Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Houston Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycles are popular in the Houston area, and it is vital for every rider to acknowledge the risks they face on the road. Even the most experienced and cautious riders cannot always anticipate the actions of others, and motorcycle accidents have a very high chance of causing severe injuries. A Houston motorcycle accident lawyer is the ideal resource for anyone who has experienced this type of incident and needs help recovering their damages.

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Our Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers are Here to Help

From restoring and caring for the motorcycle itself to riding on the open road, many people find motorcycles to be a thrilling and fulfilling hobby. However, as many people are quick to point out, motorcycles can be extremely risky. If you ride a motorcycle or know someone who rides a motorcycle, you know riding on the street or open highway can be a dangerous proposition.

There are very few “minor” motorcycle accidents. Because motorcycles lack the protective frame and safety features of a car or truck, drivers and riders are more at risk if they get hit. In most motorcycle accidents, the motorcyclist bears the brunt of the damage and injuries, while the car or truck driver can remain free of injuries or major damage.

Motorcyclists enjoy the journey and being on the open road, but unfortunately, many motorists fail to appreciate or see motorcyclists on the road. When changing lanes, turning, or making last-minute maneuvers, car drivers often fail to see motorcyclists because of their smaller and less obvious size. Some drivers simply fail to properly check for motorcyclists. The effects of their negligence can be devastating.

We represent motorcycle riders and their passengers. We understand that motorcycle accidents are different from car accidents and truck accidents, and we have represented motorcycle riders who have sustained serious and debilitating injuries due to the negligence of other drivers. You have the right to ride a motorcycle without risking your life. If a driver has harmed you because they failed to properly check for your presence, you deserve compensation to help you recover.

Stevenson & Murray: Your Houston Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

When it comes to motorcycle accident claims, no firm in the Houston area is more qualified than Stevenson & Murray Attorneys at Law. Our injury lawyers are highly trained and experienced in motorcycle accident cases, and we can represent your interests accurately and tenaciously in court. We are ruthless when it comes to achieving justice for our clients. No other motorcycle accident attorney is going to work harder for you.

While we are strong and steadfast in the courtroom, we are understanding and compassionate with our clients. We understand that becoming a motorcycle accident victim puts you in a vulnerable position. We respect your experience by providing you with support and patience during the legal process. As your body heals, you can trust us to seek justice for the damage done in the crash.

Our firm has been in business for nearly 40 years. This level of expertise is unmatched in the Houston area, and we provide you with the best Texas motorcycle accident support possible. When you are fighting for justice in your motorcycle accident case, our firm is the best option for your support.

What Is a Texas Motorcycle Accident Case?

Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents can all have a profound impact on the victims and their families. For many people, the damage and injuries obtained in a motorcycle accident cause lifelong problems, either financially, physically, or emotionally. Unfortunately, once the damage is done, it is impossible to reverse or undo it.

However, motorcycle accident cases can help motorcyclists to recover financially from their accident. As a type of personal injury case, motorcycle accident claims help motorcyclists to press charges against other drivers who hit them. The caveat of these cases is that the other driver must have been acting negligently for a case to proceed. However, negligence comes in many forms in motorcycle accident cases.

Proving that the other driver acted negligently and caused your injuries allows you to hold them financially responsible for the damage. This includes:

• Medical bills. Many motorcycle accident victims require extensive emergency care immediately following their accidents. Some injuries are life-threatening without immediate treatment. The driver responsible for causing an accident is liable for all associated medical expenses.
• Rehabilitation. Some injuries require ongoing care. You not only have the right to seek repayment of your immediate medical expenses following your accident but also the cost of any ongoing rehabilitation and future treatments you need to reach maximum medical improvement.
• Lost income. The victim of a motorcycle accident may be hurt badly enough that they will not be able to work while they recover from their injuries. The defendant who caused the accident is liable for the income the victim cannot earn during this recovery period.
• Lost ability to work in your career industry. The risk of catastrophic injury and permanent disability is much higher in a motorcycle accident than in most other vehicle accidents. If the defendant in your case has injured you badly enough that you will be unable to work in the future, a good Houston motorcycle accident lawyer can help hold them accountable for the future income you are unable to earn.
• Pain and suffering. Texas law allows a personal injury plaintiff to seek compensation for the physical pain and psychological suffering the defendant caused. There is no limit to how much pain and suffering compensation you can seek for a motorcycle accident. Your attorney can help determine a reasonable amount that reflects the extent and severity of the harm you suffered.

You are entitled to compensation for several of the above costs, depending on your situation. You can earn this compensation with the help of a motorcycle accident attorney. Your first option for recovering your damages is to file an auto insurance claim, but insurance alone may not fully cover all your claimable losses. You would then need to file a personal injury suit to ensure maximum compensation for all the damages you incurred from the accident.

Why Do I Need a Houston Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

Some people believe that they can navigate the motorcycle accident process alone. This is not a good idea. Personal injury cases are complex and can be lengthy. Even if you feel that your situation is straightforward, it is entirely possible that your opponent’s attorney will create enough doubt to discredit you. If this happens, you will lose your case without a rebuttal. With a motorcycle accident attorney on your side, we can mitigate the impact that your opponent’s case makes.

It is also important to remember that recovery is a long and arduous process. While your case is progressing, you likely will be recovering from your motorcycle accident injuries as well. It is important to give yourself time and space to recover properly. If you try to fight your case without an attorney, you are adding unnecessary stress to your situation, and you can halt or slow your healing process.

Finally, you must understand that there is a lot on the line in these scenarios. The sum of your settlement can be significant, and the money can help your family to stay afloat while you heal. If you represent yourself, you are risking your family’s financial status and your own ongoing care. Nothing is worth this level of risk. It is always best to hire an attorney to help you.

Why Are Motorcycle Accidents Severe?

It is an unfortunate fact that motorcycle accidents are fairly common, and they tend to cause more severe damage than other types of car accidents. There are several reasons for this and many factors that contribute to the seriousness of these collisions.

A significant factor in the severity of motorcycle accidents is the fact that motorcycles lack the protective features of a car or truck. There is no frame, doors, windows, or airbags to protect motorcycle drivers and passengers from the debris of a collision. Without these protections, the fallout from an accident is more likely to cause injuries to those on the motorcycle.

However, lack of protection is not the only reason that motorcycle accidents are both common and severe. The size of a motorcycle compared with the size of a truck or standard vehicle is significant. Motorcycles are much smaller, and many drivers fail to see them when they check their blind spots and mirrors. Many motorcycle accidents happen because car drivers change lanes believing that there is no one there when there is a motorcycle in their blind spot.

Without exception, visibility, speed, position, and actions all become relevant in motorcycle accident severity. The collisions become more severe at higher speeds, such as on highways and freeways. Visibility is a major factor as well. If there is limited visibility due to weather, cars have even less of a chance of seeing motorcyclists when they check their mirrors and blind spots. Finally, when a motorcyclist is positioned in the blind spots of a car or truck, they are more likely to experience a severe accident.

Recently, we represented an individual who was operating his motorcycle when a commercial van turned directly into his path, leaving him no time to take evasive action. It took almost two hours to extract the motorcyclist from beneath the van, and he miraculously survived. After a long hospital stay, multiple surgeries, and significant physical therapy, our client was able to return to work, although at a reduced capacity.

Potential Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident

If you ride a motorcycle, it is important that you know the potential risks and injuries that you face when you go on the road. This way, you know what to look for if you or a loved one experiences a motorcycle accident.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

One of the most common injuries that occur in a motorcycle accident case is a traumatic brain injury. These injuries come in many forms, but they are all fairly serious. The brain is the epicenter of the body and controls everything that you do, say, feel, and experience. If the brain is compromised, all other areas of the body may be similarly endangered.

Concussions are the most common type of traumatic brain injury. Though some concussions are considered mild, they still present a significant threat to your body and to the health of your brain. You should have even the mildest concussions examined by a doctor.

Other types of traumatic brain injuries include:

• Contusions. These are bruises or bleeds on the brain’s surface. Sometimes they heal on their own, while more severe contusions may require surgery.
• Hemorrhaging. This occurs when the brain is bleeding, and the bleeding becomes uncontrollable.
• Hematoma. Sometimes contusions turn into hematomas if the bruising and bleeding cannot be controlled. These are situations in which blood collects outside of a blood vessel. These can be severe if they are not properly treated.
• Diffuse axonal injury (DAI). These are incredibly serious and happen when the brain either shakes or twists inside the skull. As it does this, axonal fibers can tear. The larger the tear, the more serious the DAI.

There are many other traumatic brain injuries that can occur because of a motorcycle accident. If you believe that your brain has been hurt or compromised during an accident, it is important to seek medical care as soon as possible.

One of the most troubling aspects of traumatic brain injuries is their unpredictability. Two people may appear to sustain identical brain injuries and have vastly different symptoms and recovery experiences. It is also possible for symptoms to change over time, sometimes improving with appropriate treatment but also sometimes worsening, and there is a chance for new symptoms to appear unexpectedly in the future.

Spinal Cord Injuries

As part of the nervous system, the spine is similarly important to the entire body’s function. A spinal cord injury can be life-altering, and it can sometimes even be fatal. Unfortunately, they are common occurrences in motorcycle accidents.

Spinal cord injuries are split into two main categories: complete and incomplete. Incomplete spinal cord injuries tend to be less serious, but they can still have a permanent impact. Examples of incomplete spinal cord injuries include:

• Spinal contusion (bruising)
• Spinal cord stretching
• Spinal cord pressure
• Severance of the spinal cord
• Partial paralysis

Some of these conditions can cause symptoms that are irreversible, while others may be healed over time. However, even if a spinal cord injury is treatable, these injuries always entail a high risk of severe adverse symptoms that may last a very long time. Many spinal cord injury victims require ongoing rehabilitation to restore mobility and range of motion, and full recovery could take several months or even years.

Complete spinal cord injuries tend to be more serious, as they cannot be improved or reversed. These involve a complete loss of motor function below the area on the spinal cord that has been damaged. For example, if you suffer a complete spinal cord injury in your lower back, your low back and legs will not have any motor function. Essentially you would be paralyzed from the waist down.

Road Rash

Most people have scraped their knee or elbow on the pavement at some point in their lives. Though these injuries are often minor, most people can recollect that they did hurt quite a bit. In motorcycle accident situations, these kinds of scrapes can occur over the entire body. The level of friction involved in road rash can cause permanent scarring and very painful wounds. It is even possible for gravel, dirt, glass, and other debris to become permanently stuck in your skin and cause ongoing problems or infection.

Broken Bones

Many motorcyclists experience broken bones during and after their accidents. Broken limbs can impede you from doing your work, enjoying leisure time, and may even prevent you from being able to care for your own basic needs. Though broken bones are less serious than a spinal cord or head injury, they still pose a significant threat to your lifestyle.

Some broken bones will require surgical correction, including the placement of steel plates and/or pins to keep bones in proper alignment while they mend. These procedures are often painful and require a long recovery time. Some severe fractures can result in long-term nerve damage, chronic pain, and reduced range of motion.

How to Avoid Serious Injuries

If you ride a motorcycle, it is important to do your best to avoid serious injuries. Though you do have options to create a personal injury case, it is best to do everything in your power to stay safe to begin with. This may also help your personal injury case, as it shows that you did your due diligence to protect yourself and the damage still occurred because of the actions of the other driver.

To stay safe while riding your motorcycle, you should:

• Wear a DMV-approved helmet. You can significantly reduce your risk of head and upper spinal cord injuries when you wear a proper helmet.
• Wear thick, protective clothing. By covering your body in materials like leather, you can minimize your risk of road rash if you fall or get hit.
• Avoid highways. You are safest on residential streets and roadways with lower speed limits. If you want to go out on your motorcycle, opt for short distances in slow zones or back roads with less traffic.
• Stay out of blind spots. Give cars plenty of room so that they can easily spot you when turning or changing lanes.
• Update your training. Refresh your knowledge of the rules, protocol, and motorcycle handling annually. This can help you to stay safe and react faster in an emergency.

Doing your best to protect yourself is good for your health, your family, your community, and your personal injury case should you ever need to make a claim.

Negligence in Motorcycle Accident Cases

Many personal injury cases, such as car and motorcycle accidents, require you to show that the other driver was behaving negligently when they harmed you. This can be confusing in this context, but it is important to understand how negligence plays a role in motorcycle accident cases.

Examples of roadway negligence include:

• Talking, texting, or otherwise using a phone while driving
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Driving while distracted
• Driving with an expired license
• Failing to follow road signs and signals
• Ignoring road rules as outlined in the law and DMV handbook
• Failing to properly check the car’s surroundings before turning or changing lanes

In all these scenarios, the driver neglects to do their duty as a licensed driver in Texas. This can also be defined as “duty of care.” In this context, the term simply means that the driver has the duty to follow the laws of the road.

How Do I Demonstrate Fault in a Motorcycle Accident?

In a Texas motorcycle accident lawsuit, you must demonstrate the other party’s fault. You need to demonstrate the factors below to establish your legal entitlement to damages:

• The other driver owed you a duty of care. In other words, they owed you their attention, the right of way, etc., based on the rules of the road.
• The other driver violated the duty of care. The driver failed to follow the law in this scenario.
• The violation resulted in your injury or loss and resulting damages. Any injuries you suffered were the result of their actions and would not have occurred if they had followed their duty of care.

Your opponent’s attorney is going to try to argue that these things did not happen, while your attorney needs to argue that they did. They do this by providing evidence of the events to the court. Types of evidence that are often used in motorcycle accidents include:

• CCTV or recorded video of the event
• Photos of the accident scene
• Eyewitness accounts
• Photos of the injuries
• Medical records
• Documentation of all damages

There may be other types of evidence that are helpful for your motorcycle accident case. It is your attorney’s job to determine what kind of evidence is necessary and to collect it on your behalf for the court.

It is important to hire a motorcycle accident attorney soon after an accident. Evidence that can demonstrate fault may disappear soon after the crash. An attorney can safeguard evidence and help you uncover new evidence. Additionally, an attorney can handle the other party’s insurance company on your behalf.

Insurance and Motorcycle Accident Cases

Though you may believe that insurance companies aim to help victims of accidents, the harsh truth is that they are often businesses that look out for their own interests. They go to great lengths to protect their profits and avoid paying for injuries and medical bills.

To achieve this end, many insurance companies use predatory tactics to get victims to claim fault or admit that they are okay. They rush you into making a statement so that, if they do have to cover anything, they only need to cover what has already happened. The sooner you make your statement, the less likely they will have to pay for ongoing care and rehabilitation.

It is best to avoid speaking to insurance companies before you speak with an attorney. When you have an attorney on your side, we can navigate insurance tactics on your behalf. We can speak with these companies to ensure you do not inadvertently forfeit your right to a settlement. Though it is a tricky balance, our team is experienced at speaking with insurance companies on behalf of patients who wish to file a motorcycle accident claim.

Does the Texas Comparative Negligence Rule Affect My Case?

Comparative negligence is a significant factor in many Texas motorcycle accident cases. This rule accounts for the situations in which both drivers are responsible for the accident that has occurred. Often, it is a shared fault that causes the collision.

Texas’ modified comparative negligence rule may be a factor in some cases. You can still recover compensation if you are less than 51 percent at fault for the crash or injuries. However, you may receive a reduced amount of compensation. With comparative negligence, each party is assigned a percentage of the accident that they were at fault for. If the other party holds over 50% of the blame, you can still get a settlement. However, it is reduced to account for the percentage of the collision that was your fault.

We strongly encourage you to contact us if you have questions about this specific rule. During a free consultation, we can help you determine how or if Texas’ modified comparative negligence rule would affect your case. In some situations, it changes the tactics we use to argue your case and earn you the settlement you deserve.

What Steps Should I Take After a Motorcycle Accident Personal Injury?

It is important to take certain steps after a motorcycle accident to maximize your ability to recover compensation. Steps to consider taking include:

• Seeking medical attention. This is the most important step of all after a motorcycle accident. Even if you think you did not suffer an injury, it is still advisable to go see a doctor. Internal bleeding may not present any symptoms until hours or days after a crash. If left untreated, internal bleeding can be fatal. Seeking medical attention also establishes documentation of your injuries.
• Contact emergency services. You must contact the authorities after a serious accident. Police may arrive at the scene of the accident to gather information from you and any witnesses to the crash. In addition, emergency personnel can render aid to any people harmed during the collision.
• Gather witness information. If you are able, gather the contact information from witnesses. This information may be useful later for determining fault for the crash.
• Document evidence. Chances are your phone has a camera. If you are able to do so safely, it can help to take photos of the accident scene, including damage to your bike and the surroundings at the time of the crash.
• Contact an attorney. An attorney can help safeguard existing evidence and can uncover new evidence. Additionally, an attorney can negotiate a settlement on your behalf or take your case before a jury if necessary. An attorney can also help you avoid common post-crash mistakes, like posting on social media or speaking to the other party’s insurance adjuster.

You have a relatively short time in which to start pursuing recovery from your damages. There is a statute of limitations of two years for most personal injury cases, but you face a much shorter time limit for filing an auto insurance claim in Texas. You may know how your accident happened, or you could have little to no recollection of the event due to the severity of the injuries you suffered. In any case, seeking legal counsel right away benefits your efforts.

What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Texas?

In many cases, motorcyclists are not responsible for causing a crash. Negligent or reckless drivers are the most common cause of motorcycle accidents. Ways other drivers can cause an accident include:

• Distracted driving. Driver inattention, especially from distracted driving, is a very common cause of motorcycle accidents. Cell phone use behind the wheel and any other distractions all have the potential to cause devastating accidents.
• Failing to check blind spots. Drivers may make turns or lane changes in front of motorcyclists without checking their blind spots first. This can force a collision.
• Dangerous driving. Speeding or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can significantly increase the risk of hitting a motorcyclist. When a driver’s behavior has exceeded the extent of typical negligence, there is a high chance they will face criminal charges along with their civil liability for the victim’s damages.

Proving the exact cause of a recent motorcycle accident can be challenging, especially if you were severely hurt and do not remember the event. However, an experienced Houston motorcycle accident lawyer knows how to uncover the evidence you will need to build your case. The attorneys at Stevenson & Murray excel at resolving complex civil suits and can leverage all our experience in our handling of your motorcycle accident claim.

Motorcyclists Deserve to be Treated Fairly

There is no reason that motorcyclists should be at such risk on the road. Though accidents do sometimes happen because of an act of nature, most of the time, motorcycle collisions occur because car and truck drivers do not properly share the road with motorcyclists. Just as any other vehicle, motorcyclists deserve to occupy their lane of traffic, to travel safely in that lane, and to be safe from motorists who fail to keep a proper lookout.

Wrongful Death

Unfortunately, not all motorcycle accident victims survive their collisions. In these situations, the family of the deceased can take action through a wrongful death case. By proving the other driver’s negligence, the family can earn a settlement in the place of their departed loved one.

Though this settlement cannot undo the pain you are enduring, it can help to support you in the difficult weeks, months, and years to come. This compensation can cover funeral and burial expenses, as well as lost income support and money for pain and suffering. The potential settlement may help to ease some of your concerns as you navigate the difficulties of grieving and moving on.

Like other motorcycle accident claims, you must prove negligence in your wrongful death claim. You also have to prove that the other driver’s accident directly caused your loved one’s death. Though this may seem obvious, many defense attorneys go to great lengths to discredit even the most straightforward accident death. With the help of a motorcycle accident or wrongful death attorney, you can refute these claims and ensure your loved one receives justice.

In some scenarios, these cases overlap with criminal trials for DUIs. In these situations, you may also see the perpetrator face prison time for what they have done. Wrongful death cases simply get you the compensation you deserve as well.

What to Expect From Your Texas Motorcycle Accident Attorney

It is extremely important to address any potential attorney’s experience levels. Your future attorney should have a significant amount of experience in motorcycle accidents specifically. These cases differ from car and truck accident cases, so do not settle with an attorney who does not have direct motorcycle accident experience.

You should also be sure to discuss finances with your potential attorney. All attorneys charge differently, and if you are not aware of the fee structure, you risk losing your representation if you are unable to pay down the road. Potential attorneys should be open to discussing finances with you and should be honest about how they charge. If they are not forthcoming with this information, immediately take your business elsewhere as they could be illegitimate.

If you did not get an attorney’s name through a personal reference, be sure to check their ratings and reviews. Some attorneys may also give you references so you can speak to past clients who have used their services. This assures you that your attorney is legitimate and good at their job, as well as someone who is beneficial to work with.

Finally, you need an attorney who listens to your story and believes in your case. If you feel that you cannot properly communicate with your attorney, you have very little chance of winning your motorcycle accident case. Find a legal representative with whom you have an easy rapport and natural comfort.

Do I Need to Hire an Attorney for a Minor Motorcycle Accident?

You are not legally obligated to hire an attorney to help you recover from every accident. It is possible to resolve a minor fender bender on your own through insurance without hiring legal counsel. However, if your damages exceed the extent of available insurance coverage or you suffered severe injuries, you have a much better chance of reaching a positive outcome for your recovery efforts if you have legal counsel on your side.

If you attempted to handle your recovery process alone, you would be forced to contend with your medical needs in recovery and your legal affairs simultaneously. By working with an experienced personal injury attorney in Houston, TX, you will be able to focus on your recovery with peace of mind while your legal team manages your case for you.

Contact Stevenson & Murray for a Motorcycle Accident Claim

Our team has extensive experience in this field, and we can help you with your case. We have seen some gruesome and heartbreaking cases in which innocent motorcyclists were harmed because of another motorist’s poor decision-making. Though motorcycles can be dangerous, you should not receive a death sentence simply for riding one. We are passionate about protecting our clients from further financial and emotional damage after a Texas motorcycle accident.

In one of our cases, our motorcycle rider was riding on the roadway when a flatbed 18-wheeler crossed two lanes of traffic, stopping in the dark. By the time the motorcyclist identified the impending issue, it was too late. Fortunately, he survived and recovered from his devastating injuries.

We bring to our investigation an evaluation of the circumstances, using experts to assist in reconstructing the incident, if necessary. We appreciate the freedom of drive of motorcyclists and defend their rights to safely occupy a lane of traffic. Motorcyclists face a variety of issues, including 18-wheelers, roadway construction, inattentive drivers, and a host of other hazards that drivers must identify and respond to in a timely fashion.

Motorcycle Injuries Cases in Houston, TX

Texas is home to many motorcycle owners, and you are likely to see many motorcyclists riding around the Houston area every day. While these vehicles can be enjoyable to ride, they are also dangerous in several ways. Motorcycles do not have the safety features found in standard passenger cars. They are also not enclosed, exposing the rider to external forces in a crash. If you or a loved one recently experienced a motorcycle accident someone else caused, you have the right to hold them accountable for any damages resulting from their actions.

Representing Motorcycle Accident Victims in Houston, TX

Stevenson & Murray can offer the compassionate and meticulous legal representation you need when you must file a motorcycle accident claim in the Houston, TX, area. We have years of experience handling complex civil claims on behalf of our clients. Our firm has the resources necessary to help you determine the best legal strategy for your motorcycle accident case. In every case we accept, our goal is to maximize our client’s recovery as much as Texas state law allows.

Why Do I Need a Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

Attempting to handle any accident claim on your own is very challenging, even if another driver’s fault is readily apparent. The average person with no legal training or practical experience in personal injury law would likely make mistakes in their court filings and the other procedural steps they would need to meet to succeed with their claim. Even if you managed to succeed on your own, you would be likely to overlook crucial areas of concern that influence your total recovery, potentially settling for less than you legally deserve

The right Houston motorcycle accident lawyer can make a significant difference in any motorcycle accident claim outcome. Instead of attempting to handle your medical recovery, your everyday personal and professional obligations, and your legal proceedings entirely on your own, have a Houston motorcycle accident attorney handle your case on your behalf so you can recover from your injuries with peace of mind. Choosing Stevenson & Murray to represent your claim increases your chances of success and will likely lead to far more compensation than you could have obtained on your own.

Determining Fault for a Motorcycle Accident in Houston

Texas enforces a fault system for vehicle accidents. This means all drivers must have auto insurance that meets the state’s minimum requirements for liability coverage, and a driver at fault for an accident is liable for the resulting damages. It can be difficult to determine precisely how your recent motorcycle accident happened. These incidents typically occur very quickly and often result in severe injuries. You may be unable to discern fault, and your injuries could demand immediate emergency treatment.

Your Houston motorcycle accident lawyer will be a crucial asset as you gather evidence and witness testimony that helps you determine liability for your motorcycle accident. A good attorney can secure eyewitness statements, review police reports, and even file subpoenas for traffic camera recordings if necessary. Once you identify the party responsible for causing your accident, your Houston motorcycle accident attorney will help you hold them accountable.

Insurance After a Motorcycle Accident

Filing an insurance claim is usually an important and necessary first step toward recovering your damages from any vehicle accident in Houston. You must identify the driver responsible for the crash, obtain their insurance information, and follow your claim. It’s also important to report the accident to your own insurance carrier. While liability for your accident may seem perfectly clear to you, there’s no way to tell whether the insurance company will see things the same way. They may dispute your claim, request additional information, or outright deny it for various reasons.

Having an experienced Houston motorcycle accident lawyer draft a demand letter to the insurer on your behalf is a terrific way to minimize these risks. Once the insurer notices you have legal counsel advising you, they will be more inclined to process your claim swiftly in good faith. However, even if you succeed with your insurance claim and obtain the maximum coverage allowable under the at-fault driver’s policy, this may not be enough to fully compensate for your losses.

Seeking Compensation With a Personal Injury Claim

Texas law allows the plaintiff in a personal injury claim to seek compensation for all damages caused by the defendant named in the suit. Therefore, your motorcycle accident claim could potentially allow you to recover:

• Property damage. The at-fault driver’s auto insurance may cover some of your vehicle repair costs, but anything that insurance won’t cover can be included in your personal injury claim.
• Medical treatment costs. Your motorcycle accident likely caused severe injuries, some of which may require extensive ongoing treatment. Therefore, the at-fault driver is liable for any medical expenses you incur because of their actions. This applies not only to immediate medical care costs following your accident but also long-term medical expenses for rehabilitation, ongoing therapy, and other treatments.
• Lost wages. You could be unable to work for a long time after your motorcycle accident. If the incident caused a permanent disability, you might not be able to resume working at all. The defendant in your claim is liable for any lost income and lost earning potential you incur because of the accident.
• Pain and suffering. Insurance will not compensate for non-economic damages, such as your physical pain and emotional distress. Your Houston motorcycle accident lawyer will help you determine the most suitable amount to include in your claim based on the number and severity of your injuries and whether you face permanent medical complications because of them.

Your motorcycle accident claim could be worth more than you expected. When you have an experienced team of Houston motorcycle accident lawyers like Stevenson & Murray handling your case, you can potentially maximize your compensation to the fullest extent possible under Texas state law. In addition, if you are recovering from a motorcycle accident someone else caused, we can help you explore your legal options. Contact Stevenson & Murray today to schedule a consultation with an experienced and reliable Houston motorcycle accident lawyer.

FAQs About Houston, TX Motorcycle Accident Laws

How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help With My Compensation Claim?

The process of creating and filing an official personal injury claim can be confusing. There are very specific rules and deadlines to follow to preserve your case. We can help you correctly fill out the forms and file the paperwork. The other work we do for you during your case includes amassing evidence, creating and arguing your case, and filing appeals if necessary.

What Percentage Do Accident Lawyers Take?

All motorcycle accident attorneys are different, so it is important to ask your attorney about their fee structure before you begin to work with them. Some attorneys charge hourly, while others charge a percentage based on your settlement. Generally speaking, the average percentage that attorneys take is between 33% and 40%. However, there are attorneys who have rates that are lower or higher than this range. For this reason, it is important to ask.

What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Texas?

If you get into a motorcycle accident, your top priority is your own safety. If there is any chance that you may have head or spinal cord injuries, remain as still as possible and wait for help. If you feel as though you can move safely, get the license plate, driver’s license number, and insurance information of the other driver. Get the contact information of any witnesses and take photos of all damage and injuries. Then call your lawyer.

Why Do You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

Navigating personal injury law without legal help is extremely difficult. Though you may feel that you are saving money by not hiring an attorney, in reality, you are likely going to get a much smaller settlement — if you can earn one at all. Your opponent’s attorney can easily discredit your version of events in court. With an attorney’s help, you can refute their argument and get the financial support you need and deserve.

What Happens if More Than One Driver Is at Fault for an Accident?

Texas upholds the modified comparative fault rule, which comes into play in any civil case in which more than one party is liable for the damages. It’s possible for a case to involve multiple defendants, and it is also possible for a plaintiff to share fault with a defendant. If a plaintiff is partially at fault, they can still recover compensation as long as they are less than 50% at fault. Otherwise, they will lose their ability to claim compensation from other parties.

Will I Win More Compensation if I Hire a Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

Hiring legal representation is one of the most effective options you have for enhancing your case award. A good attorney can ensure accurate calculation of all your claimable economic losses, and they can assist you in maximizing the pain and suffering compensation you obtain from the defendant. They can also reduce the time it takes to resolve your case, mitigating the financial impact of your injuries and inability to work.

Contact Our Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for Help

If you or someone close to you has been involved in a motorcycle accident, please do not hesitate to contact our motorcycle accident attorneys in Houston for a free consultation. It is imperative that you know your rights under the law. Click here for a list of resources that could potentially help your personal injury case in Houston.

Texas law provides that the injured individual has a right to recover certain elements of damages, include medical bills in the past and future, disfigurement, physical impairment, loss of wages in the past and future, pain and suffering and mental anguish. Our Houston motorcycle accident attorneys have experience defending accident victims in court. Please allow them the opportunity to meet with you and discuss your circumstances. Contact Stevenson & Murray Attorneys at Law online today.