DeSoto Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
DeSoto Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Even the most careful rider can be hit by a distracted driver in DeSoto traffic. Known for Small Firm Attention and Big Firm Results, Goff Law is trusted by Texans who want straightforward help after serious motorcycle crashes.
Your DeSoto personal injury lawyer will answer your questions and help you understand what choices make sense for your situation. When you reach out to your DeSoto motorcycle accident lawyer from Goff Law, PLLC, you can expect clear communication and genuine support at every stage.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Are Especially Dangerous in DeSoto
A motorcycle offers freedom, but it also puts riders at risk when traffic closes in. Without the protection of a frame or airbags, even a small mistake by another driver can cause serious injury. Respected in Dallas County courts for protecting injured riders’ rights, our firm understands how quickly a simple ride through DeSoto can turn into something far more serious.
How Visibility Issues Contribute to Crashes
Many drivers say they did not see the rider until it was too late. In DeSoto traffic, larger vehicles can block the view of a motorcycle and make it harder to spot before impact. Texas Transportation Code § 545.054 prohibits unsafe lane changes that crowd another vehicle’s space, yet riders see this rule ignored almost daily on Belt Line and Hampton Roads.
Drivers who fail to check blind spots or misjudge distance can turn a simple merge into a serious hazard. Those mistakes often send riders off balance or into traffic. This reality helps you understand which details could matter most when fault is disputed.
Why Distracted and Impaired Driving Puts Riders at Risk
Phone use and alcohol both make it harder for drivers to react in time. Texting or scrolling pulls eyes from the road and attention from the surroundings. Texas Transportation Code § 545.4251 limits wireless device use while driving, but violations remain common throughout DeSoto.
Impairment adds another source of danger. A motorist operating their vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol may drift across lanes or fail to recognize a motorcycle until impact. These actions often result in serious injury and weeks of missed work or medical care. Drivers’ behavior and the choices they make behind the wheel often explain how the collision occurred.
Road Conditions That Increase the Danger
Certain roads in and around DeSoto create hazards that riders feel immediately. Narrow lanes and rough pavement reduce the margin for safety, and heavy traffic limits room to react. Belt Line Road and I-35E, in particular, see frequent rear-end and side-impact collisions when drivers overlook motorcycles sharing the lane.
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2023 shows that nearly 60% of multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes occur when another driver fails to yield. That statistic matches what many DeSoto riders encounter, such as quick turns without signals, sudden lane changes, and vehicles entering the road without checking for bikes. You can use this knowledge to plan safer routes and better understand how road conditions may have influenced your collision.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Motorcycle Accident
Responsibility for a motorcycle crash can fall on more than the person driving the other vehicle. Liability may involve inattentive drivers, careless businesses, or even public agencies that ignore road safety. Compared to a truck accident, motorcycle accidents often reveal how several small mistakes can combine to cause serious consequences.
Negligent Drivers Who Fail to Yield or Check Blind Spots
Drivers who rush through intersections or turn without signaling put riders in danger. Many crashes happen because a driver misjudges speed or fails to notice how close the bike actually is. Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001 explains that fault can be shared when both sides contribute to an accident, but a rider can still recover damages if they are less than 50% responsible.
A single glance before merging could prevent many of these collisions. When drivers skip that step, the result can affect a rider’s health and financial stability. These situations show how driver behavior influences liability and which facts may carry the most weight in your claim.
Businesses or Contractors That Leave Debris or Hazards
Work zones and commercial routes create different dangers for riders. Loose gravel or dropped materials can cause a motorcycle to lose traction without warning. Texas Transportation Code § 545.302 prohibits obstructing the roadway, which can include equipment or debris left behind after construction or delivery.
A delivery truck that loses part of its load or a contractor who fails to clear debris may share responsibility for what follows. Riders often have little room to react when the road becomes unstable. This information helps you see how certain conditions point to which company or contractor may be responsible.
Government Liability for Dangerous Road Design
City and county agencies are responsible for maintaining safe roads. Deep cracks in pavement and worn lane markings can shrink the space riders need to stay upright. These failures can make the government partly liable if road conditions contributed to your injuries.
Your DeSoto motorcycle accident attorney with Goff Law, PLLC can explain how responsibility is divided when a public agency is involved. When our team identifies where maintenance failed, it can help the insurer and jury understand how unsafe road design may have increased your risk.
Common Injuries Riders Face After a Crash
Motorcycle collisions often cause more severe outcomes than other types of vehicle crashes. Without the protection of seatbelts or airbags, riders take the full force of impact. These collisions can result in catastrophic injuries that alter how you work and participate in everyday activities. Common injuries include:
- Road rash that leaves deep abrasions and increases infection risk.
- Broken bones that may require surgery and extended time away from work.
- Traumatic brain injury that affects memory or balance.
- Spinal cord damage that can limit movement or cause partial paralysis.
- Internal bleeding that may not appear immediately but becomes life-threatening without treatment.
- Amputation caused by crushed limbs or severe tissue loss.
- Burns linked to fuel leaks or contact with hot surfaces.
Severe motorcycle injuries require medical attention as soon as possible. Timely care allows doctors to detect complications that might otherwise go unnoticed. Data from the Texas Department of State Health Services shows that most riders admitted after a crash require long-term rehabilitation. Consistent follow-up helps create accurate medical records that can later help support your claim.
Bias Against Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists often face bias after a crash, even when another driver is clearly at fault. Some insurers and jurors assume riders take risks simply because they ride on two wheels. Recognized for securing over $5 million in settlements and verdicts for injured Texans, our firm understands how these assumptions can influence claim outcomes and affect the fairness of the process.
How Insurance Companies Undervalue Rider Claims
Insurance adjusters often begin with the belief that riders are reckless. This bias can cause them to minimize injuries or deny responsibility altogether. Texas Insurance Code § 541.060 prohibits unfair settlement practices, yet many riders still face delays or low offers that fail to show the true extent of the crash’s impact.
Detailed notes and saved documents can make a difference when negotiations begin. Each piece of correspondence or billing record helps establish a timeline that shows you acted responsibly and stayed involved in your recovery. When adjusters see organized proof of expenses and communication, it becomes harder for them to dismiss your claim or undervalue what you’ve endured.
Why Eyewitness Statements and Camera Footage Matter
Objective evidence helps separate fact from opinion. Dashcams and security footage can capture details that explain what took place. Texas Transportation Code § 550.062 requires police to complete written reports for crashes involving injury, and those records may already contain information that supports your version of events.
Photos or videos often show details that witnesses miss. If that evidence confirms another driver broke traffic laws, it supports your position in settlement discussions or court. This proof gives your claim credibility and helps ensure it is reviewed fairly.
DeSoto Motorcycle Accident FAQ
Motorcycle crashes often lead to questions about insurance and liability after an accident. These FAQs address what Texas riders should understand after a serious crash in DeSoto.
Can I recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet in a motorcycle accident?
Yes, you may still recover compensation under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001. A court could reduce the amount if the lack of a helmet contributed to injuries, but another driver’s negligence can still make them liable.
Who pays for medical bills after a motorcycle crash in Texas?
The driver determined to be at fault is generally responsible for medical costs. Riders can also rely on health or motorcycle insurance until compensation is received.
What happens if a driver cuts me off while turning left?
Drivers who fail to yield during left turns are often considered at fault. Evidence such as traffic-camera footage or police reports can verify what happened and help confirm liability.
Are there specific insurance laws that apply to motorcycle accidents?
Yes, Texas Transportation Code § 601.072 requires riders to carry minimum liability coverage. Additional uninsured or underinsured motorist protection can provide support when the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Texas?
Most riders have two years to file under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003. Submitting a claim within this window makes it so you retain your right to pursue compensation for any injuries or property damage.
Meet With Your Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in DeSoto That You Can Trust
