Riding a motorcycle in Dallas offers a sense of freedom and adventure, especially along popular routes like the scenic stretches of White Rock Lake, the busy thoroughfare of Central Expressway, or the winding turns of Harry Hines Boulevard. However, accidents caused by inattentive or negligent drivers can endanger motorcyclists. If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, you need a dedicated and compassionate advocate on your side. As your Dallas motorcycle accident lawyer, Bailey & Galyen can support you through every step of the legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Schedule A Free Consultation Today!
Dallas Motorcycle Accident Guide
- Why Choose Bailey & Galyen for Your Dallas Motorcycle Accident Claim?
- Do I Have a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
- Should I Accept the Insurance Company's First Offer After a Motorcycle Accident?
- What Compensation is Available in a Dallas Motorcycle Accident Claim?
- Who May Be Held Liable in a Dallas Motorcycle Accident?
- What if I'm Partly to Blame for My Injuries?
- Contact the Dallas Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Bailey & Galyen Today
Why Choose Bailey & Galyen for Your Dallas Motorcycle Accident Claim?
At Bailey & Galyen, we understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face after an accident. With over 40 years of experience in personal injury law, our team is equipped with the knowledge and experience needed to handle the complexities of motorcycle accident claims.
Here's why you should trust us with your case:
- Proven Track Record: Our lawyers have successfully represented countless motorcyclists in Dallas, helping them recover the compensation they need for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
- Board-Certification: Bailey & Galyen is home to board-certified personal injury attorneys recognized for their specialized knowledge and skill.
- Personalized Attention: We know that no two motorcycle accidents are the same. That’s why we take the time to listen to your story, understand your needs, and personalize our legal strategy to your specific situation.
- Client-Centered Approach: We are dedicated to 100% client satisfaction. From our 24/7 availability to our flexible payment plans, we ensure you receive the support you need when you need it most. Our bilingual services also ensure that Spanish-speaking clients receive the same level of care and attention.
Do I Have a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
In most personal injury cases, including motorcycle accidents, negligence is the key factor that determines whether you can hold another party responsible for your injuries.
A successful motorcycle accident claim must establish the following four elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care: The first element involves proving that the other party owed you a duty of care. On the road, all drivers are legally obligated to operate their vehicles safely and responsibly, adhering to traffic laws and paying attention to their surroundings.
- Breach of Duty: Next, you must demonstrate that the other party breached this duty of care. This could involve reckless behavior, such as speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield the right of way. Essentially, you need to show that the other driver acted in a way that a reasonable person would not have under similar circumstances.
- Causation: The third element is causation, where you must prove that the breach of duty directly caused your injuries. It’s not enough to show that the other driver was negligent; you must also establish a clear link between their actions and the accident that resulted in your injuries.
- Damages: Finally, you need to prove that you suffered damages due to the accident. Damages can include medical expenses, lost income or wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Without evidence of harm, there is no basis for a claim.
Should I Accept the Insurance Company's First Offer After a Motorcycle Accident?
After a motorcycle accident, you may be eager to resolve your claim and move on with your life, especially if you're facing medical bills and lost wages. However, it’s important to be cautious when considering the insurance company’s first settlement offer. In most cases, accepting the initial offer is not in your best interest.
Insurance companies are businesses focused on minimizing their payouts, and the first offer they present is often far lower than what you may deserve. This offer might not fully account for all of your medical expenses, future treatment needs, lost income, or the pain and suffering you’ve endured. Once you accept the settlement, you typically waive your right to pursue any additional compensation, even if your injuries worsen or new costs arise later.
Before agreeing to any settlement, it’s crucial to have an experienced attorney review the offer and evaluate the full extent of your damages. Don't rush into a decision if you received a settlement offer after a motorcycle accident. Contact Bailey & Galyen for a free consultation, and let us help you make an informed choice that protects your future.
What Compensation Is Available in a Dallas Motorcycle Accident Claim?
James Bridge
Dallas Personal Injury Attorney
Dallas Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Dallas, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation to help you recover from the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of the crash.
The specific compensation available in your claim will depend on the details of your case, but generally, you may pursue the following types of damages:- Medical Expenses: Compensation for medical expenses covers the cost of your immediate and ongoing medical care, including emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical treatments related to your injuries. This can also include costs for rehabilitation and assistive devices, such as wheelchairs or prosthetics.
- Lost Wages or Income: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes the income you’ve already lost due to missed workdays and any future earnings you may lose if your injuries affect your ability to return to work or require a reduction in your work hours or duties.
- Pain and Suffering: Beyond the financial impact, a motorcycle accident can cause significant physical pain and emotional suffering. Compensation for pain and suffering is intended to address the non-economic damages you’ve endured, such as chronic pain, mental anguish, anxiety, depression, and the loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property Damage: Your motorcycle and any personal property damaged in the accident may also be covered. This includes repairs to your motorcycle or the replacement cost if it’s totaled, as well as compensation for any damaged gear, such as your helmet or riding apparel.
- Loss of Consortium: In cases where the accident has impacted your relationship with your spouse or family, you may pursue compensation for loss of consortium. This can include the loss of companionship, affection, and support due to your injuries.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Dallas Motorcycle Accident?
Determining liability in a motorcycle accident is a crucial step in securing the compensation you deserve. In many cases, more than one party may be responsible for the accident, and identifying all liable parties is essential to building a strong claim. Here’s who may be held liable in a Dallas motorcycle accident:
Other Drivers
The most common liable party in motorcycle accidents is another driver. If a car or truck driver acted negligently—by speeding, driving distracted, failing to yield, or violating traffic laws—they could be held responsible for the collision and any resulting injuries.Motorcycle or Vehicle Manufacturers
Sometimes, accidents occur due to defective parts or mechanical failures. If a defect in the motorcycle or another vehicle contributed to the accident, the manufacturer or distributor of the faulty part may be held liable under product liability laws.Government Entities
Poorly maintained roads, dangerous intersections, or inadequate signage can also lead to accidents. In such cases, the government entity responsible for road maintenance and safety may be liable. However, claims against government entities are subject to specific rules and deadlines, making it essential to act quickly.Commercial Employers
If the driver who caused the accident was operating a vehicle for work purposes, such as a delivery truck or rideshare service, their employer might also be held liable. Employers are generally responsible for the actions of their employees while on the job, especially if the employee was acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the accident.Pedestrians or Bicyclists
Sometimes, a pedestrian or bicyclist may act negligently by stepping into traffic or not obeying signals, leading to a motorcycle accident. If their actions contributed to the collision, they could be held partially or fully liable. Identifying all potential liable parties is key to maximizing your compensation. At Bailey & Galyen, our experienced attorneys will thoroughly investigate your accident, gather evidence, and pursue claims against all responsible parties. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you seek the justice you deserve.What If I'm Partly to Blame for My Injuries?
It’s not uncommon for motorcycle accident cases to involve some level of shared fault, where both the motorcyclist and another party may have contributed to the accident. If you’re worried that you may be partly to blame for your injuries, you might still be eligible to recover compensation under Texas law, thanks to the concept of comparative negligence.
Comparative negligence is a legal doctrine that allows injured parties to seek compensation even if they share some responsibility for the accident. In Texas, the law follows a "modified comparative negligence" rule, which means you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation would be reduced by 20%. If you are determined to be 51% or more at fault, you will be barred from recovering any compensation.
Insurance companies may try to shift more blame onto you to reduce the amount they have to pay, which is why having an experienced attorney on your side is so important. At Bailey & Galyen, we are skilled at handling cases involving comparative negligence and will work to minimize your share of fault while maximizing your recovery.
Contact the Dallas Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Bailey & Galyen Today
Motorcycle accidents can be life-changing events. At Bailey & Galyen, we're committed to helping you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Here's how our experienced Dallas personal injury lawyers can assist you:- Conduct a thorough investigation of your accident
- Gather and preserve crucial evidence
- Handle all communications with insurance companies
- Accurately calculate the full extent of your damages
- Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
- Prepare your case for trial if necessary
- Ensure you meet all legal deadlines and requirements
