Midland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you’re likely facing overwhelming pain, mounting bills, and uncertainty about what to do next. As a trusted and experienced Midland motorcycle accident lawyer, we’re here to listen, provide support, and help you get back on your feet after a motorcycle crash or serious injuries.
We understand your challenges and are committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve. Whether it’s dealing with insurance companies or gathering the evidence needed for your case, we’re by your side every step of the way.
We aim to relieve the legal burden so you can focus on healing. Contact us now to start your path toward recovery..
Do You Have a Case?
Certain legal elements must be met to file a successful motorcycle accident claim. These include:
- Duty of Care: The other party must have had a responsibility to act safely on the road, such as following traffic laws and being aware of other drivers, including motorcyclists.
- Breach of Duty: You must show that the other driver failed to uphold their duty of care—this could involve reckless driving, speeding, or failing to yield.
- Causation: It must be proven that the other driver’s breach directly caused your accident and the resulting injuries.
- Damages: Finally, you must demonstrate that the accident led to actual damages, whether physical, financial, or emotional, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Damages You Can Recover As Motorcycle Riders
As a motorcycle accident victim, you may be entitled to different types of damages, depending on the circumstances of your case:
- Economic Damages: These cover your financial losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage (like repairs or replacement of your motorcycle), and ongoing rehabilitation costs.
- Non-Economic Damages: These include compensation for more personal, non-financial losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disabilities.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the at-fault party acted with extreme negligence or recklessness, the court may award punitive damages as a way to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.
Our experienced Midland motorcycle accident attorneys can help you pursue the full range of damages you’re entitled to, ensuring you’re compensated for both the immediate and long-term effects of your injuries.
Who Can You Hold Liable in Your Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Several parties can potentially be held accountable depending on the specifics of the crash:
- Car Drivers: If a negligent or reckless driver caused the accident, they could be held responsible for your injuries and damages.
- Truck or Bus Drivers: Commercial drivers, who must follow strict regulations, can be liable if their negligence contributed to the accident.
- City Transportation Authorities: If poor road design, lack of maintenance, or dangerous conditions caused the accident, a government agency could be held accountable.
- Property Owners: If a property owner obstructed the road or created hazardous conditions that led to your accident, they could be liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
- Vehicle or Motorcycle Manufacturers: If a defective part or mechanical failure contributed to the crash, the manufacturer of the faulty component can be held responsible.
How to Get in Touch With Us
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident and need legal assistance, we’re here to help. You can reach us through the following methods:
- Telephone: Call us directly at 325-241-9286 to speak with our experienced Midland injury lawyers about your motorcycle accident case.
- Contact Form: Visit our website and fill out the contact form to receive a prompt response.
Schedule a free consultation with us so we can better understand your situation..
Keith & Lorfing: Midland Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
What sets our Midland personal injury lawyers apart at Keith & Lorfing is the unwavering dedication of our team, united by a common goal: leveling the playing field for hard-working West Texans.
Our attorneys and legal professionals are deeply committed to seeking justice, understanding that each case represents a fight for something bigger than ourselves.
With over 75 years of combined experience and more than 500 jury trials under our belt, we work seamlessly together to support and advocate for our clients. When you choose us, you’re not just a case number—you become part of our family, valued and supported every step of the way.
At Keith & Lorfing, our passion for winning is undeniable. Our relentless pursuit of justice has earned us national recognition and respect from colleagues throughout Texas.
Featured in numerous publications, both locally and nationally, we’ve built a reputation for doing what we excel at: standing up and fighting for you.
How Our Midland Motorcycle Accident Law Firm Can Help
Our focus is on providing genuine, hardworking Texans with the legal help they need while treating every case with the personal attention it deserves. We’re here to fight for your rights and ensure you’re treated fairly throughout the entire process.
Here’s how we can assist you with your claim:
- Case Types: Whether it’s a collision, single-bike accident, or an incident caused by road hazards or defective parts, we’ve got the experience to handle it.
- Compensation for Lost Income: We work to recover your lost wages, helping you focus on your health without worrying about finances.
- Medical Costs: We’ll pursue compensation for your medical bills to ensure you aren’t burdened with the cost of care.
- Repair and Replacement: We help secure funds to cover damage and replacement costs for everything from your motorcycle to your personal belongings.
- Emotional Trauma: Accidents can cause lasting mental strain—we’ll fight for compensation for emotional distress as well.
- Insurance Negotiations: We take on the tough job of dealing with insurers to get you the settlement you deserve.
- Legal Support: We offer clear, supportive legal advice every step of the way, so you can move forward without unnecessary stress.
Important Initial Advice For Your Injury Law Claim
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, taking the right steps can make a big difference in your injury claim. Here’s what you should do immediately:
- Seek Medical Attention: Attend all medical appointments and follow your doctor’s advice. Having documented medical records is essential for your claim.
- Gather Evidence: If you’re able, collect evidence at the scene. Keep a record of medical bills, repair costs, and other expenses related to the crash.
- Stay Off Social Media: Avoid posting about your accident or injuries online. Insurance companies may use your posts against you to downplay your claim.
- Don’t Accept the First Offer: Insurance companies often make low settlement offers initially. Don’t rush into accepting any offer before consulting with an attorney, as it may not fully cover your losses.
- Be Careful with Communication: Be cautious when speaking with insurance adjusters. Avoid admitting fault or giving too much information without legal advice.
- Contact Our Midland Motorcycle Accident Attorney: Get in touch with our experienced attorneys as soon as possible. At Keith & Lorfing, we can handle negotiations with the insurance companies and guide you through the personal injury claim process, helping you secure the compensation you deserve for a motorcycle wreck.
Deadlines to File a Personal Injury
In Texas, you typically have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. Delays can harm your case by making evidence harder to gather and witnesses less reliable.
Gathering Evidence For An Accident Caused By Motorcycles
Collecting the right evidence is important for building a strong personal injury claim. Here’s a detailed list of what you should gather as soon as possible:
- Police Documentation: Obtain a copy of the police report. This official document details the accident’s facts, including involved parties and any citations issued.
- Medical Records: Gather all records related to your medical treatment, including emergency room visits, hospital stays, follow-up appointments, and prescriptions. These documents are essential to show the extent of your injuries and the cost of your care.
- Eyewitness Statements: Collect contact information and statements from anyone who witnessed the accident. Eyewitness accounts can corroborate your version of events and strengthen your claim.
- Photo/Video Evidence: Take clear photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damages, road conditions, and your injuries. Visual evidence helps illustrate the impact of the accident.
- Insurance Information: Document the insurance details of all parties involved, including their policy numbers and contact information. This will be necessary for filing claims and negotiating settlements.
- Vehicle Damage Reports: Get repair estimates or records for your motorcycle and any other vehicles involved. This documentation supports claims for property damage.
- Accident Scene Documentation: If possible, document the accident scene with a diagram or map. This can help understand the dynamics of the accident.
- Medical Bills and Receipts: Keep all bills and receipts related to your medical care and out-of-pocket expenses. Detailed financial records are critical for claiming compensation.
- Lost Wages Documentation: Record the time you’ve missed from work due to your injuries. Obtain a statement from your employer detailing your lost wages and any impacts on your job.
- Correspondence with Insurance Companies: Save copies of all correspondence with insurance companies, including emails, letters, and claim forms. This can be useful for tracking the progress of your claim and ensuring nothing is overlooked.
We understand that this is difficult to do yourself if you’ve been injured in an accident. Let us handle this for you and remove the burden.
What Can I Expect to Pay?
At our firm, we operate on a contingency fee basis. Our payment comes as a percentage of the compensation we secure for you.
If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us anything. This model ensures that we are fully invested in getting the best possible outcome for you.
Why Choose Us Over Other Midland Motorcycle Accident Lawyers?
At Keith & Lorfing, we stand out because our commitment is solely to West Texas communities. Unlike many firms that concentrate on major cities like Dallas or Houston, our focus is on serving clients throughout West Texas, with offices in Abilene, Lubbock, Midland, and San Angelo.
Managing Partner Russell Lorfing served as a federal prosecutor in Lubbock, Partner Trey Keith has called Sweetwater home for 25 years, and Of Counsel Joel Wilks is a fourth-generation West Texan. Counsel Christopher Solis grew up in the heart of far west Texas.
From the Panhandle to Big Bend, our team is dedicated to bringing a personal touch and deep knowledge of the unique challenges and opportunities in our region.
General Information on Motorcycle Accidents in Midland
Motorcycle accidents in Midland come with their own set of challenges and nuances. The next few sections offer a broad view of the important aspects to consider after a motorcycle accident.
Texas Motorcycle Laws
In Texas, motorcycle riders must follow specific laws to ensure safety and legal compliance:
- Helmet Use: Texas law requires riders under 21 to wear a helmet. Riders 21 and older may ride without a helmet if they have at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage specifically for motorcycle accidents.
- Lane Splitting: Lane splitting, or riding between lanes of slow-moving traffic, is illegal in Texas.
- Motorcycle Licenses: Riders must have a Class M motorcycle license or endorsement to operate a motorcycle legally.
- Protective Gear: While not mandatory, wearing protective gear like gloves, boots, and eye protection is highly recommended for safety.
Texas Insurance Requirements
Texas operates under a modified comparative fault system. If you’re partially at fault for an accident, your compensation could be reduced according to your share of the fault.
Minimum Insurance Coverage Limits and Requirements:
- Liability Insurance: Required minimum coverage is $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Not mandatory but recommended to protect against drivers with insufficient or no insurance.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Not required in Texas, but optional PIP can cover medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault.
- Motorcycle-Specific Requirements: Motorcycles must meet the same liability insurance requirements as cars to ensure financial protection in an accident.
- Proof of Insurance: You must carry proof of insurance while operating your motorcycle and present it to law enforcement if requested.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle riding carries inherent risks. Accidents involving motorcycles often result from various factors related to rider and driver actions:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers engrossed in texting or phone calls may miss seeing motorcyclists.
- Speeding: High speeds diminish reaction time and amplify the impact of accidents.
- Improper Lane Changes: Not checking blind spots or signaling can lead to dangerous collisions with motorcycles.
- Failure to Yield: Ignoring the right-of-way can lead to severe accidents at intersections.
- Road Hazards: Poor road conditions, such as potholes or debris, can endanger motorcyclists.
In Texas, motorcycle safety is a pressing issue, with over 8,000 reported motorcycle accidents in 2022.
Types of Injuries We See as Lawyers
Motorcycle accidents can lead to a range of serious injuries, each requiring specialized attention. Here’s a breakdown of common injuries we encounter:
- Road Rash: Skin abrasions from sliding on the pavement, often requiring extensive treatment to prevent infection.
- Degloving: A severe injury where skin is torn from the body, usually exposing underlying tissues and muscles.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, affecting mobility and quality of life.
- Head and Neck Injuries: Trauma to these areas can cause concussions, fractures, or long-term neurological issues.
- Arm Injuries: Fractures, dislocations, or severe contusions often occur due to impact with the ground or other vehicles.
- Leg Injuries: Includes fractures, sprains, or severe lacerations, which can impact mobility and require surgical intervention.
- Broken Bones: Common in motorcycle accidents, including fractures of the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis.
- Amputation: In severe cases, limbs may be lost due to traumatic injuries.
- Paralysis: Extensive damage to the spinal cord or severe injury to the nervous system can lead to partial or full paralysis.
- Fatalities: Tragically, some accidents result in fatalities, highlighting the critical need for legal support for families.
Other Texas Cities We Serve
We’re proud to serve the entirety of West Texas, including but not limited to:
Speak to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Midland TX Today!
Dealing with the fallout of a motorcycle accident is hard, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our Midland team is ready to help you get the compensation and support you need.
Contact us today to see if our lawyers can help. You can schedule a free consultation to discuss how your accident happened and your next steps.
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.
