Texas is one of the most popular states for motorcyclists. While a motorcycle can be a great form of transportation and recreation, riders and passengers face certain inherent safety risks. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), 482 motorcyclists were killed in collisions in the state in 2020 alone. Many more riders sustained serious injuries in wrecks.
Following a motorcycle accident in Southeast Texas, you need to know how to protect your rights. At Thornton Esquire Law Group, PLLC, we help injured victims navigate the nitty gritty of motorcycle accidents so that their best interests are protected. Here, our Houston motorcycle accident attorney answers some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about motorcycle crashes in Texas.
Unfortunately, the majority of motorcycle accidents reported in our region result in injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published the results of an analysis showing that 80 percent of all motorcycle crashes result in an injury to the rider. For comparison, approximately 20 percent of passenger car accidents lead to injuries. Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:
Yes. All motorcycle crash injuries in Texas should be evaluated by a doctor. In fact, you should see a doctor after a motorcycle crash even if you do not believe that your injuries are especially bad. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Early medical attention can prevent complications. Beyond that, you cannot bring a motorcycle accident injury claim to recover compensation in Texas unless you have seen a doctor. Get medical care right away. The sooner you see a doctor, the better.
Texas is a fault-based motorcycle accident state—including for motorcycle accident claims. Multiple different parties can be held liable for a motorcycle accident, including other drivers, motorcycle manufacturers, and government entities responsible for road maintenance. Determining liability requires a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the accident. Protect yourself. Ensure that your motorcycle accident is comprehensively investigated by an experienced attorney.
Beware of what you say to any insurance adjuster after a motorcycle accident in Southeastern Texas. The insurance company is not on your side. They put a lot of money into training insurance adjusters to settle claims for less. It is not advisable to give a recorded statement to an insurer after a motorcycle wreck without first consulting with an experienced Houston motorcycle injury attorney. Insurance companies may try to use your statement against you to minimize their financial responsibility.
As with other types of accident and injury claims, any motorcycle crash claim must be initiated before the relevant legal deadline expires. The statute of limitations for a motorcycle accident claim in Texas is two years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file a claim within this period, you may lose your right to pursue compensation. Do not wait to get started with your case. Contact an experienced Houston motorcycle accident lawyer right away after a serious wreck.
Comparative negligence in a Texas motorcycle crash means that if you are partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced according to your percentage of fault. However, if you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any damages. Here is an example of how comparative fault applies to a motorcycle crash:
Imagine that you were hurt in a crash while riding a motorcycle in Harris County. In total, you suffered $25,000 in damages. The number includes medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, an investigation reveals that you were speeding. You are deemed 10% responsible for your own motorcycle accident. In Texas, your recovery would be reduced by 10%. You would be able to recover $22,500, but you would be responsible for the remaining $2,500.
Texas law allows injured motorcyclists to pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Compensation in a motorcycle accident in Texas can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and, in some cases, punitive damages. The amount and types of compensation depend on the specifics of your case. Our Houston motorcycle accident lawyer has the professional skills, tenacity, and proven track record of success to help you maximize your settlement or verdict. You need money to pay bills and support yourself.
Hiring a Houston motorcycle accident lawyer is highly recommended. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. You do not have to take on the process alone. If you suffered a motorcycle accident injury and you believe that any other party contributed to your crash, it is imperative that you speak to a Houston motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you figure out what comes next during a free consultation.
At Thornton Esquire Law Group, PLLC, our Texas motorcycle accident lawyer has the professional expertise that you can trust. Hurt in a motorcycle crash? We are here to help. Reach out to us by phone at (713) 401-3998 or send us a direct message for a no-cost, no-strings-attached case review. With a legal office in Houston, we fight for the rights and interests of injured motorcyclists throughout Southeast Texas, including Harris County, Galveston County, and Brazoria County.