Because motorcycles offer limited protection, riders are especially vulnerable to serious injuries in a crash. If you were injured in an accident due to another driver’s negligence, our experienced Houston motorcycle accident attorneys at D. Miller & Associates, PLLC, are ready to advocate for your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
We believe everyone deserves dedicated legal support, especially when facing personal injury challenges. Our firm is built on a foundation of compassion and a fierce commitment to justice. We understand that the aftermath of a motorcycle injury can be overwhelming, filled with uncertainty and stress. We’re here for you.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
If you want to pursue compensation for your injuries after a motorcycle accident, you must be able to prove that someone else’s negligence played a role in causing the crash. Negligence refers to a failure to act with reasonable care. It is a central element in Texas personal injury claims.
Common examples of negligence contributing to motorcycle accidents:
- Failure to yield to motorcyclists, especially at intersections
- Distracted driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, or using GPS
- Unsafe lane changes without checking mirrors or blind spots
- Speeding, which reduces reaction time and increases impact severity
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Tailgating, or following motorcycles too closely
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Opening vehicle doors into the path of oncoming motorcycles (“dooring”)
Other Potentially Liable Parties
In some Houston motorcycle accidents, fault may extend beyond the other driver. Depending on the circumstances, additional parties could share responsibility for the crash:
- Poorly maintained roads or hazardous conditions – The city, county, or other governmental entity responsible for roadway maintenance may be held liable for failing to address known dangers.
- Malfunctioning traffic signals or missing signage – Municipal agencies or contractors tasked with traffic control and signage installation could bear responsibility.
- Defective motorcycle parts or safety gear – Manufacturers, distributors, or retailers may be liable if a design or manufacturing defect contributed to the accident or worsened your injuries.
An attorney at our Houston motorcycle accident law firm can conduct a thorough investigation to identify all liable parties and develop a compelling legal strategy aimed at securing the full compensation you are legally entitled to under Texas law.
Dangerous Local Streets, Intersections, and Highways
- Houston’s sprawling highway system and bustling urban streets create a uniquely hazardous environment for motorcycle riders. While accidents can occur anywhere, certain roads and intersections are known for posing a significantly higher risk:
- Katy Freeway (I-10). Known for heavy traffic and numerous on/off-ramps, making it particularly dangerous for motorcyclists.
- Gulf Freeway (I-45). Notorious for congestion and aggressive drivers, leading to frequent motorcycle accidents.
- Westheimer Road at Gessner Road and Voss Road. These intersections are among the busiest in Houston and have a high number of motorcycle accidents.
- Loop 610. A circular freeway with heavy traffic and multiple ramps and exits poses challenges for motorcyclists.
- I-45 and I-69 Interchange. This area has seen multiple motorcycle accidents in a single year.
- I-610 near Westheimer Road. A site of several motorcycle accidents, highlighting the dangers of this stretch.
- I-69 and I-610 Interchange (North of Downtown). Location of multiple motorcycle accidents, including fatal ones.
- I-45 and I-610 Interchange (North of Downtown). Another hotspot for motorcycle accidents, with several incidents reported.
- I-610 near North McCarty Street. Identified as a site with multiple motorcycle accidents.
- I-45 and Hobby Airport Access Road. Area with a high number of motorcycle accidents, including fatal crashes.
- Shepherd Drive and Memorial Drive near Buffalo Bayou. Intersection where multiple motorcycle crashes have occurred.
- Hollister Road (2200 block). Site of a recent fatal motorcycle crash, underscoring the dangers in this area.
Motorcyclists injured in these areas may face extensive medical treatment, loss of income, long-term disability, and other serious hardships. If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident in one of these or other high-risk zones, you need a Houston motorcycle accident lawyer.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle riders face significantly greater risks of injury compared to occupants of passenger vehicles, who benefit from protective features like seat belts, airbags, and a reinforced frame. In a crash, the lack of these safeguards leaves motorcyclists exposed to severe, often catastrophic injuries, including:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
- Road rash
Following a motorcycle accident in Houston, a personal injury attorney plays a critical role in evaluating the full scope of your injuries. This involves a detailed review of your medical records, diagnostic imaging, and treatment plans to establish the extent of harm sustained.
This assessment is essential in determining the appropriate value of your claim. For example, in cases involving a head injury, we analyze the severity of the trauma, anticipated recovery trajectory, and any lasting cognitive or physical impairments to support a compensation demand that accurately reflects the long-term impact on your quality of life.
“The concept of loss is often tied to identity. What may be a devastating loss for one person may be a tolerable inconvenience for another. The difference lies in how each of us sees himself and what each of us values in life.”
Potential Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident in Houston
A personal injury claim can be a crucial step toward rebuilding your life after a serious motorcycle accident. In Houston, injured riders may be entitled to several types of compensation that address both immediate and long-term needs:
- Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgeries, hospitalizations, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
- Lost income, compensating for wages or earnings missed due to injury-related inability to work.
- Loss of future earning capacity, if your injuries limit your ability to return to your prior employment or pursue similar work.
- Long-term care costs include in-home assistance, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and medical equipment or mobility aids.
- Property damage, covering repair or replacement of your motorcycle, helmet, and other personal protective gear.
- Non-economic damages, including compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the impact of permanent disfigurement or disability.
Wrongful Death
A wrongful death claim can provide you with much-deserved financial recovery for your loved one’s death, potentially easing the financial stress that often follows tragedy.
The wrongful death statute does not create any new cause of action; it merely provides a remedy for an existing cause of action. The state’s statute of limitations on wrongful death and survival actions is generally two years from the day of the incident that caused your loved one’s death.
Why Injured Motorcyclists Trust Us
You can count on our legal team at D. Miller & Associates, PLLC, to fight for you after a motorcycle accident. We have helped accident victims obtain significant settlements for their injuries. With over $650 million recovered in verdicts and settlements, and more than 36,000 cases successfully resolved, we have demonstrated consistent results for our clients. We want to put our resources to work for you.
Backed by 66 years of combined legal experience and a dedicated team of 83 professionals, we provide the commitment necessary to pursue justice and maximize recovery after your motorcycle accident.
Let our experience, reputation, and dedication to results work for you while you focus on healing.
Meet Your Legal Heroes
Behind every case stands a team of dedicated legal heroes, ready to take on the insurance companies and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC, for a Free Consultation
Don’t face your motorcycle accident alone. At D. Miller & Associates, PLLC, our team wants to help you obtain appropriate financial recovery for your motorcycle accident injuries. Contact us today for a free case evaluation with one of our team representatives.
