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Hurt in a Motorcycle Accident in Houston, TX? We’re Here to Help.

Protect Your Rights After a Crash in Midtown, Westchase, the East End, or Anywhere in Houston

If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Houston, Texas, you are not alone. The road to recovery can be challenging – from managing painful injuries and mounting medical bills to dealing with insurance companies. At Adley Law Firm, our compassionate Houston, TX motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help you navigate this difficult time. We understand the unique risks motorcyclists face on Houston’s busy streets and highways, and we are dedicated to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Houston’s diverse neighborhoods and roadways present both opportunities and dangers for riders. Whether you were cruising through Midtown, commuting in Westchase, or heading home in the East End, a moment of driver negligence can change everything. Our legal team is local to Houston and familiar with the specific traffic patterns and accident hotspots around town. We offer bilingual services (English and Spanish), free initial consultations, and a contingency fee arrangement – meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Read on to learn how we can assist with your motorcycle accident claim.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Houston

Houston is a sprawling metropolis with heavy traffic, and unfortunately motorcyclists often pay the price when other drivers make mistakes. Some of the most frequent causes of motorcycle accidents in Houston include:

  • Left-Turn Collisions: One of the most dangerous scenarios for motorcyclists is when a car makes a left turn at an intersection and cuts directly into the biker’s path. These accidents happen far too often at Houston intersections when drivers fail to notice an oncoming motorcycle or misjudge its speed. In fact, approximately 75% of motorcycle crashes in Houston involve another vehicle, and about two-thirds of those collisions occur because the other driver violated the motorcyclist’s right-of-way​ (for example, turning left in front of an oncoming bike).
  • Driver Inattention or Distraction: Busy Houston commuters can become distracted by their phones, GPS, or other distractions. A momentary lapse in attention – like a driver not checking their blind spot or texting while driving – can lead to a deadly motorcycle crash. Many drivers simply do not see the motorcycle until it’s too late, especially when focusing on larger vehicles around them.
  • Speeding and Reckless Driving: Speeding is a major factor in many traffic accidents across Texas, and motorcycle crashes are no exception. Whether it’s a car driver speeding through Midtown’s streets or a motorcyclist going too fast on the I-45 Gulf Freeway, excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions. High-speed impacts often result in devastating injuries for riders due to the force of the crash.
  • Unsafe Lane Changes: On Houston’s crowded highways like I-10 and I-610, an improper lane change can be catastrophic for a motorcyclist. If a driver fails to check mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles, they can sideswipe or cut off a biker. Motorcycles are smaller and can be harder to see, so negligent lane changes and sudden merging are frequent causes of accidents.
  • Driving Under the Influence: Despite strict laws, some drivers operate their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and poor judgment, which is a deadly combination for vulnerable road users like motorcyclists. Drunk driving plays a role in a significant number of serious motorcycle accidents each year.

These are just a few examples of how negligence can lead to motorcycle wrecks in our city. No matter the cause, if another driver’s careless actions caused your motorcycle accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. Establishing the exact cause of the crash is an important part of building your case, and our attorneys will thoroughly investigate accident reports, witness statements, and any available video footage to prove what happened.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Because motorcycles lack the protective enclosure of a car, riders often suffer severe injuries even in a “minor” accident. Our Houston motorcycle accident attorneys have seen just how catastrophic these injuries can be. Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:

  • Road Rash: This is a term for severe skin abrasions that occur when a rider slides across the pavement. A bad spill can scrape off layers of skin, causing painful wounds that are prone to infection and scarring. In serious cases, road rash may require skin graft surgeries and leave permanent scars.
  • Broken Bones and Fractures: The impact of being hit or thrown from a motorcycle can easily result in broken bones. Riders frequently suffer fractured legs (often from the bike pinning the leg), broken arms and wrists (from trying to break the fall), broken ribs, and collarbone fractures. Such injuries may require surgery, casts, and months of rehabilitation.
  • Head and Brain Injuries: Even with a helmet on, motorcyclists can sustain traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in a crash. A violent collision might result in a concussion, skull fracture, or severe brain trauma if the rider’s head strikes a vehicle or the pavement. Head injuries are among the most serious consequences of motorcycle accidents, often leading to long-term cognitive issues or disability. (In Texas, riders over 21 can legally ride without a helmet under certain conditions, but doing so greatly increases the risk of deadly head trauma.)
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: A hard impact to the back or neck can damage the spinal cord. Motorcycle crashes can cause vertebrae fractures or disc injuries that lead to partial or total paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia). These life-altering injuries require immediate emergency care and long-term medical support.
  • Internal Injuries: The blunt-force trauma in a motorcycle wreck can injure internal organs or cause internal bleeding. Damage to organs like the lungs, liver, or spleen may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening. It’s critical that accident victims get a full medical evaluation, as internal injuries might only be detected through scans and can worsen quickly without treatment.

Any motorcycle crash injury – even “lesser” injuries like severe bruises or sprains – can be painful and costly. It’s important to get prompt medical attention after an accident, not only for your health and recovery but also to document your injuries for any legal claim. Keep in mind that some injuries (like traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding) may not show symptoms right away, so always see a doctor as soon as possible after a wreck. Our legal team will work closely with your doctors and medical experts to understand the full extent of your injuries and how they have impacted your life.

Damages You Can Recover After a Motorcycle Accident

A serious motorcycle accident can throw your life off course physically, emotionally, and financially. Texas law allows injured motorcyclists (or the families of those wrongfully killed) to recover compensation – known as “damages” – for the losses they suffer because of another party’s negligence. In a Houston motorcycle accident claim, you may be entitled to recover:

  • Medical Expenses: This includes all past and future medical bills related to the accident. Emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor appointments, medications, physical therapy, and any necessary medical equipment or home modifications can be covered. Motorcycle injuries often require ongoing treatment, so we will also account for expected future medical costs.
  • Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity: If your injuries force you to miss work during recovery, you can claim the income you lost. For more severe injuries that affect your ability to work long-term or permanently, you may also recover compensation for loss of earning capacity – essentially the income or career opportunities you will lose out on in the future due to your injury-related limitations.
  • Pain and Suffering: Motorcycle accident victims endure significant physical pain, as well as mental anguish and emotional distress, following a crash. While these non-economic damages are harder to quantify, they are a crucial part of your claim. Compensation can account for the chronic pain, trauma, anxiety, PTSD, or loss of enjoyment of life that often result from a serious accident.
  • Property Damage: You can seek reimbursement for the damage to your motorcycle and any other personal property that was destroyed in the accident (for example, a helmet, clothing, or gear). Motorcycles are often heavily damaged even in lower-speed crashes, and repair or replacement can be expensive.
  • Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Keep track of any other costs you have because of the accident. This might include towing fees, rental vehicle costs while your bike is being repaired, the cost of hiring help for household chores you cannot do while injured, and travel expenses for medical appointments.
  • Wrongful Death Damages (if applicable): If a motorcycle crash tragically leads to the death of a loved one, certain family members can pursue a wrongful death claim. Damages in these cases can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and compensation for the emotional pain of losing a family member.

Every motorcycle accident case is unique. Part of our job as your attorneys is to identify and document all the damages you have suffered to ensure you seek full and fair compensation. We will gather medical records, employment documents, and expert testimony as needed to demonstrate the value of your losses. While no amount of money can undo the harm you’ve experienced, a successful claim can relieve the financial burden and help you access the care and support you need.

Houston Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Riding a motorcycle in an urban area like Houston carries significant risk. To understand the scope of the problem, consider these sobering motorcycle accident statistics:

  • On average, one motorcyclist is killed every day on Texas roads​. This means virtually every day a family loses someone in a motorcycle crash, and many of those fatal accidents occur in busy metropolitan areas like Houston.
  • Nearly all motorcycle crashes result in injury or worse for the rider. Studies have found that about 98% of multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents lead to the motorcyclist being injured. Without the protection of a car frame, riders are extremely vulnerable – even a low-speed collision can cause serious harm.
  • The majority of motorcycle accidents in Houston involve collisions with cars, often due to driver error. Approximately 3 out of 4 motorcycle crashes in Houston involve another vehicle, and in about two-thirds of those cases the car driver was at fault for failing to yield to the motorcycle​. This lines up with what we see in our cases – many Houston drivers simply fail to look out for motorcycles, especially at intersections and during lane changes.
  • Urban areas see a high number of motorcycle crashes. Harris County (which encompasses Houston) consistently has one of the highest numbers of traffic accidents in Texas, and a large share of the state’s motorcycle accidents happen on city streets and highways. Busy roadways like the Katy Freeway (I-10), Southwest Freeway (I-69), and Loop 610 see heavy commuter and commercial traffic, creating hazardous conditions for motorcyclists.

Source: Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data. These statistics highlight how serious motorcycle wrecks can be, especially in congested cities like Houston. As a rider, you can do everything right and still be at risk because of another driver’s mistake. That’s why our firm is committed to advocating for Houston motorcyclists – to hold negligent drivers accountable and make our roads safer for everyone.

Houston Motorcycle Accident FAQ

Below we answer some common questions we hear from motorcycle accident victims in Houston. If you have a question not addressed here, feel free to reach out for a free consultation. We’re here to help.

What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident in Houston?

Answer: Your first priority after any accident is safety. If you are able, move to a safe location out of traffic and call 911 to report the crash and request medical help for anyone injured. In Houston, police will typically arrive and create an accident report – be sure to get the responding officer’s name and ask how to obtain a copy of the report later. If you’re not taken to the hospital straight from the scene, get a medical evaluation as soon as possible, even if you think you’re “okay.” Some injuries (like head trauma or internal injuries) might not show immediate symptoms. Also, if you can, gather evidence at the scene: take photos of the accident scene, your motorcycle’s damage, and your injuries; exchange information with the other driver (name, contact, insurance, license plate); and get contact info for any witnesses. Once things are under control, it’s wise to contact a Houston motorcycle accident lawyer before speaking to any insurance adjusters. We can guide you on the next steps and help protect your rights.

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

Answer: In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases (including motorcycle accidents) is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you have up to two years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party, or you may lose your right to pursue compensation. While two years might seem like plenty of time, it’s important to act sooner rather than later. Evidence can disappear, and witnesses can be harder to locate or their memories may fade over time. If a government vehicle was involved in the crash, you might have to follow special notice deadlines that are much shorter (sometimes just a few months), so getting prompt legal advice is crucial. To be safe, contact an attorney as soon as you can after your accident – we will ensure all filing deadlines are met while you focus on healing.

What if I was partially at fault for the motorcycle accident?

Answer: You may still be able to recover damages even if you were partly to blame, but it will affect your compensation. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule (proportionate responsibility). Under this law, as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation, but your award would be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found 25% at fault (perhaps for speeding a little), and the other driver was 75% at fault (for failing to yield), and your damages were $100,000, you would receive $75,000 (which is the total minus 25%). However, if you are 51% or more to blame, you would be barred from recovering anything. Insurance companies often try to push as much blame as possible onto the motorcyclist (due to unfair biases that riders are reckless). Our lawyers are very familiar with these tactics and will work to counter any unwarranted blame placed on you, to protect your ability to recover fair compensation.

Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company offered me a settlement?

Answer: It’s highly advisable to consult with a motorcycle accident lawyer before accepting any settlement offer from an insurance company. Insurance companies often rush to settle claims quickly and for as little money as possible. The first offer you receive may be far below the actual value of your case – especially if you have ongoing medical treatment or if you haven’t fully recovered yet. By speaking with an attorney at Adley Law Firm, you can get a professional evaluation of your claim. We will consider all your current and future damages (medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, etc.) and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. Our goal is to ensure you are not short-changed. Remember, once you accept an insurance settlement, you usually must sign a release waiving any future claims related to the accident, so you want to be absolutely sure the amount covers everything. Having a lawyer in your corner evens the playing field and often results in a much fairer settlement.

How much does it cost to hire a Houston motorcycle accident lawyer?

Answer: At Adley Law Firm, it costs nothing upfront to hire us for your motorcycle injury case. We work on a contingency fee basis. This means our fee is “contingent” on winning your case – we only get paid if we secure a settlement or verdict for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing for attorney fees. This arrangement allows injured people to access quality legal representation without worrying about costs. We also offer a free initial consultation, so it won’t cost you anything to talk to us about your case and get a better understanding of your legal options. Our priority is to help you recover, not to add to your financial stress. During your free consultation, we will explain our fee agreement in detail. There are no hidden costs or surprises – at the end of the case, our fee is typically a percentage of the compensation we recover for you, which we discuss upfront. This way, you can have peace of mind and focus on getting better while we handle the legal fight.

Free Consultation & Contact Information

Dealing with a motorcycle accident in Houston can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. The Adley Law Firm is here to help you pick up the pieces and seek the justice you deserve. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling motorcycle accident cases in Houston and throughout Texas. We know the law, we know the tactics insurance companies use, and most importantly, we truly care about our clients’ well-being.

Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and give you an honest assessment of your case. You can reach us by phone or by filling out our online contact form. Our team is bilingual – se habla Español – and ready to assist clients in both English and Spanish. Remember, we charge no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Let us handle the legal burdens so you can focus on healing and moving forward. When you need a trusted Houston motorcycle accident lawyer, Adley Law Firm is just a call or click away, committed to fighting for you every step of the way.

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