Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Motorcycle Accident in Laredo

Motorcycle enthusiasts find plenty of riding opportunities around Laredo, with scenic rest spots like the San Agustin Plaza and Lake Casa Blanca International State Park. Although Texas is a popular spot for bikers, the state also sees a tragic number of motorcycle crashes. Nearly 600 motorcyclists died, and another 2,484 were seriously injured in Texas in 2023.

If you are involved in one of these crashes, it can be challenging to know where to turn. The Laredo TX injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw have worked with many accident victims who have made mistakes after their crashes that impacted their compensation. Our team lists some of the most common errors to protect accident victims. If you are injured, contact our firm 24/7 for a free case review from one of our English- or Spanish-speaking professionals.

Accidents involving motorcycles are often more catastrophic than other vehicle crashes. Motorcyclist fatalities are almost 27 times more frequent than passenger car occupant deaths. Survivors may face debilitating injuries that affect their ability to protect their rights in the aftermath of a crash. However, the steps you take immediately following an accident impact how much compensation you collect. Avoid these four motorcycle mistakes:

Motorists involved in an accident are required under Texas law to report the crash to local police if someone is injured or killed or if damage to either vehicle prevents it from being driven safely. Once police arrive on the scene, they create an accident report with information about how the accident occurred. This report can be beneficial in building your case against an at-fault driver to maximize your damages.

It can be easy to say things immediately following an accident that might come back to haunt you, especially regarding potential fault in the accident. Texas operates on the proportionate responsibility principle that reduces damages if a victim shares any fault in the accident. Avoid admitting responsibility to anyone at the scene, including other drivers, witnesses, and insurance adjusters. Instead, let the police report and your attorney determine fault to increase your chance for a fair settlement.

The seriousness of motorcycle crashes often necessitates emergency medical treatment at the scene. However, even if you don’t need first responders, you do need to visit a doctor immediately following a motorcycle accident. Adrenaline can mask injuries directly following an accident, so it may be difficult to immediately know how badly you are hurt. If you don’t seek medical treatment until later, an insurance company can argue your injuries were not severe enough to warrant compensation.

One of the best pieces of motorcycle accident advice you can receive is to avoid talking to the opposing party’s insurance company immediately following your crash. Insurance adjusters are trained to use a victim’s words to reduce or deny claims. They are also known to offer a quick settlement to accident victims, which is usually considerably less than a victim would receive if they pursued their claim through the court. While a cash settlement up front may be tempting, it is rarely the full amount you deserve under the law.

If you speak to an insurance company, stick to the facts and discuss your case with a local attorney before agreeing to anything.

Accident victims often assume (mistakenly) that simply filing a report with the at-fault driver’s insurance company will result in a fair settlement. However, insurance companies don’t turn a profit by maximizing damages for accident victims. Instead, they look for ways to reduce or even deny claims. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Texas knows insurance company tactics and carefully builds your case with evidence that ensures you receive all the compensation you deserve.

The best way to avoid these mistakes is to contact an experienced law firm like Carabin Shaw immediately following your accident. Our law firm offers our services on a contingency-fee-basis, so you don’t pay until we win your case. Our reviews attest to how we maximize damages for accident victims like you and their families. Contact us toll-free now at 800-862-1260.

For more information:

• TX DoT
• Texas Data
• Texas Statutes 550
• Texas Statutes 33