The Compassionate Conroe Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Stewart J. Guss Are Here for You
Stewart J. Guss attorneys at law are well-versed in the language of motorcycle injury claims. We understand the difficulties that our clients face following an accident, including obtaining health care and covering expenses. We offer free consultations and charge nothing upfront for our injured clients. Instead, we work on a contingency basis, so we don’t get paid until we have won your case. We may also be able to help you get the medical treatment you need, even if you have high insurance deductibles or no insurance at all.What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Conroe, TX?
Flying down the highways and scenic byways of East Texas can make you feel on top of the world. Conroe’s characteristic warm, sunny weather makes it the perfect place to get out and explore. It’s no surprise that motorcycling is a popular pastime in the area. Our founding partner, Stewart Guss, is an avid motorcycle driver himself. With countless hours of on-road experience across Texas, he is uniquely suited to understand both the joys and pitfalls that come with motorcycling. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists across the U.S. are nearly four times more likely than passenger car occupants to sustain an injury in a vehicle accident, with nearly 29 times more fatalities. Although many motorcyclists take adequate precautions, such as defensive driving and wearing certified protective equipment, even the safest driver is at risk. As one of the top three states for vehicle crashes, Texas is especially dangerous for motorcyclists. Per the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), more than 7,600 crashes took place in one year, and 499 of those crashes were fatal. Only 1,084 motorcyclists reported no injury out of the total number of reported accidents.What to do if you are in a Motorcycle Accident in Conroe, TX
When you are in a motorcycle accident, you may be injured, disoriented, and unsure how to move forward. We know it can confuse you, and we are here to assist. While you need to protect your rights after a crash, we understand that immediate action may not be possible. Your next steps depend heavily on the severity of your injuries and the location of the crash.#1. Seek Medical Assistance
The first and most important step after an accident is to evaluate your physical state. If you are severely injured, you should stay still and wait for paramedics to arrive. If you have a phone, call 911 for emergency assistance. Any movement can worsen severe injuries, so if you or anyone else at the accident scene is injured, do not try to move them unless they are in immediate danger from traffic. Whether you are awake at the accident scene or wake up in the hospital, prioritize your health and focus on getting treatment. Even if you feel fine at the time, have a medical professional assess your condition. Many injuries do not immediately manifest after an accident, due to the amount of adrenaline in your system. Ensure that the paramedics evaluate your physical condition when they arrive on site. If you are not transported to the hospital right away, don’t hesitate to go to your doctor or the hospital if symptoms of an injury manifest later. You will still be able to file injury claims, even if you did not report an injury at the time of the accident.#2. File a Police Report
If you are uninjured or once you have recovered somewhat from your injuries, be sure to file a police report while the accident is fresh in your mind. The report will help you later when you file an insurance claim to seek damages. Specifically, document the location of your vehicle and other vehicles involved, as well as the sequence of events that led to the accident. Don’t apologize for the accident, or say anything that implies that you are at fault. The police and insurance companies of other involved parties will want to establish fault, so ensure that you do not say anything that the defense could misconstrue as an admission of guilt. Stick to the facts, and consult with your attorney if you are unsure how to proceed.#3. Document the Accident
If you are able, document the accident with photographs of the site. Pay special attention to the placement of the vehicles once they have come to rest, the location of damage to the vehicle, skid marks, and any damage to surrounding objects. Take photos of any injuries you sustained, and try to establish the full timeline of the accident from beginning to end. Keep in mind that the police will work to clear the area quickly, so documenting the site is the best way to cement the details of the accident before cleanup crews sweep the evidence away.#4. Obtain Witness Contact Information
Witness statements can help to corroborate your account of the accident during the claims process. Try to get contact information from as many witnesses as possible, so that your attorney can obtain statements to support your claim. Don’t worry about obtaining statements right away, your accident attorney can reach out to them later.#5. Contact Your Attorney
Once you are safe and treated for your injuries, reach out to a lawyer who takes in Conroe motorcycle accident claims. The experienced attorneys at Trust Guss Injury Lawyers will help you with every step of your claim. We will contact witnesses, compile documentation, obtain photographic evidence, and build a case to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.Damages Incurred in a Motorcycle Accident
No matter how severe your injuries, all motorcycle accidents are costly. From hospital bills and insurance deductibles to vehicle replacement and missed work, the cost of your motorcycle accident can climb quickly. Whether you are suffering from catastrophic loss or minor injuries, you are entitled to fair compensation for an accident that wasn’t your fault. Your motorcycle accident attorney will work with you to determine the full extent of your losses, so you can recover physically, mentally, and financially. Some of the most common losses in motorcycle crash claims are as follows.#1. Medical Expenses
Medical costs make up a significant portion of any accident claim. From emergency first aid and ambulance costs to emergency room costs, hospital stays, and rehabilitation, medical costs will multiply rapidly. Motorcycle crash victims are often severely injured enough to require surgery, physical therapy, medical equipment, and medication. Rehabilitation can take months or even years, and some victims may require long-term home health care or prosthetics.#2. Loss of Income
When you sustain injuries in an accident, you may miss time from work and cannot complete other important tasks. Depending on the severity of your injury, it can take days, weeks, months, or even years for you to get back to normal. Sometimes, a complete return to normal may not be possible due to injuries sustained in the crash. Whether it is temporary or long-term, taking time away from work is expensive. Without reliable income, your bills become harder to pay and you may experience financial and emotional hardship as a result.#3. Future Expenses
Future expenses refer to the costs associated with living your life beyond medical recovery, repairs, and missed work. Especially in motorcycle accidents, the effects can last a lifetime. Future expenses your attorney will account for include future medical care, reduced income, lower earning power, and other factors that can compromise your financial well-being in the future.#4. Quality of Life
While it can be easy to quantify specific financial losses such as missed hours, reduced salary, and medical bills, many other issues may diminish your quality of life. When you are in a motorcycle accident, you may be permanently affected by paralysis, loss of limbs, or disfigurement. In addition, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common in motorcycle accident survivors. A motorcycle accident attorney can help you quantify the mental and emotional effects of the accident to ensure that you receive adequate compensation for reduced quality of life.Common Injuries Due to Motorcycle Accidents in Conroe, TX
Individuals in motorcycle accidents are more likely to sustain injuries than those in passenger vehicles. Motorcycle accident victims also tend to sustain more severe and life-threatening injuries, because the accident hits them directly, unlike passengers in cars and trucks, who have the frame and exterior of the motor vehicle for protection. Motorcycle accidents vary widely in severity, from scratches, bruises, and road rash to broken limbs, head injuries, and even death. Common injuries that occur in Conroe motorcycle accidents include:- Soft tissue injuries, such as scrapes, bruises, muscle sprains, and road rash
- Bone fractures of the legs, arms, ribs, and extremities
- Spinal cord damage, including nerve damage and paralysis
- Head injuries, including contusions, concussions, facial injury, and dental damage
- Traumatic brain injuries from a sudden impact or jolt to the head
- Injury to internal organs due to crushing, object intrusion, or other trauma
Filing a Conroe Motorcycle Accident Claim
When you file an insurance claim or motorcycle accident lawsuit, the goal is to obtain compensation for all of your losses. Unfortunately, insurance companies and the courts require hard evidence of your claims. Evidence for quantifiable damages comes in medical bills, repair invoices, doctor’s notes, medical files, previous paychecks, and tax returns. For intangible claims to include future losses, mental and emotional hardship, and reduced quality of life, documentation is more difficult. This is where an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help. Our team of seasoned personal injury lawyers has experience calculating and supporting claims for intangible losses. For more than 20 years, we have assisted clients experiencing life-altering injuries and other effects of tragic motorcycle accidents, so we know who to contact for expert opinions and corroborating calculations for medical, occupational, and financial losses. In addition to helping you calculate the full amount of damages you can claim, we will compile evidence to help you establish fault. Ensure that you have an airtight case so you can gain the maximum compensation you deserve. The dedicated legal team at Stewart J. Guss works closely with industry experts, medical professionals, law enforcement, and insurance companies to handle every facet of your case. Contact us today to request a free evaluation.Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Conroe, TX
The best way to recover compensation for all of your losses in an accident is to prove that the negligence of other parties caused the accident. These parties may include but are not limited to other drivers, motorcycle manufacturers, and the Texas Department of Transportation. Some of the common causes of motorcycle accidents due to negligence include:- Intoxicated drivers
- Distracted, aggressive, or reckless drivers
- Drivers who fail to heed traffic signs and signals
- Drivers who do not drive appropriately in inclement weather
- Improper lane changes or failure to yield
- Defective or unsafe vehicle components
- Potholes, gravel, and other unsafe road conditions
How is Fault Determined in a Texas Motorcycle Accident?
Although you may not have severe injuries to contend with, you can still pay a heavy price for a motorcycle accident. A seasoned motorcycle accident attorney can advise how to proceed with the determination of fault. No matter what, don’t make any statements that imply that you were responsible for the accident in writing or verbally to witnesses, friends, police officers, insurance representatives, or on social media. Motorcycle accidents can be complicated, and the determination of fault may not be cut-and-dry. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help you determine which negligent parties may be liable for your accident, and you can then seek compensation for damages. Typically, you begin by filing a claim with the negligent party’s insurance company. Since the insurance company will want to pay as little as possible, you need sufficient documentation to back your claim, both to prove fault and substantiate the claim amount. You can expect the insurance company to question every aspect of your claim, from who is at fault to how much compensation you deserve for losses related to the accident. They will not hesitate to question your statements and pressure you into accepting significantly less than you deserve. An accident attorney will help you counter these questions and protect your right to just compensation. Keep in mind that when you accept a settlement from an insurance company, you give up the right to sue for any additional damages. Have your attorney review any settlement offers you receive before you accept. We can ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your difficulties, even if it means taking your case to court.How to Obtain Maximum Compensation After a Motorcycle Crash
When a motorcycle crash injures you, every aspect of your life is affected. From medical treatments to rehabilitation, repairs, loss of work, and mental anguish, your life may never be the same. For this reason, you want to ensure that your settlement provides you with the full compensation you deserve. Unfortunately, obtaining compensation can be very challenging. Work closely with your legal team at Stewart J. Guss to avoid common pitfalls and enhance your chances for compensation. Follow these steps to ensure that you have the best chance for maximum returns on your claim:- Document the crash site. If possible, take photos and document the layout of the crash. Gather as much photographic evidence as possible, and ensure that you have the contact information of any witnesses.
- Maintain a journal. Write down how your injuries and the accident caused you pain and suffering. This includes not only the physical pain of the injuries, treatments, and recovery, but also ways that your quality of life, mental health, and emotional state have been affected. Be as detailed as possible.
- Keep details private. While it may be tempting to post to social media or vent to a friend, avoid making any public references to the accident while your case is pending. You should also avoid posting personal information about your whereabouts and activities. The defense will use any information you provide in a public forum as evidence against you.
- Talk to your attorney before accepting any settlement. The insurance company for the other party will often offer a lowball settlement shortly after the accident in the hopes that you will accept a lower amount. Without experience handling accident cases, you may accept a settlement that is woefully inadequate for your needs. What’s more, accepting a settlement typically waives your right to seek any additional damages. That’s why you need to seek the maximum amount of compensation you are due, even if it takes longer. Avoid losing out on the compensation you deserve by consulting with a motorcycle accident attorney before accepting any settlements.
Conroe Motorcycle Accident Attorney FAQs
If a motorcycle accident injured you in Conroe, you may not know your next steps. The experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Stuart J. Guss are here to help you every step of the way. We thoroughly understand motorcycle accident laws and we aren’t afraid to go toe-to-toe with the insurance companies to get the compensation you deserve, even if it means going to court. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive from our motorcycle accident clients.#1. How much can I claim in my motorcycle accident case?
Motorcycle accident costs can range from thousands to millions of dollars. The value of your claim depends largely on the extent of the accident, who was at fault, and injury severity. Damages you can claim include:- Medical bills
- Future medical costs
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Lost wages and future earnings
- Mental and emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of companionship
#2. How do I determine who is at fault?
Determining fault in a motorcycle accident can be complicated. Your attorney can help you analyze the accident and determine who has legal liability for the accident. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you might hold many parties responsible for the crash, including:- Other drivers who were involved in the crash
- The business that owns the other vehicle.
- Motorcycle or vehicle parts manufacturer that may have produced defective parts
- Texas Department of Transportation or local municipalities who are responsible for road maintenance and safety
#3. How fast will I get my settlement?
While it may be tempting to take the first settlement offer that comes along, it is in your best interest to wait and get advice from your attorney. Insurance companies are notorious for offering low settlements right out the door, hoping that you will take the smaller amount and give up your right to further compensation. In the meantime, you are inundated with hospital bills, lost income, and recovery costs that you could not foresee, leaving you with the bulk of the expenses for an accident that wasn’t your fault. Avoid this common pitfall by consulting with your attorney before you agree to any financial settlement. Our team can help you find ways to get the treatment you need while holding out for the full amount of compensation that you deserve. Since you must know the total cost of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and future costs, some cases can take time to complete. Don’t let that deter you! It is worth the wait if you don’t have to worry about paying for the financial, physical, and psychological fallout of the accident. A knowledgeable Conroe accident attorney can negotiate a more reasonable settlement with the insurance company and take the case to court if necessary so you can rest assured that you get the best possible settlement for your situation.#4. What if the insurance company or other parties say I’m at fault?
Blaming the victim is an extremely common tactic in personal injury suits. You can probably expect that at some point someone will try to blame you. Their goal, of course, is to shift responsibility for the accident from their client to you, so they can stick you with the costs. An experienced Conroe motorcycle accident lawyer will know exactly how to handle these attacks. If someone accuses you of fault, the best approach is to say nothing and speak to your attorney as soon as possible. The insurance company will misconstrue the most casual comments as admissions of fault, so err on the side of caution, especially when speaking to the insurance companies or opposing counsel. Reach out to your attorney for advice and assistance.#5. What is the statute of limitations for a motorcycle accident claim?
Texas Transportation Code states that you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim for your motorcycle accident. Although that may seem like ample time, two years pass quickly when you are dealing with medical treatments, surgery, rehabilitation, missing work, insurance claims, and the recovery process. To get the best chance of obtaining the settlement you deserve, contact an attorney to begin building your case right away. An experienced Conroe motorcycle accident lawyer will need time to prepare your case, including compiling evidence, establishing proof of fault, and maintaining documentation. Keep in mind that the accident cleanup process will eliminate much of the evidence you may need to establish and support your claim, so you should contact an experienced Conroe attorney as soon as possible.Partner With an Experienced Law Firm for Your Conroe Motorcycle Accident Claim
A motorcycle accident is a traumatic experience that can affect you for the rest of your life. Dealing with the insurance claims and legal fallout from the accident can be overwhelming, especially when you need treatment for substantial injuries. If a motorcycle accident injured you or a loved one, reach out to Stewart J. Guss Injury Accident Lawyers to plan your next steps. You can establish a strong case with an experienced attorney who knows the ins and outs of the Texas legal system and local Conroe statutes. No matter how severe your injuries, the expert attorneys at Stewart J. Guss leverage more than 20 years of experience to help you get maximum compensation. Although you may feel pressure from other parties, do not sign anything until you talk to your lawyer. Many motorcycle accident victims lose a significant amount of potential compensation by signing a statement, agreement, or settlement offer before consulting an attorney. Instead, turn to your allies at Stewart J. Guss. We can help you compile documentation, obtain witness statements, analyze evidence, and respond to inquiries and court filings. We aim to help you with every legal aspect of your claim, so you can focus on recovering from your injuries and acclimating to your new lifestyle. We are also experienced with assisting the families of individuals lost in motorcycle accidents and can assist with wrongful death suits and related claims. The legal team of Trust Guss Injury Lawyers, is nationally recognized for protecting the rights of injured victims for more than 20 years. If a Conroe motorcycle accident injured you, call our office right now for a free consultation! Because we take all of our motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis, you will not owe us a dime unless we win your case. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so call us today at 800-898-4877 or contact us now by clicking here. Let us help you get your life back.See what past clients have to say:
Review: 5/5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"As a relatively new resident of Houston, I did not know of an attorney to contact for a personal injury suit. I randomly went through the yellow pages contacting two attorneys that had rejected my case prior to me contacting Stewart Guss. Stewart took my case on and settled for far more than I had anticipated. The silver lining of this is that I will now have enough money to go back to school for retraining, so I will be able to reenter the workforce in a new capacity. The paralegal, Angela, was kind and supportive throughout the process. If I did not understand the legal jargon, I did not hesitate to ask, and was never once made to feel that I was incompetent. Thank you Stewart and Angela for giving me a new lease on live."
-Sally T.