Compassionate Southern Texas Law Offices Dedicated to Helping Injured Riders Seek Compensation for Costly Medical Treatment, Lost Wages, Wrongful Death Damages, and More

All motor vehicle accidents have the potential to cause serious injuries to those involved, whether they are drivers, passengers, pedestrians, or other parties. A motorcycle accident is not a typical auto accident, however, and there is an increased chance of far more catastrophic injuries for motorcyclists. Unlike a car accident, where the motorist and their passengers are usually buckled in within the safety of a cab, motorcycle riders are left unsecured and at the mercy of the elements if they are ever in a collision with another motor vehicle. In many accident cases, motorcycle riders are flung far from their vehicles, where they land in oncoming traffic and may face additional physical harm. And in far too many motorcycle accidents, riders and their passengers suffer fatal injuries, leaving surviving family members to mourn their loss.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, our firm can help you hold the at-fault drivers accountable for their negligent acts so that you may recover compensation for medical bills and other expenses. Ultimately, no financial recovery can ever hope to undo the damage done in a violent motorcycle crash, but the hope is to secure some justice and ease the financial burden that is left on your shoulders following such a collision.

Our personal injury lawyers have extensive experience representing clients in a variety of auto accident cases, including those involving valid motorcycle accident claims. As your legal representatives, we will explore all options to help you obtain a fair settlement that you deserve. From the very beginning of the attorney-client relationship, we will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, gather all evidence that could be used to support your case, work with other professionals such as accident reconstruction specialists, and use outside-the-box thinking both in and out of the courtroom.

To discuss the options for filing a Texas motorcycle accident claim, please contact our law office to speak with one of our experienced attorneys today. We offer free consultations to prospective new clients interested in retaining our legal services. Additionally, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you do not owe us any legal fees until we secure a settlement in your case.

What Are Texas’s Motorcycle Crash Statistics? 

Texas ranks among the most dangerous and deadly states across the country for motorcycle riders. Though motorcycles make up a small portion of all vehicles on the road, they represent a disproportionately higher number of accidents, severe injuries, and fatalities.

The data collected from various sources, including the Texas Department of Transportation, show that not only are motorcyclists more vulnerable to serious bodily harm on the roadways, but the number of severe injuries and fatalities is on the rise. Every year, there are around 600 fatal motorcycle accidents across the state of Texas, and 2,000+ more people suffer serious injuries. On average, that means at least one motorcyclist dies every day on the streets of Texas.

The Texas Department of Transportation and other agencies have launched initiatives aimed at improving motorcycle safety in an effort to save lives. Among the tips provided to increase safety and awareness are the strong recommendations for wearing a helmet that is fully compliant with Department of Transportation guidelines. Ultimately, however, even the safest motorcyclist is still put at risk on Texas roads, as all it takes is for another driver to behave negligently for even a fraction of a second, and the motorcycle rider may suffer serious and even permanent injuries.

There may be several reasons why there are a large number of motorcycle accidents in McAllen and the rest of the Lone Star State. For one, there has been a notable surge in recent motorcycle purchases, which could be attributed to rising gas prices, making motorcycles more attractive as primary transportation options. Additionally, Texas has an extensive highway system and relatively high speed limits, which create unique challenges for keeping motorcyclists safe.

Despite having more motorcycle accident fatalities than any other state, Texas did not crack the top five states for the most registered motorcycles, at least according to 2023 federal data. Among the most dangerous and deadly states for motorcyclists are Louisiana, South Carolina, Arkansas, Tennessee, Florida, and Arizona. Still, they all fall behind Texas, which continues to be considered the most dangerous of them all.

What Should Motorcyclists Do Immediately After an Auto Accident? 

The steps you take in the immediate aftermath of a motorcycle wreck can do more than safeguard your health and well-being; they can also strengthen the validity of your personal injury case. Failure to take appropriate action after a crash could result in insurance companies devaluing your claims and offering you far less than what you deserve.

Regardless of how the motorcycle accident occurred and how bad you believe your injuries to be, we must encourage you to call 911 to summon emergency first responders to the accident scene. Even if you think your injuries are relatively minor, you should still seek immediate medical attention and get checked out by a doctor or paramedic. 

When law enforcement arrives on the scene, provide them with a detailed account of what transpired. Even if you believe the cops are not on your side, you must provide your story, as a detailed police report will prove to be valuable evidence for your motorcycle accident lawyers.

You should attempt to obtain contact information and insurance policy information from any other drivers or parties involved in the crash. Be careful not to say anything incriminating in your dialogue with the other motorists, as such comments could be used against your case. Also, do not downplay the severity of any injuries, as this can diminish the value of your claim.

Before leaving the accident scene, attempt to gather as much evidence as possible, including photographs of any visible injuries, property damage, skid marks, debris, environmental conditions, and other relevant details. 

It’s commonplace for insurance adjusters to arrive at the scene of an accident to evaluate the damage and interview the involved parties. Insurance adjusters may attempt to seem sympathetic to your pain and suffering, but you must remember they are not on your side. They’re there to look for ways to limit the value of your claim by any means available to them. If an insurance adjuster insists on speaking with you, instead, direct them to talk to your legal representation.

If you have not done so already, now would be the opportune time to contact our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers to discuss your case in more detail. We offer free, no-obligation case evaluations, making a consultation with our legal team a risk-free endeavor.

What Are Some of Texas’s Motorcycle Laws and How Might They Impact Your Case?

There are strict motorcycle laws that were enacted for the safety of motorcyclists and others who share the roads with them. Failure to obey these traffic laws can do more than result in a ticket from the police; it could also endanger your life, as well as weaken your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

Some of the critical motorcycle safety laws of Texas include the following:

• Anyone operating a motorcycle in Texas must have a valid motorcycle driver’s license. Acquiring a motorcycle license may have additional steps depending on your age and other factors.
• All motor vehicle owners are required to carry the necessary liability insurance. There are minimum coverage limits for motorcyclists in the state that must be strictly adhered to.
• Lane splitting is illegal, and doing so can result in hefty fines, points being added to your driver’s license, and a reduced chance of being fairly compensated for injuries following an accident.
• Motorcycles are granted full lane access, meaning that they are entitled to the entire lane just the same as any other automobile.
• Texas laws do not require that everyone wear a helmet. However, state laws do require that anyone under the age of 21 must wear a helmet when either operating or riding a motorcycle. Though the law does not require you to always wear a helmet if you are over age 21, failure to do so could potentially devalue your personal injury claim after an accident.
• All motorcycles must be registered and inspected to ensure that they are roadworthy.
• No passengers under the age of five are permitted to ride on the back of a motorcycle. You may only transport passengers under age five if they are riding in a motorcycle sidecar.

How Do Motorcycle Accidents Occur in the Rio Grande Valley, TX? 

There are many common causes of motorcycle accidents in McAllen and throughout the Lone Star State. Many of the same causes of motorcycle crashes are similar to the causes of other auto accidents, but there may be some differences that uniquely apply to motorcyclists.

Common motorcycle accident causes include the following:

• Driving at excessive speeds, including driving over the speed limit or speeding faster than environmental conditions should allow
• Unsafe lane changes, lane splitting, and dangerous passing attempts
• Various instances of distracted driving, including texting while driving, talking on a cell phone while driving without a hands-free option, and using a dashboard GPS device while driving
• Aggressive or reckless driving, including instances of road rage
• Drunk driving and driving under the influence of drugs, including marijuana, as well as prescription meds and over-the-counter medications
• Failure to yield to the right-of-way of another motorist or pedestrian
• Tailgating or following too closely behind the lead vehicle, which can be especially dangerous for motorcycle riders 
• Running red lights and stop signs, as well as racing through intersections
• Adverse weather conditions, which can cause limited visibility and increase the likelihood of an accident
• Dangerous left-hand turns and U-turns
• Poorly designed roads and roads that have been improperly maintained, which may include debris left in the road or potholes and other hazards
• Underage drivers or inexperienced drivers
• And more

Whatever the cause of your motorcycle collision, if you sustained injuries or other losses, you deserve the right to recover damages from the at-fault motorists and any other negligent parties. Our law firm will help you pursue compensation for any out-of-pocket costs related to the accident, as well as recover compensation for non-economic damages. Contact our Texas law office to schedule your free initial consultation today.

What Are Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Motorcycle injuries are often severe and can leave victims with lasting trauma, permanent disabilities, and other ailments. If you require extensive medical treatment for any motorcycle accident injuries, you should not be the party responsible for those expenses. Allow our firm to represent your case and seek the maximum compensation available for your claim.

Examples of common motorcycle accident injuries include the following:

• Head injuries, including concussions and other far more severe traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries, which sometimes result in complete or partial paralysis 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Back and neck injuries, including severe whiplash
• Vision loss and loss of hearing
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Broken bones and fractures
• Road rash
• Soft tissue injuries
• Disfigurement and extensive scarring
• Loss of limbs
• Deep cuts and heavy bruising
• Nerve damage
• And more

Many motorcycle accident victims who suffer serious head injuries and other catastrophic bodily harm require ongoing medical treatment for many years, or potentially the rest of their lives. Our firm can help you obtain compensation for past, present, and future medical expenses, ensuring you are not unduly burdened by the cost of your medical care.

What Sort of Financial Compensation is Possible with a Successful Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit? 

It’s unfortunate, but insurance companies often have an unfair bias against motorcyclists in Texas and across the country. There is a belief among some that motorcycle riders are thrill seekers and daredevils who put their lives on the line and endanger others who share the roads with them. If someone else’s negligence caused your accident, you need an experienced personal injury attorney capable of fighting back against these unfair biases to help you recover a fair settlement in your case.

If your attorneys can prove that the actions of other negligent drivers caused your crash, you may be able to recover compensation in the form of both economic and non-economic damages. In some cases of extreme neglect and malicious intent, it may also be possible to recover punitive damages.

Examples of potential financial recovery can include the following:

• Past medical bills and future medical expenses, including compensation for rehabilitation services, necessary surgeries, and prescription medication
• Lost wages if unable to return to work, and estimated lost income earning capacity if forever unable to return to your former place of employment
• Property damage compensation, including a settlement for any vehicle repairs or replacements
• Compensation for emotional trauma, mental anguish, and any chronic physical pain and suffering
• Disability, dismemberment, and disfigurement compensation
• Loss of companionship or consortium
• Reduced quality of life or enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death damages, which can include a loss of inheritance, lost benefits, lost expected income, and a settlement for any funeral, burial, or memorial costs

The total value of your personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death claim will depend upon several factors. To learn more, please get in touch with our law office to speak with our experienced team today.

What if the Motorcycle Accident Victim Was Partially at Fault? 

Texas operates under a modified comparative negligence doctrine in personal injury cases, which allows motorcycle accident victims to seek compensation even if they are held partially negligent for causing a crash. However, there are certain restrictions.

Those seeking financial recovery with a Texas motorcycle accident case must be held less than 50% responsible for causing the accident. Anyone over 50% to blame for a personal injury accident may be barred from recovering any amount of compensation in their case.

Your amount of shared negligence can also impact the amount of total compensation you stand to receive. For example, if you were 20% responsible for the cause of the collision, the maximum compensation of your motorcycle accident claim will be reduced by 20%.

To fight for every dime that your motorcycle accident case is worth, contact our law firm for steadfast and aggressive legal representation.

Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm to Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Texas Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today

If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, our attorneys can help you file a personal injury claim in pursuit of fair compensation. Similarly, if you’ve lost a loved one in a tragic collision, our Texas motorcycle accident lawyers can help you seek damages with a wrongful death lawsuit. 

The legal process for seeking a favorable outcome in your motorcycle accident case can be complex, and we encourage you to seek our legal services for assistance. In addition to serving the Rio Grande Valley, we also represent individuals throughout the entire State of Texas. We are committed to providing compassionate support to all injured clients and their family members in these and other legal matters.

To discuss your case in more detail, please contact our law office to schedule a free initial consultation with our attorneys and legal staff today. You can reach us at (956) 201-7787.