Lubbock Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident near Lubbock, you need a dedicated advocate who understands the complexities of your situation. As a trusted Lubbock motorcycle accident lawyer, we’re committed to providing compassionate and effective legal support to help you overcome the days following your accident.
We understand how overwhelming and distressing it can be to deal with the physical, emotional, and financial fallout from a motorcycle crash. With a deep empathy for your struggles, we offer personalized attention and a relentless pursuit of your best interests.
Reach out to us today for a free consultation, and let us help you take the first step toward recovery. Your fight is our fight.
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Do You Have a Potential Motorcycle Accident Case?
To determine if you have a valid motorcycle accident claim, certain key elements must be present:
- Duty of Care: The at-fault party owed you a duty of care. In motorcycle accidents, this typically means that all drivers have a legal obligation to operate their vehicles safely and follow traffic laws.
- Breach of Duty: The at-fault party must have breached this duty. For instance, if another driver was speeding, texting, or otherwise driving recklessly, they would be considered to have violated their duty of care.
- Causation: There must be a direct link between the breach of duty and your accident. This means proving that the at-fault party’s actions directly caused the crash and your injuries.
- Damages: You must have suffered damages as a result of the accident. This includes physical injuries, property damage, lost wages, and emotional distress.
If these elements are present in your situation, you likely have a case and should consult our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers to explore your options.
Damages You May Be Entitled To
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, you might be able to recover different types of damages:
- Economic Damages: These cover financial losses like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
- Non-Economic Damages: These address non-financial losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment in life.
- Punitive Damages: These are awarded in cases where the other party’s actions were particularly reckless or intentional. They are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
When involved in a motorcycle accident, liability can extend to various parties, depending on how the accident occurred. Here’s a breakdown of who might be held accountable:
- Car Drivers: If a car driver is distracted, speeds, or violates traffic laws, they can be liable for the accident. Driver negligence, such as running a red light or failing to yield, is often a key factor.
- City Transportation Authorities: Poorly maintained roads, such as potholes, faulty traffic signals, or missing signage, may lead to claims against city authorities. If road design or lack of upkeep played a role in your accident, the city or state could bear responsibility.
- Bus Drivers: If a bus driver acted negligently, whether by failing to check blind spots or disobeying traffic laws, they can be held liable. This can apply to both public transit and private bus companies.
- Truck Drivers: Truck accidents often involve complex liability. The truck driver, their employer, or even the company responsible for vehicle maintenance could be at fault if unsafe driving, overloaded cargo, or poor truck maintenance caused the crash.
- Property Owners: If a private property owner creates an obstruction on the road—like overgrown vegetation blocking visibility, debris, or objects falling onto the roadway—they can be liable for accidents caused by these hazards.
- Manufacturers of Defective Vehicle Parts: If your motorcycle or the other vehicle involved had a defective part—such as brakes, tires, or steering mechanisms—the manufacturer or distributor could be held accountable for the accident.
- Government Agencies: A government agency responsible for road maintenance or construction might be liable in cases where road conditions, construction zones, or a lack of proper safety measures contributed to the accident.
How to Get in Touch With Us For a Free Case Review
Reaching out to us is easy and convenient. Here are the best ways to connect:
- Telephone: Call us directly at 325-241-9286 for immediate assistance.
- Contact Form: Fill out our contact form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Our experienced motorcycle accident attorney team offers a free consultation to discuss your case and answer any questions you might have after a motorcycle wreck.
Keith & Lorfing: Lubbock Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
What sets us apart at Keith & Lorfing is the grit and determination that runs through every member of our team, all united in standing up for the hardworking folks of West Texas.
Our lawyers and staff are driven by a shared passion for justice, knowing that each case is more than just paperwork—it’s a fight for real motorcycle accident victims and real lives.
With over 75 years of combined experience and more than 500 jury trials under our belts, we rely on each other’s strengths to push forward. When you choose us, you’re not just hiring a lawyer; you’re joining a family that’s got your back, every step of the way.
How Our Lubbock Motorcycle Accident Law Firm Can Help
We’re deeply committed to fighting for the rights of working-class Texans. Winning isn’t just something we enjoy—it’s something we’re fiercely driven to achieve. It’s not just a passion, it’s a relentless pursuit.
Our determination to secure the best possible outcomes for our clients comes from our genuine commitment to helping those we represent. We’ve gained national attention and earned the respect of our fellow attorneys across Texas.
Here’s how we can help guide you through your claim:
- Medical Bills: We push to cover your medical expenses, ensuring you receive the necessary care without worrying about the cost.
- Lost Wages: If your injury keeps you from working, we strive to recover compensation for lost income, easing your financial burden.
- Property Damage: We assist in recovering the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle and personal belongings damaged in the accident.
- Types of Cases: From collisions and single-vehicle crashes to accidents caused by road hazards or defective parts, we handle all types of motorcycle accident cases.
- Insurance Negotiations: Dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming. We take the lead, negotiating on your behalf for a fair settlement that addresses all your losses.
- Emotional Recovery: We recognize the psychological impact of an accident and will seek compensation for emotional distress and trauma you may have suffered.
- Legal Guidance: With clear, compassionate advice, we help make the claims process to make your case as stress-free as possible.
Important Initial Advice to Follow as a Motorcyclist
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, taking the right steps can greatly impact your case. Here’s a streamlined guide:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Get checked by a healthcare professional, even if you feel fine. Follow all medical advice and attend follow-up appointments.
- Document Your Injuries: Record your injuries and their impact on daily life. Take photos of visible injuries for your claim.
- Avoid Social Media: Don’t post about the accident or your injuries. Insurance companies monitor social media and your posts could be used against you.
- Don’t Accept the First Offer: Insurance companies may offer a low settlement quickly. Consult our attorneys before accepting any offers.
- Be Careful With Communication: Stick to the facts when talking to insurance adjusters. Avoid statements that could be used against you.
- Preserve Evidence: Keep police reports, medical records, witness statements, and photos of the accident scene and your injuries.
- Track All Expenses: Document all costs related to the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
- Report the Accident: Notify your insurance company, but keep your report brief and factual. Don’t discuss fault or injury details.
- Avoid Recorded Statements: Don’t give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance without consulting our attorneys first.
- Contact Our Lubbock Motorcycle Accident Attorneys From Keith & Lorfing: Our team of experienced attorneys will handle negotiations and guide you through the legal process so you can focus on recovery after a motorcycle accident in Texas.
- Follow Legal Deadlines: Texas has strict deadlines for filing claims. Ensure all paperwork is submitted on time with our skilled personal injury lawyers help.
Deadlines to File a Motorcycle Accident in Texas
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a motorcycle accident is two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
Failing to file within this time frame could result in your case being dismissed, leaving you without any legal recourse.
Exceptions to the Two-Year Rule
While the two-year statute of limitations applies to most motorcycle accident cases, there are certain exceptions that may extend or reduce the filing period:
- Claims Involving Government Entities: If your motorcycle accident involved a government vehicle or occurred on government property, you must file a formal notice within six months of the accident. This is a shorter deadline, and missing it could bar your ability to file a lawsuit.
- Minors or Incapacitated Individuals: If the injured party is under 18 or mentally incapacitated, the statute of limitations may be paused until the person is able to file on their own behalf.
Gathering Evidence For a Personal Injury Claim
When pursuing a personal injury claim, thorough evidence collection is essential for building a strong case. Here’s a detailed list of evidence to gather as soon as possible after an accident:
- Police Documentation: Obtain a copy of the police report, which provides an official account of the accident. This report includes details such as the accident location, involved parties, and officer observations.
- Medical Records: Collect all medical records related to your injuries, including hospital reports, diagnostic tests, treatments, and prescriptions. These records document the extent of your injuries and the costs associated with your care.
- Eyewitness Statements: Gather statements from individuals who witnessed the accident. Eyewitnesses can provide valuable perspectives that support your version of events and clarify details.
- Photo/Video Evidence: Take clear photographs or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and any contributing factors. Visual evidence helps illustrate the impact of the accident and can be critical in proving fault.
- Accident Scene Diagrams: Create or obtain diagrams of the accident scene to show the positions of vehicles and other key elements. This can help clarify how the accident occurred.
- Insurance Information: Collect the insurance details of all parties involved in the accident, including policy numbers and contact information. This information is necessary for filing claims and negotiating settlements.
- Witness Contact Information: Record the names and contact details of all witnesses. This allows your attorney to follow up for statements or further information if needed.
- Employment Records: Document any time missed from work and lost wages due to the accident. Pay stubs, employment letters, and records of missed work help substantiate claims for lost income.
- Repair Estimates: Obtain estimates for repairing or replacing damaged property, such as your vehicle. This supports claims for property damage and associated costs.
What Can I Expect to Pay?
At our law firm, we use a contingency fee model, which means:
- No Upfront Costs: You don’t pay anything to start your case. We only get paid if we win or settle for you.
- Percentage-Based Fees: Our fees are a percentage of your compensation. If we don’t succeed, you owe us nothing.
- Clear and Transparent: We’ll discuss all costs upfront, including court fees and expert witness fees, so you know exactly what to expect.
- Focus on Your Recovery: With no financial risk at the start, you can concentrate on getting better while we handle the legal side.
General Information on Motorcycle Accidents in Lubbock
Motorcycle accidents are an unfortunate reality for many riders in Lubbock, often resulting in serious injuries and significant challenges. Whether it’s a collision with another vehicle or a single-vehicle crash caused by road hazards, the injuries following can be overwhelming.
Texas Motorcycle Laws
- Helmet Use: In Texas, riders under 21 must wear a helmet. Riders 21 and older are exempt if they have at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage for motorcycle-related injuries or have completed a motorcycle safety course.
- Lane Splitting: Lane splitting, or riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, is illegal in Texas. Riders must remain in their designated lane and follow traffic laws.
- License Requirements: A Class M license is required to operate a motorcycle in Texas. To obtain this, riders must pass a written test and a road skills test, or complete a motorcycle safety course.
- Insurance Requirements: Texas requires motorcycle riders to carry liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Safety Equipment: While not mandatory for riders over 21, eye protection is strongly recommended. Additionally, wearing protective clothing, such as gloves and jackets, is encouraged for safety.
Texas Insurance Requirements
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
Modified Comparative Fault: If you’re found to be partially at fault for an accident, your compensation will be reduced based on your share of the fault. However, if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages.
Minimum Insurance Coverage: Texas law sets minimum insurance requirements for motor vehicles, including motorcycles:
- Bodily Injury Liability: You must have at least $30,000 coverage per person and $60,000 per accident for injuries.
- Property Damage Liability: You need a minimum of $25,000 per accident for property damage.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: While optional, this coverage is important as it protects you if you’re in an accident with a driver who has insufficient insurance or no insurance at all.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Although not mandatory in Texas, PIP is available and helps cover medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who is at fault.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
According to the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI), many fatal motorcycle accidents happen because drivers misjudge a motorcycle’s speed and distance, leading them to make unsafe left turns in front of oncoming motorcyclists.
In fact, nearly one-third of motorcycle fatalities in Texas last year occurred at intersections or were related to intersection accidents.
Types of Injuries We See as Lawyers
Each day, an average of one motorcyclist dies in a crash on Texas roads. In 2023 alone, 599 riders lost their lives, and 2,483 suffered serious injuries. Over half of these fatal motorcycle crashes involve collisions with other vehicles.
Common types of injuries from a motorcycle accident include:
- Road Rash: Skin abrasions from sliding on the road surface, which can range from mild to severe.
- Degloving: A serious injury where the skin is torn away from underlying tissues, often exposing bones and muscles.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to varying degrees of paralysis or other long-term complications.
- Head and Neck Injuries: These can include concussions, skull fractures, and severe trauma to the neck and spinal column.
- Arm and Leg Injuries: Broken bones, fractures, and dislocations are common, sometimes leading to long-term mobility issues.
- Broken Bones: Fractures in any part of the body are common and can require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Amputation: In severe cases, limbs may need to be amputated due to injury or infection.
- Paralysis: Spinal injuries or severe trauma can result in partial or full paralysis.
- Fatalities: Tragically, some accidents result in fatalities, underscoring the critical need for legal support for surviving family members.
Experienced West Texas Attorneys
Our personal injury lawyers in Lubbock are proud to support victims across West Texas, including but not limited to the following cities:
Speak to a Lubbock Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today!
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, we get that it’s a tough time. You don’t have to face this alone—our Lubbock team is here to help. We understand how stressful it can be, and we’re ready to guide you through it all.
Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation. Our attorneys can help provide legal representation to protect your rights and get the compensation that is rightfully owed to you.
We Are
West Texas Strong
Our commitment is to stand up for hardworking Texans who have been affected by truck accidents. Our team, rooted in humble beginnings, values hard work – with family histories of farmers, mechanics, laborers, firefighters, and servicemen. This heritage drives our dedication.
We deliberately choose not to represent corporations or the elite. Instead, we fight for everyday West Texans, often taking on big trucking companies and their insurers who try to short-change you. Our mission is to level the playing field, ensuring that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Trey Keith
Founding Partner Meet Trey
Russell Lorfing
Founding Partner Meet Russell
&
3 Things you’ll get With Keith & Lorfing
A Lawyer Will Answer Your Calls & Emails
You’ll Be Informed About Your Case Every Step of the Way
You’ll Be Treated With Compassion & Respect
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At No Cost To You!
We’re committed to being the best in the West! Proudly serving clients throughout Abilene, Lubbock, San Angelo, Midland & all of West Texas.
