At Bailey & Galyen, our dedicated team of Houston motorcycle accident lawyers is committed to fighting for your rights and getting you the compensation you need.
With years of experience and a deep understanding of Texas law, we’re here to handle the legal process so you can focus on moving forward.
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Houston Motorcycle Accident Guide
- Why Choose Bailey & Galyen for Your Motorcycle Accident Case?
- Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
- Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Houston
- Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
- How Much Is My Motorcycle Accident Claim Worth?
- Liability in Houston Motorcycle Accidents
- What Is the Statute of Limitations in Houston, TX?
- Resources for Houston Motorcyclists and Accident Victims
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact a Houston Motorcycle Accident Attorney at Bailey & Galyen Today
Why Choose Bailey & Galyen for Your Motorcycle Accident Case?
When you’re facing the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, choosing the right legal representation is essential. Here’s why Bailey & Galyen should be your first choice:
- Free Initial Consultation: We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and legal options.
- Extensive Experience: Our team has successfully handled numerous motorcycle accident cases in Houston and throughout Texas.
- Proven Track Record: Our success is your success. We have a history of securing substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients.
- Personalized Attention: We make sure your specific needs and concerns are addressed throughout the legal process.
- No Fee Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us legal fees unless we secure compensation for you.
- Knowledge: Our legal team stays up-to-date with the latest changes in motorcycle laws and regulations in Texas.
- Representation: We’re not afraid to take on big insurance companies or go to trial if necessary.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, the actions you take in the following days can significantly impact your health and case. Here’s what you should do:
- Go to the Doctor
- Even if you received emergency care at the scene, visit your doctor or a hospital for a thorough examination.
- Keep all documentation from your medical visits.
- Document Your Injuries
- Take pictures of any visible injuries.
- Keep a journal detailing your pain levels and how the injuries affect your daily life.
- Gather Information
- Collect all information from the accident scene
- Obtain a copy of the police report
- Notify Your Insurance Company
- Report the accident to your insurance company.
- Stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault or downplaying your injuries.
- Avoid Social Media
- Refrain from posting about the accident on social media platforms.
- Insurance companies may use your posts against you in your claim.
- Be Wary of Early Settlement Offers
- Insurance companies may try to settle quickly and for less than you deserve.
- Talk to Your Motorcycle Accident Attorney
- An experienced lawyer will safeguard your rights and make sure you’re taking the right steps for your case.
- Consider Long-Term Impacts
- Think about potential long-term effects of your injuries on your work and personal life.
- Discuss these concerns with your doctor and lawyer.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Bailey & Galyen. We’re here to guide you through this difficult time.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Houston
Understanding the different types of motorcycle accidents can help your Houston motorcycle accident lawyer with your case. Here are some of the most common types of motorcycle accidents our law firm sees:
- Left-Turn Collisions
- Cars turning left often fail to notice oncoming motorcycles.
- There is a high risk of severe injuries due to motorcycle speed and lack of protection.
- Rear-End Impacts
- This type of accident is potentially catastrophic for a rider, who may be ejected from their bike.
- Even low-speed collisions can cause serious harm to motorcyclists.
- Unsafe Lane Changes
- Drivers often fail to check blind spots before switching lanes.
- Motorcycles are at risk of being sideswiped or forced off the road.
- Dooring Incidents
- Parked drivers open doors without checking for approaching traffic.
- Motorcyclists may collide with suddenly opened car doors.
- Head-On Crashes
- These are among the deadliest accident types for motorcyclists.
- Such crashes often result in severe injuries or fatalities.
- Intersection Accidents
- Drivers may fail to yield the right of way or run red lights.
- Motorcycles are particularly vulnerable at crossroads.
- Road Hazard Accidents
- Potholes, debris, and uneven surfaces pose significant dangers.
- Such accidents can cause loss of control and subsequent crashes.
- Impaired Driving Collisions
- Drunk or drugged drivers present elevated risks to all road users.
- Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable due to a lack of physical protection.
Regardless of the accident type, getting experienced legal representation helps protect your rights and compensation.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents typically lead to more severe injuries than car crashes due to the rider’s limited protection. Here are some common injuries in motorcycle accident cases:
- Road Rash: This occurs when a rider slides across the pavement, resulting in severe skin abrasions. These injuries can lead to infection and permanent scarring if not properly treated.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Despite helmet use, motorcyclists remain at risk for concussions or more severe brain trauma during accidents.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The impact of a crash can damage the spinal cord. Such injuries often lead to significant life changes.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: The force of a motorcycle accident can result in multiple fractures. These injuries may require rehabilitation.
- Internal Injuries: Crash impacts can cause damage to internal organs. These injuries might not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
- Neck and Back Injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and other spinal injuries are common outcomes of motorcycle accidents. These can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility.
- Amputations: In severe accidents, limbs may be so damaged that amputation becomes necessary.
- Psychological Trauma: Some accident survivors experience PTSD, anxiety, or depression following a traumatic crash.
Your Houston motorcycle accident attorney can make sure your compensation covers immediate medical needs, ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and any necessary lifestyle adjustments resulting from these injuries.
How Much Is My Motorcycle Accident Claim Worth?
Our Houston motorcycle accident lawyers at Bailey & Galyen will work hard to get the max compensation possible for your case, which may include:
- Medical Expenses: This covers medical costs like emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and future medical care.
- Lost Income: If your injuries keep you from working, you can claim compensation for lost income.
- Pain and Suffering: You may be compensated for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries.
- Property Damage: You can claim the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying hobbies or activities, you may be entitled to compensation.
- Punitive Damages: When it comes to extreme negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages are awarded to punish the other side.
- Wrongful Death: If you’ve lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim.
The compensation you may receive for a motorcycle accident depends on factors like the extent of your injuries and the impact they have on your life. Our skilled motorcycle accident lawyers will review all parts of your case to make sure we can get you as much compensation as possible.
Liability in Houston Motorcycle Accidents
To prove who was at fault, your motorcycle accident attorney must establish four key elements:
- Duty of Care: The at fault party had a legal obligation to act in a reasonably safe manner.
- Breach of Duty: The at fault party failed to fulfill this duty through their actions or inactions.
- Causation: This breach directly caused the accident and your injuries.
- Damages: You suffered actual damages (physical, emotional, or financial) as a result of the accident.
Some examples of parties that may be held liable in motorcycle accidents include:
- Other Drivers: Most often, liability falls on another driver who violated traffic laws or acted negligently.
- Motorcycle Manufacturers: If a defective motorcycle part contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be held liable.
- Businesses: In some cases, a business might be held responsible if their employee caused an accident while on the job.
- Government Entities: If poor road conditions or inadequate signage caused the accident, the responsible government agency might be liable.
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
This is why you want to have an experienced law firm on your side to minimize your assigned fault and maximize your compensation.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in Houston, TX?
The legal time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations, is two years from the date of the accident in Texas.
While two years may seem like a long time, it’s important to start the legal process as soon as possible. Here’s why:
- Evidence Preservation: Over time, evidence can be lost or destroyed. Witness memories may fade, and physical evidence at the accident scene can disappear.
- Medical Documentation: Immediate medical attention ensures your well-being and creates a clear link between the accident and your injuries.
- Insurance Company Tactics: Insurance companies often try to settle quickly. Having legal representation early on can protect you from being taken advantage of.
- Detailed Investigations: Some cases require a lengthy investigation and take time to complete.
- Negotiation Process: Reaching a fair settlement from the other side may involve more than one round of negotiation.
- Trial Preparation: If your case goes to trial, preparation requires time.
Resources for Houston Motorcyclists and Accident Victims
At Bailey & Galyen, we’re committed to supporting our clients both in and out of the courtroom. We’ve compiled this list of helpful resources for Houston motorcyclists and accident victims.
Support Groups for Accident Victims
Mental Health Resources
- Texas Health and Human Services – Mental Health Support
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Greater Houston
- Psychology Today – Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Houston
Motorcycle Maintenance and Safety
- Motorcycle Safety Foundation – T-CLOCS Inspection Checklist
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Motorcycle Safety
- American Motorcyclist Association – Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my motorcycle accident case take?
There isn’t a set duration for a case. Some cases settle in a few months, while others may take a year or more. We strive to resolve cases as efficiently as possible.
How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?
We only get paid if we win your case; our fee is a percentage of the compensation we secure for you.
Will my case go to trial?
While many motorcycle accident cases settle out of court, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. If a fair settlement can’t be reached from the other side, we have the experience and resources to take your case to trial.
How does not wearing a helmet affect my case?
While not wearing a helmet doesn’t prevent you from filing a claim, it may affect your compensation. If you weren’t wearing a helmet, the defense might argue that your injuries were worsened by this choice. Our attorneys can help counter these arguments and protect your right to compensation.
Road conditions caused my accident. Can I sue the government?
If poor road conditions caused your accident, you might have a claim against the government entity responsible for road maintenance. However, you need to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
Contact a Houston Motorcycle Accident Attorney at Bailey & Galyen Today
Take the first step towards justice and recovery today. Contact Bailey & Galyen for your free consultation with a Houston personal injury lawyer. We’re available 24/7 to take your call and start fighting for your rights.
Let us help you get the compensation you deserve and the support you need to move forward after your motorcycle accident. Call us at (281) 612-5210 or complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation.
Bailey & Galyen Attorneys at Law – Houston Office
18333 Egret Bay Blvd Ste 333
Houston, TX 77058
Phone: 281-771-1725