Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Beaumont

Legal Guidance After Motorcycle Crashes in Southeast Texas

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), even though motorcycles make up only 3% of all registered vehicles, they accounted for 16.2% of all traffic deaths in 2024. 

Texas frequently ranks high in the total number of motorcycle crashes. One reason for this is the lack of a universal helmet law for all riders. Riders over the age of 21 are not required to wear a helmet if they are insured. If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident while not wearing a helmet, it's crucial that our Beaumont motorcycle accident attorney at Dugas Law Firm evaluates your case as soon as possible. We've been helping motorcycle accident victims in Southeast Texas for over 40 years.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Traveling in a vehicle with airbags and a steel frame offers some protection in a traffic accident. For motorcyclists, however, very little separates the rider from the road, other vehicles, and objects. Motorcyclists can be hurled onto the pavement, into guardrails, trees, other cars, or buildings.

Because of this, serious or even catastrophic injuries can occur, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal cord damage
• Burns
• And more

Motorcyclists also have a much higher rate of fatality from traffic accidents than passengers in vehicles. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact our motorcycle accident attorneys in Beaumont today.

What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

A motorcycle collision can be a traumatic experience, and knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath is crucial for your safety and well-being. It is essential to stay calm and follow a set of steps to ensure your safety, gather information, and protect your legal rights.

Consider the following steps after a motorcycle crash:

1. Ensure safety: If you are able to move and it is safe to do so, try to get yourself out of harm's way, away from oncoming traffic. Turn off your motorcycle's engine and activate hazard lights to alert other drivers.
2. Check for injuries: If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance. Even if injuries seem minor, it is advisable to seek medical attention, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
3. Contact the authorities: A police report can be valuable for insurance claims and legal purposes. Provide a factual account of the accident to the responding officers.
4. Document the scene: Take photos of the vehicles involved, your motorcycle, any damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and the surrounding area. 
5. Exchange information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident. Collect names, addresses, phone numbers, driver's license numbers, and insurance policy details. Be polite and cooperative, but avoid admitting fault.
6. Obtain witness statements: If there were any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information and a brief statement regarding what they saw. Their statements can be crucial if there is a dispute about the accident's details.
7. Seek medical attention: Some injuries, such as concussions or internal injuries, may not manifest immediately. Document all medical visits, treatments, and expenses for insurance purposes.
8. Notify your insurance company: Contact your motorcycle insurance company as soon as possible and provide them with relevant information. Be truthful and accurate when recounting the accident.
9. Consult an attorney: A motorcycle accident lawyer can help protect your legal rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue compensation if necessary.
10. Keep detailed records: Maintain a comprehensive record of all accident-related documents, including medical bills, repair estimates, correspondence with insurance companies, and any other relevant paperwork. 

Do I Still Have a Case for a Motorbike Accident If I Only Have Minor Injuries?

Yes, even if you consider your injuries to be minor, you may still have a case for a motorcycle accident. Although the severity of the injury and the level of physical damage can often influence the compensation claim, even minor injuries or damage to your motorcycle can justify a lawsuit or an insurance claim.

Moreover, the cost of repairs for your motorcycle can be substantial, even for minor damage. It is also important to remember that compensation is not only for physical injuries but also for the trauma and mental anguish caused by the accident.

Damages You May Recover After a Motorcycle Crash

After a serious wreck, Texas injury claims are designed to restore you to your pre-accident state by addressing the full impact on your health, finances, and daily life. Understanding the available damages helps you evaluate settlement offers and determine whether to pursue a claim. A Beaumont motorcycle accident lawyer familiar with Jefferson County courts can provide essential guidance on how these damages are presented and proven within the local legal system.

Damages generally fall into two categories:

• Economic damages: These cover financial losses such as emergency care, follow-up treatment, physical therapy, future medical needs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and motorcycle or gear repairs.
• Non-economic damages: These address the personal impact of the crash, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and strain on family relationships.

In cases involving egregious conduct such as intoxication or extreme speeding on Interstate 10, Texas law may allow for punitive damages to punish and deter dangerous behavior. While not applicable to every case, a Beaumont motorcycle accident lawyer will review the specific facts to determine if your claim could qualify. 

Find Out How We Can Help You After a Motorcycle Crash in Beaumont, TX

Negligent or distracted drivers are probably the most common cause of motorcycle accidents. Often, drivers fail to see motorcyclists and fail to provide them the road respect they deserve. Proving fault is crucial in order to seek full and fair compensation for your personal injury claim. We want to help you in the same way we have helped thousands of others during our years of practice.

Call our Beaumont motorcycle accident lawyer at (409) 226-0990 for a free case evaluation. We also take cases on contingency, so we do not get paid until you do.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. This timeframe is crucial, as failing to file within it can result in losing the right to pursue legal action. Securing an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Beaumont soon after your accident helps ensure your case is handled promptly and effectively, preserving crucial evidence and testimonies.

How Can I Prove Fault in a Motorcycle Accident?

Proving fault in a motorcycle accident is a complex process that combines gathering evidence and demonstrating negligence. At Dugas Law Firm, we utilize accident reconstruction professionals, collect eyewitness accounts, and analyze police reports to depict how the incident occurred. Our goal is to clearly establish the other party's culpability, solidifying your claim and aiding in the pursuit of just compensation.

Recommended Reading

• Motorcycle Helmet Laws in Texas - Statistically, there is no question that wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle is far safer. However, in Texas, you are not required to wear a helmet if you are over the age of twenty-one and meet certain requirements. Continue reading to learn more about this hotly debated topic.
• Does Laying Down a Motorcycle Help Avoid Major Injuries? - The reality is that laying down your motorcycle is not a safe strategy for avoiding major injuries in the event of an accident. In fact, riders who lay down their motorcycles not only destroy their bikes, but also often sustain broken bones, serious road rash, head injuries, and neck injuries.