Houston Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Motorcyclists are vulnerable on the road. Since these riders do not have protection like a vehicle, they can face devastating injuries when involved in a collision. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents in Houston are common.
Many times, they can lead to life-altering consequences for riders and their families. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, you need a skilled Houston motorcycle accident lawyer to help with your claim.
Medical bills, lost wages, and physical and emotional pain can all put additional pressure on you and your family during an already difficult time. Your first priority should be on recovery. Allow our law firm to handle the legal process for you. Reach out to Barrera Law Group LLC to schedule a consultation with our team so we can take this burden off your shoulders.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Texas
Motorcycle accidents are a major concern in Texas. Unfortunately, the state consistently ranks between the top three for the highest number of motorcycle fatalities. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, 599 motorcyclists lost their lives and 2,483 were seriously injured in crashes in 2023. Taking those numbers into consideration, at least one motorcyclist dies every day on Texas roads.
On a nationwide level, there were 6,218 motorcyclists killed, according to data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which accounts for 15% of all traffic fatalities in the United States.
Riders and their passengers are at an increased risk of severe injuries and death in these accidents. Drivers of other vehicles have the responsibility to ensure that they do not collide with other road users, such as motorcyclists. When they fail to uphold their duty of care, it can leave them liable for injuries, damages, and other losses.
Motorcycle Accidents Increase the Risk of Injuries
Unlike drivers and passengers in cars or trucks, motorcyclists have very little protection. When there is an accident, they are exposed to the full force of a collision. Even a minor accident can result in serious or life-threatening injuries. Some of these injuries may include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Even when wearing a helmet, motorcyclists can suffer severe head injuries in a crash.
- Spinal cord injuries: These injuries often result in partial or complete paralysis.
- Fractures and broken bones: Many times, motorcyclists will suffer broken arms, legs, ribs, and other bones from the crash impact.
- Road rash: When riders are thrown from their motorcycle and skid across the pavement, they can suffer painful skin abrasions.
- Internal injuries: The blunt force trauma of a motorcycle accident can cause internal bleeding and significant damage to the organs.
- Amputations: In some cases, the severity of a rider’s injuries may lead to the amputation of a limb.
These injuries often need extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care. If the injuries are severe, it could mean weeks or months away from work, leading to lost income. Also, some severe injuries can leave the victim to being unable to resume their normal activities, meaning they could experience a diminished quality of life.
Negligence and Motorcycle Accidents in Houston
While accidents can happen, many of these crashes result from negligence by other drivers on the road. Some common scenarios include:
- Distracted driving: Anyone who engages in distracting behavior does not have their full attention on the road, which can lead to collisions with motorcyclists. Distracted driving can be fatal. According to the National Safety Council, 3,308 people died in distraction-affected crashes in 2022.
- Failure to yield: Unfortunately, many of these accidents occur at intersections. Other vehicles may not see the motorcyclist and collide with them.
- Speeding: When a car or truck is speeding, it reduces the driver’s ability to react. If a motorcycle happens to cross their path on the road, that can result in catastrophic accidents. According to NHTSA, 33% of fatal motorcycle crashes were the result of unsafe speeds.
- Unsafe lane changes: Motorcyclists take up a smaller space on the road. Drivers who fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes or merging onto highways can cause collisions.
- Drunk driving: When a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they can make unexpected maneuvers on the road, which could lead to sideswiping a motorcyclist.
No matter the specific cause of your motorcycle incident, you will want to work with a Houston motorcycle accident lawyer. Negligence does play a role in these crashes. Many times, the other drivers act in a way that puts other’s safety at risk. With our assistance, we will take time to investigate the circumstances of the crash and determine the liable party in your case.
Proving Liability in a Motorcycle Crash
In any personal injury lawsuit, you will need strong evidence that the other party is at fault. Your legal team needs to prove that the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence. Many times, insurance companies often attempt to shift blame to you. Since the motorcycle is smaller, it can be easier to say that the rider was speeding or acting recklessly. This is where an experienced Houston motorcycle accident lawyer can assist in your claim. Your lawyer will need to gather evidence to demonstrate that the other party was negligent. This may include:
- Police report: The official accident report can provide vital details about the circumstances of the crash and any traffic violations that occurred.
- Witness statements: If there were eyewitnesses, they could help corroborate your account of what happened and establish that the other driver was at fault.
- Traffic camera footage: If the accident occurred at an intersection with a traffic camera or in an area with surveillance footage, this can be valuable evidence in proving negligence.
- Accident reconstruction experts: In some cases, an accident reconstruction expert may be brought in to analyze the crash scene and determine how the accident occurred.
Your attorney will use this evidence to build a strong case on your behalf, negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, taking your case to court to secure the compensation you deserve.
Available Compensation in These Cases
If you have been injured in a motorcycle wreck in Houston, you could be entitled to a damage award. The exact amount and type will depend on the specifics of your case. Possible compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Since the injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident can be catastrophic, the rider and passenger could be killed in the crash. In these cases, surviving family members have a right to pursue a wrongful death claim to collect compensation for burial and funeral expenses, lost wages, and loss of companionship due to the accident.
You could pursue punitive damages in cases involving drunk drivers or reckless behavior. These damages are separate from your economic and non-economic awards, but they are rarely awarded.
Get the Help You Need from a Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle accident cases are often more complicated than they seem at first glance. Unlike car accidents, these cases often involve multiple parties, complicated insurance claims, and an overwhelming amount of medical documentation. With all these barriers, navigating the legal system without the help of an experienced attorney can lead to less-than-optimal results. A skilled Houston motorcycle accident lawyer can make a difference in the outcome of your case, helping you receive the full compensation for your claim.
Another benefit of having a motorcycle accident lawyer is their ability to handle negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf. These companies want to minimize payouts and may attempt to offer you a lowball settlement that doesn’t fully cover your losses.
Recovering from a motorcycle accident is challenging enough; you do not want to add more stress to your situation by taking on the liable party and their insurers by yourself. Reach out to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Houston.
Barrera Law Group LLC Can Offer Assistance
After an accident, you will want to move forward with your life. You don’t want to spend your time dealing with insurance companies and other legal teams. We know these are challenging times, causing physical, emotional, and financial pain. At Barrera Law Group LLC, we are with you every step of the way, from the initial consultation to the final resolution of your case. Let us shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on your recovery and your future.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle wreck in Houston, you need legal representation as soon as possible. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our Houston motorcycle accident lawyer. Let’s take the first steps toward compensation and justice in your situation.