Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Experienced Motorcycle Injury Attorneys Serving Clients in Houston, All of Texas, and Nationwide

Riding a motorcycle is more than a way to get from point A to point B. For many riders, it is a lifestyle of fresh air and freedom. Unfortunately, many motorcyclists suffer serious injury as a result of other drivers’ carelessness.

The risk of catastrophic injuries in a motorcycle accident is very high, and the impact on your life can be permanent. If you have been hurt in a motorcycle wreck, Patrick Daniel Law is here to help.

Our motorcycle accident lawyers have the experience and the tenacity to pursue the just compensation you deserve for your injuries. For a free consultation, please call (713) 999-6666 or contact us online today. Patrick Daniel Law serves clients throughout the greater Houston area and other parts of Texas.

Should I Get a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident?

Although motorcycles make up a relatively small segment of the number of vehicles on the road, motorcyclists suffer a disproportionately high rate of accident injuries and fatalities. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, 410 motorcyclists were killed and 6,364 suffered some degree of injury in accidents in 2019 (the most recent year of data).

If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, it is in your best interest to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Legal representation for victims of motorcycle accidents is especially important for several reasons:

• The high likelihood of serious injury
• The extent of damages in most motorcycle accident claims
• The prevalence of single-vehicle accidents involving motorcycles (i.e., crashes where the motorcyclist is forced off the road or falls off the bike without colliding with another vehicle)
• The unfair image of motorcycle riders as risk-takers

With everything at stake after a motorcycle accident – your health and well-being, your finances, your quality of life, and more – you need experienced legal counsel on your side. Our attorneys can investigate the accident, calculate the damages in your case, and build a strong claim on your behalf.

Meet the Attorneys at Patrick Daniel Law.

Common Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcyclists are afforded significantly less protection than the drivers and passengers of other motor vehicles. Even if you wear a helmet, heavy jacket, and other protective gear, you may still suffer significant injuries in an accident.

Some of the most common serious injuries riders suffer in motorcycle crashes include:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Bone fractures
• “Road rash” (severe abrasions to the skin)
• Neck and back injuries
• Spinal cord injury
• Degloving injuries (where skin and blood cells are torn away, leaving underlying tissue exposed)
• Soft tissue damage
• Burn injuries
• Amputation of limbs

In addition to being more likely to suffer injuries in an accident, motorcyclists are also at a higher risk of fatalities. Even at relatively slow speeds, the outcome of a collision can be fatal.

Does Health Insurance Cover Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, the treatment you receive may be covered by your medical insurance. Health insurance coverage should defray at least some of the costs associated with emergency room care, diagnostic and imaging services, hospitalization, surgery, prescription medications, therapies, and more.

As with any time you visit the doctor, however, you will likely end up paying some expenses out of pocket, including copays and deductible. In addition, you may be responsible for paying some or all of the care you receive for out-of-network services and for services that are not covered by your health insurance policy.

Given the financial pressure posed by the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, you might be tempted to forgo certain medical treatments due to the associated cost. However, your health should be your number-one priority.

Following your doctors’ orders and getting the treatment you need results in a higher likelihood of recovery from your injuries. Our motorcycle accident attorneys can pursue compensation for all of the medical bills you have incurred, including deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket expenses.

Can You Get PTSD from a Motorcycle Accident?

In addition to the high likelihood of physical injuries, motorcycle accidents can also result in psychological trauma. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one serious mental health disturbance that injured motorcyclists may suffer after an accident. 

PTSD after a motorcycle accident may be characterized by symptoms such as:

• Flashbacks in which victims “relive” the accident
• Intrusive thoughts and memories of the accident
• Hypervigilance (elevated alertness and anticipation of danger)
• Extreme fear response
• Depression
• Withdrawal from family, friends, and everyday life
• Difficulty with concentration
• Recurring nightmares

The symptoms of PTSD are not confined to issues affecting psychological health. Victims of motorcycle accidents and other events resulting in PTSD may have trouble sleeping, abuse alcohol or drugs, exhibit aggressive behavior, become reckless or impulsive, and more.

If you have been in a motorcycle accident, it is crucial to see to your mental health as well as your physical health. A mental health professional can help you work through issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more.

Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover Medical Bills?

Motorcyclists in Texas are required to carry the same insurance as the drivers of other motor vehicles. The minimum requirements for Texas motorcycle insurance are:

• $30,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person
• $60,000 bodily injury liability coverage per accident
• $25,000 property damage liability coverage

These insurance coverages pay for bodily injury and property damage if you cause an accident. If you only have the minimum coverage, your motorcycle insurance will unfortunately not cover your medical bills and other losses.

You may have access to benefits covering medical expenses if you purchase insurance coverage beyond the mandatory minimum. For example, medical payments insurance (also known as MedPay) is an optional policy that covers expenses associated with medical treatment for you and your insureds in the event of an accident.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

The first thing you should do after the accident is call 911 if you are able. If you are seriously injured, try not to move and get the at-fault driver or a bystander to make the call. Rescue personnel will assess your injuries and, in most cases, will transport you to the hospital for emergency treatment.

In the event that you are treated at the scene and released, however, there are several steps you can take to begin building your motorcycle accident claim.

Step #1: Give a Statement to the Police Officer

In Texas, the police must be called to any accident scene involving over $1,000 in property damage or where an injury or death occurred. When an officer arrives to take your statement, give him or her a full, honest account of what happened without admitting fault.

The police report will be important to build your motorcycle accident claim. After giving your statement to the officer, be sure to get his or her name, badge number, and precinct, and ask how and when you can get a copy of the report.

Step #2: Exchange Information with the Driver

Whether you take notes or pictures of the documents with your phone, you will need to gather the following information:

• The name, address, and driver license number for all drivers involved in the accident
• Phone numbers and other contact information for those involved
• The policy number and name of each driver’s insurance carrier
• The license plate numbers for all vehicles

Gathering this information at the scene will make it easier to initiate legal proceedings against the at-fault driver.

Step #3: Speak to Witnesses

If any bystanders saw what happened, ask them if they can share their account of the accident. Specifically, you will want to ask:

• What they saw
• Their name
• Their contact information

Third-party testimony is useful whether it reflects favorably on your case or not. If the witness says you weren’t in the wrong, that strengthens your claim. If a witness asserts that you contributed to the accident, that helps us prepare for defense arguments that you are partially liable.

Step #4: Take Photos of the Accident Scene

After a motorcycle accident, insurance companies will dispatch accident investigators to the scene as soon as possible. These investigators will take pictures and make extensive notes, but they aren’t doing it to help you – they are doing it to protect their employer.

Use the camera on your smartphone to take photos of anything you think might be relevant should you decide to pursue a claim. This may include the damage to your bike and the other vehicle, the injuries you sustained, signs of the accident on the road (i.e., skidmarks, damaged guardrails, etc.), and more.

Step #5: Seek Medical Attention ASAP

Once you are ready to leave the scene of the accident, your first stop should be the emergency department or your doctor’s office for a thorough evaluation. Paramedics are trained to identify serious injuries and render aid on-site, but they aren’t doctors and they don’t have access to the resources that enable them to assess the full scope of your injuries.

Timely medical care after a motorcycle accident is important for two major reasons:

1. Injuries like a concussion may have minimal presentation at the crash site but can become more severe without intervention
2. If you don’t receive timely care and later file a claim, the defense will seize upon the delay to question the seriousness of your injuries

Seeing a doctor or going to the emergency room as soon as possible after a motorcycle accident will create a record of the injuries you have suffered. Your medical records, as well as the bills associated with them, will be a key component in determining how much compensation you may be entitled to for your injuries.

Step #6: Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

The insurance companies start building their defense right away after the accident. As the victim, it is in your best interest to start building a strong offense as soon as possible. You should certainly speak to a lawyer before you say one word to an insurance adjuster.

Contact Patrick Daniel Law today for a free evaluation of your case.

Patrick Daniel Law takes aggressive action on behalf of clients in motorcycle accident cases. We protect your right to compensation, and our lawyers aren’t afraid to go to trial if that is the best way to achieve the outcome you deserve.

How Can I Avoid a Motorcycle Accident?

Every driver’s ed class focuses on the importance of defensive driving. Similarly, motorcyclists must also be aware of the importance of defensive riding.

Some of the steps you can take to avoid motorcycle accidents include:

1. Leave plenty of room between your bike and other vehicles: Following another vehicle too closely is a leading cause of accidents. In addition to keeping a safe distance between your bike and the car in front of you, watch the vehicles on both sides and try to stay within the center of your lane.
2. Watch for vehicles turning left: Intersections are among the most dangerous areas for motorcyclists. When drivers turn left, they may fail to see oncoming motorcycles. As you approach an intersection, watch the driver or drivers in the opposite lane for signs that they might turn in front of you.
3. Check your speed: Speeding is another leading cause of motorcycle accidents. Although you cannot control the speed at which other drivers travel, you can modify your own speed to stay within the limit and reduce the likelihood of a wreck.
4. Watch the weather: Motorcycles are significantly more vulnerable to crashes caused by inclement weather than other types of vehicles. Parts of Texas are no stranger to heavy rain and wind, so be sure to check the forecast before you hit the road.
5. Don’t split lanes: Lane splitting – the practice of riding in between lanes of traffic – is illegal in Texas. Motorcyclists who engage in lane splitting can suffer injury if a driver changes lanes in front of them. For your safety and to keep within the law, it is crucial to stay in one lane wherever you ride.
6. Avoid alcohol: Drinking negatively impacts hand-eye coordination, decision making, and other key aspects of driving or operating a motorcycle safely. Never drink alcohol and get on your bike.
7. Use caution when turning: Taking a corner too fast can cause you to lose control of your motorcycle. As you round a curve, reduce your speed and watch for potential hazards.
8. Maintain your bike: One of the best ways to avoid an accident is to keep your motorcycle in safe working order. Perform necessary maintenance and repairs and check the tires, brakes, and fluids regularly.
9. Wear the right safety gear: A helmet, motorcycle jacket, and other equipment can reduce your risk of injury in the event of an accident. It is in your best interest to gear up before every ride.
10. Enhance your visibility: Texas law requires motorcycles to be fitted with at least one headlamp, taillamp, and rear reflector. You can also improve your visibility to other drivers at night by wearing light-colored clothing and/or reflective materials.

Unfortunately, accidents may still happen despite your best efforts to stay safe. If you are in a motorcycle accident, there are several steps you can take.

Compensation in Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

Given the likelihood of catastrophic injuries in a motorcycle accident and the expenses associated with treating those injuries, damages in these cases tend to be high. If you are not at fault for the crash, you shouldn’t have to shoulder a single dollar of the financial burden on your own.

After evaluating your claim, our motorcycle accident lawyers will pursue the full recovery you deserve. You may be entitled to compensation for:

• The cost of medical treatment
• Anticipated expenses for future medical care and therapy
• The earnings you lost while you couldn’t work after the accident
• Loss of future income if your injuries prevent you from going back to your job
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish
• Costs for special circumstances, such as modifications to your home and vehicle, home healthcare and other professionals, etc.

Punitive damages, or compensation awarded to you as a means of punishing or making an example of the defendant, may also be available in your case. In Texas, punitive damages are generally restricted to claims in which the defendant willfully caused harm or where the negligence was extreme.

What Should I Expect from the Insurance Adjuster?

You are legally required to report the motorcycle accident to your insurance company. If an adjuster from the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier tries to contact you, however, you should limit communications as much as possible.

Insurance adjusters are trained to reduce the amount of compensation their employer has to pay out for accident claims. Although the adjuster may seem friendly, he or she does not have your best interest in mind.

Some of the tactics an insurance adjuster may use against you include:

• Offering you a small settlement and claiming it is “the best they can do.”
• Asking leading questions in an effort to get you to admit fault or say things against your interest.
• Requesting a recorded statement (which the insurance company will scrutinize and later use against you).
• Asking you to sign a medical release.

By engaging with the adjuster or giving in to these tactics, you run the risk of devaluing your motorcycle accident claim or forfeiting the right to compensation altogether. Many claimants fall into the trap of accepting a settlement that doesn’t fully cover their losses or saying something that the insurance company can use to justify denying or underpaying a claim.

Instead of trying to work with the insurance company yourself, it is in your best interest to contact an attorney as soon as possible. The motorcycle accident lawyers at Patrick Daniel Law can handle communications with the insurer on your behalf and pursue fair compensation for your losses.

What Is the Average Payout for a Motorcycle Accident?

The compensation you may be entitled to after a motorcycle accident will depend on the type and extent of the damages you and your family sustain. Although you may find varying statistics for “average” verdicts and settlements after a motorcycle accident (or even free online tools that claim to tell you “how much your case is worth”), it is important not to believe everything you read.

Ultimately, the specific details of your case will determine how much you may be able to recover. Some of the factors that may affect the value of your claim include:

• The severity of your injuries
• The monetary value of your economic and non-economic losses
• The insurance coverage held by the parties in the case
• Whether your case settles or goes to court (insurance settlement payouts are typically lower than verdicts awarded at trial)
• The conduct of the at-fault party or parties (courts will only award punitive damages if you can prove extreme recklessness or malice on the part of the defendant(s))
• Issues of comparative fault

Another factor that can impact your motorcycle accident payout or trial result is the decision to retain a lawyer. Claimants who hire an attorney typically recover much more in compensation than those who try to handle the claim on their own.

Wrongful Death Compensation in Motorcycle Accident Cases

If you lose a loved one in a motorcycle accident where another party was at fault, your family can recover damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. In Texas, spouses, children, and parents of the deceased rider are entitled to compensation for:

• The loss of income and other financial support the deceased would otherwise have provided
• Expenses for funeral, burial, and cremation
• Emotional distress
• Lost care, affection, and guidance (loss of consortium)

By filing a survivor action, you may also be entitled to damages for the medical costs incurred before your loved one passed away, as well as his or her pain and suffering.

What Is the Most Common Cause of Motorcycle Accidents?

Attorneys at Patrick Daniel Law have tried motorcycle accident claims arising from a number of different circumstances. In most instances, the fault rests with the driver whose negligence behind the wheel of a car or other motor vehicle causes the accident.

The most common causes of motorcycle accidents resulting from another driver’s error include:

• Distracted driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, etc.
• Drunk driving
• Speeding
• Following too closely
• Failure to yield
• Failure to check blindspots
• Failure to check oncoming traffic in an intersection when making a left turn
• Dooring, or opening a car door into traffic as a motorcycle passes the vehicle

Not all motorcycle accidents involve actual collisions with another vehicle. In some cases, riders may avoid getting struck by the vehicle only to crash their bikes in the course of taking evasive action. In other instances, the wreck may not involve another vehicle all.

Near-Miss Accidents

With a near-miss, either the motorcyclist takes evasive action to avoid the collision or the other driver makes a last-second adjustment. The driver of the car may be able to regain control and continue traveling as normal, but this isn’t always the case for the motorcyclist.

Riders in a near-miss may crash because:

• The bike slides out from under them
• They don’t have time to brake
• They are hurtled over the handlebars
• They are run off the road

Any one of these single-vehicle accidents can lead to serious injuries. In addition, it puts the motorcyclist at risk of being struck by other nearby vehicles.

Defective Motorcycle Accidents

Some accidents are the result of negligence on the part of the manufacturer of your motorcycle. Any number of different parts can fail due to a defect, including:

• The fuel tank
• Tires
• Brakes
• The frame of the bike
• The handlebars
• The headlight

If the defect resulted in an accident, the motorcycle accident attorneys at Patrick Daniel Law can pursue compensation on your behalf from the company that manufactured the part. Our team is well-equipped to take on multi-billion-dollar corporations in pursuit of the recovery you deserve in your case.

Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Unsafe Roads

Another major cause of single-vehicle accidents involving motorcycles is negligent road design and maintenance. Although potholes, cracks in the pavement, missing or damaged guardrails, and other hazards pose a risk to all vehicles, motorcycles tend to be at the highest risk of a crash from these factors.

Fault for the accident may lie with the government agency responsible for designing and keeping the road in safe condition, or the liable party could be the construction company or a subcontractor that failed to build the road properly – or a combination of these and other parties.

Our lawyers will investigate the accident to determine who is responsible. Then, we will pursue the compensation you deserve from all of the parties whose negligence caused you to crash.

Who Is Liable for Motorcycle Accidents?

One or more parties may be at fault for a motorcycle accident. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to file claims against:

• A driver: Most motorcycle accident claims center on collisions between a motorcyclist and a passenger vehicle. If the driver was negligent, you may be entitled to damages.
• A business: From big rigs to buses, commercial vehicle accidents can take a variety of forms in the Houston area. The company that hires a commercial driver may be liable if an employee causes an accident while on the clock.
• A vehicle or parts manufacturer: Prominent defective product claims frequently stem from accidents caused by faulty vehicles and parts. Multiple parties in the chain of distribution may be liable for defective design or manufacturing of your motorcycle or a component part on the bike.
• A bar, restaurant, or other establishment serving alcohol: If the driver who caused the accident was impaired, you may be able to recover compensation through a dram shop law claim against the establishment that over-served the customer.
• A government entity: All vehicles are adversely affected by roads that are poorly designed and maintained. However, motorcycles are particularly vulnerable to unsafe roads. You may have a claim against the state or local government responsible for the road if hazardous conditions caused you to crash.

Identifying the at-fault party or parties in a motorcycle accident claim can be difficult. The attorneys at Patrick Daniel Law will conduct a thorough investigation of what caused the accident to determine who is liable.

What Is the Motorcycle Helmet Law in Texas?

Not all motorcyclists in Texas are legally required to wear helmets. All riders under the age of 21 must wear a helmet. However, motorcyclists who are at least 21 years old can ride without a helmet if they (i) have completed an approved safety course for motorcycle operators or (ii) can provide proof of a minimum $10,000 in medical insurance.

Wearing a helmet is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself in the event of a motorcycle accident. However, if you were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, this does not necessarily preclude you from recovering compensation (provided you follow the legal requirements outlined above).

That said, if it is determined that wearing a helmet may have prevented or relieved the seriousness of the injuries you sustained, you may be able to recover less in damages under the rule of comparative negligence.

How Does Comparative Negligence Affect My Motorcycle Accident Claim?

It is not uncommon for motorists to dispute who is at fault for an accident. Unfortunately, motorcyclists get the blame far too often – frequently when they are the victim of a driver’s negligence.

Riders of motorcycles often face the stereotype that they are careless or overly aggressive on the road. In reality, however, more motorcycle accidents are the result of negligence on the driver’s part than errors made by motorcyclists.

Even still, the at-fault drivers in motorcycle accidents frequently claim that the rider contributed to or is even wholly responsible for the crash. Liable insurance companies may use allegations of comparative negligence to justify a lower payout or even deny your accident claim.

You may still be able to recover damages in a motorcycle accident claim if you are found partially at fault. The Texas comparative negligence law allows parties that are partially at fault to recover compensation so long as they are no more than 50 percent responsible for the accident. Damages are reduced in proportion to the percentage of fault.

However, if the other driver was totally at fault for the accident, you should not have to be forced to settle for less. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer at Patrick Daniel Law can advocate for the compensation you deserve and contest accusations of contributory negligence on your part.

How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Take?

First, it is important to note that it may be unnecessary to file a lawsuit to recover compensation after a motorcycle accident. In fact, most accident claims are settled out of court with no need to file suit.

That said, filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company does not automatically result in compensation. The insurer may deny your claim or make a low-ball settlement that does not adequately cover your damages.

An experienced lawyer can handle negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. Though it may take weeks or months to reach a fair settlement (depending on factors such as the evidence in your case, the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate, etc.), claims are generally resolved faster when you have an attorney.

In the event that the insurance carrier will not compensate you fairly, you and your lawyer can discuss filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit. Accident claims can take months or, in some cases, more than a year to move through the crowded court dockets. However, when fair compensation for your injuries is on the line, it is worth exploring all available options.

Why Choose Patrick Daniel Law for Your Motorcycle Accident Case

One of the most frustrating facets of any motorcycle accident is how quickly insurance companies place the blame on the biker. Passing the buck is standard operating procedure when anyone files a claim, but the insurance companies will always try to paint the motorcyclist as the one who is at fault for the crash. If they offer a settlement at all, it will almost certainly be nowhere close to covering your expenses.

At Patrick Daniel Law, we make it a priority to be the voice for accident victims who would otherwise be taken advantage of by the insurance companies. We stand up for you through the entirety of your case.

This begins at your free case evaluation. You will tell your story to our team so we can understand the overall impact of the motorcycle accident on your life: not just the financial expenses but the emotional toll and the effects on your family.

If you decide to hire us, our attorneys and staff will fully investigate the accident. We will also calculate the damages you may be entitled to based on the economic and non-economic losses you have suffered.

After issuing this demand to the insurance company, we will handle the hard work of negotiations and other activities so you can focus on recovering. We will continually provide you with updates on your case, and you can contact us any time with questions or concerns.

Many motorcycle accident cases settle before they make it to the courtroom, but our goal is to get you the most money possible. Whether that comes from a settlement or a verdict attained at trial, we are prepared to do what is best for you and your family.

How Much Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Cost?

At Patrick Daniel Law, your initial consultation is free. In addition, you do not pay attorneys’ fees until we achieve a favorable result in your motorcycle accident case.

This is known as a contingency fee agreement, and it is an essential component of personal injury law.

If lawyers charged accident victims upfront fees or required ongoing payment during the course of the case, they would have very few clients. Legal bills are the last thing someone who is seriously injured and unable to work needs.

With contingency fees, your attorney doesn’t get paid until you do. This relieves the burden of upfront payment, enabling you to seek qualified legal guidance without having to be concerned about how hiring a motorcycle accident attorney will affect your finances.

Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Houston Today

If you need legal assistance after a motorcycle accident, Patrick Daniel Law is here to help. We are trial lawyers, which means we will exhaust every avenue – including going to court – in pursuit of justice in your case.

Please call (713) 999-6666 or contact us online for your free case review. Our law firm serves clients throughout the greater Houston area and all of Texas.