Motorcycle riders in Houston are particularly vulnerable, as motorcycles provide little protection in the event of a crash, which can lead to catastrophic injuries or death. At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, our motorcycle accident attorneys in Houston fight fiercely for justice and compensation for injured motorcyclists.
With over $500 million recovered for injured victims, we bring the firepower of evidence-based negotiation skills and aggressive trial readiness to the table.
Motorcycle Safety Laws and Regulations in Houston, TX
At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, our knowledgeable Houston motorcycle accident lawyers are well-versed in the state motorcycle safety laws and will use them to your fullest advantage in an injury claim for damages.
Motorcycle Licensing Requirements
To operate a motorcycle in Texas, riders must obtain a motorcycle endorsement (Class M) on their driver’s license. To acquire this endorsement, riders must:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Complete a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)-approved motorcycle safety course.
- Pass a written test and a practical skills exam.
Texas Transportation Code § 521.084 outlines the licensing requirements for motorcyclists, including the Class M endorsement.
Helmet Laws
In Texas, helmet laws require certain motorcyclists to wear helmets while riding. The law mandates that:
- All riders under the age of 21 must wear a helmet.
- Riders aged 21 and over may choose not to wear a helmet if they meet specific conditions, such as completing an approved motorcycle safety course or holding medical insurance that covers motorcycle-related injuries.
However, law enforcement officers aren’t allowed to stop motorcyclists solely to check if they meet the helmet exemption criteria. Texas Transportation Code § 661.003 specifies helmet use and the conditions under which a rider can be exempt from wearing one.
Lane Splitting
Texas law doesn’t permit lane splitting, which is the practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. Lane splitting is considered illegal, and riders found violating this law may face fines or penalties. While there has been ongoing debate about legalizing lane splitting, it remains prohibited in Texas.
Passenger Laws
Texas law dictates that motorcycles designed to carry passengers must have appropriate seating and footrests for the passenger. Passengers are only allowed on motorcycles that are designed for more than one rider. Texas Transportation Code § 545.416 outlines regulations regarding motorcycle passengers and the requirements for passenger equipment.
Motorcycle Equipment Requirements
Motorcycles in Texas must meet safety and equipment standards to be legally operated on public roads. These requirements include:
- Headlights: Motorcycles must have at least one operational headlight that’s illuminated both day and night.
- Rearview Mirrors: Motorcycles must be equipped with rearview mirrors to ensure visibility.
- Brakes: Both front and rear brakes are required.
- Muffler: Motorcycles must have a functional muffler to minimize excessive noise.
Texas Transportation Code § 547.801 sets out the safety equipment requirements for motorcycles.
Insurance Requirements
Like all motor vehicles, motorcycles in Texas must carry minimum liability insurance. The minimum coverage amounts, often referred to as 30/60/25 coverage, include:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Riders who fail to maintain minimum insurance coverage can face fines, penalties, and license suspension. Texas Transportation Code § 601.051 outlines the state’s mandatory motorcycle insurance requirements.
Laws for Drivers to Ensure the Safety of Motorcycle Riders in Houston
At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, our motorcycle injury attorneys in Houston will use the full force of the state laws designed to ensure that motorists share the road safely with motorcyclists and hold the negligent driver accountable for damages.
Safe Passing and Following Distance
Motorists are required to maintain a safe distance when following or passing motorcycles. Given that motorcycles can stop more quickly than larger vehicles, Texas law emphasizes the need for drivers to avoid tailgating. Additionally, when overtaking a motorcycle, drivers must ensure they provide ample space, particularly as motorcycles are entitled to the full use of a lane.
Texas Transportation Code § 545.053 requires drivers to maintain a safe distance when passing vehicles, including motorcycles.
Yielding the Right of Way
Motorists must be particularly cautious when yielding the right of way to motorcycles, especially at intersections and while making left turns. Failure to yield is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents. Drivers should double-check their blind spots and mirrors for motorcycles before turning or merging lanes.
Texas Transportation Code § 545.151 outlines the obligations of drivers to yield the right of way at intersections and other traffic situations.
Blind Spot Awareness
Given their smaller size, motorcycles are generally hidden in a car or truck’s blind spots, making them more vulnerable to collisions. Texas law doesn’t have specific blind spot regulations, but motorists are required to check their mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or merging, especially when motorcycles are nearby.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Houston
Motorcycle accidents in Houston mostly occur due to the negligent actions of other drivers, such as:
- Failure to Yield: Drivers may fail to yield the right of way to motorcyclists at intersections, leading to dangerous collisions.
- Distracted Driving: Using phones or other devices while driving takes attention away from the road, increasing the chances of missing a nearby motorcycle.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: Motorists who don’t check their blind spots may merge into a lane occupied by a motorcyclist, causing a side-swipe or collision.
- Speeding: Excessive speed by other vehicles reduces reaction time, making it harder to avoid hitting a motorcyclist.
- Tailgating: Following a motorcycle too closely limits the driver’s ability to stop in time if the motorcyclist slows down or stops suddenly.
- Driving Under the Influence: Impaired drivers are more likely to make poor decisions and fail to notice motorcyclists on the road.
- Running Red Lights: Drivers running red lights or stop signs may hit motorcyclists who have the right of way.
Left-Turn Accidents: Cars making left turns at intersections without adequately checking for motorcycles can collide with oncoming motorcyclists.
Types of Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents in Houston, TX
Motorcyclists involved in accidents in Houston may suffer severe and life-altering injuries due to the lack of protection compared to enclosed vehicles. These may include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head trauma can occur even when helmets are worn, leading to concussions, skull fractures, or severe brain injuries.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord may result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong medical care.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Arms, legs, wrists, and ribs are particularly vulnerable to breaking during a crash.
- Internal Organ Damage: Blunt force trauma can cause damage to organs such as the liver, kidneys, or lungs, requiring emergency surgery.
- Amputations: Limb loss can occur due to the severity of the injury or as a medical necessity following a crash.
- Facial and Dental Injuries: Collisions can cause damage to the face, including broken teeth and facial fractures.
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden movement during a collision can strain or tear the muscles and ligaments in the neck.
- Road Rash: Severe skin abrasions caused by sliding across the pavement, which can lead to infections and permanent scarring.
- Burns: Motorcyclists may suffer burns if their bike catches fire or if their skin makes contact with hot surfaces after the crash.
Steps You Should Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Houston
Our experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Houston recommends the following steps after a bike crash:
- Call 911 for emergency assistance
- Move to a safe area
- Contact law enforcement.
- Exchange information with the other driver
- Take photos and videos of the crash scene
- Get witness contact details
- Avoid admitting fault
- Seek medical attention
- Notify your insurance company
- Avoid direct settlement negotiations
- Consult our motorcycle accident attorney
How Our Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Will Fight the Biases to Protect Your Right to Compensation
When Houston motorcycle accident claims are affected by biases and stereotypes against injured motorcyclists, our bike crash attorneys at Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers will use proven legal strategies to counteract these prejudices.
Challenging Police Officer Bias with Comprehensive Evidence
Police officers at the accident scene may attribute fault to motorcyclists based on stereotypes, assuming that they were speeding or driving recklessly. To counteract this, our attorneys work closely with accident reconstruction experts to objectively analyze the crash scene. By using evidence like skid marks, vehicle damage, photos and videos, and surveillance footage, we can challenge an officer’s assumption.
Overcoming Witness Bias with Expert Testimony and Accident Reconstruction
Witnesses may perceive motorcyclists as inherently more dangerous, making it easy for them to attribute blame. To overcome this, our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys in Houston scrutinize each witness’s account for inconsistencies or bias. We may secure testimony from neutral third parties and experts in accident reconstruction to provide a balanced view of what occurred.
Countering Insurer Bias by Presenting a Strong Case
Insurance companies may rely on motorcycle biases to deny claims or reduce payouts, assuming that the motorcyclist was at fault due to reckless behavior. We aggressively push back against insurers’ attempts to devalue a claim by presenting overwhelming evidence that shifts the focus to the other driver’s negligence, whether due to distracted driving, failing to yield, or other traffic violations.
Addressing Juror Bias with Evidence and Persuasive Advocacy
Jurors, who may have little to no experience riding motorcycles, might hold negative views of motorcyclists. Our attorneys work to dismantle juror biases by focusing on the facts of the case, rather than the mode of transportation. We carefully present your side of the story, using expert testimony, surveillance footage, and crash data to show that you were following traffic laws and that the other driver was negligent.
Proving Negligence through Clear Liability Standards
Our legal team focuses on gathering evidence like traffic camera footage, cell phone records (to prove distracted driving), and testimonies from traffic engineers. By doing this, we can build a strong case that the other driver violated traffic laws or acted recklessly, which led to the accident.
Establishing the Injured Motorcyclist’s History of Safe Riding
One key strategy our attorneys may use to counter biases in motorcycle accident claims is by demonstrating that the injured motorcyclist has a consistent record of safe riding and a strong commitment to adhering to traffic laws. By presenting the motorcyclist’s documented history of responsible behavior, we can directly challenge any preconceived notions of reckless riding or thrill-seeking.
Testimonies to Show the Injured Motorcyclist Isn’t a Dangerous Thrill-Seeker
Our lawyers may gather testimonies from credible witnesses who can vouch for the motorcyclist’s character and responsible driving habits. This could include statements from:
- Fellow riders, friends, and family members who can speak to the motorcyclist’s cautious nature on the road.
- Employers or colleagues who can testify to the motorcyclist’s reliability and careful behavior.
- Neighbors or community members who are familiar with the motorcyclist’s regular, law-abiding commuting habits.
Choose Our Houston, TX Motorcycle Accident Lawyers to Maximize Your Compensation
- Proven Success: We have won over $500 million for our clients, demonstrating our ability to secure large settlements and verdicts.
- Skilled Legal Representation: Our team comprises experienced personal injury lawyers skilled in handling a wide range of cases, including complex motorcycle crashes.
- Client-Centered Approach: Attorney Amanda Demanda listens to your needs, organizes all the facts and evidence, and aggressively pursues your rightful compensation.
- Dedicated Advocacy: Our Houston motorcycle wreck lawyers guide you through the legal process, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.
- Wide Recognition: Amanda Demanda is recognized as a trailblazer in the courtroom and during settlement negotiations, establishing our firm as a top name in Texas.
- Award-Winning Firm: Recognized as the Best Personal Injury Law Firm, our commitment to legal excellence and personalized representation has earned us the trust of our clients.
- No Win, No Fee: We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay if we win your case. This ensures you can pursue justice without any financial stress or risk.
Choose Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers for motorcycle crash legal assistance in Houston, and let us help you reclaim your life after an accident. To schedule your free consultation, call us 24/7 at 1-844-DEMANDA or contact us online.
