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Riding motorcycles is a popular mode of transportation in Mesquite, but it also comes with its own set of risks. Unfortunately, motorcyclists often fall victim to severe injuries caused by inattentive drivers.
If you have been injured on account of another person’s negligence, our team can help you hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. At our firm, we understand the importance of seeking justice for our clients who might be unfairly blamed for their injuries. We are committed to ensuring that you receive the best possible outcome for your case and the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Mesquite, our firm is here to help.
For a free case evaluation with our Dallas motorcycle accident attorneys, contact The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. at (817) 476-1797.
Common Injuries Sustained in Mesquite, TX Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents, while less frequent than car accidents, often result in more severe injuries or fatalities because of the exposed nature of the rider. In Mesquite, the unique risks posed to motorcyclists by both road conditions and other vehicles contribute to a range of common injuries. Fortunately, our motorcycle accident lawyers can help you recover damages regardless of the severity of your injuries. Even minor injuries deserve compensation. The following are injuries commonly seen in Mesquite motorcycle accidents:
Head Injuries
Head injuries are among the most serious and common outcomes of motorcycle accidents. Despite the use of helmets, which significantly reduce the risk of fatal head injuries, riders can still suffer from concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and skull fractures. The severity of these injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, affecting cognitive functions, physical abilities, and emotional well-being.
Neck Injuries
Neck injuries, including whiplash, cervical spine injuries, and even paralysis, are also common in motorcycle accidents. The force of impact during a collision can cause the head to jerk violently, leading to soft tissue damage or more severe spinal injuries. These injuries can have long-lasting effects on mobility and quality of life.
Bone Fractures
The risk of bone fractures is high in motorcycle accidents because of the lack of protection offered by the motorcycle itself. Arms and legs are particularly vulnerable, but ribs, collarbones, and pelvic bones can also be easily fractured upon impact. Broken bones and fractures occur frequently in motorcycle accidents, even when riders wear protective gear. The recovery from such injuries can involve surgeries, physical therapy, and prolonged periods of immobilization.
Road Rash
Road rash refers to skin abrasions resulting from the body sliding across the pavement. While it might sound minor compared to other injuries, severe cases of road rash can lead to infections and nerve damage and require surgical intervention such as skin grafts. Proper riding attire can mitigate the severity of road rash, highlighting the importance of protective gear.
Internal Injuries
The force exerted during a motorcycle accident can cause internal injuries, including internal bleeding, organ damage, and punctured lungs. These injuries might not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated. The significance of lacerations and internal bleeding among common motorcycle accident injuries emphasizes the need for immediate medical attention following an accident.
Psychological Trauma
In addition to physical injuries, motorcycle accidents can inflict significant psychological trauma on victims. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues can arise, impacting the victim’s ability to return to daily activities or even ride again. The mental and emotional aftermath of an accident is an important aspect of the overall injury evaluation process.
How to Evaluate Settlement Offers in Mesquite, TX Motorcycle Accident Cases
In Mesquite, the settlement process plays a crucial role in compensating victims for their losses. The strength of your case significantly influences the settlement negotiation process. Factors such as the clarity of liability, the quality of your evidence, and the credibility of witnesses can all impact how insurers view the potential outcome of your case if it goes to trial. A strong case might warrant a higher settlement offer, reflecting the risk the defendant faces in litigation.
Insurance policy limits also play a significant role in settlement negotiations. The defendant’s insurance coverage limits might cap the amount you can receive, regardless of your actual damages. Knowing these limits can help you set realistic expectations for your settlement.
When evaluating a settlement offer, it is also essential to consider not just your current needs but also your future ones. This is particularly important for severe injuries that require long-term care and rehabilitation or result in permanent disability. An adequate settlement should account for these ongoing costs.
Finally, the emotional and psychological toll of pursuing a case to trial should not be underestimated. For some victims, accepting a slightly lower settlement offer might be preferable to enduring the stress, uncertainty, and time commitment of litigation.
Damages that Can Be Recovered in a Mesquite, TX Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
Before evaluating any settlement offer, it is imperative to have a comprehensive understanding of the full extent of your damages. This includes both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are quantifiable financial losses that a victim incurs as a direct result of a motorcycle accident. These damages are relatively straightforward to calculate, as they typically come with concrete bills or estimates.
Medical expenses are one of the primary components of economic damages that can occur because of a motorcycle accident. These expenses can cover a wide range of costs, such as emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy sessions. Additionally, they can also include any future medical care that is related to injuries that were suffered in the accident.
When a victim is injured in a motorcycle accident, they might also miss work, which can lead to lost wages. In some cases, the injuries might be so severe that the victim is unable to return to their former employment or work at all. In such situations, they might be eligible to claim a loss of earning capacity.
In a motorcycle accident, the bike itself often sustains significant damage. Compensation for property damage includes the costs of repair or, if the motorcycle is totaled, the current market value of the motorcycle before the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate the victim for losses that are not financially quantifiable but nonetheless profoundly impact their quality of life. For instance, pain and suffering damages acknowledge the physical pain and emotional distress the victim endures because of their injuries. It takes into account the severity of the pain, its duration, and how it affects the individual’s daily life and mental health.
Separate from pain and suffering, emotional distress covers psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment of life. Motorcycle accidents can be traumatic experiences, leaving lasting psychological scars that should be compensated for.
Our Mesquite, TX Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help
Call The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. at (817) 476-1797 for a free case review with our motorcycle accident lawyers.