Odessa Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Did You Sustain Trauma in a Motorcycle Collision?

No win No Fee Until We Win For You!

Riding a motorcycle provides an unparalleled sense of freedom. But the risks motorcycle riders face from careless drivers are all too real. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in the Odessa area or anywhere in Texas, you need strong legal advocates on your side. The accomplished Odessa motorcycle accident lawyers at Thompson Law have helped numerous injured riders across Texas maximize their compensation after crashes.

We are aggressive yet compassionate advocates, and handle every aspect of these complex cases – from investigating accident details to negotiating fair settlements – so you can focus on healing. Contact our Odessa motorcycle accident lawyers offices online or call (844) 308-8180 for a FREE CONSULTATION. Our legal team is standing by 24/7 to help you recover physically, emotionally and financially.

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What to do when Involved in a Motorcycle Accident?

  • Move to a safe place. If you can, move yourself and your motorcycle out of traffic and onto the shoulder of the road. This will help prevent any further collisions and allow emergency vehicles access to the scene. Do not remove your helmet unless you have to.
  • Call 911. Report the accident to the police and request medical assistance if needed. Be prepared to provide the exact location, details of the accident, injuries, and number of vehicles involved.
  • Render aid. If there are serious injuries and you are able, provide basic first aid until first responders arrive. Do not move injured victims unless absolutely necessary.
  • Document the scene. Take photos of damage, skid marks, location, etc. if you are able. This visual evidence can help investigators reconstruct the accident.
  • Exchange information. Get the names and contact information of the other driver(s) involved as well as any witnesses who saw the accident. Also provide your license, registration and insurance cards.
  • Seek medical attention. Even if you don’t have obvious injuries, get checked out by a doctor. Symptoms from motorcycle injuries like concussions often take time to manifest. Having a medical record will also help if you need to pursue compensation later.
  • Contact a lawyer. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help advise you of your rights, deal with insurance companies on your behalf and make sure you get full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering.
  • Limit communication. Do not discuss fault or make any statements about the accident other than with the police, your lawyer and your insurance company. Anything you say can be used against you later.

Texas Motorcycle Accident Statistics

  • In 2022, 562 motorcycle riders were killed in motor vehicle crashes in Texas, representing an 8% increase from the previous year
  • In 2020, there were 1,855 motorcyclists killed in crashes across the United States. Of those, 399 fatalities occurred in Texas alone, the highest of any state.
  • Texas had 4,010 serious injury motorcycle crashes in 2020. These are crashes where the most severely injured victim did not die at the crash site but sustained incapacitating injuries.
  • Motorcycle rider fatalities accounted for 14% of all motor vehicle deaths in Texas in 2020, while motorcycles make up less than 1% of all registered vehicles in the state.
  • Over the past 10 years (2011-2020), Texas has averaged 426 motorcycle fatalities per year.
  • In Texas in 2020, 35% of all motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes were not wearing helmets. Helmet use is not mandated for all riders over age 21 in Texas.
  • Speeding and alcohol impairment are major factors in Texas motorcycle crashes. In 2020, 37% of fatal motorcycle crashes in the state involved speeding, and 27% involved an impaired rider.
  • Approximately 1 out of every 7 motorcycle riders involved in a fatal crash in Texas was not licensed to operate a motorcycle.
  • The counties with the highest numbers of motorcycle fatalities in 2020 were Harris 54, Bexar 49, Dallas 35, Tarrant 34 and Travis 21.

Odessa Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Some key Odessa motorcycle accident statistics:

  • Over 100 motorcyclists are injured every year in crashes in the Midland-Odessa region.
  • In 2019, there were 37 motorcycle traffic crashes in Odessa, which resulted in 6 motorcyclist fatalities.
  • Fatal motorcycle accidents occur in the Odessa area at nearly double the statewide average.
  • Speed-related factors contribute to 50% of Odessa-area motorcycle crashes.
  • Nearly 75% of motorcycle accidents in Midland-Odessa result in orthopedic injuries.
  • Lack of a DOT-compliant helmet contributes to over 60% of motorcyclist fatalities in Texas.

Navigating a complex motorcycle injury claim is difficult while trying to physically and emotionally recover from a serious crash. You need dedicated legal advocates in your corner. For over a decade, the Odessa motorcycle accident lawyers at Thompson Law have fought for injured victims across Texas, handling every aspect of their cases seamlessly so they can concentrate on getting their lives back on track. We know how to maximize your compensation by investigating every factor that caused the collision, proving negligence, calculating accident costs, negotiating strategically with insurance companies, and taking your case to trial if needed. Thompson Law also provides compassionate support so you don’t feel alone.

If you or someone you care about has been harmed in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver, defective product or unsafe road conditions, take action now to protect your rights. Contact our Odessa motorcycle accident lawyers offices online or call (844) 308-8180 for a FREE CONSULTATION. Our legal team is standing by 24/7 to help you recover physically, emotionally and financially.

Sources: NHTSA, TXDOT, IIHS.

No Fee No Win

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Odessa

Driver Negligence

  • Speeding, distracted or impaired drivers
  • Drivers running red lights and stop signs
  • Unsafe lane changes and failure to yield
  • Disregarding motorcycle right-of-way
  • Passing too closely or swerving into bikes
  • Opening car doors into motorcycles’ path
  • Tailgating motorcycles instead of maintaining safe distance

Dangerous Roads & Conditions

  • Poorly maintained roads with potholes, debris
  • Slippery surfaces like oil spills, gravel, wet leaves
  • Unmarked or uneven pavement and lane dividers
  • Areas with loose sand, mud or grass clippings
  • Poorly lit roads or intersections at night
  • Lack of motorcycle lanes and runoff areas
  • Unprotected construction zones or road hazards

Motorcycle Defects

  • Defective or mismatched tires
  • Brake system failures
  • Gas tank issues leading to leaks or fires
  • Wheels that detach from axles
  • Handlebar failures causing loss of control
  • Loose or missing bolts causing critical parts to detach
  • Faulty gauges or indicators masking mechanical issues
  • Improper motorcycle modifications contrary to safety standards

The Motorcycle Accident Litigation Process

Here is an overview of the key stages involved in a Texas motorcycle accident lawsuit:

  • Case Investigation – We thoroughly examine liability factors, secure evidence from the scene, obtain police reports, interview witnesses, consult medical records, and identify all potentially liable parties.
  • Filing Suit – Our lawyers prepare a strong complaint detailing negligence allegations against the defendant(s) and file it to initiate the case.
  • Discovery – We conduct depositions, interrogatories, demands for documentation and other discovery to further prove your case and obtain evidence from the defense.
  • Settlement Negotiations – Most motorcycle cases resolve via settlement before trial. We negotiate skillfully to maximize your payout.
  • Mediation – If settlement talks reach an impasse, we can argue your case before a mediator as an alternative resolution method.
  • Trial – Our firm has the litigation experience to take your case to court if needed and skillfully try it before a judge and jury, handling all aspects of trial.

Rest assured our attorneys will take decisive action while offering compassionate support throughout the legal process after your motorcycle crash.

Call for Your Free Consultation

(844) 308-8180

Why Choose Thompson Law?

Call Our Odessa Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today!

We understand how motorcycle accident victims and their families feel facing severe injuries and financial stress. Our accomplished attorneys offer compassionate guidance while fighting aggressively to protect your rights after a motorcycle wreck. We have successfully handled cases involving:

  • Speeding, distracted, drunk and reckless drivers
  • Dangerous road hazards and debris
  • Unsafe lanes and failure to yield to motorcyclists
  • Defective motorcycle parts like tires and brakes
  •  Poorly maintained roads causing loss of control
  • Uninsured and underinsured motorists

We also understand the complex legal nuances specific to motorcycle cases involving contributory negligence laws. We know how to maximize your claim’s value even when the defense tries arguing you shared in fault.

Our team includes accident reconstruction experts to analyze physical evidence from the scene. And we work with medical specialists to assess crash injuries and long-term prognosis when calculating case value. If you or a loved one has been harmed in a motorcycle crash, time is of the essence. Call Thompson Law today for dedicated legal representation.

Odessa Motorcycle Accident FAQs

Injured motorcyclists and their families often face many uncertainties after an accident. Here are answers to some common questions we receive:

How soon should I hire a motorcycle accident attorney after my crash?

As soon as possible. Early investigation is key while evidence is fresh. Witness memories fade over time. An attorney can immediately secure evidence to maximize your claim.

Can I still recover damages if I was partly at fault for the accident?

Yes. Texas follows comparative negligence rules, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible, but your damages may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

What types of compensation might be available after a motorcycle accident?

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost income from missed work
  • Cost of physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Disability or disfigurement damages
  • Damage to your motorcycle and riding gear
  • Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Should I accept an insurance settlement offer before consulting an attorney?

No. Offers made shortly after accidents often sound reasonable but do not adequately compensate crash victims for long-term medical costs, lost wages and other damages.

How can Thompson Law help me after a motorcycle crash in Odessa?

We handle every aspect of your injury claim so you can focus on healing. From investigating accident details to negotiating with insurance companies, no stone is left unturned. We have the litigation experience to take cases to trial if needed to maximize your compensation.

Motorcycle Accident FAQs

Motorcycle 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: 

  1. GET SAFE. Stop your motorcycle or move it to a safe place if you are able. Stay close to the scene without obstructing traffic. Activate your emergency flashing lights to prevent other cars from striking you. 
  2. CALL 9-1-1. If you are seriously injured, be sure you request an ambulance when you call. A police report may become critical evidence in determining liability in your case. The police will respond to wrecks involving injuries but may not send a unit for cases involving property damage only.  
  3. TAKE PHOTOS. If you are able to safely do so, take photos of your vehicle, the other vehicle (including the license plate), and the surrounding scene of the accident. You will also want to photograph the other driver’s license and insurance card. 
  4. GATHER INFO. After making sure you and passengers are okay, exchange contact information and insurance information with the other driver. 
  5. FIND WITNESSES. If there are witnesses to the accident, take down their names and contact information. Their statements may help resolve any liability disputes. 
  6. CALL THOMPSON LAW. The experienced team of attorneys, investigators and paralegals are ready to assist you right away. You can even call us to meet you at the scene of an accident.

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 Guarantee

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.