What to Do After a Houston Motorcycle Accident

Riding a motorcycle can be both exhilarating and convenient, allowing you to easily travel between different attractions in the great city of Houston, TX. Unfortunately, motorcycle crashes are all too common, leaving riders with debilitating injuries and property damage. Our esteemed motorcycle accident lawyers at Trust Guss are here to advocate for your rights and claim the maximum damages in your personal injury case. Remember – You only owe us legal fees if we win!

Are Motorcycle Accidents Common In Houston?

Each year in Texas, the total number of motorcycle crashes rises. In 2023, there were nearly 9,000 accidents, a 3% increase from the year before. Deaths in Texas are also increasing. There were 599 motorcyclist fatalities in 2023, compared to 562 in 2022. In fact, Texas set the record for fatal motorcycle collisions in 2022.

Why Do Houston Motorcycle Accidents Occur?

There are many different factors that can lead to motorcycle crashes, including the following:

• Speeding drivers
• Intoxicated drivers
• Distracted drivers 
• Drivers making mistakes when turning left at intersections
• Faulty road signs
• Poor road design
• Improper motorcycle maintenance
• Negligence
• Recklessness
• Tailgating

What Are The Most Common Injuries With Motorcycle Accidents?

Because motorcyclists are unprotected other than by their helmets, jackets, and boots, they are especially vulnerable to injuries during collisions with other motorists. Common injuries that occur in Houston motorcycle crashes include:

• Skull fractures
• Concussions
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
• Neck and back injuries
• Sprains
• Spinal cord injuries
• Road rash
• Broken bones
• Internal organ damage

What To Do After A Motorcycle Accident In Houston?

If you are involved in a motorcycle crash in Houston, take action right away to safeguard your health and protect your legal rights by following these simple tips:

• Contact the authorities and tell them what happened. A Houston Police Department officer or a state trooper will arrive shortly.
• Ask the dispatcher to call an ambulance if you or others have been injured. Even if you don’t feel any pain, you need to be checked for concussions and injuries immediately. 
• Get the names and numbers of any potential witnesses before they leave the accident scene.
• Eyewitness testimony may be a cornerstone of your lawsuit or personal injury claim. 
  If you can, take photos and videos of the crash site, as these can be used to support your case later on.
• Trade information with the other motorist(s), including names, addresses, numbers, licenses, and insurance cards. After this step is complete, don’t discuss your circumstances with anyone else other than your personal injury lawyer, as anything you say may be used to invalidate your claim. 
• Contact our personal injury attorneys at Trust Guss right away so we can immediately start advocating for you.

Who Is To Blame In A Motorcycle Accident?

Under most circumstances, the driver who hit you can be held liable for causing the accident. However, they may not readily admit wrongdoing. Some drivers will try to blame motorcyclists for causing problems on the road, and insurance companies often support this point of view. In fact, there is a common misconception that motorcycle riders are risk-takers who put others in danger. Our experienced Houston personal injury attorneys do not buy into these myths. We will hold the liable parties responsible and ensure that you receive the appropriate damages for your injuries and losses.

Should I Accept A Settlement Offer After My Motorcycle Crash?

Insurance companies often offer a settlement very quickly after a motorcycle crash. It can be tempting to accept the offer, as you may need money right away to pay for your medical care and offset lost wages. However, you should be aware that once you accept a settlement offer, you will not be able to pursue further compensation down the line. If your claim is settled quickly, you may lose out on the money you need to support yourself and your family in the long run. This is why it is so critical to work with an experienced Houston motorcycle accident attorney such as those at Trust Guss. We have been around the block and can provide you with seasoned insight when it comes to accepting or rejecting settlement offers.

How Much Is My Motorcycle Accident Claim Worth?

Motorcycle accident claims vary in terms of compensation received. Our lawyers will focus on ensuring you receive the proper financial support you need to deal with all of your accident-related expenses, even those that may arise years into the future. Damages you can claim after a Houston motorcycle accident include:

• Emergency medical care
• Doctors’ visits
• Surgery
• Physical therapy
• Rehabilitation clinics
• Pain medications
• Motorcycle repair or replacement
• Lost wages and lost career opportunities
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death

Can I File A Lawsuit After A Motorcycle Crash In Texas?

In the event that the settlement you are offered is too low or your claim is denied, it is your right to file a lawsuit against the liable parties in a motorcycle crash. The lawsuit will be filed in the Texas county where your accident occurred. 

There is a deadline for filing a lawsuit in Texas that you should know about. You will have two years from the date of your motorcycle crash to file. This is called the statute of limitations, and if you file your case too late, you may not be able to claim all the damages that you need in order to rebuild your life. Our personal injury attorneys at Trust Guss can help you navigate the legal system and make sure you are aware of all your options within the given time frame.

Why Hire A Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

Motorcycle accidents can be complicated legally, as they often involve multiple parties and various causes. Insurance companies will strive to pay you as little as possible and may even deny your injury claim altogether. Our seasoned personal injury lawyers at Trust Guss are not intimidated easily. We know how to outsmart insurance companies, and ensure that you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve after a devastating accident. We will not hesitate to take your case to court if a fair settlement is not possible. 

Contact us for a free evaluation with a Houston motorcycle accident lawyer who has decades of expertise in handling these kinds of cases. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you will not owe any legal fees unless we are successful in securing a just settlement or verdict.

Why Choose Trust Guss? 

For over 30 years, our dedicated team at Trust Guss has been tirelessly advocating for our clients, ensuring they receive the maximum compensation possible in their personal injury cases. We provide access to live support around the clock, so you never have to interact with a machine. We are so confident in our litigation acumen that you will never have to pay a dime unless we win your case. These are just a few of the many reasons why our clients have given Trust Guss over 1400 five-star reviews.

Texas native Stewart J. Guss received his Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Houston Law Center and is an active member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association. Over the years, he has been honored nationally for his unwavering commitment to his clients and superior legal strategies, being named by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel as among the top one percent of personal injury attorneys in the nation. Stewart has also received recognition as a Top Lawyer from the National Trial Lawyers, Rue Ratings, and Houstonia Magazine. He is a passionate philanthropist who funds a wide range of charities and university scholarships.