New Braunfels Motorcycle Wreck Attorney

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Comal County, Hays County, and Guadalupe County

Motorcycle riders are 26 times more likely to die in a crash than vehicle drivers. That one statistic alone underscores the incredibly serious nature of these collisions. Whereas drivers are protected by airbags and seatbelts, not to mention a metal enclosure, motorcycle riders and passengers are totally exposed to danger, leading to serious injuries that often become fatal. Worse yet, although liability may be clear, it is difficult to obtain maximum compensation in these cases due to the prejudice that many people harbor against motorcycle riders.

The assertive lawyers at The Bettersworth Law Firm stand up for the rights of motorcycle riders, because we understand the risks that they take simply by getting on their bikes and riding in traffic. Due to the serious nature of these injuries, we are not satisfied with anything less than the maximum financial compensation available under the law.

Motorcycle Crash Injuries

Every vehicle wreck actually involves two types of collisions: the ones between vehicles and vehicles and the ones between people and fixed objects, because human bodies remain in motion even if the vehicles suddenly stop. In motorcycle wrecks, the unprotected second collisions lead to serious injuries like:

• Internal bleeding: Doctors and first responders tend to focus on external trauma injuries, meaning that an internal trauma injury may go undiagnosed and untreated for several hours or even several days.
• Shattered bones: Extremities like the arms and feet are especially vulnerable to these injuries, because it is a natural reaction to extend one's arm to prevent a fall, and feet are often caught between two vehicles or a vehicle and the ground.
• Neck and spine injuries: These areas are normally completely unprotected, and damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or total paralysis.

Injury victims are entitled to compensation for both their economic and noneconomic damages, as well as punitive damages in some cases.

What Is the Most Dangerous Type of Motorcycle Accident?

How dangerous or deadly a vehicle wreck is depends on the details of the crash. But there is one type of motorcycle accident that commonly results in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. It is known as a left-turn accident.

When vehicles need to make a left turn, they often must cross opposing traffic. If there is a dedicated turn arrow, this is a fairly safe maneuver. If drivers need to just wait for an opening in oncoming traffic, however, a turn can become much more dangerous. Many drivers turn left in front of oncoming motorcyclists because they either fail to notice the approaching rider or misjudge their speed and proximity. The rider has no time to slow down or steer out of the way, and the end result is often a crash into the side of the turning vehicle.

Fighting Bias Is Key to Winning a Motorcycle Accident Case

For many people, recent high-profile incidents in places like New York and Texas confirm their beliefs that motorcycle riders are reckless drivers and dangerous people. There are two ways to fight the prejudice against motorcyclists. Sometimes, the prejudice is based on a misunderstanding; for example, many people do not know that some motorcycles have loud exhaust pipes to make them more noticeable in traffic. A better approach may be to convince prejudiced jurors that the victim is an exception to the rule. So, while people may have a poor opinion of most riders, an attorney can usually introduce evidence of the rider's good character.

Why Are Motorcyclists Often Blamed for Their Own Injuries?

For a variety of reasons, most of which are unfounded, there is a public perception that anyone who rides a motorcycle is reckless, unconcerned with their own safety, and unwilling to follow traffic laws. This likely stems from stories about outlaw biker gangs, and these beliefs may be reinforced by seeing a few young riders who do seem to be reckless.

The fact is, however, that most motorcyclists are very concerned for their own safety. Many wear more protective gear than is legally required, ride defensively, and always obey traffic laws. These riders should not also face discrimination after being seriously injured by the negligence of a driver. That bias is what we work to fight against.

Contact Our Comal County Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

A motorcycle crash often has devastating financial, emotional, and physical consequences for the victim. Contact The Bettersworth Law Firm today at 830-606-0404 for prompt assistance in this matter. We do not charge upfront legal fees in a personal injury case.