If you or someone close to you has been hurt in a motorcycle accident, having the right legal help can make a big difference. Dealing with injuries, medical bills, and insurance companies can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone.
Our team of motorcycle accident attorneys in Houston is here to support you every step of the way. We have experience handling complex cases and know how to deal with insurance companies that often try to minimize payouts.
When you reach out to us, we’ll offer a free consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions. There’s no cost to you unless we win. Let us take care of the paperwork, negotiations, and legal process, so you can focus on healing and getting back on your feet.
Contact us today for a free case review.
It’s important to know what actions to take to protect both your health and your legal rights if you’ve been in a motorcycle accident. Here’s a clear guide to help you through the process:
Get Medical Help Right Away
Even if you feel fine, see a doctor immediately. Some injuries, like concussions or internal damage, might not show symptoms right away. A medical report also serves as crucial evidence if you decide to file a claim.
Call the Police
Dial 911 to report the accident to the Houston Police Department. They will create an official report, which is often essential for insurance claims and legal cases.
Document the Scene
Take pictures and videos of everything: the damage to your motorcycle, the other vehicle, the road conditions, skid marks, and your injuries. These details can be vital for proving what happened.
Exchange Information
Get the name, contact number, insurance details, and license plate number of the other driver involved. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information too.
Be Careful With Statements
Don’t admit fault or make detailed statements to insurance adjusters before speaking to a lawyer. Anything you say could be used against you later.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better. An experienced Houston attorney can help you deal with insurance companies, gather evidence, and build a strong case to get the compensation you deserve.
At Thompson Law, we’re here to guide you through this challenging time. We offer free consultations and only get paid if we win your case. Let us take care of the legal work so you can focus on recoverin
Houston’s busy highways like I-10, I-45, and the 610 Loop pose significant risks for motorcyclists. Here are the primary causes of motorcycle accidents in Houston:
Distracted Driving
In 2023, Texas saw 377 deaths from distracted driving crashes. Houston alone reported 4,165 distracted driving crashes in 2023.
Failure to Yield Right of Way
This accounts for 7% of all motorcycle fatalities in Texas. In Houston, intersections are particularly high-risk areas.
Unsafe Lane Changes
In 2023, 78 fatal crashes were caused by unsafe lane changes; Houston’s multi-lane highways like US-59 and Beltway 8 are hotspots for these incidents.
Speeding
Speeding was a factor in 98 of all Houston traffic fatalities in 2023. On Houston’s highways, where speed limits are 70 mph, the risk increases significantly.
Drunk Driving
In 2023, Houston saw 157 fatal crashes involving drunk driving. These incidents often spike during weekends and holidays.
Understanding these causes and their prevalence can help both motorcyclists and drivers be more vigilant on Houston’s roads. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, consult with an experienced Houston motorcycle accident lawyer to protect your rights and seek appropriate compensation.
Source: TXDOT
Motorcycle riders are extremely vulnerable in crashes and often suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries, such as:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
The violent shaking of the head that occurs during a collision can cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull, leading to severe impairments in cognition, speech, vision, emotional regulation, and motor skills. Traumatic brain injuries can have lifelong consequences and require extensive rehabilitation.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The sudden force applied to the spinal column in a crash frequently leads to damage or severing of the spinal cord. This results in paraplegia or quadriplegia, causing partial or total paralysis of the legs and/or arms. Patients are often left wheelchair-bound and reliant on caregivers.
Road Rash
The friction between a motorcyclist’s unprotected skin and the road surface during a crash causes extremely painful abrasions and burns. Road rash injuries are highly prone to infection and result in scarring.
Broken Bones
High impact collisions on a motorcycle often lead to fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, collar bone, pelvis, and other bone structures. These frequently require surgery and extensive rehabilitation through physical therapy.
Amputated Limbs
The crushing forces or impact during an accident can result in severed arms, hands, legs or feet. This necessitates prosthetics, implants and significant physical therapy to regain function.
These severe injuries lead to massive financial burdens for victims through medical bills, lost income due to disability, and pain and suffering. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will fight tirelessly to recover fair compensation for all crash-related losses suffered by their client.
Understanding Houston’s motorcycle laws is essential for riders in Houston to stay safe and avoid legal issues. These laws aim to protect motorcyclists and other road users, helping to prevent accidents and ensure accountability. Here are some key laws every motorcyclist in Houston should know:
Motorcycles in Houston must have the following:
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident caused by a careless or reckless driver, you have the right to seek financial compensation for the impact the crash has had on your life. Here are some of the areas where you may be eligible to receive compensation:
Medical Bills
This includes the cost of emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, and any future treatments like reconstructive procedures or skin grafts. For instance, if you suffer severe burns or fractures, the medical expenses can quickly add up.
Rehabilitation Costs
Recovery often involves physical therapy or other forms of rehabilitation to regain mobility or strength. These ongoing treatments can be expensive but are crucial for your recovery.
Pain and Suffering
Beyond physical injuries, you can also seek compensation for the emotional toll of the accident. Chronic pain, emotional distress, or the loss of enjoyment in everyday activities may qualify under this category.
Permanent Injuries
If the accident leaves you with a permanent injury, such as the loss of a limb or paralysis, you may be entitled to compensation to help cover medical care, assistive devices, and lifestyle adjustments.
Property Damage
If your motorcycle or personal belongings were damaged or destroyed in the crash, you can include repair or replacement costs in your claim.
Lost Income
If your injuries keep you from working, you can claim lost wages. If the accident has a long-term impact on your ability to work, such as limiting your career options or reducing your earning potential, that loss can also be compensated.
Wrongful Death
In tragic cases where a loved one dies in a motorcycle accident, the family may seek wrongful death compensation. This can cover funeral costs, lost income the deceased would have provided, and the emotional loss for the family.
Every case is unique, so the amount of compensation depends on the specifics of your situation. Speaking with a skilled attorney can help ensure you pursue the full amount you deserve.
A wrongful death happens when a motorcyclist dies because of someone else’s careless or illegal actions. These heartbreaking accidents leave families grieving and often dealing with unexpected financial challenges.
Close family members—such as a spouse, children, parents, or other dependents—can file a wrongful death claim to seek financial relief for the following:
Medical Bills Before Death
If the victim received medical treatment before passing, the costs of emergency care, surgeries, or hospitalization can be included in the claim.
Funeral and Burial Costs
Losing a loved one is hard enough without the stress of covering funeral expenses. A wrongful death claim can help ease this burden.
Lost Financial Support
If the deceased provided for their family through their income, a claim can recover the future financial contributions they would have made.
Pain and Suffering
Families can also seek compensation for the emotional distress caused by losing a loved one. This includes the grief and loss of companionship that often follow such a tragedy.
Unlike criminal cases, which aim to punish the person responsible, a wrongful death claim is about helping families cope financially after their loss.
Motorcyclists are at a higher risk of fatal injuries in accidents compared to car drivers because they lack the protection of a vehicle’s frame. If you’ve lost someone in a motorcycle crash, knowing your rights can help you find justice and secure the support your family needs to move forward.
When you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, having skilled legal representation can make all the difference. At our firm, we have the experience and dedication to handle even the most complex cases. Our goal is to uncover the truth, hold the responsible parties accountable, and secure the compensation you need to move forward.
Here’s how we build a strong case for motorcycle accident victims:
Gathering Evidence
We collect everything needed to support your claim, including:
Expert Analysis
When needed, we work with specialists to strengthen your case. This can include:
Reviewing Key Documents
We carefully analyze:
Examining External Factors
We also consider:
Every motorcycle accident is different, which is why we approach each case with care and attention to detail. With a deep knowledge of Houston law and extensive experience in personal injury claims, we can navigate even the most challenging situations.
Let us stand by your side, fight for your rights, and work toward securing the justice and compensation you deserve.
After a motorcycle accident, having the right legal team can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At Thompson Law, we are dedicated to providing compassionate support, expert guidance, and the results you deserve. Here’s why you can trust us:
No Fees Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront. We only earn a fee if we successfully recover compensation for you. This ensures that you can focus on your recovery without worrying about legal costs.
Proven Results
With over 350 years of combined experience and more than $1.9 billion recovered for our clients, we have the expertise to handle even the most complex motorcycle accident cases. Our track record speaks for itself, and we strive to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
Simple and Efficient Process
Getting started is easy. You can contact us anytime, and a lawyer will be available to speak with you right away. Signing up is simple—whether you prefer to do it from your smartphone or computer—we’ll get to work immediately.
Available 24/7
Accidents don’t happen on a schedule, so we’re available around the clock to provide the support and legal guidance you need. Whether it’s late at night or over the weekend, we’re here to help.
Personalized Attention
We understand that every case is unique. That’s why we provide compassionate, one-on-one attention to each client. We keep you informed every step of the way and ensure that you feel heard and supported throughout the legal process.
Bilingual Support
We offer bilingual assistance for Spanish-speaking clients. Language should never be a barrier to justice, and we are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to the legal support they need.
At Thompson Law, we handle every detail of your case—from investigating the accident and dealing with insurance companies to preparing for trial if necessary. Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation so that you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track.
Don’t wait! Texas law limits the time you have to file a claim after a motorcycle accident. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let our experienced Houston motorcycle accident lawyers fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Refrain from giving any statement until you consult with legal counsel, as insurers may use your words against you.
In Houston, riders under 21 are required to wear helmets, but choosing not to wear one doesn’t completely eliminate your right to seek compensation. If another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you can still pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. However, if not wearing a helmet contributed to the severity of your injuries, it could affect the amount of compensation you receive. Consulting with our Houston motorcycle accident attorneys can help you understand how this might impact your case.
Texas follows modified comparative negligence rules. You can still obtain reduced damages if your actions contributed less than 51% to the collision. An attorney will seek to minimize any liability assigned to you.
Skilled lawyers know how to pursue additional compensation from other liable parties and underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage. We fight to maximize your total recovery.
Retain counsel immediately so key evidence can be preserved, witnesses located, and the claims process started while details are fresh.
The value of a motorcycle accident claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. An experienced attorney can evaluate your case and help you understand what compensation you may be entitled to.
Motorcycle accident settlements can vary widely based on the details of each case. Minor injuries may lead to settlements in the thousands, while severe injuries or wrongful death cases could result in settlements reaching hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
In many cases, car or truck drivers are found to be at fault for failing to see motorcyclists or not yielding the right of way. Common causes include distracted driving, improper lane changes, left-turn collisions, and failure to check blind spots. However, fault is determined based on the unique circumstances of each accident.
If you are injured in any type of accident, your first priority should be to seek immediate medical attention, even if you are not certain that you are injured. Seeking immediate medical treatment does two things: 1) it ensures injuries you sustained are diagnosed and treated; and, 2) it helps eliminate any doubt by the insurance company that your injuries were caused by the accident.
Often, the shock and adrenaline of an accident can mask symptoms of injuries, so making the mistake of skipping a medical examination can have profound consequences. By seeking prompt medical treatment, you protect both your health and your ability to seek compensation for your injuries with the help of your attorney.
If you were in a motor vehicle accident we have also detailed here what to do after a car accident.
A skilled personal injury lawyer is necessary to get full and fair compensation for injuries you sustained in an accident. Most defendants, whether individual drivers or commercial vehicle operators, are covered by liability insurance. Those insurance companies are not obligated to protect or take care of you. Insurance companies exist to protect the defendant (their customer) who caused the wreck.
A personal injury attorney can help you obtain compensation for every category of damages to which you are legally entitled. These damages can include things like: medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain & suffering, punitive damages, loss of limb, diminished mental function, physical impairment, scarring or disfigurement, emotional or mental trauma, and loss of consortium (in wrongful death claims). Further, you may be entitled to future medical bills, future lost income, future pain and suffering, and other damages in severe injury cases.
The largest factor affecting your claim’s value is the severity or magnitude of your injuries. More severe injuries typically require more medical treatment. So it is essential to have all your injuries documented properly by seeking immediate treatment with doctors or hospitals, and continuing under the care and direction of your doctors as long as necessary to heal. Without prompt and consistent medical treatment and documentation, an injury claim becomes very difficult to pursue, let alone win.
Of course, other factors an also have an impact, and each and every case is different. Were you injured in a commercial vehicle wreck or truck wreck that totaled your car, or was it a fender bender that did very little damage? Was the other driver intoxicated or drunk, or speeding? A multitude of factors may play into your claim’s overall likely value. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to visit with you and talk to you more specifically about factors which may affect your particular claim.
In Texas, you usually have two (2) years from the date of incident to file a personal injury claim before it is barred by the statute of limitations. There are exceptions to this 2-year time limit in Texas, for minors and others. Further, other states have different time limits, and the limit that applies is typically for the state in which the accident occurred.
The safest course of action for someone injured in a car wreck, truck wreck, slip and fall, or any other type of accident is to consult with a personal injury attorney. This will help ensure that you do not miss the applicable limitations period. Moreover, it will ensure the right investigations are conducted, and the proper steps are taken to preserve the evidence, photos, witness statements, and records needed to successfully pursue your claim.
If you are injured in a hit-and-run wreck (and are unable to locate the driver) or are hurt in a collision where the other driver does not have insurance, you are not necessarily out of options in terms of financial recovery. You may still be able to recover for your personal injuries if your own policy has Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage or Personal Injury Protection (PIP). It’s a good idea to contact your insurance company to confirm what types of coverage you have on your policy before an accident, but if you have been hit be sure to ask these questions before finalizing your claim request. Even if you do not have UM or PIP, the attorneys and investigators at Thompson Law can work to track down the other driver in a hit-and-run accident. To do this, we rely on witnesses who may have captured a photo of the car or license plate and/or available surveillance camera footage that might have captured the wreck.
Typical damages you can recover in a personal injury claim include: medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and in some cases even punitive damages. In severe injury cases, other damages may be recoverable, such as: future medical bills, future lost income, future pain and suffering, loss of body member or mental function, physical impairment, disfigurement, emotional or mental trauma, and loss of consortium (in wrongful death claims).
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage can help save the day if you are hit by an uninsured driver or if you are the victim in a hit-and-run collision. In short, UM coverage is an add-on coverage that drivers can add to their auto insurance policies that will protect them in the event that they are in an auto accident with a driver who either does not have insurance or cannot be located. You can contact your insurance provider to confirm whether your policy includes UM. If you do not have this coverage, the personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law recommend that you consider adding UM to your auto insurance policy today.
Knowing how comparative negligence works is vital if you live in a state that uses it. In simple terms, comparative negligence implies both drivers can share fault for an accident, but one driver can be more at fault than the other. For example, you are texting while driving when another driver runs a stop sign and hits your car.
A jury finds that the driver who ran the stop sign is 80 percent at fault, but they believe you would have had a better chance of avoiding the accident if you were not texting at the time. They find you 20 percent at fault. You can only collect enough compensation to cover the other driver’s fault. In this case, you would get $8,000 if the jury thinks your case is worth $10,000.
Having the police respond to the accident scene is of paramount importance. Make sure that YOU call them and insist that they come and investigate the accident. When the police arrive, they will separate the drivers and witnesses from one another and take statements from everyone involved. Be cooperative, detailed, and firm in describing the accident. The investigating officer will usually determine fault based upon these statements, and it is essential that your version of the events is heard and believed. If you think that you may be injured, make that clear to the officer. If an ambulance or other medical professionals arrive on scene, get checked out. If not, make plans to visit an emergency room or doctor soon after you leave the scene. Before you do leave for this care, the officer will provide you with a report number and their contact information. Make sure this information is safely saved, as it will be very important in any auto accident injury claim you may have.
Call an attorney. Your first instinct might be to call your insurance company, but it’s best to seek legal council first so you don’t accidentally admit guilt or take responsibility for the accident. In many cases your attorney will call the insurance company for you to prevent that from happening.
Absolutely not. It’s important to leave the investigation to the professionals. They know exactly how to work a case to determine all of the facts and details.
Typically, yes. If a family member is seriously injured or killed in an accident, or if the injured party is a minor child, then it may be appropriate under the law for a parent, spouse, relative, or legal guardian to file a claim or lawsuit on behalf of the injured or deceased party. These types of claims are complex, and usually depend on the type of relationship involved, as well as the individual facts and circumstances of the injury. Calling the experienced personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law is step one to explore filing an injury claim on behalf of your loved one.
In Texas, even if you are partially to blame for a car accident, you may be able to recover some of your damages from the other party. Under Texas’s proportionate responsibility system (also known as comparative negligence), unless you as the claimant/plaintiff are determined more than 51% at fault, you may recover legal damages that are reduced by the percentage you are determined at fault.
For example, if you are determined to be 30% at fault, you can recover 70% of your damages from the other responsible party (you can’t recover the other 30% because that was the amount of liability that was determined to lie with you). The personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law can help you navigate this proportionate responsibility system, or can explain negligence laws by state if your accident occurred outside of Texas.
Unless you ran a red light or were exceeding the speed limit, the driver turning left is responsible.
I’ve Been in a Motorcycle Accident. What Should I Do?
Sadly, people tend to jump to blame motorcyclists for causing collisions, even though basic motorcycle training helps make motorcyclists among the most conscientious and aware drivers on the road. In fact, more often than not, the other motorist is at-fault in collisions with motorcycles. Remember these 6 steps to make sure you are safe and to help preserve your legal case right from the start:
While Texas law does not legally require you to wear a helmet, basic motorcycle training tells you to wear “All the Gear, All the Time” – and this is just as important for when you are in an accident. Not only will wearing a helmet help reduce the likelihood of serious injury, but refusing to wear a helmet can work against you when trying to prove your case. Unfortunately, an insurance carrier adjuster, or even a jury, may believe that your failure to wear a helmet contributed to the severity of your injuries and try to blame you as the victim for being injured. There simply is no reason to give the insurance adjuster or a jury any reason to put any fault on you or to endanger yourself. Wear a helmet, always!
Check the back of the helmet – there should be a sticker that tells you if the helmet meets one of the three safety standard certifications. There are three major safety standards for motorcycle helmets: DOT (“Department of Transportation”, ECE “Economic Commission for Europe”, and SNELL (“Snell Memorial Foundation”). If a helmet has one of these safety certifications, this means that it has passed testing by one of these organizations, which is a sign of the helmet’s quality and safety rating. The most basic safety standard is usually considered to be DOT, and ECE is very similar. SNELL is considered to be a more demanding safety standard. At minimum, you should try to purchase helmets with these safety standards, and preferably DOT/SNELL, for the highest safety rated helmets. Additionally, a helmet is a purchase you should always buy new. A previously owned or used helmet may have been damaged or compromised in a way that has diminished its structure and features, leaving you vulnerable to more severe injury.
Helmet laws are valid in many states. By having Helmet laws, states can reduce the risk of injury to the motorcycle driver, and contribute towards lower health care and insurance payouts.
Given the vulnerability of motorcycle riders, even minor, low-speed accidents can result in lifelong injuries, and the severity of your injures might not be apparent right away. Insist on emergency medical attention after any motorcycle accident, as speed of care can make a life changing difference. Additionally, the motorcyclist involved in the accident is usually not the person at-fault for the collision, so it is important to make sure that the details of the event are correctly represented. Contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible to help preserve the details of your accident and to explain your right to compensation from the responsible party.
If you or a family member are injured in an automobile accident, you cannot afford NOT to hire the very best attorney available. Thompson Law works on a contingency fee basis. What this means is that you only pay legal fees IF we win for you and AFTER your case is settled.
We understand that legal fees upfront are simply too much to deal with after a serious accident where you are dealing with property damage repairs, medical bills, missed work and lost wages. The fact that you owe $0 upfront is an added bonus when you hire great legal representation at Thompson Law.
If you were injured as the result of someone else’s negligence, there is a good chance we can help you out. We will look at the facts of your accident, whether a car wreck, truck wreck, motorcycle accident, or on-the-job-injury and examine whatever reports or records are available. If we believe that you were injured and it was someone else’s fault, it is likely to be a case we can take. The more information and documentation you can give us about your accident and your injuries, the quicker we can evaluate your case and let you know. Give us a call or reach out online anytime!
The best personal injury attorney has three major characteristics: Excellent customer service, cutting edge technology, and a willingness to take cases and win at trial. Ask your potential attorney about the client experience they offer, what kind of technology they use to make your life easier, and when was the last time they took a case to jury trial. Asking these types of questions will give you guidance on what kind of experience you can expect as a client and what kind of results you can expect at the end of your case.
Thompson Law has high ratings from clients for its emphasis on customer service, and its attorneys have achieved significant results on small, large, and complex cases alike. No matter if you have been involved in a minor car wreck or are dealing with catastrophic injuries from a rarer and more devastating event like a terrible workplace accident, dog bite, or an 18 wheeler wreck, Thompson Law can assist you.
Yes! Thompson Law is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide free consultations. If you have been injured in a truck wreck or car accident, hurt in a slip and fall incident, or otherwise injured from the negligence of another person or party, give us a call any time at 1-800-LION-LAW. We can speak to you over the phone, chat online through our website or social media outlets, or arrange an in-person meeting at your convenience. Our team is ready to help!
Thompson Law is available 24/7 to provide free consultations and to sign up new clients. We can sign you up over the phone or we can send one of our experienced licensed investigators to meet you at the hospital or at your home if you prefer. Whether you live in Arlington, Fort Worth, El Paso, San Antonio, or even outside of the state of Texas, we are always here to assist you and provide the resources you need at a difficult time. We do the hard work for you so that you can focus on healing from your injuries.
Let’s be honest: this isn’t a legal show on TV and your case will not settle in the next hour – or even tomorrow. The true answer is: it depends. We find that most cases settle within 6-12 months from date of incident; but the timeline in your case could be shorter or longer depending on: the facts and circumstances of the accident; the length of time it takes you to complete medical treatment; and the character of the insurance company, or companies, involved in your case. In the event that your case cannot settle pre-litigation and it becomes necessary to file a lawsuit, the litigation process alone can take 1 to 2 years due to the court system and legal process necessary to prepare for trial. But because so much of the timeline depends on the facts and circumstances of your unique case, call Thompson Law today to discuss the personal injury claims process.
Thompson Law charges NO FEES unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We have put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements into our clients’ pockets.
Contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get answers to your questions, and understand your legal options. State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.