Motorcycle accidents in Texas are devastatingly common, with more than 9,400 crashes and hundreds of fatalities reported each year. For riders in San Antonio, a single moment of another driver’s negligence can lead to life-altering injuries. True Law Firm is dedicated to helping you deal with the legal aftermath and pursue the maximum possible compensation that you need.
What Constitutes a Motorcycle Accident?
A motorcycle accident occurs when a rider is involved in a crash caused by another party’s negligence, unsafe road conditions, defective parts, or dangerous driving behaviors. In Texas, 500+ motorcyclists lose their lives every year, and thousands more suffer serious injuries. Many of these involve drivers who fail to see or yield to motorcycles, creating high-risk situations for riders with minimal protection.
For an accident to qualify for a lawsuit, you must be able to show that another party’s negligence contributed to your injuries or losses. Common forms of negligence in Texas motorcycle accident claims include:
- A driver failing to yield the right of way
- Distracted or impaired driving
- Unsafe lane changes or following too closely
- Defective motorcycle parts or improper maintenance
- Poorly maintained or dangerous road conditions
Common Reasons for Motorcycle Accidents
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving, whether through texting, using navigation systems, or simply losing focus, remains one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles require constant awareness from other drivers, and even a brief glance away from the road can result in a catastrophic collision. Riders often pay a higher price for someone else’s distraction.
Failure to Yield
Many motorcycle accidents in Texas occur when a driver fails to yield the right of way, often at intersections or during left turns. Because motorcycles are smaller, drivers frequently misjudge distances or fail to see them at all. This split-second mistake places riders in direct danger, leading to severe injuries and significant legal complications.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly reduces reaction time, judgment, and awareness. Motorcyclists are at extreme risk when impaired drivers share the road, as even minor errors can cause devastating crashes. In Texas, a substantial portion of fatal motorcycle accidents involve alcohol.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to motorcycles, which are already harder to see and track. Speeding drivers may overlook a rider changing lanes, slowing down, or entering traffic. Aggressive behaviors like tailgating or weaving through traffic further heighten the risk, leaving motorcyclists vulnerable to high-impact collisions and life-altering injuries.
Unsafe Road Conditions
Poorly maintained roads, such as those with potholes, loose gravel, uneven pavement, or inadequate signage, create hazardous conditions for motorcyclists. Unlike cars, motorcycles are highly sensitive to surface changes. When cities or counties fail to maintain safe roads, riders can lose control, making these conditions a major contributing factor to motorcycle crashes.
What should I do if I’ve been in a motorcycle accident?
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
- Report the crash to law enforcement and obtain an official accident report.
- Document the scene by taking photos, gathering witness information, and noting road conditions.
- Preserve all medical records, repair estimates, and insurance correspondence.
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before understanding your legal rights.
- Consult a Texas motorcycle accident attorney to protect your claim and explore your legal options.
What can I be compensated for?
While every motor vehicle accident case is different, Texas law allows injured riders to pursue compensation for the losses directly caused by another party’s negligence. Understanding what you may be eligible for is an important step in protecting your future and rebuilding your stability.
Economic damages
Economic damages cover the measurable financial losses you’ve suffered because of the accident. This may include emergency care, ongoing medical treatment, physical therapy, medication, and even future medical needs. You may also seek compensation for lost wages, reduced earning capacity, motorcycle repair or replacement, and other out-of-pocket expenses tied to the crash. These damages aim to help you recover your finances.
Non-economic damages
Non-economic damages address the personal and emotional toll of your injuries. Motorcycle accidents often lead to significant pain, emotional distress, loss of mobility, and disruptions to daily life or relationships. While these losses don’t come with receipts, they affect your well-being. Texas law allows injured riders to pursue compensation for physical pain, emotional suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other intangible harms caused by the crash.
Motorcycle accidents FAQs
Does it matter if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Texas law requires helmets for riders under 21, while those 21 and older may qualify for an exemption. Not wearing a helmet does not prevent you from pursuing compensation, but it may influence how insurance companies evaluate the case, especially if head injuries are involved. An experienced attorney can address how helmet use may affect your claim and work to protect your rights even if you weren’t wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Texas?
In Texas, injured individuals generally have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline may prevent you from pursuing compensation. However, because crucial evidence can disappear and witness memories may fade, you must initiate the legal process as soon as possible.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This means you may still be able to pursue compensation as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility.
Involved in a motorcycle accident? Let our San Antonio attorneys help
True Law Firm is committed to standing by riders who’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence. Our attorneys truly care about you, are always just one call away, and take an aggressive approach to litigation and negotiation, without ever compromising the value of your case. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, schedule your consultation today to discuss your legal options.
