Motorcycle Accident Lawyer For West Texas Riders

Motorcycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries due to riders’ minimal protection compared to occupants of passenger vehicles. Without experienced legal representation, injured motorcyclists may find themselves facing insurance companies determined to minimize compensation or shift blame to the rider.

At the Law Firm of Roberto L. Sanchez, I advocate tirelessly for injured motorcyclists throughout West Texas and New Mexico. With more than 18 years of experience handling complex motorcycle accident cases, I understand the unique challenges riders face in the legal system and the biases that often work against them.

Common Types Of Motorcycle Accidents In West Texas

West Texas presents unique hazards for motorcyclists due to its mix of rural highways, urban intersections, and varied terrain. Understanding the most common accident scenarios helps establish liability and build stronger cases. The motorcycle accidents I frequently handle include:

• Left-turn collisions at intersections where drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to oncoming motorcycles
• Highway speed-related accidents on major corridors like I-10 and I-20
• Rear-end collisions caused by distracted or inattentive drivers
• Lane change accidents when drivers fail to check blind spots
• Single-vehicle crashes caused by road hazards, debris or poor maintenance
• Dooring incidents in urban areas of El Paso and other cities

Weather conditions unique to West Texas, including sudden dust storms and heavy winds, can create additional hazards for motorcyclists. These environmental factors may contribute to accidents but do not necessarily relieve other drivers of their responsibility to operate safely around motorcycles.

Texas Comparative Negligence In Motorcycle Cases

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% threshold. This means riders can recover damages as long as they are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. However, any compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault for your motorcycle accident with $100,000 in damages, you would recover $80,000.

Insurance companies often exploit this rule by attempting to assign excessive blame to motorcyclists, playing into common biases against riders. I counter these tactics by gathering compelling evidence to demonstrate the other party’s primary fault, including accident reconstruction, witness testimony and expert analysis when necessary.

Statute Of Limitations For Texas Motorcycle Claims

Texas law establishes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from motorcycle accidents. This means you must file your lawsuit within two years of the accident date, or you lose your right to pursue compensation through the courts. However, several exceptions may extend this deadline in limited circumstances, such as when the injured person is a minor or when the defendant leaves the state.

For accidents involving government entities, such as crashes caused by poor road maintenance, special notice requirements apply with much shorter deadlines, sometimes as little as 90 days. Additionally, insurance claims should be filed promptly, as unnecessary delays can provide grounds for denial.

Hispanic Community Considerations

As a bilingual attorney serving West Texas’s diverse population, I recognize the unique challenges Hispanic motorcyclists may face after an accident. Language barriers can significantly complicate insurance negotiations and medical treatment. My firm provides comprehensive Spanish-language services to support our Hispanic clients throughout the legal process.

Immigration status concerns sometimes prevent injured riders from seeking the legal help they need and deserve. I want to assure all motorcyclists that my office focuses on securing fair compensation for your injuries, regardless of immigration status. Your confidentiality is always protected, and Texas law allows accident victims to pursue compensation without regard to immigration status.

Motorcycle Accident Evidence Preservation

The evidence gathered immediately after a motorcycle accident often proves crucial to establishing liability and securing fair compensation. Important evidence to preserve includes:

• Photographs of the accident scene, all vehicles involved and your injuries
• Contact information for all witnesses who observed the crash
• The police accident report documenting initial findings
• Medical records documenting all injuries and treatments
• Damaged riding gear including helmets, jackets and gloves
• Maintenance records for your motorcycle

This evidence helps counter common defense claims that motorcyclists were riding recklessly or failed to maintain their vehicles properly.

Contact A West Texas Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in West Texas or New Mexico, contact the Law Firm of Roberto L. Sanchez today for dedicated representation. Call 915-777-3710 or complete the online form to schedule a free consultation. My phone lines are answered 24/7, and I offer bilingual services throughout the region.