A motorcycle crash can leave a rider facing serious injuries, expensive medical treatment, lost income, and uncertainty about what to do next. Unlike drivers in passenger vehicles, motorcyclists have little protection in a collision. Even when a rider follows traffic laws, another driver’s unsafe turn, distracted driving, or failure to yield can cause a devastating accident.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, a Houston Motorcycle Accident Attorney can help you understand your legal options. A personal injury lawyer Houston accident victims consult can investigate the collision, review available evidence, and explain how Texas law may affect a potential compensation claim.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Houston
Motorcycle accidents can happen on busy Houston roads, at intersections, on highways, and in residential areas. Drivers may overlook motorcycles because of their smaller size or fail to judge their speed and distance correctly.
Common causes include:
- Drivers turning left in front of an approaching motorcycle.
- Distracted driving, including texting or using a phone.
- Speeding and following too closely.
- Unsafe lane changes and failure to check blind spots.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Poor road conditions, debris, and inadequate visibility.
When another person’s negligence causes a crash, a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer can help assess the facts and determine what evidence may support an injury claim.
Injuries in Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcycle riders can suffer broken bones, head and brain injuries, spinal cord damage, road rash, internal injuries, and lasting physical limitations. Some injuries require surgery, rehabilitation, or long-term care. Symptoms may also develop hours or days after the collision.
Seeking prompt medical attention can protect your health and create a record of your injuries. Keep copies of medical bills, treatment recommendations, prescription costs, and records of missed work.
A Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyer can use relevant medical and employment records to help document the losses associated with an accident.
Who May Be Liable for a Motorcycle Accident?
The driver who caused the collision may be responsible for the resulting injuries and losses. However, liability depends on the evidence. In some cases, another party may also have contributed, such as a commercial vehicle operator, an employer responsible for a driver’s conduct, or a manufacturer whose defective component contributed to the crash.
A personal injury attorney Houston residents contact after a serious motorcycle collision can review police reports, witness statements, photographs, video footage, and other evidence to evaluate potential responsibility.
What If the Driver Blames the Motorcyclist?
Insurance companies may argue that a rider was speeding, changing lanes unsafely, or otherwise contributed to the crash. Texas follows proportionate-responsibility rules, which can reduce compensation according to a claimant’s share of responsibility. Generally, a claimant who is more than 50% responsible cannot recover damages.
A Motorcycle Personal Injury Lawyer can help examine disputed evidence and explain how these rules may apply to your circumstances.
Insurance Coverage After a Motorcycle Accident
The at-fault driver’s liability insurance may cover eligible damages when negligence caused the collision. Depending on the circumstances, other coverage may also be available.
- Liability insurance: May cover eligible injuries and property damage caused by an insured driver, subject to policy limits and applicable law.
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage: If included in an applicable policy, this may help when the responsible driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage.
- Medical payment or other applicable coverage: The availability of benefits depends on the insurance policy and the circumstances of the crash.
A Motorcycle Accident Attorney can help identify potentially applicable insurance policies and evaluate an insurer’s response to a claim. Avoid assuming that an initial settlement offer accounts for every future medical or financial need.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Depending on the facts, evidence, and applicable law, an injured motorcyclist may seek compensation for:
- Past and future reasonable medical expenses.
- Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity.
- Motorcycle repair or replacement and other property damage.
- Physical pain and mental anguish.
- Physical impairment and disfigurement.
- Other documented losses caused by the accident.
A Motorcycle Crash Lawyer can help organize evidence of these losses and assess whether a proposed settlement reflects the available documentation. No particular result or amount of compensation can be guaranteed.
Evidence That Can Support Your Claim
Evidence may include the police report, photographs of the scene and vehicle damage, witness contact information, medical records, repair estimates, and available traffic-camera or dashcam footage. Records showing missed work and out-of-pocket expenses may also help establish damages.
A Motorcycle Collision Lawyer can help preserve relevant evidence, communicate with insurers, and investigate how the crash occurred. Acting promptly can be helpful because video footage may be overwritten and other evidence may become harder to obtain.
Speak With The Law Offices of Alexander M. Gurevich
Recovering from a motorcycle accident is difficult enough without having to manage every insurance question alone. The Law Offices of Alexander M. Gurevich represents injured accident victims in Houston and can explain the legal options that may be available after a motorcycle crash.
Call (713) 224-9600 to ask about a consultation. The firm states that initial consultations are free and accepted cases may be handled on a contingency-fee basis, according to the agreed fee arrangement. An attorney can review the circumstances of your accident and discuss possible next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should I contact a motorcycle accident attorney?
Consider seeking legal advice as soon as possible, especially if you suffered serious injuries, liability is disputed, or an insurer has contacted you about a settlement.
2. How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Texas?
Texas generally provides two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, although exceptions can apply. Confirm the deadline for your specific case promptly.
3. Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault?
Possibly. Texas proportionate-responsibility rules may reduce your recovery based on your share of responsibility. Generally, you cannot recover if you are more than 50% responsible.
4. What if the driver who hit me has no insurance?
An applicable uninsured motorist policy or another available source of coverage may provide options, depending on the policy and facts.
5. What should I bring to an attorney consultation?
Bring any police report, photographs, medical records, insurance details, repair estimates, and correspondence from insurers that you have available.