Motorcycle accidents are some of the most devastating crashes on North Texas roads—and when they happen in Collin County, the consequences can be life-changing. If you or a loved one has been injured, working with a skilled Plano motorcycle accident lawyer gives you the best chance at holding the at-fault party accountable and securing the compensation you need to recover. From high-speed collisions on the President George Bush Turnpike to dangerous left-turn crashes on Preston Road, experienced legal guidance is essential.
Why Motorcycle Accident Victims in Plano Need Legal Representation
Unlike drivers of enclosed vehicles, motorcyclists have very little protection during a crash. The injuries are often severe, and the recovery process is long and expensive. A local attorney understands the challenges motorcyclists face—from biased insurers to complex liability issues—and can:
- Investigate the crash scene and gather key evidence
- Challenge unfair police reports or insurance claims
- Work with accident reconstruction experts
- Calculate the full value of your losses (medical, financial, emotional)
- Handle aggressive or dishonest opposing counsel
The sooner you hire a Plano motorcycle accident lawyer, the better your chances of preserving evidence and building a winning case.
Plano Motorcycle Crash Statistics
Motorcycle wrecks in the DFW metroplex—including Plano—remain a serious concern. Here’s how recent years have looked:
[Insert Chart: Motorcycle Crashes in Collin County – 2020–2024]
Year | Total Motorcycle Crashes | Serious Injuries | Fatalities |
---|---|---|---|
2020 | 132 | 58 | 8 |
2021 | 147 | 63 | 11 |
2022 | 159 | 71 | 9 |
2023 | 168 | 76 | 13 |
2024 (est.) | 180+ | 80+ | 14+ |
Source: TxDOT Crash Records Information System
These crashes often involve distracted drivers, failure to yield, or vehicles making unsafe left turns at intersections.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Plano
Some causes are more common than others, especially on the city’s heavily trafficked roads. A knowledgeable Plano motorcycle accident lawyer will recognize these patterns and apply them to your case:
- Driver Inattention: Texting or not checking blind spots
- Failure to Yield: Especially at intersections like Park Blvd & Coit Rd
- Speeding: Particularly on highways like US-75 or Sam Rayburn Tollway
- Improper Lane Changes: Drivers not seeing or ignoring motorcyclists
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, or loose gravel
- Defective Motorcycle Parts: Mechanical failure or tire blowouts
Motorcycle cases require special attention to visibility issues and road design—areas where local expertise is critical.
Types of Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are vulnerable to a wide range of injuries. The impact on quality of life is often severe:
[Insert Table: Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries and Recovery Times]
Injury Type | Description | Average Recovery Time |
---|---|---|
Road Rash | Skin abrasions and infections | 2–8 weeks |
Broken Bones | Often legs, arms, or ribs | 6 weeks – 6 months |
Traumatic Brain Injury | With or without helmet | Months to years |
Spinal Cord Injury | Partial or complete paralysis | Lifelong |
Internal Organ Damage | Blunt force trauma injuries | Variable |
Your attorney can work with doctors to document long-term impacts and pursue damages that reflect not just your current bills, but your future limitations and needs.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Motorcycle accident victims in Plano may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency and ongoing medical expenses
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement and permanent impairment
- Mental anguish and emotional trauma
- Property damage (bike, gear, phone, etc.)
- Wrongful death benefits (if a loved one dies in the crash)
Texas law allows recovery even if you were partially at fault—so long as you’re not more than 50% responsible. Your Plano motorcycle accident lawyer will calculate your claim based on both economic and non-economic damages.
Insurance Challenges Motorcyclists Face
Insurance companies are often quick to blame the motorcyclist—even when it’s clear the driver was at fault. Here’s how they may try to reduce or deny your claim:
- Argue that you were speeding or “lane-splitting”
- Claim you weren’t wearing proper safety gear
- Question the severity of your injuries
- Offer quick, lowball settlements to close the case fast
With legal representation, you won’t fall into these traps. Your attorney will handle all communication and push for the payout you deserve.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Plano
Taking the right steps after a crash can dramatically strengthen your claim:
- Call 911 and get emergency medical help
- Get a police report – it’s vital for your legal case
- Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and vehicle damage
- Gather contact info from witnesses and the other driver
- Avoid posting about the crash online
- Call a Plano motorcycle accident lawyer immediately
The more time that passes, the harder it is to prove fault—especially in cases with limited physical evidence.
Case Example: Successful Motorcycle Injury Claim in Plano
Client: 42-year-old male struck by SUV turning left at Plano Parkway and Alma Drive.
Injuries: Broken femur, two fractured ribs, and a mild TBI.
Result: $310,000 settlement — covered all medical bills, six months of lost wages, and pain/suffering damages.
Key Factors: Quick investigation and use of dashcam footage from a nearby driver.
FAQs: Plano Motorcycle Accident Claims
Q: How long do I have to file a claim?
A: In Texas, the statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of the accident.
Q: Can I still recover if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
A: Yes, but it may impact your compensation if head injuries were involved. Your attorney will fight to minimize any reduction in damages.
Q: What if the other driver was uninsured?
A: You can file a claim under your UM/UIM (uninsured/underinsured motorist) policy, if you have one.
Q: Will I have to go to court?
A: Not necessarily. Most cases settle out of court, but your lawyer should be ready to go to trial if the insurance company refuses to pay fairly.
Conclusion: Get the Support You Need from a Plano Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, the road to recovery isn’t just physical—it’s financial and emotional too. A trusted Plano motorcycle accident lawyer can give you the edge you need to pursue real justice and full compensation. Don’t deal with this process alone. Let an experienced attorney fight for your rights while you focus on healing.