Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Killeen, TX

Serving Your Personal Injury Claim Needs Across Central Texas

At Michalk, Beatty & Alcozer, L.P., we understand the thrill and freedom of riding a motorcycle. However, we also know that motorcycle accidents can be devastating due to the lack of protection riders have compared to occupants of enclosed vehicles. Unlike cars, motorcycles lack a structural frame, airbags, or seatbelts, leaving riders exposed and vulnerable. 

The force of an impact is directly transferred to the rider, increasing the likelihood of severe injuries. Furthermore, motorcycles' smaller size makes them less visible to other drivers in traffic. Because motorcycles have two wheels, they are also less stable, particularly in adverse weather or when making sudden maneuvers. 

When representing motorcyclists in traffic accidents, our experienced team understands the unique risks and often more severe injuries and life impacts that can result. We provide comprehensive legal assistance from start to finish in motorcycle accident personal injury claims. These include thorough investigations of the incident, identifying those who may be held liable, building claims, aggressively negotiating for maximum settlements, or taking your case to court. 

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Texas

Understanding the common causes of motorcycle accidents can help in preventing them and determining liability in personal injury claims:

• Driver inattention: Many motorcycle accidents occur because other drivers fail to notice motorcyclists on the road, often because they are distracted by their phones or other activities. A common claim by motorists is that they didn’t see the motorcyclist frequently due to their failure to pay attention to the task of driving and their surroundings. 
• Left-turn accidents: A common scenario is a car turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle, leading to a collision. Motorists often misjudge the rider’s oncoming speed or distance.
• Speeding and reckless driving: Both motorcyclists and car drivers who speed or drive recklessly increase the risk of accidents.
• Other traffic law violations: These can range from improper U-turns to failure to yield, running red lights and stop signs, tailgating, and more, all of which can lead to accidents.
• Lane splitting: Motorcyclists riding between slow-moving or stopped traffic lanes can lead to dangerous situations.
• Motorists opening car doors in the path of oncoming motorcyclists. Motorists or passengers who fail to look before opening doors when parking on a curb or roadside can expose riders to unforeseen crashes. 
• Alcohol and drug impairment: Operating any vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs judgment and reaction time.
• Road hazards: Potholes, debris, slick surfaces, and uneven pavement pose greater dangers to motorcycles than cars.

Motorcycle accidents caused by such negligent behavior can result in injuries ranging from severe road rash to catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries. Even with helmets, head injuries are common, which can result in long-term cognitive impairments. Road rash alone can lead to nerve damage, infections, and scarring. 

Other motorcycle injuries can include spinal cord damage, multiple broken bones, crush injuries causing amputations, internal organ damage, and more.