Research shows that the majority of motorcycle accidents are not the fault of the motorcyclist but of other drivers, who often claim that they did not see the motorcycle. Those motorists need to be held accountable for the harm they've caused. If you've been injured in a motorcycle crash through no fault of your own, the motorcycle accident lawyers at Heard & Smith can help you obtain compensation for your injuries.
Call Heard & Smith today at (210) 820-3737, toll free at (800) 584-3700, or contact us via our online form if we can help you with your motorcycle case. We serve motorcycle accident victims throughout the state of Texas, including San Antonio; El Paso; Rio Grande Valley - McAllen, Harlingen, Brownsville, Rio Grande City; Laredo; Victoria, Eagle Pass and Longview.
Because they have less physical protection than passenger vehicle occupants, motorcycle riders are particularly vulnerable in a wreck. Federal officials report that per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are about 35 times more likely to die in a crash than passenger vehicle occupants.
In 2007, 50 percent of all motorcycles involved in fatal crashes collided with another motor vehicle. In two-vehicle crashes, 78 percent of the motorcycles involved were struck in the front. Only 5 percent were struck in the rear. Many of those front-impact accidents occurred when cars or trucks turned left in front of the motorcyclist, often at an intersection. Those collisions are especially dangerous for motorcyclists because they may be thrown forward into traffic or onto the road surface, leading to catastrophic head injuries. In fact, head injuries are the leading cause of death from motorcycle accidents, especially among riders who are not wearing a helmet.
Other common damage suffered by motorcyclists includes lower extremity injuries, such as broken leg and foot bones, according to an August 2008 federal study. Those injuries can be extremely costly to treat. Motorcyclists who sustained a single lower-extremity injury had a median hospital charge of $20,745, the federal study found. The estimated median charge was $38,608 for a patient with multiple lower-extremity injuries. Motorcyclists who sustained lower-extremity injuries, in combination with other injuries, had median hospital charges of $56,288.
The motorcycle accident lawyers at Heard & Smith can help you recover for those medical costs. We can also help you determine whether you're entitled to damages for loss of income, disability, and pain and suffering. Due to deadlines for filing personal injury claims, it is critical that you meet with motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible to your case.
The personal injury lawyers of Heard & Smith have experience in representing motorcyclists who have been injured in a wide variety of situations. Regardless of the circumstances of your accident, please take the time to discuss your case with us. Call the motorcycle accident lawyers of Heard & Smith today at (210) 820-3737, toll free at (800) 584-3700, or contact us via our online form.
Related Headlines
Motorsports Capsules: Teen motorcycle racer killed in crash at Indy
11 percent decline in traffic highway deaths in Texas during 2009 shows tougher laws
Texas traffic fatalities down 11 percent in 2009
Texas traffic fatalities down 11% in 2009
Funny Google Street View Sightings
