(713) L-A-W-S-U-I-T's Blog

Motorcycle accidents often cause very serious injuries. In many cases where the motorcycle rider was not at fault, the insurance company will try to portray him as reckless and blame him for the accident. Consequently, motorcycle riders are sometimes unsure whether they are entitled to legal damages and how much compensation they should expect.

Motorcycle accident claims are strongly contested by the insurance companies.  If you were involved in an accident while riding a motorcycle, you can find out if you are eligible for compensation and get all of your questions answered absolutely free by calling the motorcycle Accident Attorneys at (713) L‑A‑W‑S‑U‑I‑T.  We will never settle for an unfair amount and will work very hard to get you the maximum compensation for your injuries and property damage.

How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help?

It is very important to hire an experienced motorcycle accident attorney immediately following the crash. Not all personal injury attorneys have experience handling such cases, which is why hiring a lawyer that knows Texas motorcycle accident injury laws can be a major benefit to your case.

Our team of highly competent and aggressive personal injury Accident Attorneys at (713) L‑A‑W‑S‑U‑I‑T is very experienced in representing motorcycle riders and will work as hard as possible to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve to cover all of your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, ongoing medical care, as well as any property damage that you might have incurred. Best of all, you will pay us absolutely nothing unless we win your case.

If you become a victim of a motorcycle accident, try to make sure that someone takes photos of the crash scene, and, if possible, make sure that any witnesses give their statements before important evidence gets lost or contaminated and memories of the event start fading. You also have to find a law firm with strong client testimonials and reviews, whose lawyers have experience in handling motorcycle accident claims.

Call and schedule a free consultation with a competent and skilled motorcycle injury attorney in Houston at (713) L‑A‑W‑S‑U‑I‑T to learn what we can do for you.

What Are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Houston?

If you are a motorcycle rider, you are probably all too aware that car drivers often act as though motorcycle riders don’t actually exist. The vast majority of riders are good at avoiding the numerous situations that may lead to motorcycle accidents, but they still do happen.  Car drivers often simply don’t see bikers, which causes some of the accidents.

Other common causes include failing to yield the right of way by pulling out or turning in front of a motorcycle rider and changing lanes into the lane already occupied by a motorcycle. Any of these situations may result in a serious accident. Considering the severity of the injuries that can be sustained by riders in motorcycle accidents, in many instances, the negligent driver’s insurance coverage may not be enough to cover all of the medical bills and other legal damages. In the worst of cases, the driver might not even be insured.

Motorcycle accidents in Houston caused by the inattentiveness of vehicle drivers is incredibly common.  As a result, bikers have to look out for any potential signs of danger and always stay alert. Anticipating dangerous situations goes a long way toward preventing motorcycle accidents.

Here are some of the most common causes of motorcycle injuries:

Poor Road Conditions / Weather

Ice and snow, road work debris, rainy conditions that result in a slick road surface.

Inattentive Drivers

Drivers of cars, SUV’s, and, especially, big trucks often have “blind spots” that can lead to serious accidents if they are ignored

Open Door accidents

The driver of a car or truck opening a door into a moving lane of traffic (which often happens after parallel parking along a street or on a shoulder) before confirming that there is no motorcycle traveling in that lane.

Inexperienced Motorcycle Riders

Applying more pressure on the front brake in an emergency situation or at high speed may cause the rider to be thrown over the handlebars.

Reckless Riding

Lane splitting or white line cutting while passing slower vehicles in between lanes is yet another dangerous habit that often has disastrous results.

Drunk Driving

Many motorcycle accidents are caused by drunk drivers. In a lot of these, the rider usually suffers a catastrophic injury or death.

What Are the Common Injuries Sustained by Motorcycle Riders in Accidents?

Our motorcycle Accident Attorneys at (713) L‑A‑W‑S‑U‑I‑T often represent victims with the following injuries:

Leg Injuries

Motorcycle accidents often result in serious leg injuries. Numerous motorcycle riders have sustained leg fractures and even amputations. The bike provides minimal, if any, protection if you are hit by a vehicle from the side, which is why a rider’s lower leg is injured in most instances. A broken shinbone (tibia)is the most common leg fracture.  In some cases, it may also get the knee joint involved in the tibia plateau fracture. This type of injury will also place a person at a higher risk of developing post-traumatic arthritis in the future.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Another common injury that can occur in a motorcycle accident is serious brain damage. Traumatic brain injuries typically result after the brain moves violently inside the skull.  TBI can happen even when a rider is wearing a helmet. Traumatic Brain Injuriesoften cause symptoms such as personality changes, emotional outbursts, memory and attention difficulties, as well as speech problems. You should see a neurologist immediately after manifesting these symptoms, if you have been involved in an accident.

Back and Neck Injuries

Fractures in the back and neck, as well as broken bones, are common in people involved in motorcycle accidents. Ruptured or herniated disks is another frequent injury in motorcycle accidents. Tingling and sharp pain in the arms and hands is a common symptom of neck injury following an accident. If you experience a shooting pain in the legs and feet, you may have a herniated disk in your lower back. To diagnose a ruptured disk, an MRI test is necessary

Other Common Injuries Associated with Motorcycle Accidents

Road rash, injured shoulders, broken ribs, broken wrists and arms, and amputation.

Legal Recourse for Motorcyclists Injured in Houston

Bikers that sustain injuries due to the negligent actions of other motorists can take legal action to recoup their medical costs, lost income and other damages related to the accident.  They are also entitled to compensation for their physical and emotional pain and suffering.

Drivers in Texas are required to carry bodily injury liability insurance in amounts of at least $30,000 for every injured person and a total of at least $60,000 for every accident. They are also required to carry property damage liability insurance of not less than $25,000 for every accident.  These amounts usually will not cover all of the damages sustained by a motorcyclist in a serious accident. Although prudent drivers in Houston, Texas carry more insurance coverage than the legal minimum, the majority does not, which is why it is very important to carry your own Underinsured Motorist insurance.  This type of coverage will allow you to receive additional compensation, if the driver that caused the accident does not have enough insurance of his own.

Victims of motorcycle accidents must prove the following if they wish to be eligible for legal damages:

• A duty of care owed to them by the other driver (this is easy to show, as all motorists each other a duty of care to avoid causing others harm);
• The duty of care was breached by the defendant (in other words, he or she acted in a negligent manner);
• The negligent actions of the defendant ultimately caused the accident;
• The motorcycle rider sustained serious injuries and damages.

Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at (713) L‑A‑W‑S‑U‑I‑T have decades of experience in helping motorcycle riders injured through the negligence of others get the maximum compensation that they rightfully deserve.

What Legal Damages Can I Get From A Motorcycle Wreck?

Legal damages refers specifically to types of harm that can be suffered by a person. Such damages can be financial harm (motorcycle repair bills, medical bills, lost income) physical harm (cuts, broken bones, etc.), or intangible harm, such as physical or mental pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life. If you sustain such injuries or losses following a motorcycle accident in Houston, you’ll need the help of an experienced motorcycle lawyer to help you get the maximum compensation you deserve.  Call the Accident Attorneys at (713) L‑A‑W‑S‑U‑I‑T for a free consultation immediately!  Over the last twenty-five years, our skilled and aggressive motorcycle lawyers have obtained the following types of compensation for our clients:

Past and Future Medical Expenses

Victims of motorcycle accidents often sustain very serious injuries and medical bills for their treatment can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars.  All of their bills must be compensated by the driver who caused the accident.

Lost Wages

After a serious injury, it may take many weeks or even months for a person to recover physically. You have the right to be compensated for all of your lost income, as well as for any future reduction in earning ability, if you become partially or fully disabled as a result of an accident.

Property Damage

Your motorcycle most likely sustained more damage than the other vehicle. If you have an experienced motorcycle lawyer representing you, it is possible to recover compensation for the damage to the bike, equipment, helmet, and additional personal property.

Pain & Suffering

Victims of accidents can seek compensation for all physical and psychological suffering and pain.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

If you can no longer enjoy a hobby or a sport, or you cannot ride again due to PTSD after sustaining injuries in an accident, you are entitled to pursue compensation for loss of enjoyment of life.

Loss of Consortium

Loss of consortium is an option for compensation for the people that can no longer be intimate.

Punitive Damages

A person that causes an accident while driving in an especially reckless, or careless manner, or while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, may be required by law to pay punitive damages to the accident victim IN ADDITION to all other compensation.

Call our motorcycle lawyers at (713) L‑A‑W‑S‑U‑I‑T free of charge to discuss the damages to which you are entitled.  We will immediately begin to build a strong case and fight for the highest compensation you deserve.  As always, you will pay us absolutely nothing unless we win your case.

How Are Motorcycle Accident Cases Affected By Comparative Negligence in Texas?

Texas is a modified comparative fault state. To recover damages, you must be able to prove that the other driver was more than 50 percent at fault for the accident. Damages can also be reduced by the degree of responsibility of each party. For example, if it is determined that you were 20 percent at fault and the other party was 80 percent at fault, and you suffered legal damages of $100,000, you would only be entitled to receive $80,000 ($100,000 less 20 percent your fault).  If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, call the motorcycle Accident Attorneys at (713) L‑A‑W‑S‑U‑I‑T for your free consultation immediately.  We will review your case thoroughly and make sure that you receive the maximum compensation you rightfully deserve.

The issue of comparative fault may be particularly applicable if the motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet and suffered head injuries.

Conversely, the use of a helmet probably would not be taken into consideration if the rider’s damages consisted of a broken leg, as helmet use would not have protected from or contributed to such injury.  However, if the motorcyclist suffers a serious neck or head injury, the defendants, along with their insurance company, may argue that his failure to wear a helmet contributed to the severity of his injury, making such injury partially his own fault.

Texas does not require motorcycle riders older than 21 to wear a helmet.  Generally, if the injury would not have been reduced or avoided by wearing a helmet, the non-use of a helmet should not be relevant in a motorcycle injury case.

What Do I Need to Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

Your top priority immediately after the accident should be to get the medical attention that you need.  Although it can be difficult to obtain the necessary information if you are seriously injured, try to obtain as many details about the accident as possible.  Law enforcement officers investigating the accident will usually talk to the other driver and acquire their insurance information, but sometimes they can make a mistake or fail to get what you will need to prove your damages altogether. For this reason, it is extremely important to contact a motorcycle Accident Attorney at (713) L‑A‑W‑S‑U‑I‑T immediately after your accident.

Important Information That Should Be Obtained at the Scene

• The at-fault driver’s insurance details (insurance company name and policy number);
• Photos of your injuries as well as the accident scene;
• The identity and contact details of ALL witnesses.

Medical Treatment

Getting treatment for your injuries is one of the most important things you should do immediately. Don’t attempt to tough it out only to discover later the actual extent of your injuries. Your injuries can get worse and your case will lose value if you delay obtaining medical care. Following up with a doctor, as recommended in the Emergency Room is also mandatory.  Even if you lack health insurance, the Accident Attorneys at (713) L‑A‑W‑S‑U‑I‑T will make sure that you receive top-notch medical treatment for your injuries without the need to pay for it up-front. To discuss the options available to you, get in touch with Houston car accident lawyers at (713) L‑A‑W‑S‑U‑I‑T. The consultation is always free, and we only get paid if we obtain compensation for you.

No Contact with the Insurance Adjuster

It is very important not to have any communication with the adverse insurance company after an accident, and you should never give a recorded phone interview to its adjuster.  He or she will attempt to use everything that you say against you in order to blame you for the accident and reduce the value of your claim or deny it altogether. You must always consult your motorcycle accident attorney before dealing with any insurance company.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Houston

About 618 accidents involved motorcycles in the Houston-area throughout 2018. These accidents led to serious injuries as well as deaths. About 499 bikers died from their accident-related injuries. If you experience injury or loss after being in a motorcycle accident, call a Houston motorcycle accident lawyer immediately.

Since motorcycle riders do not have the same level of protection as car and truck occupants, their accidents usually lead to many additional injuries. Approximately 94 percent of motorcycle accidents result in injuries.  Although the physical recovery may take a long time, aggressive Houston motorcycle lawyers can help protect your rights to full and fair compensation.

Get in Touch with a Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at (713) L‑A‑W‑S‑U‑I‑T

All victims of motorcycle accidents should seek help from the Houston car accident lawyers at (713) L‑A‑W‑S‑U‑I‑T to get the maximum compensation you deserve. If you are not sure of what to do following your motorcycle crash, or if you are experiencing problems with the insurance company, call us immediately for a free no-obligation consultation. In addition, calling a Houston motorcycle accident attorney can relieve all of the pressure of pursuing your claim and dealing with all of the paperwork. You can be sure that while you are focusing on your physical recovery, the motorcycle Accident Attorneys at (713) L‑A‑W‑S‑U‑I‑T will skillfully handle all aspects of your claim in order to get you the maximum financial recovery you rightfully deserve!

We are aware of the fact that motorcycle accident injuries can be difficult to overcome and often leave many riders in financial ruin. You have not only suffered an extensive injury that requires months of recovery, but probably also lost your mode of transportation. Moreover, you have probably missed weeks or even months of work. Without any income and the bills mounting, it might seem like this one accident has ruined many of your efforts of the past.  Let us help you recover in every way.  Call the Houston motorcycle Accident Attorneys at (713) L‑A‑W‑S‑U‑I‑T to help you build a strong case and get you the maximum compensation you rightfully deserve.