Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Have you been involved in a motorcycle accident in Houston, TX? If so, you may be struggling with debilitating injuries and financial losses. If someone else caused your crash, they should be held fully accountable for your economic and non-economic damages.
The record-setting legal team at Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers is here to help you pursue the financial recovery you deserve. Our undefeated Houston motorcycle accident lawyers have recovered billions of dollars for injured people throughout Texas and the U.S.
We’ve won some of the largest settlements and verdicts in state history for clients injured in accidents involving bus accidents, Houston car accidents, truck accidents, Houston bicycle accidents, workplace accidents, wrongful death claims, and more. You can benefit from our extensive experience by putting our award-winning, nationally-recognized team in your corner.
Contact our Houston personal injury law firm today at (888) 603-3636 to schedule a free consultation. We’ll discuss your motorcycle accident case and legal options.
Table of Contents
- How Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident
- Why Do I Need to Hire a Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer After an Accident?
- How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Houston?
- What is My Houston Motorcycle Injury Case Worth?
- What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Houston?
- How Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Will Assist You Immediately After an Accident
- What Damages Are Available After a Houston Motorcycle Accident?
- Who’s Liable For My Injuries After a Motorcycle Collision in Houston?
- Do I Have to Prove Negligence After Getting Into a Motorcycle Crash in Houston?
- What Evidence Can Help Me Win My Houston Motorcycle Accident Case?
- Common Houston, Texas Motorcycle Accident Injuries
- What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents in Houston, TX?
- Do Motorcycle Riders Have To Wear Helmets in Houston?
- What Is Lane Splitting, and Is It Legal in the State of Texas?
- How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Houston, TX Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
- Motorcycle Insurance Requirements in Texas
- What Can I Do To Prevent a Houston Motorcycle Accident or Serious Injuries?
- How Can I Increase My Odds of Winning My Houston Motorcycle Accident Case?
- What Happens If I Am Blamed For Causing a Motorcycle Accident in Houston?
- How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Texas?
- Call Our Top-Rated Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers For Help
- Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Review
How Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident
At Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers, we understand the far-reaching effects a motorcycle collision can have on a victim. You may suffer catastrophic injuries that permanently impact your life – from personal relationships to your ability to work.
You don’t have to face a legal battle alone. Let our Houston personal injury lawyers take on every aspect of your motorcycle accident case while you focus on your health and recovery.
If you hire our experienced Texas trial attorneys for representation in your case, we’ll help by:
- Ensuring that you receive the medical care you need
- Explaining your legal options for compensation
- Investigating what and who caused your motorcycle crash
- Gathering crucial evidence to prove your claim
- Negotiating with insurance companies and other involved parties on your behalf
- Aggressively defending your right to fair compensation in court if necessary
Don’t accept a settlement offer before consulting our Houston personal injury attorneys. Let us review the facts of your case and advise you on whether it’s a fair deal. Call our Houston office today to arrange a free initial consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Houston, Texas.
Why Do I Need to Hire a Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer After an Accident?
Car accidents involving motorcycles tend to cause life-altering injuries, particularly for the motorcyclist. You may require ongoing treatment, physical therapy, or rehab to heal, or you may never fully recover. It can be challenging to value future damages and a diminished quality of life without an attorney’s help.
When you hire our Houston motorcycle accident attorneys, you have an advocate who will:
- Level the playing field against aggressive insurance adjusters and defense attorneys
- Defend you against unsubstantiated allegations that you share fault for the motorcycle crash
- Calculate the accurate value of your personal injury case
- Consult leading experts – such as accident reconstructionists and medical specialists – as needed
- Handle your case in its entirety while you focus on your well-being
Contact our law firm to learn why an attorney-client relationship is in your best interest after a motorcycle accident.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Houston?
In 2022, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reported at least 8,626 motorcycle crashes (49 of which involved police motorcycles).
Out of those accidents:
- 576 were fatal
- 2,337 involved a suspected serious injury
- 3,015 involved a suspected minor injury
- 1,403 involved a possible injury
Unfortunately, that means approximately 68% of Texas motorcycle accidents caused a fatality or suspected injury in 2022.
On average, at least one motorcyclist loses their life in Texas crashes every day. Houston has been identified as one of the most dangerous cities in the state for motorcycle riders.
What is My Houston Motorcycle Injury Case Worth?
The value of your Houston motorcycle accident case will depend on various factors. Claims involving severe injuries are typically worth more than others, but that’s not the only consideration.
When our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers are evaluating your case, we’ll examine:
- Your injuries and their severity
- All the ways your motorcycle accident injuries affect your daily life
- Whether your work life has been affected, including your future ability to earn a living
- The physical and emotional pain and suffering you’ve endured
- Whether you contributed to the cause of the motorcycle crash – and to what extent
- The available insurance coverage and policy limits
- The parties involved in your case
These and other factors may affect the amount you recover after your crash. It’s essential to understand what your accident case is worth before negotiating a settlement. Otherwise, you risk walking away with less than you deserve under Texas law.
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Houston?
The steps you take after a motorcycle accident in Houston can drastically impact a subsequent personal injury claim.
Taking the following steps can help you protect yourself after a Houston motorcycle accident:
- Move to a safe location if possible
- Get medical help immediately
- Alert law enforcement of the accident
- Exchange insurance information and contact information with the other parties
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene and your visible injuries
- Obtain witness statements and contact information
- Notify the insurance company
- Consult an experienced Houston motorcycle accident attorney
Do not admit fault at the accident scene or agree to provide a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster without consulting a Houston motorcycle accident lawyer.
How Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Will Assist You Immediately After an Accident
Motorcycle accidents can be terrifying and life-altering. However, you do not have to go through this challenging time alone. Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers is here to help you immediately after a motorcycle accident.
Our motorcycle accident lawyers can assist you in the following ways after a crash:
- Investigate the cause of your crash
- Identify at-fault parties
- Gather and analyze evidence to support your claim
- Communicate with insurance companies and defense attorneys
- Negotiate for fair compensation
- Represent you in court when necessary
The aftermath of a motorcycle crash can be overwhelming. However, we are here to make this process easier for you.
What Damages Are Available After a Houston Motorcycle Accident?
You might be entitled to compensation if you were injured in a Houston motorcycle accident. Compensatory damages allow you to be compensated financially for your economic and non-economic losses.
Economic Damages
Economic damages consist of financial harm you sustain due to the motorcycle accident and resulting injuries.
Available economic damages after a Houston motorcycle accident include:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages and future earnings
- Diminished earning capacity
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Economic damages are tangible losses that you can typically provide evidence to prove using receipts, pay stubs, invoices, estimates, or medical bills.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages encompass the pain and suffering you experience as a result of the motorcycle accident.
Available non-economic damages after a Houston motorcycle accident include:
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Loss of quality of life
- Chronic pain
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment
It can be challenging to substantiate your non-economic damages; however, a skilled Houston motorcycle accident lawyer can help you.
How Are Pain and Suffering Damages Calculated For a Motorcycle Crash Victim?
Unlike the cost of motorcycle repairs, it can be difficult to quantify pain and suffering damages. However, the multiplier method is often used to calculate pain and suffering damages for a motorcycle crash victim. The multiplier method requires adding up the cost of your economic damages and multiplying that total by a number between 1.5 and 5. The multiplier chosen will depend on the seriousness of your pain and suffering.
Pain and suffering damages can also be calculated using the per diem method. This method requires a jury to determine how many days of pain and suffering a victim endured. A daily rate is then assigned and multiplied by the number of days of pain and suffering experienced.
Are Punitive Damages Ever Available After a Motorcycle Accident in Texas?
Punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant rather than compensate the victim. These damages may be available after some motorcycle accidents in Texas.
In order to recover punitive damages, a motorcycle accident victim must prove by clear and convincing evidence that there was:
- Fraud;
- Malice; or
- Gross negligence
A motorcycle accident victim rarely recovers punitive damages after a collision in Texas. However, you may receive punitive damages if a drunk driver caused your motorcycle accident and subsequent injuries.
Who’s Liable For My Injuries After a Motorcycle Collision in Houston?
Any party contributing to your motorcycle collision occurring can be held liable in Houston, TX.
The following parties may be liable after a motorcycle collision in Houston:
- Other motorcyclists
- Drivers
- Passengers
- Trucking companies
- Transit companies
- Pedestrians
- Bicyclists
- Employers of negligent employees
- Government agencies
- Manufacturers
Texas is a modified comparative negligence state. This allows any at-fault party to be assigned a percentage of responsibility for the motorcycle accident. Any liable party is then responsible for their portion of damages.
Do I Have to Prove Negligence After Getting Into a Motorcycle Crash in Houston?
Most personal injury claims arising from a motorcycle crash require the victim to prove negligence to recover compensation.
To establish negligence, a crash victim must prove the following elements:
- The defendant owed the accident victim a duty of care
- The defendant breached the duty of care
- The breached duty of care caused the motorcycle crash
- The crash victim sustained damages as a result of the breached duty
You may also be able to recover damages through a claim based on negligence per se, which presumes a party was negligent if they broke the law. This may occur if a motorist collides with you while driving at an unsafe speed through an intersection.
What Evidence Can Help Me Win My Houston Motorcycle Accident Case?
Strong evidence can help you build your case and recover the compensation you deserve after a Houston motorcycle accident.
The following is evidence you can use to help with your Houston motorcycle accident case:
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- Medical records
- Crash reports
- Vehicle repair estimates
- Medical bills
- Traffic citations
- Pay stubs
- Receipts for property repairs, including helmets, eyewear, and protective clothing
- Eyewitness statements and testimony
- Expert witnesses
Collecting and analyzing relevant evidence on your own can be difficult as you focus on recovering. An experienced Houston motorcycle accident attorney can work with you to gather the necessary evidence to help you win your case.
Common Houston, Texas Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Even when wearing all the right safety gear, motorcyclists are susceptible to suffering severe injuries in a Houston motorcycle accident.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys in Houston are qualified to help you recover compensation after sustaining any of the following types of injuries:
- Road rash
- Eye injuries
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Burn injuries
- Knee injuries
- Lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Degloving injuries
- Whiplash
- Nerve damage
- Internal bleeding
- Chest injuries
- Leg injuries
- Amputations
- Organ damage
- Wrongful death of a loved one
This list is not exhaustive. If another party caused your accident and injuries, regardless of their type and severity, you may have a legal claim against them for compensation. Call our undefeated Houston motorcycle accident lawyers today to learn more.
What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents in Houston, TX?
Causation is one of the four legal elements you’ll need to establish to win your motorcycle accident claim, in most cases. Upon hiring our legal team, we’ll conduct a comprehensive investigation into your crash to, among other things, determine the cause and who’s at fault.
In our experience, some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Defective parts/machinery
- Drunk driving
- Insufficient rider or driver skill
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Improper road design or upkeep
- Fatigued driving
- Lane splitting or filtering
- Running through a stoplight or stop sign
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Failing to check blind spots
- Tailgating
- Improper lane changes or turns
- Speeding
- Poor road or weather conditions
Depending on the facts of your case, you may have multiple legal options available to you for getting compensation. Learn about your best course of action by contacting us today to book a free consultation.
Do Motorcycle Riders Have To Wear Helmets in Houston?
Under Texas law, riders under the age of 21 must wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle.
If you’re 21 or older and meet one of the following two requirements, you can opt out of wearing a helmet:
- You’ve completed an approved motorcycle safety course
- You have a health insurance policy that can cover your injuries (minimum $10,000)
Even though you don’t necessarily have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Houston, Texas, it is strongly recommended that you do so anyway.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), helmets reduce the risk of head injury by nearly 70%. In addition, helmets are 37% effective in preventing deaths for motorcycle riders.
Can Failing To Wear a Motorcycle Helmet Hurt My Personal Injury Claim?
Yes – it is possible that not wearing a helmet could hurt your personal injury case. One common defense that is available to personal injury defendants is called contributory fault. Per state law, your compensation can be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to you for the crash.
For example, let’s say you suffered a head injury during your motorcycle accident, and you weren’t wearing a helmet at the time. The at-fault party might argue that they shouldn’t be on the hook for at least some of your related medical bills because you could have prevented those damages by wearing a helmet. As a result, your compensation could be reduced.
However, it’s not always true that failing to wear a helmet will hurt your case – especially if you haven’t sustained a head injury. The facts of your case, as well as other factors – such as the skill of your lawyer – could dictate your ability to recover full compensation for your claim.
What Is Lane Splitting, and Is It Legal in the State of Texas?
Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist rides in between two lanes of traffic. This riding practice is often utilized to save time and to “beat” traffic, as the rider can continue moving forward even when vehicles in either lane are stopped.
In Texas, as in most states, lane splitting is illegal. Recently, the state passed a law to outright ban the practice. As a result, motorcycles must remain in one lane of traffic and will break the law if they split lanes.
Although reasonable minds differ on whether lane splitting should be allowed, Texas law is clear on the matter. If your motorcycle accident was caused at least in part by your lane splitting, it could hurt your ability to recover full compensation for your injuries.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Houston, TX Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
At Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers, our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. We understand that your motorcycle accident might have left you in a difficult financial position, and we don’t want that to prevent you from hiring our top-rated legal team.
Hiring us to help with your claim will cost you absolutely nothing upfront. In addition, we are only paid attorney’s fees if we win your case – either through obtaining a settlement or jury verdict.
At that time, we will receive a percentage of that compensation as payment for our services. The percentage varies, but it is usually around 33%; we’ll discuss and agree to the exact fee with you ahead of time.
With this method of payment, we are incentivized to increase your motorcycle accident claim’s value as much as possible. After all, at the end of the day, we only get paid if you do. Contact us if you have any questions or would like to begin forming an attorney-client relationship.
Motorcycle Insurance Requirements in Texas
Texas’s insurance requirements for motorcycles are the same as they are for cars. The coverage you need to legally operate your motorcycle in the state are:
- $30,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $60,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $25,000 in property damage coverage per accident
These are the bare minimum amounts of coverage required. You can purchase higher amounts of different types of coverage to better protect yourself in the event of an accident.
Does Texas’s Fault-Based Insurance Law Apply in a Motorcycle Crash Case?
In a word, yes. As an “at-fault” state for accidents, Texas law allows you to file a claim directly against the party responsible for your motorcycle crash (or their insurance company). This is as opposed to “no-fault” states, where motorists usually can only file a claim with their own insurance company.
What Will Happen if I’m Involved in a Motorcycle Accident With an Uninsured Driver?
If the driver who caused your Houston motorcycle accident is uninsured, you may still be able to recover compensation for your losses and injuries. Your options include:
- Utilizing your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This coverage is optional in Texas, but you must decline it in writing.
- Filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver in court. This option is still available even if they don’t have insurance.
- Filing a lawsuit against another liable party. Some motorcycle accidents involve multiple at-fault persons or entities, and it’s possible that you have a claim worth pursuing.
We encourage you to reach out to us for a free case evaluation if the driver in your case doesn’t have insurance. We can offer some initial legal advice and look into your best path forward during that time, once we’ve learned the facts of your case.
What Can I Do To Prevent a Houston Motorcycle Accident or Serious Injuries?
While not all motorcycle accidents are preventable, there are many steps you can take to reduce your chances of being involved in one. Because motorcyclists are more vulnerable to suffering life-changing injuries, it’s critical to your safety that you do everything in your power to prevent a crash from occurring.
Consider the following when it comes to riding your motorcycle safely in Houston, Texas.
Get a Class M License and Take a Safety Course
Texas’s licensing requirements for motorcycles are strict, but for good reason. Unless you transfer a license from another state, you’ll need to take a safety course to obtain your Class M license in Texas.
These safety courses are important learning experiences for new riders; they can also serve to improve the skills of more experienced riders. Riding a motorcycle is a skill that can be developed with further practice and education.
Don’t Ride in Inclement Weather
While Texas generally has favorable weather conditions for motorcycle riding, that’s not always the case. Icy and snowy conditions, in particular, can make a crash significantly more likely to happen.
Ride Defensively
As a motorcycle rider, you must pay full attention to your surroundings at all times. Riding defensively means giving substantial space between you and the vehicle in front of you, not riding too fast for the conditions, keeping a clear field of view, and more.
Buy and Wear Safety Gear
It’s important to buy and wear safety gear every time you ride your bike. This includes a helmet, gloves, and protective clothing. You should also ensure that your gear fits you; otherwise, it may not provide sufficient protection.
Do a Pre-Check Before Riding
It can help to perform a quick check-up on your motorcycle before going out for a ride. This includes checking your tire pressure, making sure your oil levels are adequate, that your headlight is operating, and that your rear-view mirrors are operational – among other considerations.
How Can I Increase My Odds of Winning My Houston Motorcycle Accident Case?
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be chaotic. However, you should always take certain steps after a motorcycle accident.
These steps can help you protect your health — and your injury claim.
Seek Medical Help Promptly After the Crash
You should seek immediate medical attention after your motorcycle wreck — even if you think you are uninjured. You could have injuries that have not manifested symptoms. Seeking medical attention ensures you receive treatment for visible and hidden injuries, and it will put you on the path to the quickest physical recovery.
You can seek medical attention by visiting the hospital in an ambulance or by following up with your medical provider. Note: if you fail to seek prompt medical attention, the insurance company could accuse you of failing to mitigate your damages. This could give them grounds to reduce the compensation they owe you.
Take Photographs and Videos of the Scene
You should take photographs and videos of your injuries and the accident scene, being careful to note the condition of your motorcycle and the positions of the vehicles involved. This evidence can help you prove your side of the story during an injury claim or lawsuit.
Keep Your Clothing and Safety Gear After the Accident
Your clothing and safety gear can be critical pieces of evidence after an accident. Often, insurance companies will accuse a rider of not wearing proper safety gear prior to the crash. They will claim the rider’s deficient gear increased the severity of their injuries after the crash. They use this tactic to try to minimize the value of a motorcycle accident claim. Therefore, you should preserve your clothing and gear as evidence.
Don’t Speak to Insurance Companies Without Your Lawyer
The insurance company is not on your side. They will employ various tricks designed to weaken your claim and reduce its value. They may ask you to provide a recorded statement and ask questions designed to elicit answers they can use against you. They also might ask you to sign a medical records release and scrutinize your medical history for preexisting injuries.
You should let your motorcycle accident attorney in Houston handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance company. Your attorney will protect your rights throughout your claim and help you avoid making mistakes that could hurt you.
What Happens If I Am Blamed For Causing a Motorcycle Accident in Houston?
You may still be able to recover compensation if you share blame for your motorcycle crash. Texas uses modified comparative fault rules to divide blame in cases where there is more than one at-fault party.
Under these rules, you can recover compensation so long as you bear 50% or less of the blame for the collision. If you are more than 51% at fault for the accident, you will not be able to recover any compensation.
Sharing Fault Will Reduce How Much Money You Can Recover For Your Injuries
If you share less than 51% of the fault, your damages will be reduced to account for your percentage of liability. For example, if you are found to be 20% responsible for the motorcycle accident, your damages will be decreased by 20%.
However, that an insurance company is blaming you for the incident doesn’t mean you’re actually at fault. Insurers like to use this rule to minimize the compensation they owe to injury victims, even when the injured person shares no fault for an accident. An experienced personal injury lawyer can protect you from unfounded accusations that you caused your motorcycle accident.
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Texas?
Generally, you will have two years to file an injury lawsuit related to a motorcycle accident. The clock typically starts ticking on the date of your accident. If you fail to file your lawsuit by the deadline, you could be barred from recovering compensation in court.
You may have a longer or shorter time limit, depending on the circumstances. Don’t lose out on compensation due to a technicality. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Houston can help you identify and comply with all the deadlines in your case.
Call Our Top-Rated Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers For Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, look no further than Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers for your legal needs. We have recovered billions for injured clients, including the largest accident verdicts and settlements in Texas history.
Contact us today to schedule a 100% free case review with one of our Houston motorcycle accident lawyers. Let us go to bat for you and hold the insurance company fully responsible for your losses. Call 1-888-603-3636 or send us a confidential email through our Contact Us form to get in touch today.
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Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
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Motorcycle Accident Infographic
