Tyler, TX Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
An East Texas attorney protecting motorcyclists’ rights after a crash
Motorcycling offers freedom and exhilaration, but when other drivers fail to share the road responsibly, the consequences can be dire. Riders are exposed to the elements and lack the protective frame of a car or truck. A moment of inattention by a driver can leave a motorcyclist with life‑changing injuries.
The Tyler motorcycle accident lawyers at Weinstein Law understand the challenges riders face after a crash. We’re committed to fighting the bias that often blames motorcyclists for accidents and to securing the compensation riders need to recover. Beyond the immediate trauma, motorcyclists often face months of physical therapy, mounting medical bills, and the emotional toll of being sidelined from work and hobbies, all while insurance companies try to downplay or deny their claim.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a motorcycle crash in Tyler, our law firm can help you pick up the pieces. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
"It was very personable and convenient ... Weinstein's office was very nice, always answered questions in a timely manner, and did all they could to help." – Alexandra, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
FAQs About Motorcycle Accidents in Tyler, TX
- What causes motorcycle accidents in Tyler, TX?
- What types of injuries do motorcyclists sustain in a crash?
- What steps should I take after a motorcycle accident in Tyler, TX?
- How do you prove fault in a motorcycle accident?
- What damages can I get compensation for after a Tyler motorcycle accident?
- How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
- Will my health insurance cover my injuries?
- What if the driver claims they didn’t see me?
- Do I need a lawyer for a minor motorcycle accident?
- How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?
- What if the other driver fled the scene?
What causes motorcycle accidents in Tyler, TX?
Motorcycles are harder to see than cars and trucks. Drivers who fail to look carefully before turning or changing lanes often collide with riders. Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Left-turn collisions: One of the most common scenarios occurs when a car turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Drivers misjudge the bike’s speed or fail to see it altogether.
- Lane changes and merging: Drivers who fail to check blind spots may sideswipe a rider when changing lanes or merging onto a highway.
- Dooring accidents: A driver or passenger opens a door into the path of an oncoming motorcycle, forcing the rider to swerve or collide with the door.
- Speeding and reckless driving: When drivers exceed the speed limit or weave through traffic, they reduce their ability to avoid motorcycles. High-speed crashes often result in catastrophic injuries for riders.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol and drugs impair reaction time and judgment. A drunk or high driver might drift into a motorcyclist’s lane or run a red light.
- Road hazards: Potholes, debris, slick surfaces, and uneven pavement can cause a motorcycle to lose traction. While cars can usually roll over such hazards with minor jolts, they can be deadly for riders.
- Inexperienced riders: Lack of training or failure to anticipate road hazards can contribute to crashes. Completing a motorcycle safety course can improve riding skills and may reduce insurance premiums.
Understanding why a crash occurred helps us prove fault and fight against unfair stereotypes about motorcyclists.
What types of injuries do motorcyclists sustain in a crash?
Even a low-speed motorcycle crash can result in serious injuries. Common injuries include:
- Road rash: When a rider slides across pavement, exposed skin can be scraped away, causing painful abrasions that may lead to infection or scarring.
- Broken bones: Arms, legs, wrists and collarbones are often fractured when riders attempt to brace themselves during a crash or are struck by another vehicle.
- Head and brain injuries: Helmets reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury, but riders can still suffer concussions, skull fractures or brain bleeds. Head injuries can cause cognitive impairments and personality changes.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord may result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly altering a rider’s life.
- Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma can injure internal organs and cause internal bleeding. Immediate medical care is essential to diagnose and treat these injuries.
- Psychological trauma: Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression are common after severe crashes. Emotional injuries are real and compensable.
What steps should I take after a motorcycle accident in Tyler, TX?
After a motorcycle crash, you may be in shock and pain. Taking the right steps can protect your health and any future legal claim:
- Get to safety and call 911: Move out of traffic if you can do so safely. Request medical and police assistance.
- Seek medical care: Even if you think you’re okay, get checked by a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries don’t appear immediately.
- Document the scene: If you can, take photos of your motorcycle, the other vehicles, road conditions and your injuries. Collect names and contact information for witnesses.
- Exchange information: Get the other driver’s name, contact information, license number and insurance details. Provide your information as well.
- Do not admit fault: Avoid saying “I’m sorry” or making statements that could be construed as admissions of negligence. You may not know all the facts yet.
- Notify your insurance provider: Report the crash to your insurance company, but avoid giving detailed statements until you speak with a lawyer.
- Speak to an attorney: A lawyer experienced in motorcycle cases in Tyler, TX can advise you on your rights, gather evidence and communicate with insurance companies on your behalf.
How do you prove fault in a motorcycle accident?
Motorcyclists often face unfair prejudice from jurors, insurance companies, and police reports. Some people assume riders take unreasonable risks, even when a driver’s negligence caused the crash. That’s why it’s important to let a skilled Tyler motorcycle accident lawyer build a strong case for you and prove that a negligent party caused your crash.
This might require consulting with accident reconstruction experts who can analyze skid marks, debris, vehicle damage, and injuries to determine the speed and trajectory of the vehicle(s) involved. Additionally, witness testimony, cellphone records, and surveillance camera footage can act as strong evidence to prove liability. Weinstein Law will leave no stone unturned when gathering evidence to build your case.
What damages can I get compensation for after a Tyler motorcycle accident?
Calculating motorcycle accident damages requires a deep understanding of the law, medicine and economics. Weinstein Law works with experts to ensure all losses are documented and presented convincingly. Injured motorcyclists can pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, therapy, medications, assistive devices and future medical costs.
- Lost wages and earning capacity: Wages lost while recovering and reduced earning potential if you can’t return to your previous occupation.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life and psychological trauma.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement of your motorcycle and damaged gear.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for motorcycle accident lawsuits is generally two years from the date of the crash. This means you must file your lawsuit within that time or risk losing the right to pursue compensation. While two years may sound like a long time, waiting can seriously harm your case. Crash scene photos, surveillance footage, or witness testimony can disappear quickly.
By contacting a Tyler motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible, you give yourself the best chance to preserve evidence and build a strong case. Weinstein Law can investigate your crash and make sure deadlines are met.
Will my health insurance cover my injuries?
Your health insurance may cover the cost of your medical treatment after a motorcycle accident, including hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation. However, your insurance provider may later try to recover those costs from your settlement or award. This process is called subrogation, and it allows insurance companies to place a lien on your recovery. Without legal guidance, those liens can significantly reduce the amount of money you take home.
Our legal team regularly negotiates with health insurers and works to reduce what must be repaid, so more of the settlement goes directly to you. Additionally, some providers may delay care if they expect payment from the at-fault driver’s insurance, which can complicate treatment. By having an experienced attorney on your side, you’ll have someone to manage these issues, coordinate medical bills, and fight to ensure you receive the maximum financial recovery possible.
What if the driver claims they didn’t see me?
One of the most common excuses drivers give after hitting a motorcyclist is, “I didn’t see the motorcycle.” While motorcycles are smaller and harder to spot than passenger vehicles, this defense doesn’t excuse negligence. All drivers have a legal duty to watch for motorcyclists, and failure to do so is considered negligence.
Weinstein Law can counter this excuse by investigating the circumstances of the crash. That may include conducting a line-of-sight analysis to prove the rider was visible, checking whether the driver was distracted by a phone, or reviewing black box data if available. We may also look at skid marks, impact points, and witness testimony to establish fault. Our goal is to show that the collision was preventable if the driver had been paying proper attention.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor motorcycle accident?
Even if your motorcycle accident seems minor, it’s often wise to consult with an attorney. What may look like a simple accident with minimal injuries can quickly become more complicated. Some injuries may not appear until days or weeks later. Repair costs for your bike may also be higher than you expect, and insurance companies sometimes deny or undervalue claims, even in seemingly straightforward cases.
A Tyler motorcycle accident lawyer at Weinstein Law can make sure your rights are protected. If it turns out you don’t need representation, we’ll tell you honestly. But if legal help is necessary, having a lawyer from the start can prevent costly mistakes and ensure you receive fair compensation.
How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?
Hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer is more affordable than many people realize. Weinstein Law works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront for legal representation. Instead, our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict we recover on your behalf.
If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing for our time or services. This arrangement allows injured riders and their families to focus on recovery without worrying about hourly fees or out-of-pocket legal expenses. It also ensures that our interests are aligned with yours; we don’t get paid unless you do.
What if the other driver fled the scene?
Hit-and-run motorcycle accidents are particularly stressful because victims are left injured and without immediate answers about who will pay for their losses. If the driver who caused your crash is not identified, you may still have options. Many motorcycle insurance policies include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which can be used to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages when the at-fault driver can’t be found.
Police investigations, witness statements, and surveillance cameras may also help track down the fleeing driver. Be sure to contact law enforcement right away and notify your insurance company promptly to help preserve your rights.
Weinstein Law can assist by coordinating with investigators, gathering evidence, and ensuring your UM claim is properly handled. Even if the driver is never located, you may still recover compensation through your own coverage, and we fight to make sure you get the maximum benefits available.
Get a Tyler motorcycle accident lawyer riders can count on after a crash
Motorcyclists face dangers on the road, and insurance companies don’t understand what riders go through. Worse, some law firms treat clients like files on a desk instead of people. Jeff Weinstein does it differently. When you’re recovering from a crash, you’ll talk directly with the lawyer who’s handling your case.
Jeff has earned the trust of riders across East Texas because he’s always there when it matters most. You’ll have his personal number, and he’ll take the time to explain your rights, your options, and how to move forward. When a motorcycle accident changes your life, you can count on Jeff to fight for you. Contact us online or call our Tyler law office to book your free, confidential case consultation.