Sideswiped on a Motorcycle in Texas? What to Do Next

What to Do (and What Not to Do) After Being Sideswiped By A Car On A Motorcycle

Houston roads can be dangerous for motorcyclists. From crowded freeways like I-45 to bustling streets in Midtown and the Heights, riders constantly face risks from distracted or reckless drivers. One of the most common—and devastating—types of motorcycle accidents in Houston is being sideswiped by another vehicle.

If you’ve been sideswiped on your motorcycle, you need to know your next steps. What you do (and don’t do) after a crash can affect your health, your finances, and your ability to recover compensation.

At Adley Law Firm, we’ve helped countless Houston riders get justice after motorcycle accidents. Here’s your complete guide to navigating this situation.

✅ What to Do If You’re Sideswiped on a Motorcycle in Houston

1. Get to Safety Immediately

   • Move yourself (and your bike if you can) out of the flow of traffic. Prioritize your safety first.

2. Call 911

   • Report the accident right away. A police report is crucial for documenting fault and injuries.

3. Request Medical Assistance

   • Even if you feel “okay,” let paramedics examine you. Many injuries (like concussions or internal bleeding) aren’t immediately obvious.

4. Document the Scene

   • If it’s safe:
     • Take photos of the scene, damage to your bike, the other vehicle, road conditions, and your injuries.
     • Get the other driver’s name, license plate, driver’s license number, and insurance info.
     • Ask witnesses for their contact information.

5. Get a Copy of the Police Report

   • Ask the responding officer when and where you can obtain the report. It’s an essential piece of evidence.

6. Notify Your Insurance Company

   • Report the crash to the insurance company, but be brief and stick to the facts. Don’t speculate about fault.

7. Call Adley Law Firm

   • Before talking to the other driver’s insurance company, speak with our experienced Houston motorcycle accident lawyers. We’ll protect your rights and handle the insurance negotiations for you.

❌ What NOT to Do After a Motorcycle Sideswipe Accident

1. Don’t Leave the Scene

   • Texas law requires you to stay at the scene and exchange information. Leaving could lead to serious legal trouble.

2. Don’t Admit Fault

   • Saying “I’m sorry” might be seen as admitting fault, even if you were just being polite.

3. Don’t Refuse Medical Treatment

   • Declining care could hurt your health—and your injury claim. Insurance companies use gaps in treatment to deny claims.

4. Don’t Give a Recorded Statement to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company

   • Recorded statements may twist your words to blame you or minimize your injuries. Talk to us first.

5. Don’t Post About the Accident on Social Media

   • Anything you post can be used against you later. Stay offline until your case is resolved.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Sideswipe Accidents in Houston

Sideswipe accidents typically happen when a driver fails to see a motorcycle in an adjacent lane or makes a reckless maneuver. Common causes include:

• Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers don’t check their blind spots or signal before merging.
• Distracted Driving: Texting, using GPS, or adjusting controls leads to inattention.
• Failure to Yield: Especially when merging onto highways or at intersections.
• Aggressive Driving: Tailgating or cutting off motorcyclists.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drugs slow reaction times and impair judgment.
• Fatigue: Drowsy drivers may drift into adjacent lanes without realizing it.
• Weather Conditions: Rain or fog can reduce visibility, making motorcycles harder to spot.

How Fault Is Determined in a Houston Sideswipe Accident

In Texas, fault is determined based on negligence—who failed to exercise reasonable care on the road. Evidence is key in proving fault. This can include:

• The police report
• Witness statements
• Photos or video of the scene
• Vehicle damage analysis
• Surveillance or dashcam footage
• Accident reconstruction experts (if necessary)

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover compensation if you’re 50% or less at fault, but your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re found more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover damages.

What to Do If You Are NOT at Fault

If you’re not at fault for the accident, stay calm and focused. Don’t accept blame or let the other driver pressure you into saying something that could hurt your case. Seek medical treatment immediately to protect your health and to document your injuries. Once you’ve addressed your immediate medical needs, contact Adley Law Firm so we can begin building a strong case on your behalf. You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses, both now and in the future
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering, property damage, and emotional distress

What to Do If You Are NOT at Fault AND Injured

If you’re injured after being sideswiped, it’s critical to get medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Follow your doctor’s orders and attend all follow-up appointments to show consistent care. Keep detailed records of your medical bills, prescriptions, and lost income, and consider keeping a journal to document your recovery process. While you focus on healing, Adley Law Firm can handle the insurance companies and fight to recover:

• Full compensation for medical costs and lost income
• Payment for your pain and suffering
• Coverage for future treatment and emotional distress

What to Do If You Are AT Fault

Remain Calm and Don’t Panic.

If you believe you may be at fault for the accident, it’s important to remain calm and cooperate fully with the police, but avoid admitting guilt or making statements that could be used against you later. Notify your insurance company as soon as possible and provide them with the basic facts of the incident. Even if you are partly at fault, you may still have legal options. Under Texas comparative fault laws, you could be eligible for partial compensation as long as you weren’t entirely responsible for the accident. It’s crucial to contact Adley Law Firm right away. Our team can protect your legal rights, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and ensure you aren’t unfairly blamed or forced to pay more than your fair share of damages. If you have insurance coverage, your policy may handle some of the other party’s expenses, but you should never navigate these conversations without experienced legal guidance.

Why The Adley Law Firm?

At Adley Law Firm, we know Houston streets and understand the unique risks motorcyclists face—especially the unfair bias they often encounter from insurance companies. Our team doesn’t let adjusters lowball our clients or minimize their injuries. We investigate every angle of your case, gather the evidence needed to prove fault and damages, and negotiate aggressively for a full and fair settlement. If necessary, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial and fight for the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been sideswiped on a motorcycle in Houston, time is critical, and the sooner you reach out, the sooner we can protect your rights and help you get back on track. You don’t pay unless we win, and we’re ready to fight for you.