The Major Law Firm Injury and Accident Attorneys

Motorcycle accidents in San Antonio are often more severe than other vehicle crashes. With less protection than cars or trucks, riders are exposed to greater risks — broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and, in tragic cases, wrongful death.

If you or a loved one has been in a motorcycle accident, you may already be facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. This is where a San Antonio motorcycle accident attorney becomes essential. They not only fight for your legal rights but also ensure you seek full and fair compensation for every aspect of your losses.

In this guide, we’ll break down the types of compensation available after a motorcycle accident in San Antonio, how they’re calculated, and why having an experienced attorney can make a massive difference in the outcome of your case.

Understanding Compensation in Texas Motorcycle Accident Cases

Compensation in personal injury cases is designed to restore victims — as much as possible — to the position they were in before the accident. In legal terms, this means both economic and non-economic damages, and in certain cases, punitive damages.

Economic Damages

These are the measurable, out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the accident.

Non-Economic Damages

These cover intangible losses — things you can’t easily assign a dollar value to.

Punitive Damages

These are rare and are awarded when the at-fault party acted with gross negligence or intentional misconduct (e.g., drunk driving at high speeds).

Economic Damages You Can Recover After a Motorcycle Accident

Economic damages are typically the most straightforward to calculate because they have receipts, bills, and records to back them up.

1. Medical Expenses

Medical costs often make up the largest portion of a motorcycle accident claim. These can include:

  • Emergency room treatment

  • Hospital stays

  • Surgeries

  • Physical therapy

  • Prescription medications

  • Follow-up doctor visits

  • Assistive devices (crutches, wheelchairs)

Example: If a San Antonio rider suffers a leg fracture after being hit by a speeding car on I-10, the hospital bills alone can easily exceed $50,000.

2. Future Medical Costs

Serious injuries like spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injury can require lifelong care, including rehabilitation and in-home medical assistance. Your attorney will work with medical experts to project these costs into the future.

3. Lost Wages

If your injuries keep you from working — even temporarily — you can recover the income you would have earned during your recovery period.

4. Loss of Earning Capacity

If your injuries are permanent and affect your ability to work in the future, your compensation can include the difference between your pre-accident earning potential and your reduced earning ability.

5. Property Damage

Motorcycles are often completely totaled in a collision. Compensation can cover:

  • Repair or replacement of your bike

  • Replacement of damaged riding gear (helmets, jackets, gloves)

  • Compensation for personal property destroyed in the crash

6. Out-of-Pocket Expenses

These might include transportation to medical appointments, home modifications for disability, or hiring help for daily activities you can no longer perform.

Non-Economic Damages After a Motorcycle Accident

Non-economic damages are just as important as economic damages — sometimes even more so, because they address the human suffering caused by the accident.

1. Pain and Suffering

Covers the physical pain and emotional distress experienced due to the accident and recovery process.

2. Emotional Distress

Motorcycle accidents can lead to anxiety, depression, and PTSD, especially if the crash was severe or life-threatening.

3. Loss of Enjoyment of Life

If your injuries prevent you from engaging in hobbies, activities, or routines you enjoyed before the accident — like long-distance rides through Hill Country — you can seek compensation.

4. Loss of Consortium

In Texas, spouses of accident victims can recover for the loss of companionship, affection, and support.

Punitive Damages in San Antonio Motorcycle Accident Cases

Punitive damages are not meant to compensate the victim, but to punish the at-fault party for egregious behavior.
Examples include:

  • Drunk driving at twice the legal limit

  • Street racing in downtown San Antonio

  • Intentionally forcing a motorcyclist off the road

How a San Antonio Motorcycle Accident Attorney Calculates Your Compensation

Calculating compensation is not as simple as adding up receipts. A skilled attorney will:

1. Investigate the Accident

  • Obtain police reports

  • Collect witness statements

  • Gather surveillance or traffic camera footage

2. Document All Damages

Attorneys will work with medical professionals, economists, and vocational experts to accurately calculate present and future losses.

3. Consider Comparative Negligence

Texas follows a 51% bar rule — if you’re more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover damages. If you’re partially at fault, your award is reduced proportionally.

Example: If your damages total $100,000 but you’re found 20% at fault, you can recover $80,000.

Factors That Influence the Amount of Compensation

Several variables can impact your payout:

  • Severity of injuries — more severe injuries generally lead to higher compensation.

  • Long-term disability — permanent impairments increase the settlement value.

  • Liability disputes — strong evidence of fault boosts your negotiating position.

  • Insurance coverage limits — both yours and the other party’s policies play a role.

Common Motorcycle Accident Scenarios in San Antonio

1. Left-Turn Collisions

These occur when a car turns left in front of a motorcycle, often because the driver misjudges the rider’s speed.

2. Rear-End Collisions

When cars follow too closely, especially in heavy traffic on Loop 410.

3. Unsafe Lane Changes

Motorcycles are harder to see, making them vulnerable when drivers fail to check their blind spots.

4. Distracted Driving Accidents

Texting, eating, or adjusting navigation can lead to catastrophic results for riders.

Why You Need a Local San Antonio Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Having a lawyer who knows the local roads, court system, and accident trends can be a game-changer.

  • They understand local traffic patterns and accident-prone intersections.

  • They have relationships with local medical experts.

  • They know how local judges and juries tend to respond to motorcycle accident cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a claim in Texas?

Generally, two years from the date of the accident.

Do I have to pay upfront for an attorney?

Most San Antonio motorcycle accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless they win your case.

What if the at-fault driver has no insurance?

You may recover through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Final Thoughts: Secure the Compensation You Deserve

Motorcycle accidents can change your life in an instant — but with the right legal help, you can secure the compensation needed to rebuild. Whether it’s medical bills, lost wages, emotional suffering, or long-term care, an experienced San Antonio motorcycle accident attorney will fight for every dollar you’re entitled to.

Don’t let insurance companies decide your future.
Contact a trusted San Antonio motorcycle accident lawyer today for a free consultation and protect your right to full compensation.

 

To know more details, contact us

Name Of Law Firm: The Major Law Firm Injury and Accident Attorneys

Address: 100 NE Interstate 410 Loop Suite 1045, San Antonio, TX 78216, United States

Phone:    (210) 957-1767

Website URL:    https://www.themajorlawfirm.com

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