Home » Texas Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Tyler and Longview

Texas Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Tyler and Longview

For nearly 40 years, the Texas motorcycle accident attorneys at Roberts & Roberts have helped riders injured in motorcycle crashes. With deep roots in East Texas, Roberts & Roberts has built a national reputation for the legal counsel we provide personal injury clients. Our lawyers have been featured in dozens of television programs including ABC Good Morning America, CNN, Fox Business News, MSNBC and NBC’s Dateline. If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle crash, you need a knowledgeable personal injury attorney from Roberts & Roberts to guide you. You may have legal rights to seek compensation from the driver who caused your accident.

East Texas has some great roads for motorcycle riding, and we understand the appeal of big bikes. The increased popularity of motorcycle riding has brought a sharp increase in serious motorcycle accidents in Texas and nationwide. The number of motorcycle crash-related fatalities has more than doubled in the last 10 years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Even the most experienced riders are vulnerable to serious injury in a crash because of the lack of protection motorcycles afford. Other drivers who fail to see motorcycles cause many serious and fatal motorcycle accidents. If you have suffered injury in a motorcycle accident, our motorcycle accident attorneys are here to help.

For a free evaluation of your legal options, contact us now at 903-597-6000 or fill out our online contact form. We serve clients in Tyler, Longview and surrounding areas in East Texas, as well as across Texas and the United States. We can help you get your motorcycle repaired or replaced, help you get the medical care you need and help you obtain the compensation you need to get back on your feet.

Facts About Motorcycle Accidents in East Texas

Motorcycles share the highways with many other vehicles that are larger and heavier. Motorcyclists have the same rights as other motorists. Unfortunately, many drivers in Texas do not look out for motorcyclists. They pull out in front of motorcycles, turn left in front of them or change lanes into motorcycles. Often, they simply do not see motorcyclists because they are looking for larger vehicles. When motorcycles and other vehicles collide, motorcyclists suffer the brunt of the injuries no matter who is at fault. Motorcyclists are nine times more likely to be injured and 37 times more likely to die in a collision, according to NHTSA.

There were 429 motorcyclists killed and more than 5,200 who suffered serious injuries in motorcycle crashes in Texas in 2010, according to the most recent data from the Texas Department of Transportation. Those seriously injured included 4,748 motorcycle drivers and 528 passengers. Fifty six percent of motorcyclists killed were not wearing helmets at the time of the crash. The Governor’s Highway Safety Commission projects a 16 percent increase in motorcycle accident fatalities in Texas in 2011 based on preliminary data.

A serious injury in a motorcycle accident can prevent you from working or supporting your family. A disabling injury can harm the quality of your life. Many motorcycle accident injuries involve a lengthy recovery and months of physical therapy.

At Roberts & Roberts, we understand the serious consequences of a motorcycle accident. We have vocational rehabilitation experts who can analyze the economic impact of disabling injuries and the effect on a person’s ability to earn a living. We have economists and life care planners who can compute the damages and future medical needs and expenses for someone who has suffered a catastrophic injury in a motorcycle accident. Our board-certified attorneys have been helping people recover from serious Texas motorcycle accidents for more than 40 years.

The Causes of Motorcycle Crashes 

The design of motorcycles makes them more likely to be involved in crashes. They have a narrow profile, are less stable than vehicles with four wheels and are less visible to other motorists. Contributing factors cited in many motorcycle accidents include:

• Intersections — Approximately 70 percent of motorcycle accidents occur at intersections. Because of their short wheelbase and lower profile compared to other vehicles, motorcycles may be overlooked by drivers looking for larger vehicles. Many drivers pull out in front of oncoming motorcycles at intersections, causing crashes.

• Failure to Yield —Texas drivers often pull out in front of motorcycles because they don’t see them. A third of accidents where the passenger vehicle driver is to blame for a motorcycle accident involve failure to yield right-of-way, according to NHTSA.

• Inexperienced Driver —An inexperienced motorcyclist can make an unexpected move and collide with another motorcyclist, causing a crash.

• Potholes and Broken Pavement — Broken pavement, uneven pavement, poorly marked work zones, steep road shoulders and potholes all pose hazards that may cause a motorcyclists to crash. A government agency or road contractor may be liable in hazards that cause motorcycle accidents.

What To Do After A Texas Motorcycle Accident

After a motorcycle crash, your top priority should be to see that you and others involved get prompt medical care for injuries. People injured in a motorcycle accident can suffer severe injuries including broken bones, head trauma, traumatic brain injuries, nerve damage and spinal cord injuries. Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s a good idea to see your doctor and describe what happened. Some injuries such as closed head injuries may not be immediately apparent.

It’s a good idea to keep a daily journal of your recovery and how your injuries have affected your life. Some of those details may be hard to recall later.

You should also report the motorcycle accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. But you should not give a recorded or written statement about the accident to the insurance company until you have spoken with a motorcycle accident attorney at Roberts & Roberts. An insurance adjuster may approach you about a quick settlement. They often make quick, low-ball offers. Don’t sign any documents without first talking to an experienced motorcycle crash lawyer. You could sign away your rights to the compensation you deserve.

Should I Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer To Handle My Motorcycle Accident?

You don’t need a lawyer for every motorcycle accident. But it’s a good idea to talk to a qualified personal injury lawyer after a crash to understand your legal options. The initial consultation is free at Roberts & Roberts. There is no charge unless we are successful and obtain a settlement or judgment on your behalf.

Calling an attorney may be the last thing on your mind after a motorcycle accident. That’s understandable. But insurance companies will act quickly to settle your claim for as little money as possible and make it go away. A delay in hiring a lawyer can allow valuable evidence to get lost. An immediate investigation is important to determine who should be held responsible for your injuries.

We understand that you have a number of questions and concerns after the ordeal of a serious motorcycle accident. Our experienced attorneys will listen carefully and try to answer your questions. Our goal is to address your concerns so that you can make informed decisions as we work together to get your life back on track.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Tyler, Longview or anywhere else in Texas or the United States, turn to the experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Roberts & Roberts.

For a free evaluation of your legal options, contact us now at 903-597-6000 or fill out our online contact form.