Houston Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Representing Motorcycle Injury Victims in Texas
Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable on the open road. Since most people don’t own a motorcycle, many don’t look for them while driving, and most don’t understand how cautious they should be when sharing the road with two-wheelers. As a result, crashes involving motorcyclists and four-wheel auto drivers often occur due to a car driver’s carelessness.
Some people see motorcycle riders as inherently reckless, which can sometimes make it difficult for cyclists to receive fair compensation following an accident. Some drivers may also lack enough insurance to compensate cyclists fairly for their injuries.
If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, our team at Matthews & Associates is here to help you get full and fair compensation. Our Houston motorcycle accident lawyers are skilled and aggressive advocates who are unafraid of tough cases and will always fight to secure the best possible outcome. We understand how devastating the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of a motorcycle wreck can be and are prepared to help you hold responsible parties accountable. With significant financial compensation secured for thousands of clients across the United States, you can rest assured we have what it takes to represent you effectively.
Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident? Call Matthews & Associates today at (888) 923-7001 or contact us online to discuss your case. Our clients pay no legal fees unless they recover!
We may file or settle a claim individually or as part of a group on a case-by-case basis.
Whether your claim is filed individually or as part of a group fighting the same defendant, our goal is always to provide each of our clients with individual attention.
How Motorcyclists Are More Vulnerable than Other Drivers
Motorcyclists unavoidably face greater risks on the road than passenger car drivers. The absence of a protective barrier between the motorcyclist and the road or other vehicles is the leading factor contributing to this increased risk. Unlike car drivers enclosed by their vehicles, a motorcycle rider has little to no protection in the event of a collision. The potential for serious injury remains high even with protective gear such as helmets, jackets, and gloves.
Because of these heightened risks, motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries, which can include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Even with helmet use, the force of a collision can lead to concussions or more serious types of brain injury. These injuries may result in long-term cognitive issues and physical disabilities.
- Spinal cord injuries. These injuries can be life-altering and lead to partial or complete paralysis.
- Broken bones and fractures. The impact of an accident can break or fracture bones, especially in the arms and legs.
- Road rash. This term refers to skin abrasions caused by sliding across the pavement during an accident.
- Biker's arm. This injury occurs when a motorcyclist instinctively uses their arm to lessen the impact of a fall, leading to nerve damage in the arm.
- Internal injuries. These are often caused by blunt force trauma during the accident and can affect vital organs such as the lungs, heart, liver, or spleen.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Every driver has a legal obligation to others on the road, known as a “duty of care.” This duty requires all drivers to operate their vehicles with reasonable caution and attention to prevent harm to other road users, including motorcyclists. This duty extends to observing traffic rules, remaining vigilant about other vehicles' presence, and adjusting driving behavior according to traffic and weather conditions. When drivers neglect this duty through distraction, impairment, or reckless behavior, they breach their duty of care and may become liable for any accidents they cause.
Our Houston motorcycle accident attorneys are ready to represent you if you suffered injuries due to any form of negligence, such as:
- Excessive speeding. When drivers exceed the speed limit, their reaction times are shortened, and they can less contend with road obstacles, other vehicles, or sudden changes in traffic conditions. Speeding vehicles can easily clip motorcyclists, causing them to lose control and crash.
- Impaired driving. Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs the driver's ability to react quickly and accurately to situations on the road. Such impairment often leads to erratic and unpredictable maneuvers that can result in serious motorcycle accidents.
- Distracted driving. Distraction is a common form of negligence that includes texting while driving, eating, applying makeup, or any other activity that diverts attention from the road. A distracted driver is more likely to overlook motorcyclists due to their smaller size.
- Failure to yield. This type of negligence occurs when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to motorcyclists. It is especially common at intersections, where drivers may misjudge the speed and distance of an approaching motorcycle.
- Reckless driving. This includes aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, and running red lights or stop signs. Such actions can lead to devastating motorcycle accidents.
Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accident victims may be eligible for compensation based on their case's unique circumstances and the injuries sustained. Compensation generally falls into two broad categories: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
These damages are intended to cover concrete financial losses incurred due to the accident. They often include:
- Medical Costs: These expenses include emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing treatments needed to manage or recover from injuries.
- Lost Income: If your injuries prevent you from working during your recovery, you may be entitled to compensation for the wages you would have earned during that period.
- Reduced Earning Capacity: If your injuries result in lasting or permanent effects that hinder your ability to work, you may be eligible to recover compensation for the income you would have earned in the future.
- Property Damage: Compensation for your motorcycle's repair or replacement costs if damaged or destroyed in the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses, which can be harder to quantify but are still significant. These include:
- Physical Discomfort and Emotional Strain: You may be entitled to compensation for the physical discomfort, emotional turmoil, and mental distress caused by the accident and resulting injuries.
- Inability to Enjoy Life: If your injuries have limited your ability to partake in activities that brought you joy, you may be eligible to recover compensation for losing those life experiences.
- Impact on Family and Relationships: If your injuries have caused a significant strain on your relationship with your spouse or family, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, and emotional support.
Punitive Damages
In situations where the defendant's actions were incredibly reckless or malicious, punitive damages could be awarded. Unlike compensatory damages, these are not intended to compensate the victim but to penalize the defendant and discourage similar conduct in the future. Remember that not all states permit punitive damages, and there may be limits on the amount that can be awarded.
By thoroughly reviewing the details of your case, we can help you identify the types of compensation you may be eligible for and pursue the maximum possible recovery.
Call Matthews & Associates today at (888) 923-7001 or contact us online to meet with our motorcycle accident lawyer in Houston!
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How Long Do I Have to File A Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Texas?
When you suffer injuries caused by another driver’s negligence in a motorcycle accident, you typically have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver and seek damages. Each state sets and enforces a time limit, known as a statute of limitations, for filing these civil lawsuits. Consequently, the time you will have to start the legal process depends on where the motorcycle accident occurred. In Texas, you will have two years from the accident date to bring a claim. If you miss the relevant deadline, you will most likely be unable to recover any compensation.
The bottom line is that no matter where you are, you should not wait to discuss your case with our team at Matthews & Associates. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Houston, TX, can review what happened and help you understand your rights and legal options.
Contact Our Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
Trial experience has taught our motorcycle accident attorneys in Houston that a common misconception among many motorists is that motorcyclists are nearly insane for the risks they take on the road. While it’s unfair to associate the small percentage of reckless bikers with responsible riders, there is no denying that a stigma labeling motorcyclists as dangerous daredevils persists. Some may see cyclists as asking for trouble simply by riding a bike anywhere. We know this attitude is ludicrous, but it is held by many car drivers (and potential jurors and judges, for that matter) who would rarely, if ever, chance a ride on a motorcycle themselves.
We understand how to counteract these assumptions and make compelling client cases. When you trust us to handle your motorcycle accident claim, you can rest assured we will make every effort to get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact Matthews & Associates today to meet with our motorcycle accident lawyer in Houston!