Houston Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Injured in a Motorcycle Accident Caused by Negligence in Houston, TX?

Sprawling over six hundred square miles, Houston is one of the most populated cities in the United States and has the traffic to match. Many Houston residents ride motorcycles to get around the city’s streets and avoid traffic congestion. However, motorcyclists are susceptible to severe traffic accidents. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals that motorcycles are disproportionately involved in traffic accidents countrywide. The damage and injuries caused by a motorcycle accident can be costly, but filing a claim for compensation for these is well within your rights. 

If you were injured in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you need an experienced Houston motorcycle accident lawyer who understands Texas laws and can fight for your rights. At Hilliard Law, we’re committed to helping injured motorcyclists and their families pursue justice and fair compensation.

To get started on your claim, contact our Houston motorcycle accident lawyers at (866) 927-3420 for a free case evaluation.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents happen for many reasons, but most can be traced to driver negligence or hazardous road conditions. Some of the most common causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, adjusting the radio, or talking on the phone can easily fail to notice motorcyclists, leading to catastrophic collisions.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Many crashes occur when a driver fails to check their blind spots or use turn signals before changing lanes, cutting off a nearby motorcycle.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents. Speeding drivers often fail to see or yield to smaller motorcycles.
• Drunk or Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, coordination, and vision—making impaired drivers a serious threat to motorcyclists.
• Left-Turn Accidents: One of the most common motorcycle crash scenarios involves a vehicle making a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle at an intersection.
• Poor Road Conditions: Loose gravel, potholes, and uneven pavement can be dangerous for riders. In some cases, government entities may be liable for failing to maintain safe roadways.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Because motorcyclists have little protection compared to car occupants, injuries in motorcycle crashes tend to be severe. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, a violent crash can cause a concussion or severe brain trauma.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis.
• Broken Bones: Riders frequently suffer fractures to arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones.
• Road Rash: Sliding across pavement can lead to painful skin abrasions, scarring, and infections.
• Internal Injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding are common after high-impact collisions.
• Amputations: Severe crush injuries can result in the loss of limbs.

Recovering from these injuries often requires extensive medical treatment, physical therapy, and long-term care—all of which can be financially devastating without fair compensation.

Texas Motorcycle Laws

Understanding Texas motorcycle laws is crucial for both safety and protecting your legal rights after an accident. Here are some key laws all Houston riders should know:

Helmet Laws

In Texas, motorcyclists aged 21 and older may ride without a helmet if they have completed a safety course or carry adequate health insurance. However, wearing a helmet significantly reduces the risk of serious injury and can strengthen your injury claim by demonstrating responsible behavior.

Lane Splitting

Texas law prohibits lane splitting, meaning riders cannot legally ride between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic.

Insurance Requirements

All motorcyclists must carry minimum liability insurance, currently set at:

• $30,000 for bodily injury per person
• $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 for property damage

Motorcycle Equipment

Motorcycles must be equipped with functional brakes, mirrors, headlights, and tail lights. Turn signals are not required on motorcycles manufactured before 1975.

If another driver violated traffic laws or safety regulations, that evidence can be key to proving liability in your case.

Compensation for Injured Motorcyclists

A successful motorcycle accident claim can help you recover financial compensation for a wide range of damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, prescriptions, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to your inability to work during recovery.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: Future income losses if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job.
• Property Damage: Repairs or replacement of your motorcycle and gear.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
• Punitive Damages: In rare cases, additional damages may be awarded if the at-fault party’s behavior was especially reckless or malicious (such as drunk driving).

At Hilliard Law, we calculate both economic and non-economic losses to ensure our clients pursue the maximum compensation available under Texas law.

Challenges Motorcyclists May Encounter When Filing a Claim

Motorcyclists in Texas face several challenges when trying to recover compensation after an accident. Some of the key difficulties include:

• Bias Against Motorcyclists: Many insurance adjusters, juries, and even police officers have biases against motorcyclists, perceiving them as reckless or high-risk. This can make it harder to prove liability and secure fair compensation.
• Severe Injuries Leading to High Medical Costs: Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to serious injuries (e.g., traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage). Insurance companies may dispute the severity of injuries or argue that they were pre-existing conditions to minimize payouts.
• Insurance Company Tactics: Insurers often delay claims, offer low settlements, or attempt to get motorcyclists to make statements that can be used against them. Without legal representation, riders may accept unfair settlements.
• Hit-and-Run or Uninsured Drivers: Many motorcycle accidents involve hit-and-run drivers or uninsured/underinsured motorists. In such cases, recovering compensation can be difficult unless the rider has UM/UIM coverage (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist insurance).
• Difficulty in Proving Liability: Motorcycle accidents often involve complex crash dynamics, and establishing fault requires strong evidence such as traffic camera footage, accident reconstruction experts, and witness testimony. If key evidence is missing, proving negligence becomes challenging.

Motorcycle Accident Claim FAQs

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

Under Texas law, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline may prevent you from recovering any compensation.

What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

You can still pursue compensation even if you weren’t wearing a helmet. However, the defense may argue that your injuries were worsened by not wearing one, which could reduce your compensation under Texas’ comparative negligence rule.

What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to seek recovery through your own UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) coverage.

Should I talk to the insurance company after a crash?

You should never provide a recorded statement or accept a settlement offer without speaking to an attorney first. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts or shift blame onto the rider.

How can a Houston motorcycle accident lawyer help me?

An attorney from Hilliard Law can handle all aspects of your claim—investigating the accident, collecting evidence, negotiating with insurers, and taking your case to trial if necessary—while you focus on healing.

Call (866) 927-3420 or use our contact form to set up your no-obligation consultation.