Have you been the victim of a motorcycle accident in Houston?

Motorcycle accidents occur every day on the streets of Texas and the resulting injuries can be severe and long-lasting. At Johnson Garcia LLP, we take the legal representation of injured motorcycle riders personally because founding partner Daniel Johnson, as a licensed motorcycle rider for almost 30 years, understands the riding experience and the dangers that careless drivers can present to bike riders. When you or a loved one has been injured, call the Houston motorcycle accident attorneys of Johnson Garcia LLP to help protect your legal rights as a rider and to recover your damages.

Call us today at (832) 402-9332 for a free case evaluation with an experienced Houston personal injury attorney.

Motorcycling is a way of life for many people. Whether it is a weekend ride or a daily commute, riders share the roadways with larger automobiles and trucks. Too often, however, the drivers of those larger vehicles are occupied by careless texting, and the riders of motorcycles are the victims. Injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents can often be severe with life-changing and impacting implications. Motorcycle accidents often leave riders with ambulance, hospital, and related medical bills that can be overwhelming when coupled with lost time from work. Additionally, riders live through the mental and physical pain and suffering following the accident through the period of rehab.  Tragically, there are some riders who do not survive. When the unthinkable occurs, you need a team of experienced Houston motorcycle accident lawyers you can trust to guide you through the process so you can focus on your health or the health of your loved one.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents

• Poor road conditions: In addition to inclement weather, this can also include hazards such as road work debris and gravel.
• Drunk or distracted drivers: When a driver is drunk and/or distracted, they’re more likely to cause an accident.
• Defective parts: Motorcycle manufacturers do their best to protect against this, but they’re not always successful in doing so. It’s possible that a defective part could make it to market.
• Failure to check blind spots: You have blind spots on both sides of you when riding a motorcycle. Neglecting to check for vehicles in these areas can cause an accident.
• Dooring accidents: This occurs when a driver or passenger opens their car door without first checking for oncoming traffic.
• Lane splitting: You’re required by law to drive fully in one lane of travel. Lane splitting, such as to avoid traffic, is illegal in Texas.
• Overcompensating for the front brake: When this happens, there’s a greater risk of your momentum taking you over your handlebars.
• Drivers who don’t leave enough space: For example, if a driver is tailgating you on the highway and you have to make an abrupt stop, they may strike you from behind.

Motorcycle laws and safety in Texas

• Wear a helmet and protective gear: No matter where you’re riding your bike, it’s always a good idea to wear a helmet and protective gear. Always choose a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) or Snell approved helmet. In Texas, you are not required to wear a helmet if you’re age 21 or older. You must also provide proof of a minimum of $10,000 in medical insurance coverage or complete a motorcycle operator training course. But even so, a helmet is your best line of head protection.

• Improve your visibility to other drivers: Make yourself visible to everyone around you, such as by wearing reflective motorcycle safety gear. This makes it less likely that another driver will lose sight of you.

• Check your blind spots: Just as you should check your blind spots, you also want to avoid driving in another person’s blind spot. Many people aren’t used to the presence of motorcycles, so they could easily lose track of you.

• Maintain a safe distance between your bike and other vehicles: You should always maintain a safe distance when following or driving next to another vehicle. This gives you adequate time to stop or make split decisions without causing an accident.

Common injuries sustained by motorcycle accident victims

Many accidents result in injuries that are minor and can be treated easily. In more severe crashes, however, injuries can be quite serious and even life-threatening. Common injuries that can occur as a result of a motorcycle accident can include:

• Crushed, broken, or fractured limbs
• Spinal damage (often leading to chronic back pain)
• Skull and facial fractures
• Cuts, abrasions, and bruises
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Road rash
• Concussions (potentially with permanent brain damage)

Sadly, too many motorcycle accidents lead to not only severe injuries but fatalities. If you have suffered severe injuries or have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, the experienced Houston motorcycle accident attorneys at Johnson Garcia LLP can help.

What to do after a motorcycle accident

Unfortunately, no matter how safe you are on the roads, nothing can completely eliminate the risk of a motorcycle accident. That being said, it’s equally important to keep in mind that the steps you take after an accident can determine your long-term well-being, as well as the outcome of your legal case. Your first job is to seek immediate medical attention even if you don’t believe you’ve been seriously injured. Shock can sometimes mask pain, and some serious injuries take time to manifest. Motorcycle accidents also tend to be more serious than regular vehicle accidents, often requiring critical care. Next, you’ll want to call the police and make sure they file an official report. Getting a medical evaluation and a police report will put you on a more secure legal footing. At the end of the day, those records may prove invaluable when it comes to negotiating a settlement or winning a favorable verdict.

Who can be held liable in a motorcycle accident case?

Many parties can be held liable in a motorcycle accident. This includes:

• Other drivers: Another driver’s negligence—such as distracted driving or reckless driving—can cause an accident.
• Manufacturer: The manufacturer may be liable if the accident was caused by a defective vehicle part.
• Repair shop: If a repair shop acts in a negligent manager, such as neglecting to tighten lug nuts, they may be responsible for your accident.
• Government: The government may be held liable for things such as poorly-maintained roads and missing traffic signs.
• Property owner: Should the accident result from an obstruction on a person’s property, they may be liable for your injuries and damages.

Types of compensation you can seek

If you’ve been injured or have lost a loved one because of another driver’s negligence, the Houston motorcycle accident lawyers at Johnson Garcia LLP can help you get compensation for:

• Medical Expenses
• Lost Wages
• Permanent Disability/Disfigurement
• Pain and Suffering
• Reduced Quality of Life
• Mental Anguish

If you decide to bring a lawsuit against the other driver, the burden of proof lies with you, according to Texas law. That’s why you need a skilled attorney to represent you. Our Houston motorcycle accident lawyers will gather information and testimony to strengthen your case in court, including:

• Medical records documenting injuries, treatments, and outcomes
• Medical bills related to the accident
  Doctor testimony about diagnosis, cause of injuries, and prognosis (outcome)
• Lost wages from employers
• Testimony from friends and family on the impact of the accident on loved ones

If you’re the immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent) of someone who passed away in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, it’s important to know you can bring a lawsuit immediately for wrongful death. No amount of money can bring your loved one back, but it can help bring a sense of justice and provide a more secure future for survivors.

How to deal with insurance companies after an accident

Insurance companies are in the business to make money. They want to pay out as little as possible and close your claim quickly. Make sure they don’t undercut you by going in prepared. At a minimum you need to understand your insurance policy and coverage details. Take the time to understand things like what bodily injury coverage is and who it covers, whether you have coverages on your policy that protect you—like comprehensive and collision—and whether you’re protected in case an uninsured or underinsured person injures you or causes damage to your property. Make sure you know the approximate Kelley Blue Book value of your motorcycle, and keep all medical bills related to your accident. If you decide to negotiate with the insurance company on your own, here are some tips:

• Never accept their first payout offer. This is the minimum they’re willing to give you, and if you can prove you deserve more, you may get it.
• Choose your words carefully and never admit fault. Don’t say things like “He came out of nowhere” or “I only looked down for a second.”
• Don’t accept any deal that doesn’t seem fair or that you know will not cover your expenses and losses.
• Don’t underestimate the value of your claim. Add up the cost of your motorcycle repairs, lost wages, medical treatment expenses resulting from the accident, etc.

The best way to ensure you get the best settlement is to hire an experienced Houston motorcycle accident attorney. The Houston motorcycle accident lawyers at the Johnson Garcia LLP firm know when insurance companies are trying to take advantage of people to get a claim off their books. We’ll fight for your rights to get you the best settlement.

How we can help you after an accident

Our Houston motorcycle accident attorneys at Johnson Garcia LLP know it can be a confusing and emotional time after an accident. Your whole life might have been turned upside down. Not being able to work or struggling to pay mounting medical bills can be incredibly difficult and stressful.

Building a good case requires professional experience and care. Whether you’re fighting for medical coverage from the insurance company or are in a dispute with another party involved in the crash, you can trust us to:

• Provide a free initial consultation to discuss your case
• Gather and organize all relevant information to build an accurate picture of what happened and create a strong case
• Walk you through the legal process, including explaining your legal rights and obligations, as well as filing the necessary paperwork
• Reference relevant laws and legal precedents as necessary
• Help you understand the process of seeking disability for injuries that keep you from working
• Seek the full amount of coverage up to insurance policy limits

Are there any upfront costs for hiring a Houston motorcycle accident attorney?

Most people think an attorney is unaffordable, so they never even make that first call to a law firm. Insurance companies know this and may undercut you when it comes time to payout. What many people don’t know is that some attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means they get paid nothing if they don’t win your case. And if they do win, they receive a portion of the settlement (typically 33-40%). Nothing comes out of your pocket.This is precisely how Johnson Garcia LLC operates. Our Houston motorcycle accident attorneys work on a contingency basis, and there are no up-front costs to hire one of our Houston motorcycle accident attorneys. If we don’t win your case, you pay nothing. Why do we do this? Because we’re confident that if we take on your case, we’ll win. Call us at (832) 400-6094 to set up your free consultation today.

Call an experienced Houston motorcycle accident attorney

As soon as you’re medically stable, it’s time to file an insurance claim and contact an experienced Houston motorcycle accident lawyer, particularly if your accident occurred due to the negligent actions of another person. Motorcycle accident cases can be complex, and insurance companies are often tight-fisted, especially in cases where the motorcyclists were not wearing a helmet. Only a seasoned Houston motorcycle accident attorney can help you navigate the maze that is the legal system. With a lawyer in your corner, you stand the best chance of collecting liability insurance and damages in the form of lost wages and medical bills. The Houston motorcycle accident lawyers at Johnson Garcia LLP are experienced accident attorneys who will fight for your rights if you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident. Contact us now for a free case evaluation. Let fellow motorcycle rider and founding partner Daniel Johnson listen to your story to see if we can help!

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