Texas Motorcycle Laws
Every state has its own set of laws that govern things like motorcycle helmets and insurance requirements. If you plan to ride a motorcycle in Houston, TX, you should be familiar with the applicable laws.
Helmet Laws
Everyone under the age of 21 is required to wear a helmet while riding or driving a motorcycle. Riders over the age of 21 are permitted to ride without a helmet under the following exemptions:
- They have completed a motorcycle operator training course approved by the TxDOT
- They have medical insurance that extends coverage to motorcycle accident injuries
While it is legal to ride a motorcycle without a helmet if you are over the age of 21 and meet the above exemptions, we strongly recommend that everyone wears a helmet when riding a motorcycle in Houston, TX.
Insurance Requirements
Texas motorcycle operators are required to maintain minimum insurance coverage. Motorcycles have the same titling, registration, and insurance requirements as larger motor vehicles, including insurance minimums of:
- Bodily injury liability insurance of $30,000 per injured person
- Bodily injury liability insurance of $60,000 per accident
- Property damage liability insurance of $25,000
How To Minimize Your Risk of Injury in a Motorcycle Crash
Although there are few experiences more freeing than riding on the back of a motorcycle, there is no denying that it can be inherently dangerous.
Motorcycles lack the same protections that are afforded to drivers of larger passenger vehicles. There are no steel frames, seat belts, or air bags to protect motorcycle riders during a Houston motorcycle crash. Because of the increased risk for serious injuries, our motorcycle accident lawyers encourage taking the following preventative measures.
Wear a Helmet
Wearing a helmet is the best way to protect your head and limit your risk of head injuries while riding a motorcycle. To work effectively, you must select the correct size helmet and wear it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you are unsure how to choose the right motorcycle helmet, we suggest doing the following:
- Choose a helmet style that includes a face shield or other form of facial protection
- Measure your head and refer to a helmet’s size chart to find your correct size
- Try on helmets and check for fit—it should be neither too loose nor too tight
- Trial wear the helmet for about 30 minutes to be sure it is comfortable and fits well
A well-fitting helmet will greatly reduce your chances of suffering a head injury in a motorcycle wreck.
Wear Protective Clothing
Helmets are essential for protecting your head and brain in the event of a motorcycle accident. The rest of your body deserves the same level of protection, too.
You can further reduce your risk of suffering serious injuries by wearing protective gear like:
- Goggles with UV protection if you have an open-face helmet
- Brightly colored, long-sleeve jackets made out of leather, denim, Kevlar, or other materials that are resistant to abrasion
- Abrasion-resistant pants that cover your ankles
- Gloves
- Boots
You may also need additional gear depending on the time of year or weather. Having rain or cold weather gear on hand will help you stay as safe as possible while on the open road.
Never Speed
Speeding greatly increases the severity of motor vehicle accidents. When speeding is a factor in motorcycle accident claims, it often involves traumatic injuries that completely alter the victim’s life or may even cause death.
Do not drive faster than the posted speed limit, which in Texas may be as high as 85 mph. Speed limits are set for ideal conditions, so lower your speed if:
- Visibility is limited
- Weather conditions are unfavorable
- Traffic is heavy or stop-and-go
If speed was a factor in your collision, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney from our legal team will gather the evidence necessary to prove that the other driver was at fault.
What Causes Motorcycle Crashes?
For more than two decades, Buckingham & Vega Law Firm has been representing motorcycle accident victims who need help securing fair compensation for their damages, including medical expenses and lost wages.
During this time, we have become intimately familiar with the most common causes of car accidents involving motorcycles. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys have compiled the below information about the types of accidents that motorcyclists are most likely to be involved in.
It is important to note that driver error is the biggest connecting thread between all types of Houston motorcycle accidents, and drivers of larger motor vehicles (including passenger cars and commercial trucks) are most often at fault.
Proving fault is one of the most challenging parts of a personal injury case. Schedule a free consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney to discuss your legal options today. Call us at (505) 388-0066 or fill out this form.
Aggressive and Reckless Driving
Other drivers often do not want to share the road with bikers. Both passenger vehicle and commercial truck drivers sometimes weave around them or follow too closely, both of which are dangerous practices that may cause a motorcycle crash.
If you can do so safely, change your route or get out of the way of drivers who are engaging in the following behaviors:
- Tailgating
- Running stop signs or red lights
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Repeatedly honking
- Swerving between lanes
- Failing to stop for pedestrians
- Coming to an unexpected stop or “brake checking”
- Using their high beams while driving behind you
Proving that another driver’s aggressive or reckless behavior caused your accident can be difficult without enough proof. A skilled motorcycle accident attorney will know where to look for evidence that proves the other driver was at fault and that you are eligible to recover compensation.
Distracted Driving
Focusing on just one task at a time can be hard in today’s technology-driven world. Finding it difficult to look away from your phone screen is not an excuse for causing a car accident, though.
Our Houston motorcycle accident attorneys are prepared to help you recover compensation for your medical bills and other damages by proving that the other driver was engaged in dangerous distracted driving behaviors, including:
- Reading or sending text messages
- Taking photos or recording videos
- Applying makeup or grooming
- Reaching for items
- Eating or drinking
- Using a global positioning system (GPS) or phone navigation
Any type of activity that takes a driver’s hands off the wheel, eyes off the road, or head off the task of driving is considered to be a form of distracted driving. Inform your legal team right away if you believe the other driver was distracted at the time of your motorcycle wreck.
Unsafe Left Turns
Intersections are among the most dangerous places for motorcycle riders in Texas. Drivers that do not look for bikers may pull into the intersection to make a left-hand turn without realizing that a motorcyclist is rapidly approaching. In this situation, a motorcycle might be unable to avoid a collision with the side of the other vehicle or may be forced to lay their bike down and suffer related injuries, including road rash.
Drivers who do not notice or properly gauge the speed or distance of a motorcycle that has the right-of-way and is passing through a green light may make a left-hand turn and collide with the side or back of a motorcycle.
In a motorcycle accident lawsuit involving negligence at an intersection, you may be able to use footage from your motorcycle helmet camera or witnesses’ dash cams to prove that you were not at fault.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Turning on your blinker is not a free pass to change lanes whenever and however you’d like. Even when using a blinker, a driver must wait until it is safe to change lanes or risk causing a car accident.
Many motorcycle accidents in Texas involve unsafe lane changes. Passenger vehicle drivers often forget to look for motorcyclists in their rearview mirror, side mirrors, or blind spots before changing lanes.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accident injuries are typically much more serious than those in a typical car accident involving two larger vehicles. Even with protective equipment, motorcyclists absorb much of the impact from the crash.
A biker who has suffered injuries in a motorcycle wreck may have been injured by the impact of the car against their body, the motorcycle falling on them during the collision, the impact of hitting the road, or another vehicle driving over them.
When we meet with clients to discuss personal injury claims involving motorcycle accidents, we know that we are dealing with life-altering injuries. Some of the most common injuries we see in our law firm include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Road rash
- Facial fractures
- Dental injuries
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Broken bones and fractures
- Disfigurement and amputation
- Paralysis
- Death
Motorcycle accident victims’ injuries often meet the threshold for catastrophic injuries. A catastrophic injury is one that happens unexpectedly and generally without warning and is considered to be exceptionally severe in nature.
Recovering from a catastrophic injury is an uphill battle. Motorcycle crash victims often require extensive medical care, including surgeries and physical therapy. Even with treatment, few are able to return to their former lives.
For victims of catastrophic injuries, there is often no such thing as returning to normal. Even after reaching maximum medical improvement, chronic pain and newly-developed disabilities can prevent a victim from ever going back to work, playing recreational sports, or engaging in hobbies they once loved.
Was your life turned upside down by an accident? Call us today to schedule a free consultation with an attorney at our Houston, TX office. Call us at (505) 388-0066 or fill out this form.
There is also the financial side of catastrophic injuries. Health care is not cheap, and it is not uncommon for car accident victims to come to us while they are drowning in medical bills and fighting for insurance coverage.
If a motorcycle accident caused your injuries and you are now dealing with an insurance adjuster who is trying to pressure you to accept less than what you deserve, contact a Houston personal injury lawyer at Buckingham & Vega Law Firm right away. We won’t rest until you receive fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident
The actions you take immediately following a motorcycle accident may have a profound impact on your ability to recover maximum compensation for your injuries. However, as an experienced personal injury law firm, we know that it can be difficult to follow the below recommendations.
Ultimately, your number one priority is your health. You will not be barred from filing a personal injury claim if you are unable to complete any of the following steps. Your Houston motorcycle accident attorney will know how to proceed regardless of where you are in the process.
Seek Medical Treatment
Assess everyone at the scene of the motorcycle accident for injuries. Do not move anyone who is experiencing significant amounts of pain or who appears to have suffered from a neck or back injury.
Call 9-1-1 to summon emergency medical services. Everyone who was involved in the collision should be evaluated for injuries, even if they feel fine. The rush of adrenaline that the body produces during a crash may mask the signs and symptoms of a serious injury, including a traumatic brain injury.
If you do not require transport to the emergency room via an ambulance, have a friend or loved one take you to the nearest ER to be evaluated. Schedule follow-up appointments with your primary care doctor and inform them that you were involved in a motorcycle accident. Follow all treatment plans given to you by your doctor.
Do not worry about the cost of medical treatment at this time. Your Houston motorcycle accident lawyer will fight for your right to fair and full compensation in your motorcycle accident case.
Notify the Police
Texas state law requires you to report an accident to the police if the following conditions are met:
- One or more people are injured
- There is at least $1,000 in property damage to one or more vehicles
Failing to notify authorities of an accident could have unintended legal repercussions and may also influence your ability to successfully secure compensation in a motorcycle accident claim.
Take Pictures
If possible, take pictures while still at the accident scene. Your Houston motorcycle accident legal team will use these images to help construct the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Our personal injury lawyers know that you may feel disoriented after a motorcycle accident, and we are happy to work with any photos you might happen to take. If possible, we recommend photographing the following:
- A broad view of the accident scene
- Immediate physical injuries, including bruising and lacerations
- Conditions that might have contributed to the accident, such as a pothole
- Property damage to your motorcycle and the other driver’s vehicle
- The other driver’s license plate
- Anything that shows the weather at the time of the accident
You deserve to be fairly compensated for your motorcycle accident injuries. While big insurance companies will do almost anything to dispute liability, photographic evidence is a powerful tool that your Houston motorcycle accident lawyer can use to prove your side of events.
Talk to Witnesses
Motorcycle accident cases are complicated, and the at-fault driver’s auto insurer will likely try to discredit your claim or, at the very least, minimize their own liability. A statement from an eyewitness can be a key piece of evidence that prevents the insurance company from bullying you into a lower settlement.
When you speak with a witness, be sure to ask for their:
- Name
- Preferred method of contact
- Whether they would be willing to speak with your lawyer
Contact a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer
After you’ve seen a doctor and reported the collision to the police, it’s time to speak with a Houston personal injury attorney. Your motorcycle accident claim is too important to leave up to chance.
Insurance companies know that you mean business when you hire a lawyer. As some of the best motorcycle accident lawyers in Houston, TX, we’ll be by your side through every step of the process. Whether your case is settled outside of court or ultimately goes to trial, you can count on us.
Who Is Liable in a Motorcycle Crash?
Determining liability is one of the most important parts of any motorcycle accident claim, as the driver who caused the collision is the party liable for all resulting damages.
When you contact Buckingham & Vega Law Firm, a personal injury attorney will get to work on your case right away to determine who was at fault. If we determine that the other driver caused the accident that resulted in your injuries, your Texas motorcycle accident lawyer will fight for you to receive the fullest possible compensation for your injuries, property damage, and other related costs.
What if I Was Partially at Fault?
Texas law follows a modified comparative fault system. In this system, you may hold another driver liable for your damages as long as they were at least 51% at fault.
For example, if it is determined that the other driver was 60% responsible for the crash whereas you were only 40% at fault, you could still recover compensation. Your total awarded damages would be reduced by your own percentage of fault, though.
Correctly valuing your claim is essential if you were found to be partially at fault. Your motorcycle accident lawyer will tell you whether you should expect your total settlement to be reduced by your percentage of fault in the accident.
Don't leave your recovery up to chance. A motorcycle accident lawyer from Buckingham & Vega Law Firm will ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Call us at (505) 388-0066 or fill out this form.
How To Protect Your Rights After a Motorcycle Accident
The best way to protect your rights after a motorcycle accident is to hire a Houston motorcycle accident attorney. Your biggest hurdle to the compensation you need is the insurance company, and they will stop at nothing to deny what you are owed.
The personal injury lawyers of Buckingham & Vega Law Firm have a hard-earned reputation among the insurance companies. We are known for being tireless advocates on behalf of our clients, and we refuse to back down when the big insurance companies try to put pressure on us to settle for anything less than maximum compensation.
What Types of Financial Recovery Can I Pursue After a Motorcycle Accident?
Your Houston motorcycle accident lawyer will conduct a thorough evaluation of the damages you suffered because of another driver’s negligent or reckless actions.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the calculable losses that you suffered as a result of your accident. Although no two motorcycle accidents are the same, you might expect to be compensated for the following financial losses:
- Lost wages from time off work
- Reduced earning capacity because of an injury or new disability
- Medical bills
- Travel costs to see doctors and specialists
- Hiring in-home services to accomplish tasks you were once capable of, including cleaning services
- Costs to renovate your home or vehicle to accommodate a new disability
- Moving costs if your old home is not suited to your new condition
Noneconomic Damages
Noneconomic damages refer to the losses you’ve suffered that do not necessarily have a financial component. These types of losses are still very much real, and you deserve to be properly compensated for all that you have suffered, including:
- Ongoing pain and suffering
- Mental anguish or emotional trauma, such as PTSD
- Loss of a normal life or enjoyment of your previous life
- Loss of enjoyment of activities and hobbies
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Disfigurement
- Inconvenience
The above damages may not have an accompanying price tag, but at Buckingham & Vega Law Firm we have witnessed time and time again how deeply our clients’ lives are affected by non-monetary losses.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are rare in the average motorcycle accident case. These types of damages are not about compensating victims for a specific loss but rather about punishing the at-fault party for grossly negligent, egregious, or intentional behavior.
For example, punitive damages might be awarded in a Texas motorcycle accident lawsuit involving a drunk driver.
Why Work With Our Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers?
With more than two decades of experience serving personal injury victims, the attorneys at Buckingham & Vega Law Firm are uniquely posed to guide motorcycle accident victims through the process of filing a personal injury claim and recovering compensation.
As one of the most sought out law firms in Houston, TX, our representation and results are unrivaled. We invite you to reach out to our law firm to learn why past clients continue to highly recommend our services.
We Stand Up to the Insurance Company
Your case is not a priority to the insurance company. From trying to get you to settle quickly for less than you deserve to purposely misconstruing your words, your chances of successfully winning your case on your own are slim.
Having a personal injury attorney on your side is the most effective way to show the insurer that you mean business. When you work with an accident lawyer from Buckingham & Vega Law Firm, we’ll take over negotiations and all communications with the insurance company for you.
We Properly Value Your Claim
Correctly valuing the worth of your claim is one of the most important steps in a motorcycle accident case. If your claim is incorrectly valued, you’ll risk running out of funds before you’ve fully recovered.
Our attorneys have the experience required to determine what your claim is worth. If there are ever any uncertainties, we will not hesitate to call in experts to ensure that we are working with the most accurate and up-to-date information. We regularly work with medical experts who provide insight into the recovery process for common motorcycle accident injuries.
We Work on a Contingency Fee
Working on a contingency fee allows us to offer our services to those who have been injured in motorcycle accidents regardless of their ability to pay. Rather than charge our injury victims an hourly rate, we take only a percentage of the final settlement awarded by the insurance company.
We have found this to be an effective method that allows both our attorneys and our clients to work toward the best possible outcome—full and fair compensation for those who have been harmed because of another person’s negligent actions.;
We’re Experienced Trial Lawyers
Most personal injury claims are settled outside of the courtroom. However, a small percentage of claims do end up proceeding to court. If this happens, you’ll want an experienced trial lawyer on your side.
Even as we aim for a settlement, your legal team will also be prepared to argue your case in court if it comes to that. Do not be caught unprepared; only work with a law firm that can provide the continued support and legal representation you need.
We See You as a Whole Person
As personal injury lawyers, we recognize that our clients are coming to us after experiencing some of the most devastating events of their lives. At Buckingham & Vega Law Firm, you will always be more than just a case to us.
We pride ourselves on the attorney-client relationships that we cultivate. Our friendly approach is rooted in a desire to make sure that you always feel like you are a priority.
Speak With a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident in Houston, TX, there is no time to delay. State law only allows for two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. It takes time to build a strong claim, and every day that you fail to take action is another step toward forfeiting your right to take legal action.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with a Houston motorcycle accident lawyer. During your no-obligation meeting, you’ll be able to discuss the details of your case, including what caused the accident and how your life has been affected.
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