Motorcyclists face unique risks on the road, and filing an injury or insurance claim after a motorcycle accident can bring unique challenges. Legal guidance from a skilled attorney is essential when filing Denton motorcycle accident claims.
When you or a loved one suffer damages in a motorcycle crash caused by someone else’s negligent actions, you may have a right to take legal action. A well-practiced motorcycle collision attorney at McCraw Law Group could help throughout every step of your case.
Any person that is negligent—if their negligence causes the wreck or is a cause of the wreck—is subject to being held liable in a motorcycle wreck case in Denton. That can include the other driver, though sometimes, it can also include the driver’s employer if they are working in the course and scope of employment for the company.
When dealing with commercial drivers, direct liability claims can be made against the owners and operators of these companies for not following the safety regulations that state and federal law requires them to. For example, if a motorcyclist is in an accident with an 18-wheeler, a proactive attorney will investigate to determine whether the truck driver was driving too many hours or driving while fatigued or intoxicated. If so, the trucker and their employer could be held liable for all of an injured person’s losses.
About half of all drivers on the roads in the state of Texas do not have liability insurance. Thus, it is crucial for motorcyclists to have quality uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Motorcycle wrecks can result in serious injuries. The state mandatory minimum liability insurance coverage is only $30,000, and just an hour or two at the hospital could cost you that. Experienced legal professionals recommend motorcyclists have at least $100,000 in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to protect themselves in the event of an accident.
There is a unique aspect under Texas state law that is important for those filing uninsured or underinsured motorist claims to be aware of. There actually has to be contact between the two vehicles to file an accident claim. This can be critical in motorcycle accident cases because often times a motorcycle and another vehicle do not actually collide. Rather, a vehicle pulls out in front of a motorcycle or changes lanes, causing the motorcyclist to swerve to avoid the wreck. Because of a motorcyclist’s ability to immediately lane-steer—which can often times be the case in these situations—the injuries motorcyclists suffer may not be from a collision with another vehicle but rather from sliding on the pavement or being thrown off their bikes onto the road.
Unfortunately, if a biker avoids making contact with a negligent driver, then they may not be able to pursue an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim. A seasoned Denton attorney could explain the state laws in more detail and answer any questions about motorcycle wreck claims during an initial meeting.
When you are injured in a motorcycle accident, taking on the a-fault driver’s insurance company is not something you want to do on your own. Having a dedicated legal professional on your side could make all the difference.
Call today to learn more about Denton motorcycle accident claims and find out if you have a viable case.
McCraw Law Group