Amarillo Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Understanding Motorcycle Crashes in Texas

More than 80% of motorcycle accidents result in injury or death to the motorcycle rider, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, you face challenges rarely seen in other types of motor vehicle accidents. At Wood Law Firm, LLP, we believe bikers deserve full and fair compensation, and we are ready to fight for you.

In Texas, motorcyclists face unique risks, including unpredictable weather patterns and diverse road conditions. From busy Amarillo streets to rural highways, these factors can affect every ride. At Wood Law Firm LLP, we commit to protecting your rights as a rider in Amarillo. We provide legal representation and share safety information so you can ride with greater confidence. Knowing the local traffic laws and statistics helps you make decisions that keep you safer on area roads.

Call Wood Law Firm LLP today at (806) 304-0447 or contact us online and we’ll help you navigate the complexities of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve!

Riding in Amarillo often means navigating highway stretches prone to high winds or sudden dust storms, especially along I-40 and US 287. These weather factors can limit visibility and affect stability without warning. Local riders should stay alert to frequent changes in the weather. Amarillo's climate directly impacts riding conditions and crash risk. We share local insights and practical safety tips to help you avoid problems tied to regional hazards.

Why Hiring an Amarillo Motorcycle Accident Lawyer is Crucial

The majority of motorcycle accidents involving other vehicles are caused by drivers of other vehicles—not the motorcyclist. Many jurors hold biases, thinking bikers often take unnecessary risks. Insurance companies take advantage of these assumptions during negotiations and litigation.

You need an experienced motorcycle accident attorney on your side to level the playing field. That’s where we come in.

Some of the many challenges you may be facing include:

• Serious or catastrophic bodily injuries
• Lack of witnesses or unreliable witnesses
• No personal memory of your accident due to your injuries
• Jurors who do not ride and do not understand how motorcycle accidents happen
• Bias against bikers that may have affected your treatment at the scene and may influence statements and testimony of law enforcement, EMTs, the other driver, and any witnesses

We conduct thorough investigations and plan strategically in every case. Our team collects valuable evidence, interviews witnesses, examines accident reconstructions, and consults with medical professionals. These efforts help us show a clear and factual narrative to a jury.

At Wood Law Firm, LLP, we fight back against unjust bias and address the many challenges you encounter. We aim to recover the maximum compensation available, so you can focus on moving forward after a serious crash.

Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are far more likely than passenger vehicle crashes to cause severe or life-altering injuries. Motorcyclists do not have the level of protection that car, truck, or SUV occupants enjoy.

Even with proper motorcycle helmets and other safety gear, motorcyclists are at risk of suffering serious injuries in accidents, including:

Road rash is often misunderstood. Severe road rash can be life-threatening and requires care from a burn unit if possible. Early complications include infection and sepsis. Road rash can sometimes lead to permanent muscle damage or even result in amputation of digits or limbs.

Motorcyclists commonly face long recoveries, needing intensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. These injuries can threaten your physical health, finances, and future well-being. Legal claims should consider all aspects of your recovery, including psychological trauma and loss of enjoyment of life, to seek fair and complete compensation.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Amarillo

Motorcycle accidents in Amarillo stem from factors that place riders at higher risk than other motorists. Driver inattention is a frequent cause. Many drivers overlook motorcycles, especially while turning or changing lanes. This lack of awareness leads to sudden, dangerous collisions where motorcyclists have less room to avoid impact. Interstates like I-40 and U.S. Route 287 in Amarillo see higher speeds and aggressive driving. These conditions increase the risk for riders.

Amarillo's unpredictable weather also contributes to local crashes. Sudden storms and high winds in the Panhandle create poor visibility and slick roads, which reduce a motorcycle’s stability. At Wood Law Firm LLP, we take the time to evaluate every condition present at the time of a crash. Our approach helps ensure we account for all possible causes when evaluating claims.

Busy intersections such as Georgia Street and I-40 often experience heavy congestion, increasing the likelihood of left-turn accidents and rear-end collisions with motorcycles. In both Potter and Randall counties, riders encounter a mix of urban and rural roads. Riders should remain aware of livestock crossings, unpaved shoulders, and quick weather shifts unique to the Amarillo area. By factoring in these local elements, we present your case with a full understanding of all possible risks and causes.

What to Know About Texas Motorcycle Laws

Texas motorcycle laws create unique considerations for Amarillo riders. Riders must follow state helmet regulations, obtain a Class M driver’s license, and keep their bikes inspected annually. Lane splitting—when a motorcycle travels between slower lanes of traffic—is illegal in Texas. Law enforcement in Amarillo actively monitors for these and other violations, especially on major routes like I-40 and throughout downtown.

State and city regulations play a role in determining accident fault and recovery options. Riders in Amarillo should stay up to date on local ordinances about noise limits, passenger requirements, and approved safety gear. If you’re involved in a collision, Amarillo’s local procedures may affect how police collect and document evidence at the scene. Staying informed about these laws and enforcement practices can help protect your rights in an insurance or injury claim.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Amarillo

Riders involved in collisions around Amarillo should take specific steps to safeguard both their well-being and their rights. First, check for injuries and call 911 if anyone needs immediate help. Move your motorcycle to a safe area, but only if conditions allow you to do so safely. This is especially critical on busy roadways like Georgia Street or Western Street, where traffic can quickly become dangerous. Always provide accurate information to first responders and request a copy of the crash report for your records.

Next, gather all available evidence. Take photos of vehicle positions, the surrounding environment, and any visible harm. Collect contact details from witnesses and everyone involved in the incident. Report the crash to your insurance but avoid making comments about fault. It’s wise to contact a local attorney who understands Amarillo’s roads and legal processes to review your situation. Following these steps and Amarillo-specific guidelines strengthens your position if you pursue a claim.

Understanding Damages in Motorcycle Accident Claims

Due to the severe nature of their injuries, motorcycle accident victims often experience significant economic and non-economic damages.

These might include:

• Emergency medical care
• Ongoing treatments and rehabilitative therapy
• Follow-up care
• Pain management/treatment
• Medications and medical equipment, such as wheelchairs
• Professional in-home care
• Lost income, wages, and other benefits
• Lost earning ability
• Lost future earnings and benefits
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and trauma
• Counseling
• Disfigurement
• Lost quality of life

At Wood Law Firm, LLP, we strive to help our clients recover compensation for all of their damages, including financial and noneconomic losses caused by the accident. We know how to take on the insurance company and advocate for you throughout the process.

Calculating your damages requires a careful assessment of immediate costs and potential long-term needs. Our team pursues claims that consider ongoing medical expenses, future rehabilitation, necessary home modifications, and long-term care. Every claim should recognize how your injuries affect your daily life and financial security for years to come.

In Amarillo, we consider the local health care system and the resources available for ongoing recovery. Facilities like Northwest Texas Hospital regularly treat crash victims and offer advanced trauma services. These resources influence how you document your injuries and the timing for collecting important records. We account for Amarillo’s local medical support and social services to present the most accurate assessment of your losses.

Compensation If You Were Not Wearing A Helmet

Texas law does not require you to wear a motorcycle helmet if you are 21 or over and meet either of the following conditions:

• You have completed an approved motorcycle operator training and safety course
• You carry medical insurance that specifically covers motorcycle accident injuries

Even if you were not wearing a helmet at the time of a motorcycle accident in Amarillo, TX, you may still recover compensation for your injuries. If your claim involves head or neck injuries, defendants may try to argue helmet use should reduce your compensation by blaming you for the severity of those injuries.

Helmets do save lives and reduce brain injuries, but they do not prevent every serious injury. Without the right representation, insurers may urge jurors to assume a helmet would have prevented harm. Our Amarillo motorcycle accident lawyers bring in medical professionals, accident reconstructionists, and other experts to give jurors context and challenge these claims.

The outcome of accident claims involving helmet use often depends on the details presented about the crash, injuries, and rider history. We review each situation with medical evidence and carefully chosen experts. This approach allows us to address attempts to unfairly shift blame and helps protect your right to seek financial recovery.

Amarillo police may enforce helmet laws differently in different parts of town, and insurance companies often push comparative fault arguments when helmets are not involved. We review Amarillo court history and local legal standards to anticipate these issues. Understanding what local jurors tend to believe helps us present your case in the right way.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Amarillo, the road to recovery can be challenging. Reach out to our Amarillo motorcycle accident lawyer today to ensure your legal rights are protected and get the support you need.

FAQs for Motorcycle Accident Victims