How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Report in Texas?
By Space Coast Daily // June 1, 2020
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, you will have 10 days from the time the accident occurred to file a crash report with the Department of Transportation.
The form you’ll need to fill out is a blue form called form CR-2. This report must be filed by you, your insurance agent, and the motorcycle’s owner if you crashed on someone else’s bike.
How long you have to file an accident report is not the same as the statute of limitations, which is how much time you’ll have to file a motorcycle injury lawsuit. If you were injured or a loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident, in the Lone Star State you’ll have two years from the time of the accident to file.
One exception is if you are suing the government because you believe the crash was caused by a government employee or vehicle. In these cases, you will have six months to file.
What To Do When a Motorcycle Accident Occurs
If your motorcycle is blocking traffic and potentially causing a road hazard, it may be best to move it if possible. If not, keep it exactly where it is until the police can make an official report of the accident.
You’ll want to take photos and videos of:
• The scene of the accident
• The damage to your bike
• Any injuries you sustained
You’ll also want to get the contact information of anyone else who was involved in the accident, including every driver and anyone who was injured. When there are witnesses, exchange information and get witness statements from them.
Damages Caused by Motorcycle Accidents
If you weren’t at fault in the accident, you may be able to recover some of your damages in court. For the best shot at accurately assessing the full value of your damages, you may want to consider reaching out to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer for assistance.
Some of the costs a settlement may cover include:
• Motorcycle repair or replacement
• Doctor and hospital bills.
• Any towing-related costs
• The cost of a rental vehicle
After an accident, your focus should be on your health and your recovery. Having the means to pay for treatment, medication, or medical or mobility equipment can take a lot of the stress and pressure off of you.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering are defined as either mental or physical pain that is the direct result of your injuries or illness. These damages are based on the kind of injury, the extent of the injury, for any future pain and suffering as a result of the injury. Pain may likewise incorporate mental as well as emotional trauma that originated from the accident.
Wrongful Death
If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to sue for their funeral expenses, medical bills, and the loss of their income.
Spouses may sue for their loss, and children may sue for the loss of their deceased parents’ guidance. If someone else’s negligence caused the death, you should not be stuck with the bills.
Sometimes, the roads are not safe and dangerous situations occur. When you’re on a motorcycle, one small driver’s mistake can be devastating. Following the rules of the road and wearing the right safety attire can reduce the risk of an accident.
Another way you can lower your risk of a motorcycle accident is to avoid riding in any driver’s blind spot and especially in a truck’s blind spot.
Wear protective gear and high-visibility motorcycle clothing and avoid riding in poor weather conditions or in areas where you won’t be easily visible to other drivers. Following these steps won’t keep you completely safe, but it will increase your odds on the road.
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