Cedar Park Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Cedar Park Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycling can be a very enjoyable and fun experience for those who ride, but a motorcycle accident can be serious and even life-threatening. Motorcycles offer little safety in the event of an accident, and collisions can be severe. Those injured in a motorcycle accident will need the help of a Cedar Park motorcycle accident lawyer to fight for their rights and future.

About The Sharp Firm

Serving injury victims for over 30 years, The Sharp Firm has built a solid reputation for skilled advocacy and compassionate counsel. Our husband-and-wife team of Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyers brings extensive experience and a practical commitment to each case.

Many of the cases we handle are processed at the Williamson County Justice Center in Georgetown, which is conveniently located nearby, and we represent clients throughout Cedar Park and Williamson County. We are committed to upholding your rights and pursuing the justice you deserve.

Motorcycle Accidents in Cedar Park

In 2023, nearly 600 motorcycle riders died, and nearly 2,500 riders were severely injured. According to the National Safety Council, as of 2022, motorcycles make up only about 3% of all registered vehicles in the U.S., but account for nearly 15% of traffic-related deaths.

Motorcycle accidents can easily cause catastrophic injuries. Injuries that are caused by motorcycle accidents often require constant medical care and rehabilitation for the victim to recover. These injuries can also cause the victim to be unable to work while he or she is recovering and, in some cases, may cause a victim to be unable to ever work again. Motorcycle accident injuries are also more likely to result in death than other vehicle accidents.

The weight disparity between motorcycles and cars that often leads to motorcycle accidents creates a hazardous situation for motorcycle riders who are at a higher risk of being catastrophically injured. Additionally, this is also influenced by the fact that the rider of a motorcycle is not enclosed in a steel frame, like in a car. Catastrophic injuries can include brain injuries and bone fractures.

Texas Motorcycle Accident Laws

Motorcycle operators and passengers under 21 years old must wear Department of Public Safety-approved crash helmets while riding.

A motorcycle operator who is at least 21 years of age may not operate a motorcycle without a helmet unless the operator has successfully completed a motorcycle safety course or has a health insurance policy that provides medical benefits to the operator for treatment of the operator’s injuries that the operator sustains in a crash that involves a motorcycle.

Lane splitting, the act of riding a motorcycle between lanes of traffic, is illegal in Texas. A person who violates this law may be fined or otherwise penalized. They may also share part, or the majority, of responsibility for an accident if they were lane splitting when it happened, which can negatively impact their ability to recover full compensation.

Damages in Motorcycle Accident Cases

When a driver causes an accident in Cedar Park, they are liable for the damages they have caused. Motorcycle accidents can result in life-changing injuries, and after a victim has proven liability for the crash, they must assess the full extent of the damages that the at-fault driver must pay. Injured parties may recover economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical bills
• Surgeries
• Rehabilitation
• Emergency room visits
• PTSD
• Depression
• Physical pain
• Anxiety
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning potential

While non-economic damages can be a little more difficult to determine, since there is no receipt or bill to attach to them, a Cedar Park motorcycle accident attorney can assist you in arriving at an appropriate amount for these damages.

Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

You should hire a motorcycle accident lawyer if you are seeking justice following your crash. Motorcycle cases are different in that they tend to involve catastrophic injuries. Insurance companies are also more aggressive in these cases when it comes to minimizing the payout. An attorney will be aware of this and can investigate the matter further. These attorneys will aggressively pursue your case to secure the highest possible compensation.

The Sharp Firm represents clients in Cedar Park and throughout Williamson County, with many of our cases being filed and tried at the Williamson County Justice Center in neighboring Georgetown. We have more than three decades of combined experience and offer professional advice and protection of your rights, backed by zealous advocacy every step of the way.

FAQs

How Long Does It Take to Get a Settlement From a Motorcycle Accident?

The duration of the motorcycle accident settlement process varies depending on the complexity of the case. The length of time it takes to settle a motorcycle accident claim depends on the severity of the injuries and the duration of medical treatment, as well as the progress of negotiations with insurance companies. While a straightforward case may be settled more quickly, disputes over liability or the extent of the damages can prolong the process.

How Much Can You Get for Pain and Suffering?

Pain and suffering awards for motorcycle accidents vary depending on the severity of injuries, how they affect your daily life, and your recovery time. Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life can also be factors in determining the value. Since each situation is unique, the worth of your pain and suffering case will be specific to the damages you have suffered.

How Much Will Insurance Pay for My Totaled Motorcycle?

If a motorcycle is totaled, the insurance should provide the fair market value of the motorcycle immediately before the accident, less any deductible. The fair market value is typically based on factors such as age, mileage, condition, and the sales of similar motorcycles in the area. It may not consider any sentimental value or improvements.

An attorney may be able to negotiate to ensure the insurance company provides a valuation that is not less than the motorcycle’s actual value.

At What Point Is a Motorcycle Totaled?

A motorcycle is typically considered totaled when the estimated cost to repair it approaches or surpasses its actual cash value. Insurance companies determine this by comparing repair estimates with the motorcycle’s pre-accident value. When repairs are no longer economically feasible or safe, the bike is labeled a total loss. At that stage, you’re usually presented with a payout based on its market value.

Contact The Sharp Firm

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, The Sharp Firm can help you fight for the compensation you need for your damages. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.