Texas Accident & Injury News
Dirt bike safety is critical, especially for teen riders.
Teenager in Critical Condition After Hitting VIA Bus While Riding Dirt Bike Near Downtown
According to a News4SanAntonio report, a teenager was rushed to the hospital after a dirt bike crash near downtown San Antonio.¹
Police reported the accident happened at around 4:50 p.m. Sunday, July 19th, at the intersection of Porter Street and South Palmetto Street, just east of downtown.
Investigators believe a teenager riding an electric dirt bike or motorcycle may have run a stop sign before colliding with the side of a VIA bus. SAFD estimated the rider was between 15 and 16 years old. He was transported to the hospital in critical condition.
The VIA bus driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.
Did You Know?
There were 1,208 crashes involving at least one bus in Texas last year, according to FMCSA data.²
What Parents Should Know After a Serious Dirt Bike Accident
Few phone calls are more frightening than learning your child has been seriously injured in a crash.
In the hours that follow, most parents are focused on emergency treatment, surgeries, and whether their child will recover. Questions about fault, insurance, and legal rights usually come later, but those questions can become important as medical bills begin to grow.
The good news is that families don’t have to figure everything out immediately. In many cases, investigators are still working to determine exactly what happened.
Don’t Assume the First News Report Tells the Whole Story
After a serious accident, it’s common for police to release only preliminary information.
Initial witness statements, early observations, and even the first police report may change as investigators review surveillance footage, inspect the vehicles involved, and interview additional witnesses.
That’s why it’s important not to assume liability has already been decided.
Even if investigators initially believe the dirt bike rider contributed to the crash, the full investigation may reveal additional factors that played a role.
Your Teen May Still Have a Claim
Parents are often surprised to learn that a teenager may still have legal options even if they made a mistake leading up to the crash.
Texas follows a modified comparative fault system. That means an injured person may still recover compensation if they were partially responsible for an accident, provided they are found to be 50% or less responsible for what happened.
Depending on the circumstances, investigators may examine whether:
- Another driver failed to keep a proper lookout.
- Roadway conditions contributed to the crash.
- Traffic controls or visibility played a role.
- Multiple people shared responsibility.
Every accident is different, which is why it’s important to wait until the investigation is complete before reaching conclusions.
Recovering Compensation for an Injured Minor
When someone else’s negligence contributes to a crash, an injured teenager may have the right to pursue compensation.
Because minors generally cannot file a lawsuit on their own, a parent or legal guardian typically brings the claim on the child’s behalf.
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may help cover:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital stays and surgeries
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Future medical care
- Pain and suffering
Serious injuries at a young age can require treatment long after the initial hospital stay, making it important to understand the full extent of a child’s future medical needs before resolving an insurance claim.
What Parents Should Do After the Accident
The days following a serious crash are often overwhelming, but the decisions made during this time can affect both your child’s recovery and any future claim.
As your child receives treatment, it can help to:
- Follow every recommendation from their medical providers.
- Keep copies of medical records and bills.
- Photograph injuries throughout the recovery process.
- Obtain the completed crash report when it becomes available.
- Avoid making assumptions about fault before the investigation is complete.
- Speak with an attorney before accepting a settlement offer.
Insurance companies often begin evaluating claims quickly, even though the full extent of a child’s injuries may not be known for weeks or months.
Injured in a Dirt Bike or Motorcycle Accident? Call Shaw.
Serious crashes involving minors often raise complicated questions about fault, future medical care, and insurance coverage. An experienced attorney can help preserve evidence, protect your child’s rights, and ensure your family understands every available option before making important decisions.
If your child was injured in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Emergency Medical Treatment
- Hospital Bills
- Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
- Future Medical Care
- Pain and Suffering
- Permanent Disability
- And More
We’ll help you find out for free.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today or use our live chat to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys. No fees, no obligations, just straightforward legal guidance from a firm that puts clients first.
We look forward to serving you.