Our El Paso Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Help
Motorcycle accidents can impose serious hardship on a victim’s livelihood. These incidents often involve substantial injuries, financial losses, and property damage.
If you have been injured in an El Paso motorcycle crash, contact a lawyer who handles personal injury cases as soon as possible. A knowledgeable attorney will help you evaluate your legal options and seek compensation accordingly.
At our personal injury law firm, we have the knowledge and resources to help you pursue the highest compensation possible. Our legal team can provide you with personalized and quality consultation. Moreover, the sooner you contact our office, the better we can serve you.
John (Jack) Zinda
Founder / CEO
Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWhat to Know About Motorcycle Accidents in El Paso
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, 562 riders died in motorcycle collisions in 2022. This is an 8% increase from the previous year. This highlights a concerning trend of rising motorcycle-related fatalities in the state.
Because motorcycles do not offer the same level of protection as standard vehicles (such as seat belts, airbags, and a barrier between the operator and the other driver), crashes often result in very serious and even fatal injuries. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die from a crash than a passenger vehicle driver.
If you have been in a motorcycle crash, you may have to deal with not only physical and emotional pain but also many overwhelming financial burdens.
As a motorcycle crash survivor, you may be left with many questions:
- How will I pay for my medical bills?
- When can I get back to work?
- How can I recover lost wages?
- Who will pay for my property damage?
- Is the insurance company offering me a fair settlement?
Our motorcycle accident lawyers in El Paso can answer all your questions. We will make sure you have all the data you need to understand your rights and legal options.
CASE RESULTS
Neil Solomon
Partner
Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationUnderstanding El Paso Motorcycle Laws
In Texas, all motorcyclists must attend a mandatory training course to obtain a Class M motorcycle license. All drivers under 21 must wear a helmet, while those over 21 may choose not to do so if they complete an advanced motorcycle safety course or are covered by an appropriate insurance plan.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
Standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to answer in your time of need.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationYou May Be Entitled to Compensation After a Motorcycle Crash in El Paso
As a motorcycle accident victim, you may experience catastrophic injuries and serious property damage. However, with legal assistance, you could receive compensation to cover all your losses. As experienced motorcycle accident lawyers in El Paso, TX, we understand the financial aftermath you face.
We will calculate all your accident-related costs and estimate future expenses so you may recover the full amount. In most cases, you will qualify for compensatory damages, which aim to reimburse you for the losses suffered. These further divide into economic and non-economic damages to cover different types of losses.
Economic Damages
The financial impact of a motorcycle accident can be particularly severe. Medical expenses associated with injuries sustained in the accident can quickly accumulate. Moreover, these collisions often result in catastrophic injuries that may lead to long-term disabilities, causing victims to face loss of income.
Economic damages refer to the measurable financial losses resulting from the accident, such as:
- Property damage: Cost to repair or replace (at fair market value) your vehicle or any personal items.
- Medical expenses: Cost of an ER visit, hospital stay, treatments, medications, and therapies required because of injuries suffered in the crash.
- Cost of future treatments: When an injury results in long-term medical care and treatment, the cost of future treatments may also be compensated.
- Lost wages: If your injuries resulted in your inability to work, you may be eligible to recover wages lost during the time you were unable to work due to your injuries.
- Lost earning potential: If you were severely injured because of the accident and, as a result, cannot return to your job, you may be eligible for compensation for the loss of potential income.
Non-Economic Damages
Surviving a motorcycle accident can have a profound psychological impact on individuals. Even after physical injuries heal, the emotional and psychological effects can linger for an extended period. However, you could recover these intangible losses through non-economic damages.
We could help you receive non-economic damages like:
- Pain and suffering: This refers to the physical pain and emotional suffering you experience after the collision.
- Emotional distress: The aftermath of a traumatic event like a motorcycle accident can trigger intense emotions. Furthermore, the psychological impact can affect daily activities, relationships, and overall well-being.
- Loss of enjoyment: The physical injuries sustained during the accident may limit your ability to engage in activities they once found pleasurable. Whether it’s hobbies or simply spending time with loved ones, the limitations imposed by the crash can diminish the overall quality of life.
Compensation for children (minors) might be handled in a different way than for adults. Parents may seek compensation to cover medical expenses. However, compensation for pain and suffering may be put into a trust for the minors, who may access it once they turn 18. Sometimes, the compensation may be released to the parents, who must use it for the child’s well-being.
Cole Gumm
Attorney
We are here to ensure you won’t have to face this difficult time alone.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationHow do I File a Claim After a Motorcycle Accident in Texas?
Filing a claim is essential in seeking compensation for your losses. The process typically begins by contacting your El Paso motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss the incident. They will guide you through the legal proceedings and protect your rights.
Meet With a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in El Paso
The first thing you should do is meet with your lawyer. It would be best if you did this as soon as possible after the accident to ensure they can access pertinent information and evidence while it is available.
Further, because of time limits on filing lawsuits and the need to have your attorney deal with any insurance companies on your behalf, it is imperative to meet an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in El Paso as soon as possible. That way, you can focus on your recovery while your lawyer focuses on building your case.
Case Investigation
Your lawyer will examine the accident site and collect witness statements, police reports, and medical records regarding the extent of your injuries. They will seek to identify the responsible parties and build the strongest case possible for you.
Your Attorney Will Negotiate a Fair Settlement
Once your attorney has gathered the necessary facts, they may attempt to negotiate a settlement on your behalf. The negotiation may involve disputing liability, damages, or other factors.
Attempting to negotiate with an insurance company on your own can be overwhelming. They are experienced negotiators who want to settle quickly and for as little as possible; this is where your lawyer will truly be an asset to you and help settle the case.
Trial Proceedings
If we do not reach a fair settlement through negotiation, we may bring the case to trial to seek compensation. We will continue representing your best interests.
Call Zinda Law Group today for a 100% free consultation with one of our experienced and knowledgeable motorcycle lawyers in El Paso.
How Long do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Texas?
The legal time limit, also known as the statute of limitations, for filing a personal injury claim in Texas is two years from the date of the injury. If you do not file a claim within two years, your case will most likely be dismissed if brought forward later.
It is best to consult an attorney and file a claim well before time runs out on seeking compensation, ideally as soon as possible after an accident has occurred. This will aid your attorney in investigating the crash, determining who is at fault, and if negligence played a role in the collision.
Who Is at Fault in an El Paso Motorcycle Accident?
Determining fault in a motorcycle crash is a complex process that requires a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the incident. To determine liability, your lawyer will consider traffic laws and driver behavior.
Depending on the exact details of the accident, different parties may be at fault in a motorcycle accident:
Car or Truck Driver
The driver of the car or truck involved might be at fault if their negligent behavior caused the accident, whether because of distracted driving, drunk driving, or other reckless actions.
Company Employing the Driver
If the vehicle involved was a cargo truck, the trucking company might be liable if its negligence contributed to the crash. For example, the trucking company can be held accountable if it fails to train or supervise drivers properly.
Motorcycle Driver
When multiple motorcycles collide, one of the riders may be at fault for the crash. Like any vehicular accident, determining liability can be complex and depends on various factors. Negligent behavior, such as drunk driving or disobeying traffic signals, can contribute to a collision.
If you are a passenger on a motorcycle or in a vehicle involved in an accident, the driver may be liable for any damages or injuries you may have suffered due to their negligence.
State or Local Government
If the accident was caused by failure to maintain proper road conditions adequately, the agency responsible for maintaining the road might be liable.
Our Awards
AWARDED TO JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA BY THE NATIONAL TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION (2016-2020)
AWARDED TO JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA (2009, 2011-2012, 2014-2021), & NEIL SOLOMON (2020-2021)
AWARDED TO JACK ZINDA (2016-2020)
LIFETIME MEMBERS JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
To recover compensation for the damages you have suffered, you will likely have to negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company. However, they are interested in one thing: protecting their bottom line. They do this by minimizing your claim and paying out as little as possible for your injuries.
To build the strongest case possible, you must take the appropriate steps to show an insurance adjuster how much your life was affected by the crash.
Get Medical Care
The first and most important step is to seek medical treatment as soon as possible after the motorcycle accident. If the injuries should be considered an emergency, call an ambulance and police to the scene to assist you.
Otherwise, visit a doctor or primary care physician immediately, even if you don’t believe you are injured. After a crash, you may experience adrenaline rushes that can mask the effects of an injury. Your doctor will be able to properly diagnose any injury and create an official medical record for your injury claim.
Document the Accident Scene
Your next step is to document everything you can about the crash. Take photographs of any injuries and the crash scene, write down everything you remember about the wreck, and gather any witness statements. It is also crucial to ask the police to fill out a crash report.
Call a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in El Paso
After you have received medical treatment and gathered evidence, you should contact an El Paso motorcycle accident lawyer. Your attorney can help you pursue maximum compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and much more.
Common Motorcycle Injuries
Motorcycles lack the protective structure that cars and trucks provide, leaving riders exposed to direct impact in the event of a collision. Additionally, motorcycles are smaller and less visible on the road, increasing the risk of other drivers not seeing them and causing accidents.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
A TBI may occur after a sudden shock or blow to the head, even if a motorcyclist wears a helmet. They are often serious and can be fatal.
Neck and Spinal Injuries
Injuries to the neck and spine can occur in accidents, damaging spinal discs and, in some cases, the spinal cord. In more severe cases, the victim may become paralyzed for life, while less serious injuries may still result in chronic pain.
Burns
Motorcyclists can suffer from burns as the result of an accident, usually caused by the ignition of a ruptured gas tank. Depending on the accident, burns can be severe, with some injuries requiring skin grafting.
Facial Injury
Due to the exposed nature of motorcycles, riders involved in accidents may also suffer from facial injuries such as broken jaws and noses, as well as permanent disfigurement.
Broken Bones
Motorcycle riders may experience broken arms or legs due to accidents resulting from hitting the pavement and the bike falling on top of them during the crash.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries can occur because of motorcycle accidents and may not be obvious or readily apparent. These include damage to vital organs and arterial networks. They are generally caused by blunt force trauma, which is often sustained by the force of an impact from a vehicle or with the ground. They may also be caused by debris or wreckage that has pierced the body.
Road Rash
Road rash describes the skin abrasions suffered after making contact with the pavement and sliding along it. These abrasions can lead to infection and cause permanent scarring.
Common Injuries Suffered by Pedestrians Injured by a Motorcycle
Since pedestrians lack the protection offered by a vehicle or even protective gear a motorcyclist may equip, they are especially at risk of injury during an accident. Children, passengers, cyclists, or scooter users may also be at a higher risk for these injuries because of the lack of protection and vulnerability in motorcycle accidents.
These injuries can include:
- Spinal injury, including paralysis
- Broken bones
- Disfigurement
- Internal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Concussions and other head injuries
- Neck injuries, such as whiplash, caused by a rapid movement of the neck back and forth during an accident
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Zinda Law Group as Your El Paso Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Our team of honest and aggressive injury attorneys will fight to help you get the compensation you need to get back on your feet. We offer free consultations 24/7 and never collect a fee unless we win your case, so there is no risk in contacting us.
If you were hit by a motorcycle in El Paso, our personal injury lawyers at Zinda Law Group could help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Call us for your free consultation today, and we can help you form a plan for recovery.
You can also call us to make an appointment to visit our El Paso office located at 2300 George Dieter Dr, El Paso, TX 79936.
Please note that in-office visits are by appointment only.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
We have successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation
