Consult with an acclaimed Galveston motorcycle accident lawyer from The Patel Firm and get compensated for your accident-related damages.
With their speed and agility, motorcycles can be more dangerous than other vehicles. This can lead to more severe injuries, especially since the riders are not protected by an enclosed automobile. If you’re involved in a motorcycle collision where another party is at fault, you have the right to fight for your rights.
Under the leadership of Minesh J. Patel, our firm’s founder and principal attorney, we have successfully recovered large settlements for clients in Galveston and across Texas. He is also a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Rue Ratings’ Best Attorneys in America, and has been recognized as “40 Best Under 40” by The National Trial Lawyers Association.
How to Reach Us: Feel free to contact us anytime at (361) 400-2036 or fill out our secure online form. Our attorneys are always ready to answer your call.
Why Choose The Patel Firm
At The Patel Firm, we are eager to learn your story, and our motorcycle accident attorneys will do everything to ensure that you succeed in securing your claim. We understand how challenging it is to deal with the aftermath of a bike accident, but we believe that together, we can achieve the best possible outcome.
With our commitment and deep understanding of the legal framework, we can support your claim with our endless resources and years of experience. Our compassionate team will advocate for your rights and get you maximum compensation for your injuries.
We work tirelessly to provide first-class representation by securing the highest settlements for our clients. To learn what our previous clients think, browse through our five-star testimonials and Google reviews.
How Can We Help You In A Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
At The Patel Firm, we’re set on advocating for your rights and options in pursuing a motorcycle accident lawsuit. If you have suffered severe injuries due to someone else’s negligence in Galveston, you are likely qualified to receive compensation for the damages you endured and the impact it has on your life.
From legal strategies to third-party negotiations, we offer many advantages to our clients, including:
- Conducting an investigation: If an individual gets into a motorcycle crash due to a negligent driver, we are going to need evidence to prove it. Our team will investigate the crash by gathering evidence and interviewing eyewitnesses to support your claim.
- Assessment of damages: We will assess the severity of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, to determine the fair compensation you deserve.
- Handling negotiations: Our lawyers will handle talks to reach a fair settlement that covers the damage without the need for a trial. We will handle all communications, ensuring that all parties involved are well-informed and that the process runs smoothly.
- Peace of mind: It can be reassuring to have one of our lawyers manage your case, as it means a knowledgeable expert is advocating for your best interests and striving to achieve the most favorable result for you.
About Motorcycle Accidents in Galveston
In 2023, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reported that more than 600 motorcycle riders died in crashes in Texas, and over 2,400 riders were seriously hurt. The number of motorcyclist deaths in 2023 went up by 7% from the year before, and deadly crashes at intersections increased by 21%.
Motorcycle accidents in Galveston are a big concern for several reasons. The city’s beautiful roads, like Seawall Boulevard, attract many motorcyclists who enjoy the coastal views. However, these same roads are crowded with tourists, which means lots of cars, pedestrians, and distracted drivers, making it more dangerous for motorcycle riders.
The weather in Galveston also makes things tricky for motorcyclists. Sudden rain can make roads slippery, and strong coastal winds can make it hard to keep a motorcycle steady. Foggy conditions can reduce visibility, making it harder for drivers to see motorcycles and increasing the risk of accidents.
Additionally, Galveston’s roads and infrastructure add to the problem. Many streets are narrow, and potholes or uneven surfaces can be particularly hazardous for motorcycles. Construction projects and road maintenance can create temporary hazards and detours, making it difficult for riders to drive safely. These factors all contribute to the high risk of motorcycle accidents in Galveston.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can be categorized based on the nature and circumstances of the collision. The most common types include:
Single-Vehicle Crashes:
- These involve only the motorcycle, often resulting from losing control due to speed, road conditions, or rider error.
Vehicle-Motorcycle Collisions:
- Accidents where motorcycles collide with cars, trucks, or other vehicles, frequently occurring due to visibility issues or traffic violations.
Intersection Accidents:
- These are crashes that happen at intersections, commonly due to vehicles making left turns without noticing oncoming motorcycles.
- Incidents where a motorcycle is hit from behind by another vehicle, often because the following driver was distracted or too close.
Lane-Splitting Incidents:
- Occur when motorcyclists ride between lanes of slow or stopped traffic, leading to potential collisions with vehicles changing lanes or opening doors.
Cornering Crashes:
- These accidents happen when motorcyclists lose control of curves or corners, typically due to excessive speed or poor road conditions.
Hit-and-Run Accidents:
- These involve another vehicle leaving the scene without assistance or contact information.
Side-Impact (T-Bone) Collisions:
- It occurs when a vehicle strikes the side of a motorcycle, often at intersections or during turns.
High-Side and Low-Side Crashes:
- Specific to motorcycles, high-side crashes involve the rider being thrown over the bike, while low-side crashes involve the bike sliding out from under the rider.
Where Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Occur?
Most motorcycle accidents in Galveston tend to occur in several key areas due to high traffic volume, road conditions, and specific local features:
Seawall Boulevard
- This coastal road is a hotspot for motorcycle accidents due to its high volume of both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The scenic route attracts many motorcyclists, but the mix of tourists, parked cars, and people crossing the road can create dangerous conditions.
Broadway Avenue (Avenue J)
- As a major thoroughfare running through Galveston, Broadway Avenue sees significant traffic. The combination of commercial vehicles, local drivers, and tourists can lead to congestion and accidents, particularly at busy intersections.
Downtown Area
- The downtown area, with its narrow streets and high density of vehicles and pedestrians, is another common site for motorcycle accidents. Passing through this busy area can be challenging for motorcyclists, especially during peak times and events.
Common Injuries Suffered in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, often more severe than those sustained in car accidents due to the lack of protection for riders. Common injuries include:
Head Injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions are common, even with helmet use, due to the force of impact on the head.
- Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, significantly affecting a rider’s quality of life.
Fractures and Broken Bones:
- Riders frequently suffer broken arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones due to the impact and the way they fall during an accident.
Road Rash:
- When a motorcyclist slides across the pavement, the friction can cause severe abrasions, lacerations, and skin damage, often requiring extensive medical treatment.
Internal Injuries:
- The force of a crash can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs, which may not be immediately apparent but are potentially life-threatening.
Soft Tissue Injuries:
- Ligament sprains, muscle strains, and other soft tissue injuries are common and can cause significant pain and long-term disability.
Facial Injuries:
- Even with helmets, riders can sustain facial fractures, dental injuries, and severe cuts or bruising to the face.
Burns:
- Contact with hot engine parts, fuel, or road surfaces can cause burns that vary in severity, from first-degree to third-degree.
Amputations:
- In severe accidents, limbs may be crushed or severed, leading to partial or complete amputation.
Psychological Trauma:
- Survivors of motorcycle accidents may experience PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues as a result of their traumatic experience.
Types of Damages and Compensation From Motorcycle Accidents
There are several different kinds of damages that arise from your accident. Here are the main categories of compensation related to motor vehicle-related accidents:
Healthcare Costs: Covers all expenses related to hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatments.
Income Loss: Compensates for wages lost during recovery and any potential future earnings affected by the injuries.
Property Repair or Replacement: Includes costs for repairing or replacing the motorcycle and any damaged personal belongings.
Physical and Emotional Pain: Provides compensation for physical pain and emotional distress experienced due to the accident.
Quality of Life Impact: Addresses the decline in life enjoyment and the inability to engage in previously enjoyed activities.
Exemplary Damages: May be awarded in cases of gross negligence or reckless behavior by the other party to deter similar conduct.
Rehabilitation Expenses: Encompasses costs for physical therapy, counseling, or vocational retraining necessary for recovery.
Survivor Claims: Compensation for families in cases where the motorcyclist dies, covering funeral costs and loss of companionship.
Mental Health Impact: Addresses psychological effects such as anxiety or PTSD resulting from the accident.
Future Medical Expenses: Considers ongoing medical costs for treatment or complications related to the injuries sustained.
Role of a Specialized Attorney
Experiencing a motorcycle collision can be tough. Recovery aside, you also need to consider holding the negligent party accountable and getting compensation for the damages. The lawyers at The Patel Firm specialize in helping people who have been injured in motorcycle accidents. They can help you understand the legal process and make sure you receive fair compensation.
Here are the ways a specialized attorney can help:
- Legal knowledge
- Experience with insurance companies
- Case evaluation and investigation
- Legal documentation and filing
- Paperwork handling
- Compliance
- Negotiation and settlement
- Advising on settlement offers
- Trial representation
- Litigation strategy
- Support and guidance
- Maximize compensation
The Importance of Expertise and Personal Experience
Specialized attorneys are essential for efficiently handling the complexities of legal cases, particularly in motorcycle accidents. Their deep understanding of specific laws and regulations ensures clients receive accurate guidance throughout the legal process.
These attorneys conduct thorough investigations to gather evidence and establish liability. They are skilled in negotiating with insurance companies, aiming to secure fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Moreover, specialized attorneys develop tailored legal strategies that address each client’s unique situation. They are prepared to represent clients in court when necessary, advocating for their rights and ensuring their interests are protected at every stage of the proceedings.
Working With A Local Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Working with a local motorcycle accident lawyer can make a big difference in your case. These lawyers know the local laws, regulations, and court systems well, so they can effectively handle the legal process. They also understand the local roads and common accident situations, which helps them build stronger cases tailored to the challenges faced by riders in Galveston.
Here are the benefits of working with a local motorcycle accident lawyer:
- Familiarity with local laws
- Understanding of the local court system
- Knowledge of local road conditions
- Strong community connections
- Personalized attention and support
- Better communication and accessibility
- Tailored legal strategies
- Enhanced negotiation power
- Increased likelihood of fair compensation
- Commitment to client advocacy
Contact a Galveston-based Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Now
Reach out to a seasoned Galveston-based motorcycle accident attorney at The Patel Firm to advocate for your rights after a motorcycle crash.
Our team has the right resources and experience to ensure that we can help you with your motorcycle accident claim. After carefully evaluating your case, you’ll receive personalized legal advice and unparalleled legal support for the protection of your rights and full coverage of your damages.
Free Consultation: Get the justice you deserve by speaking to one of our attorneys now. Remember, consultation is free! Reach out to us at (361) 400-2036 or fill out our online form to learn more about your legal options.