Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Austin
Texas Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are all-too-common occurrences on our roadways. According to a study by the Texas Department of Transportation, 496 motorcycle operators and passengers were killed in vehicle crashes in 2016. Of this number, 53% involved motorcyclists who were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Even when motorcyclists utilize safety equipment (such as helmets, leather clothing, gloves, etc.), they are still at a greater risk of catastrophic injury and death than other motorists.
When another person or entity acts carelessly or recklessly, and you or your loved one are injured as a result, you are entitled to take legal action. At Howry Breen & Herman, we help injured motorcyclists hold negligent parties accountable. As a client-focused, results-driven firm, we offer compassionate legal counsel and aggressive advocacy every step of the way. Our team of skilled motorcycle accident attorneys in Austin can help you fight for the full, fair recovery you are owed.
Call our office at (512) 430-4844 or fill out a confidential contact form today to get started with your free, no-obligation consultation. We assist clients in Austin, Georgetown, and the nearby areas.
How Negligence Contributes to Motorcycle Accidents
Far too often, other drivers don’t look out for motorcyclists. Unsafe driving behavior, distracted driving, and other forms of motorist negligence can all lead to motorcycle accidents. Other drivers are not always to blame, however. Negligent road design or dangerous road conditions can also lead to serious motorcycle accidents.
Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents that can be attributed to negligence include:
- Cell phone use, including texting while driving
- Driving while intoxicated (DUI/DWI)
- Speeding, street racing, and other reckless behavior
- Unsafe maneuvers, such as turning into the path of an oncoming motorcyclist
- Changing lanes into a motorcyclist
- Opening a car door into the path of a motorcyclist
- Following too closely (“tailgating”)
- Dangerous road design, including unsafe turns or speed limits
- Poor road condition, potholes, and/or debris obstructing a roadway
Often, motorists will try to claim that they did not see a motorcyclist before or while the accident occurred. However, this does not excuse negligent driving. Car and truck drivers have a duty to afford motorcyclists the same level of reasonable care as other motorists. When they fail to do so, and their negligence results in injuries or death, they can be held accountable.
What is a No-Contact Motorcycle Accident?
In many motorcycle accidents, the motorcyclist narrowly avoids a collision by slamming the brakes or lying the motorcycle down onto the pavement. Although the motorcyclist prevents a crash with another motorist, they can still suffer catastrophic injuries due to their defensive maneuvers in what is called a no-contact motorcycle accident.
It is important to realize that the other motorist in a no-contact motorcycle accident can still be entirely at fault for what happened, even though they are able to eventually leave the scene without any dents or scratches to their vehicle. Our experienced team of attorneys is familiar with all sorts of motorcycle accidents and their causes, including complex no-contact motorcycle crashes. We know how to look for specific pieces of evidence to prove that another driver caused your crash despite them being completely unharmed and unaffected.
Call Our Firm for a Complimentary Consultation
When collisions or accidents occur, motorcyclists tend to sustain severe, even catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord damage and traumatic brain injuries. The cost of medical treatment to address these injuries can be exorbitant. This is often compounded by the fact that injured victims have to take time off work to address their injuries and, in some cases, they are not able to return to work at all. Both the economic and non-economic damages of a motorcycle accident can be incredibly overwhelming.
At Howry Breen & Herman, we can handle every aspect of your case so that you can focus on getting the vital care you need. Our Austin motorcycle accident lawyers have decades of experience and have handled thousands of cases. We use our in-depth legal knowledge and skill to aggressively advocate for you, all while providing you with the dedicated, one-on-one guidance you need. With nearly 25 years of litigation experience and successfully recovering for our clients, we are here to help you fight for the best outcome for your case.
Call (512) 430-4844 to schedule a free consultation with our team.