Claims following a motorcycle crash involve navigating unique legal and medical challenges due to the high risk of severe injury and common biases against riders. 

The reasons for this are as follows. 

Common Motorcycle Injuries 

Due to a lack of structural protection, riders are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than passenger vehicle occupants. Some of the common motorcycle crash injuries include: 

Road Rash: Skin abrasions from skidding on pavement; severe cases can cause nerve damage or require skin grafts. 

Fractures: Common in the wrists, arms, legs (femur/tibia), and pelvis. 

Head & Brain Injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are the leading cause of death among motorcyclists. 

Spinal Cord Injuries: Can lead to chronic pain, permanent nerve damage, or paralysis. 

“Biker’s Arm”: Nerve damage occurring when a rider instinctively extends their arm to break a fall. 

Death: Motorcyclists are nearly 28 times more likely to die in a crash than passenger car occupants, with roughly 1 in 7 accidents resulting in a fatality. While accounting for only 3.5% of registered vehicles, they represent about 14-15% of all traffic-related deaths. The fatality rate is roughly 30 deaths per 100 million miles traveled. 

Immediate Steps After an Accident 

Call 911: Ensure a police report is filed; this is a foundational piece of evidence. 

Seek Medical Care: Some injuries (internal bleeding, concussions) may not show symptoms immediately. 

Document Everything: Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and your injuries. 

Exchange Info: Get contact and insurance details from all parties and witnesses. 

Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid making statements at the scene or to insurance adjusters that could be used against you.  

Proving Liability & Compensation 

To win a claim, you must typically prove the other driver was negligent based on four elements: Duty of care, Breach of that duty, Causation, and resulting Damages.  

Economic Damages: Quantifiable costs like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. 

Non-Economic Damages: Subjective losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. 

Comparative Fault: Many states use “modified comparative fault,” meaning your compensation may be reduced if you are found partially responsible for the crash.  

Important Deadlines 

Every state has a Statute of Limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits. For example, in Massachusetts and Texas, you typically have two to three years from the date of the accident to file. Missing this deadline permanently bars you from seeking recovery.  

Contact J. Gonzalez 

The expert attorneys at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm are experienced in motorcycle crashes resulting in personal injury and wrongful death. They are ready to take on your case and see to it that you get the justice you deserve. 

You can reach us via this website or call us today at 1-800-CAR-CRASH to find out what we can do for you. The initial consultation is free and you pay nothing unless we win your case. 

Harlingen police investigating fatal car-motorcycle crash 

By: Benjamin Treviño  

Harlingen police are probing a January 21 car-motorcycle accident that killed a 22-year-old man. 

The collision between the motorcycle and an SUV occurred about 10:00 p.m. at the intersection of Grimes Avenue and Loop 499. 

According to police, the motorcycle operator was transported to a hospital where he died a short time later. His name was not immediately released. 

Police say the driver of the SUV stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators. 

No other details were available at this writing. 

Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/man-dies-following-harlingen-motorcycle-crash?