Arlington Fatal Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

A fatal motorcycle accident can be devastating, both emotionally and financially. Fortunately, an experienced Arlington fatal motorcycle accident attorney can help you navigate this difficult time.

By working with a skilled and compassionate Arlington personal injury lawyer from Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC, families can focus on healing and grieving while their legal representative works to ensure justice is served.

Common Causes of Fatal Motorcycle Accidents in Arlington

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that motorcyclists are about 28 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash per vehicle mile traveled. Many factors can cause a fatal motorcycle accident in Arlington. Below are a few of the most common causes.

Speeding

One of the most common causes of fatal motorcycle accidents in Arlington is speeding. Motorcycles are inherently more dangerous than cars or trucks, requiring high skill and attention to operate safely. When riders exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for road conditions, they increase the likelihood of losing control of their bike and getting into a serious accident.

Alcohol & Drug Use

Another major cause of fatal motorcycle accidents in Arlington is alcohol and drug use. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that alcohol impairment is a significant factor in motorcycle crashes. Intoxication can impair a rider’s judgment, reaction time, and ability to control their bike, leading to catastrophic crashes. 

In some cases, other drivers on the road may also be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, increasing the risks of collisions.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is another significant cause of fatal motorcycle accidents in Arlington. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, eating, or otherwise distracted can easily miss seeing motorcycles on the road, leading to collisions and fatal injuries.

Inexperienced Riders

Inexperienced riders who lack proper training and skills are also at higher risk of getting into fatal motorcycle accidents in Arlington. Learning how to ride a motorcycle safely takes time and practice, and riders new to the sport may not be fully prepared to handle unexpected situations on the road.

Failure to Wear Helmets

Failure to wear helmets is a major factor in many fatal motorcycle accidents in Arlington. Even if a rider follows traffic laws and drives defensively, a single impact can cause severe head injuries or even death if they are not wearing a helmet.

Proving Liability in a Fatal Motorcycle Accident Case in Arlington

To establish liability in a legal case, it is generally necessary to provide evidence indicating that the defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff, failed to meet this duty of care, and sustained injuries or damages directly from this failure. In the context of a motorcycle accident case, this might involve gathering evidence such as eyewitness testimony, police reports, and accident reconstruction analyses to show that the defendant driver was negligent in some way, such as by:

• Failure to give the right of way to the motorcyclist
• Unsafe lane changes or turns
• Reckless driving or speeding above the limit
• Failure to obey traffic signals or signals from other vehicles

Once the plaintiff has established that the defendant driver breached their duty of care, they must also show that this breach caused the plaintiff’s injuries. This might involve providing medical records, expert testimony, or other evidence to demonstrate the extent and severity of the plaintiff’s injuries and how the defendant’s actions caused them. It’s worth noting that liability can be shared among multiple parties in a motorcycle accident case, depending on the circumstances. 

For example, if the plaintiff was also negligent in some way (such as by driving while distracted or failing to wear a helmet), this could reduce the number of damages they are entitled to receive. Alternatively, the manufacturer or mechanic could be liable for the accident if the motorcycle was defectively manufactured or maintained.

Compensation for Fatal Motorcycle Accidents in Arlington

In the case of a fatal motorcycle accident in Arlington, damages may include compensation for the losses and expenses incurred by the victim’s family and loved ones. Some examples of damages in this type of case may include the following:

• Funeral and burial expenses: The cost of a funeral, burial, or cremation and related expenses may be recovered as part of a wrongful death claim.
• Loss of financial support: The deceased may have provided financial support to their spouse, children, or other dependents. Damages may be awarded to compensate for this loss of income.
• Loss of companionship: The deceased’s family may be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship and guidance the deceased would have provided.
• Emotional distress: The emotional impact of losing a loved one can be significant and long-lasting. Damages may be awarded to compensate for the deceased’s family’s emotional distress.
• Punitive damages: In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious or reckless.

How a Fatal Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Arlington Can Help

Experiencing the loss of a loved one in a motorcycle accident can be a profound and difficult experience. Along with the emotional turmoil and pain, families may encounter financial difficulties due to medical expenses, funeral costs, and the loss of the deceased’s income. An attorney specializing in fatal motorcycle accidents in Arlington can assist in managing this stressful and uncertain time, providing guidance and support throughout the legal process.

A skilled and knowledgeable attorney specializing in fatal motorcycle accidents in Arlington can examine the details of the incident, determine who is at fault, and seek compensation for various losses, including funeral expenses, lost income, and the loss of companionship. Reach out to an attorney specializing in these cases as soon as possible. Doing so lets you understand your legal options and get the support and guidance you need during this difficult time.

Contact Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC for a Fatal Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Arlington

If you or a loved one has been involved in a fatal motorcycle accident in Arlington, a fatal motorcycle accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. By choosing an Arlington fatal motorcycle accident lawyer from Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC, you can ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you receive the support you need during this difficult time. Contact us today.