Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer | Southern Injury Attorneys

You can request the CR-3 report from the law enforcement agency that responded to your crash, which is often the Houston Police Department (HPD). You can also purchase a copy online through the TxDOT Crash Report Online Purchase System. An attorney can handle this process for you.

Call 911 immediately. Try to remember any details about the fleeing vehicle (make, model, color, license plate number). Check for witnesses or nearby surveillance cameras. Your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage should cover your damages in a hit-and-run, so it is vital to file a claim with your own insurer.

No, Texas is an “at-fault” state. This means the person or party who caused the accident is legally responsible for the resulting damages. You must prove the other driver was negligent to recover compensation from their insurance. This is different from “no-fault” states where you first turn to your own insurance regardless of who was at fault.

Yes. If you are 21 or older and meet the legal exemption (health insurance or safety course), you have not broken any laws. Even if you were required to wear a helmet, it does not prevent you from filing a claim. The defense may argue it contributed to a head injury, but it does not bar your case for the accident itself. [3]

Texas law does not permit “stacking” of UM/UIM policies in the same way some other states do. You generally cannot combine the UIM limits for multiple vehicles on your policy to apply to a single accident. However, you can make a claim up to the per-accident limit on the specific policy covering the motorcycle you were riding.

Both cover your initial medical bills regardless of fault. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is more comprehensive; it is required to be offered in Texas and covers medical bills and 80% of lost wages. Medical Payments (MedPay) is optional and only covers medical expenses. PIP is generally the better option for riders.

Extremely important. Video evidence is often the most objective and persuasive proof of how an accident occurred. It can definitively show who had the right-of-way and counter any false claims from the other driver. Our firm acts quickly to preserve this type of evidence from nearby businesses and vehicles before it is erased.

Yes. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries like concussions or internal bleeding. Going to the emergency room or an urgent care clinic creates a medical record that documents your injuries from day one, which is crucial for your claim. Delays in seeking treatment can be used against you by the insurance company.

A settlement is a negotiated agreement between you and the insurance company to resolve your claim for an agreed-upon amount, without going to court. A lawsuit is the formal legal action filed in court when a fair settlement cannot be reached. Most cases settle, but the ability and willingness to file a lawsuit provides critical leverage.

We prove pain and suffering through medical records detailing your injuries, testimony from you and your family about how the pain impacts your life, photos of your injuries, and records from mental health professionals. A daily pain journal kept by you can also be very powerful evidence.

Yes. You can claim any income you would have earned if not for the accident, including documented overtime, commissions, and income from self-employment or gig work. This requires thorough documentation, such as past pay stubs, tax returns, and letters from your employer or clients.

Claims involving rideshare drivers can be complex. Similar to other Houston car accident cases, the available insurance coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. The available insurance coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash (e.g., waiting for a ride request, en route to a passenger, or driving for personal reasons). Uber and Lyft carry large insurance policies that may apply, but you will need an attorney to navigate the process.

Claims against government entities (city, county, state) are very different and have strict rules under the Texas Tort Claims Act. You have a much shorter deadline—often just 90 to 180 days—to provide formal written notice of your claim. It is absolutely critical to contact an attorney immediately if a government vehicle was involved.

Yes, if you can prove the government entity responsible for the road knew or should have known about the dangerous condition (like a large pothole or missing sign) and failed to fix it in a reasonable amount of time. These are difficult cases that require an experienced attorney.

The claim would be brought on behalf of the minor child. Any settlement would likely need to be approved by the court to ensure it is in the child’s best interest, and the funds are typically placed in a protected account until the child turns 18. The two-year statute of limitations is generally tolled for minors until they reach the age of 18.

It can add a layer of complexity regarding jurisdiction and serving the lawsuit, but it does not change the core of your claim. Texas law will still apply to the accident itself. An experienced attorney can handle the procedures for pursuing a claim against an out-of-state defendant.

Sí, absolutamente. En Southern Injury Attorneys, tenemos personal bilingüe que habla español con fluidez y está listo para ayudarlo. Entendemos la importancia de comunicarnos en el idioma en el que se sienta más cómodo. Llámenos para una consulta gratuita en español.

A driver who says “I didn’t see the motorcycle” can still be held liable. Texas law requires drivers to maintain a proper lookout and yield the right-of-way. Failure to see a reasonably visible motorcyclist is evidence of negligence, not a valid defense. We use witness statements, video evidence, and expert reconstruction to rebut this common excuse.

Every case is different. Simple cases with clear liability and minor injuries may settle in a few months. Complex cases involving severe injuries, disputed fault, or multiple parties can take a year or more. The most important thing is not to rush the process and settle before you know the full extent of your injuries and future medical needs.

Yes. Mental anguish, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is a recognized category of non-economic damages in Texas. We work with mental health professionals to document the psychological impact of the crash and include it in your claim.

If your claim is denied, you have options. We can appeal the denial, file a lawsuit, or pursue other avenues of recovery, such as your own UM/UIM coverage. An experienced attorney can review the denial letter and determine the best strategy to fight back.

Yes. If a defective part (such as faulty brakes or a tire blowout) caused your accident, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer or seller. These cases are complex and require expert analysis, but they can result in significant compensation.

You can still pursue a claim against the deceased driver’s estate and their insurance company. The legal process may be slightly different, but your right to compensation remains intact.

Most motorcycle accident cases settle before trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we are fully prepared to take your case to court. Our trial-ready posture often motivates insurance companies to negotiate in good faith.

Yes, as long as you are 50% or less at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault under Texas’s proportionate responsibility rule. For example, if you are 30% at fault, your damages will be reduced by 30%.

Some serious injuries, like concussions or soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms immediately. This is why it is critical to see a doctor right away, even if you feel fine. If symptoms appear later, document them with your doctor and inform your attorney immediately.

Self-employed individuals can recover lost income by providing documentation such as tax returns, profit and loss statements, invoices, and letters from clients. An economic expert can help calculate the full value of your lost earnings and future earning capacity.

Absolutely. As a passenger, you can file a claim against any at-fault party, which may include the driver of another vehicle or, in some cases, the driver of the motorcycle you were riding on. Passengers are often entitled to significant compensation because they have no control over the operation of the motorcycle.

Insurance companies often accuse claimants of exaggerating or fabricating their injuries. We counter these tactics with strong medical evidence, expert testimony, and documentation of your treatment. We also investigate the insurance company’s claims practices and hold them accountable for bad faith.

No. You have the right to choose your own doctor. In fact, using an insurance company’s preferred provider can create a conflict of interest, as that doctor may downplay your injuries to save the insurance company money. Always seek treatment from a doctor you trust.

Many medical providers will treat you on a lien basis, meaning they agree to wait for payment until your case settles. We can also help you access your PIP or MedPay coverage for immediate support. Do not let financial concerns prevent you from getting the medical care you need.

No. Once you sign a settlement agreement and accept payment, you generally cannot reopen your case, even if your condition worsens. This is why it is critical to wait until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) before settling.

MMI is the point at which your condition has stabilized and is not expected to improve significantly with further treatment. Reaching MMI allows your doctor to provide a more accurate prognosis and helps us calculate the full value of your future medical needs.

Commercial truck accidents are more complex than regular car accidents. We investigate the trucking company’s safety record, the driver’s qualifications and logbooks, and the truck’s maintenance history. We also review federal regulations and telematics data. Learn more about our approach on our Houston trucking accident lawyers page.

Rear-end collisions are almost always the fault of the following driver. These cases often involve clear liability, but they can still result in serious injuries. We gather evidence such as skid marks, vehicle damage, and witness statements to prove the other driver’s negligence. For more information, visit our Houston rear-end accident lawyers page.

Punitive damages are only available in cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, such as a drunk driver who causes a fatal crash. These damages are designed to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future. They are rare but can significantly increase the value of your case.

Accidents in parking lots are still covered under Texas personal injury law. Liability can be more complex because parking lots often have unclear right-of-way rules. We investigate the specific circumstances of your crash to determine who was at fault.

We work with life-care planners and medical experts to project the cost of your future medical needs, including surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and assistive devices. This ensures that your settlement accounts for the long-term impact of your injuries.

Lane-splitting (riding between lanes of traffic) is not explicitly legal or illegal in Texas, but it can affect your claim. Insurance companies will argue that you were engaging in risky behavior. We counter this by showing that the other driver’s negligence was the primary cause of the crash.

Yes. Permanent scarring or disfigurement is a recognized category of non-economic damages. We use photos, medical records, and testimony from you and your loved ones to show the emotional and psychological impact of visible injuries.

Texting while driving is illegal in Texas and is strong evidence of negligence. We subpoena the other driver’s cell phone records to prove they were distracted at the time of the crash. This can significantly strengthen your case.

If a loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident, their family may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. These claims seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and the pain and suffering of the deceased before their death. We handle these cases with compassion and dedication.

Drunk driving is a clear act of negligence and may also support a claim for punitive damages. We work with law enforcement to obtain the police report, blood alcohol test results, and any criminal charges filed against the driver. Texas also has a dram shop law that may allow you to sue the bar or restaurant that served the driver.

Yes, under Texas’s dram shop law. If a bar, restaurant, or liquor store served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who then caused your accident, you may be able to hold them liable. These cases require strong evidence and an experienced attorney.

Bring any documents you have, such as the police report, photos of the accident scene and your injuries, medical records and bills, insurance information, and a list of any questions you have. However, even if you don’t have any documents, we can still help you.

Bring any documents you have, such as the police report, photos of the accident scene and your injuries, medical records and bills, insurance information, and a list of any questions you have. However, even if you don’t have any documents, we can still help you.

If you suffered serious injuries, if fault is disputed, if the insurance company is offering a lowball settlement, or if you are unsure of the value of your claim, you need a lawyer. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize your payout. You need an experienced advocate on your side.

Don’t panic. While it’s not ideal, an experienced attorney can still help you. We will review the statement and develop a strategy to address any issues it may have created. The most important thing is to not give any further statements without legal representation.

Yes. You have the right to change attorneys at any time. If you are unhappy with your current representation, contact us for a free consultation. We can review your case and discuss the process of transferring your representation.