San Angelo Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Dealing with the following days and weeks of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. As your San Angelo motorcycle accident lawyer, we’re here to provide the support and expertise you need during this challenging time.
One of the most dangerous roads for motorcyclists is Knickerbocker Road, where several high-speed crashes have occurred, including intersections like Knickerbocker and Twin Mountain Drive.
But, no matter where your accident occurred, we know how difficult it can be to manage the legal aspects while you’re trying to recover, and our goal is to make this process as smooth as possible.
Contact us for a free consultation today
Do You Have a Case?
To determine if you have a viable motorcycle accident claim, consider these key elements:
- Duty of Care: The at-fault party must have owed you a duty of care. This means they were responsible for ensuring safety on the road, such as following traffic laws and avoiding reckless behavior.
- Breach of Duty: You need to show that the at-fault party breached this duty. This could involve actions like speeding, driving under the influence, or failing to yield.
- Causation: It’s essential to prove that the breach of duty directly caused your accident. In other words, the at-fault party’s actions must be shown to have led to the collision and your injuries.
- Damages: Finally, you must demonstrate that you suffered damages as a result. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other financial or emotional impacts.
Damages You Can Recover After A Motorcycle Crash
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to several types of damages:
- Economic Damages: These cover tangible financial losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. They address costs such as hospital bills, income lost from missed work, and repairs or replacement of your motorcycle.
- Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for the intangible impacts of the accident, such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress. They cover physical pain, the inability to engage in activities you once enjoyed, and mental health struggles caused by the accident.
- Punitive Damages: Awarded in cases of severe negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages aim to punish the wrongdoer and prevent future reckless behavior. They are not meant to compensate you directly but to deter others from similar actions.
Who Can You Hold Liable?
In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, identifying who is legally responsible is essential for seeking compensation. Here are potential parties you may hold liable:
- Car Drivers: If a car driver’s negligence or reckless behavior caused your accident, they can be held accountable for your injuries and damages.
- City Transportation Authorities: If poor road conditions or inadequate road maintenance contributed to your crash, the city or county responsible for road upkeep might be liable.
- Bus Drivers: If a bus driver’s actions led to the accident, their employer or the bus company might be held responsible for the damages.
- Truck Drivers: Involved in a collision with a truck, the truck driver or their employer may be held liable for accidents caused by their negligence or failure to adhere to safety regulations.
- Property Owners: If a property owner’s failure to address road obstructions or hazards led to your accident, they may be held accountable for your injuries.
- Vehicle Component Manufacturers: If a defect in a vehicle part contributed to the crash, the manufacturer of the defective component could be liable for damages.
- Government Agencies: In cases where a government agency’s oversight or failure to maintain safe road conditions is a factor, they might be held responsible for your injuries.
How to Get in Touch With Us
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident and require legal support, we’re ready to assist you. Here’s how you can get in touch:
- Phone: Dial 325-225-0670 to connect with our skilled Midland injury attorneys and discuss your motorcycle accident case.
- Contact Form: Go to our website and complete the contact form to get a swift reply from our team.
Schedule a free consultation to explore your options and see how we can help you.
Keith & Lorfing: San Angelo Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
West Texas Tough is more than a slogan for us—it’s our approach to every case. We believe that hard work and dedication are key, and we outwork the competition by filing additional motions and exploring every avenue, even when results seem impossible.
At Keith & Lorfing, our core mission is to support the hardworking people of West Texas with unwavering dedication. We prioritize serving clients throughout the region, rather than focusing solely on major metropolitan areas.
With a combined experience of over 75 years and a track record of more than 500 jury trials, we work collaboratively to provide robust advocacy. Engaging with us makes you part of our extended family, not just another case.
When others say a result is unattainable, we dig deeper and strive to turn the impossible into reality. Embracing a warrior’s spirit, we are trial lawyers ready for any fight, leveraging our extensive trial experience rather than just focusing on negotiation.
How Our San Angelo Motorcycle Accident Law Firm Can Help
Instead of dictating terms, we value your input and craft our strategies based on your needs. West Texas Tough means we’re here to fight for you with tenacity, dedication, and a commitment to achieving the best outcome.
Here’s how we assist with your claim:
- Case Evaluation and Qualification: We start by evaluating the specifics of your case, whether it’s a collision with another vehicle, a single-vehicle accident caused by road defects, or issues with defective motorcycle parts. Our goal is to determine the viability of your claim and guide you through the legal process.
- Recovering Lost Wages: If your accident has hindered your ability to work, we work to recover lost wages. This includes addressing both current and future income losses resulting from your injuries.
- Medical Bills Assistance: We handle your medical expenses, from hospital stays and surgeries to ongoing therapy and medication. We’ll work with healthcare providers and manage medical liens to ensure your bills are taken care of.
- Property Damage: We assist with claims for property damage, including motorcycle repairs and replacement of personal items damaged in the accident. Our aim is to secure compensation for all your losses.
- Emotional Recovery: We understand the emotional impact of a motorcycle accident. We help you seek compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Negotiations with Insurance Companies: Our team negotiates with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement. We protect your interests and strive to maximize your compensation.
- Legal Representation in Court: If negotiations fall short, we are ready to take your case to court. Our experienced litigators will fight for your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
- Expert Testimony and Evidence Collection: We collect and present essential evidence, including accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimonies, to build a strong case.
Important Initial Advice to Follow After Motorcycle Collisions
Following a motorcycle accident, your actions in the immediate aftermath can significantly impact your recovery and legal case. Here’s a concise guide to help you work through the key steps to take right after the accident, ensuring both your health and your claim are well-protected.
- Get medical help immediately and keep records of all treatments and appointments.
- Avoid discussing the accident on social media to prevent complications with your case.
- Do not accept the first insurance offer without consulting a lawyer, as it may be too low.
- Be careful with your language when communicating with insurance companies; avoid admitting fault.
- Document the accident scene with photos of the damage and any hazards.
- Gather witness contact information to support your claim.
- Keep all receipts and records related to your medical expenses and property damage.
- Track motorcycle repairs and any related issues that come up.
- Consult with our San Angelo motorcycle accident attorneys to get expert legal advice.
Deadlines to File a Personal Injury Claim
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim.
Act as fast as you can—contacting our legal team as soon as possible ensures you don’t miss important deadlines and helps strengthen your case.
Gathering Evidence to Recover Compensation After Motorcycle Collisions
Collecting the right evidence is essential for strengthening your case after a motorcycle accident. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you should gather:
- Police Documentation: Secure a copy of the police report, which includes key details about the accident and helps establish fault.
- Medical Records: Keep all records of medical treatments and expenses, including hospital bills, doctor’s notes, and prescriptions.
- Eyewitness Statements: Obtain statements from witnesses who saw the accident. Their perspectives can be valuable in corroborating your account.
- Photo/Video Evidence: Document the accident scene with photos or videos, capturing vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Insurance Correspondence: Save all communications with insurance companies, including letters, emails, and phone call notes, to track offers and agreements.
- Vehicle Repair Records: Maintain records of any repairs to your motorcycle to show the extent of the damage and support your claim for property damage.
- Witness Contact Information: Collect contact details of any witnesses who can provide additional testimony about the accident.
What Can I Expect to Pay?
When working with us, you can focus on your recovery without worrying about upfront legal fees. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay us if we win your case.
Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we secure for you. This model ensures that our interests are aligned with yours: we work hard to achieve the best possible outcome because our payment depends on it.
Why Choose Us Over Other San Angelo Motorcycle Accident Lawyers?
Everything we do—every decision, every client, every case—is driven by our commitment to leveling the playing field for working-class Texans. With roots in mechanics, labor, firefighting, and military service, we advocate for hardworking, family-oriented West Texans striving for a better life.
Whether standing up to the State of Texas or fighting against multi-million-dollar insurance companies, our mission is to ensure fairness and justice for people like us.
General Information on Motorcycle Accidents in San Angelo
Motorcycle accidents can have significant impacts. In San Angelo, like elsewhere, these incidents often come with unique challenges and considerations.
Texas Motorcycle Laws
In Texas, motorcycle riders must adhere to specific regulations to ensure safety and compliance with the law:
- Helmet Use: Helmets are mandatory for riders under 21. Riders 21 and older are not required to wear a helmet if they have completed a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) approved motorcycle safety course or have at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage.
- Lane Splitting: Lane splitting, or riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, is not permitted in Texas. Riders must remain in their designated lane and follow the same traffic rules as other vehicles.
- Protective Gear: While not legally required for all riders, wearing protective gear such as gloves, jackets, and eye protection is strongly recommended to enhance safety.
- Motorcycle Endorsement: To legally operate a motorcycle, riders must obtain a Class M endorsement on their driver’s license, which requires passing a written and practical exam.
- Insurance Requirements: Texas law mandates that motorcycle operators carry liability insurance to cover any potential damages or injuries caused in an accident.
Texas Insurance Requirements
Comparative Fault: Texas operates under a modified comparative fault rule. You can claim damages if you’re less than 51% at fault, but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Minimum Insurance Coverage: Texas mandates minimum insurance coverage for vehicles:
- Bodily Injury Liability: $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident.
- Property Damage Liability: $25,000 per accident.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Optional but recommended to protect yourself if involved with uninsured or underinsured drivers.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Not mandatory in Texas, but available to cover medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault.
Motorcycle-Specific Requirements: For motorcycles, the insurance requirements are:
- Bodily Injury Liability: $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident.
- Property Damage Liability: $25,000 per accident.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Even though 2020 saw less road traffic and a 2% drop in motorcycle crashes, Texas experienced a troubling 17% rise in motorcycle fatalities compared to 2019. On average, a motorcyclist loses their life in a crash on Texas roads every day—totaling 482 deaths last year.
Motorcyclists now represent 12% of all traffic fatalities across the state. These accidents can occur for various reasons, including:
- Driver Inattention: Other drivers may not see motorcyclists due to distractions or blind spots.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases accident severity.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drugs can impair judgment and coordination.
- Road Hazards: Potholes, debris, and uneven road surfaces pose significant risks.
- Reckless Behavior: Aggressive riding and failure to follow traffic laws can lead to crashes.
- Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, and ice can make roads slippery and dangerous.
- Poor Road Conditions: Insufficient road maintenance can create hazards for motorcyclists.
Types of Injuries We See As Lawyers
Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of severe injuries. Knowing more about these injuries helps you better assess your situation and the compensation you are entitled to.
Here are some of the most frequent types of injuries we encounter:
- Road Rash: Abrasions caused by sliding on the pavement, often requiring extensive medical treatment.
- Degloving: A severe injury where the skin is peeled away from underlying tissues, leading to complex medical and reconstructive needs.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, profoundly affecting quality of life.
- Head and Neck Injuries: Injuries such as concussions or fractures can have long-term impacts on cognitive and physical health.
- Arm Injuries: Broken bones or severe soft tissue injuries that can affect movement and function.
- Leg Injuries: Injuries ranging from fractures to soft tissue damage, often requiring surgery or long-term rehabilitation.
- Broken Bones: Fractures in various parts of the body, including arms, legs, and ribs, which may need surgical intervention.
- Amputation: Loss of a limb due to the severity of the accident, leading to life-changing adjustments and rehabilitation.
- Paralysis: Loss of movement or sensation in parts of the body due to severe spinal or neurological damage.
- Fatalities: Tragically, some accidents result in death, profoundly impacting families and communities.
Helping Motorcycle Accident Victims Across West Texas!
Our San Angelo personal injury attorneys fight for fair settlement for victims across all of West Texas, including but not limited to:
Speak to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in San Angelo, TX Today!
If you’ve recently been involved in a motorcycle accident in San Angelo or a loved one has been injured riding a motorcycle, we know how overwhelming and distressing this time can be. It’s necessary to have compassionate and experienced legal support on your side from Keith & Lorfing.
Contact us today for the support you need to recover full and fair compensation. You can schedule a free consultation with an accident lawyer from our firm.
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.
