather the facts of your case and clarify your legal options. Let us help you forge a clearer path toward recovery. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation about your case at (512) 477-7333.