Why Riders Get Hurt Even When the Law Protects Them
Texas law requires drivers to share the road safely with motorcyclists, but negligence happens anyway. The most common scenario: a driver changes lanes without checking their blind spot, or makes a left-hand turn directly into the path of an oncoming rider. These crashes happen in seconds, and the motorcyclist almost always bears the physical consequences. We help Austin riders pursue the compensation they’re owed when another driver’s carelessness caused the crash.
Recovery from a motorcycle accident can be long, painful, and expensive. Your spouse may also have a claim for loss of consortium — compensation for the impact your injuries have had on your relationship and household.
We can help you build a case to recover:
How Insurance Companies Handle Motorcycle Claims
Insurance companies move fast after a crash — and not in your favor. They’re counting on your need for immediate funds to push you toward a quick, low-ball settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries. Motorcycle injuries often worsen over time: what seems like soft-tissue damage may involve traumatic brain injury or spinal complications that don’t fully surface for days or weeks.
Accepting an early settlement waives your right to additional compensation, even if your condition deteriorates. Insurers are obligated to account for future medical costs — but they routinely try to ignore it. Let our motorcycle accident lawyer in Austin protect your interests before you sign anything.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Austin
Understanding why Austin motorcycle crashes happen matters when building your claim. Fault is determined by the facts, and motorcyclists are not automatically to blame. Motorcycle crash research consistently shows that approximately 75% of motorcycle accidents involve another motor vehicle — and in most of those cases, driver error is the primary cause, not rider error. The remaining 25% are single-vehicle crashes caused by motorcyclist error or road hazards.
Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Cars making left-hand turns and failing to yield to oncoming motorcyclists
- Lane splitting in heavy traffic
- Excessive speed and alcohol use
- Hazardous road conditions including potholes, poor weather, debris, and animals
Contrary to popular belief, motorcyclists are not automatically at fault for collisions. Fault in Texas is determined by the specific circumstances of the crash, and our team investigates every detail to build the strongest possible case for our clients.
Texas Law & Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
Two legal rules shape almost every motorcycle accident claim in Texas, and knowing them can make a significant difference in your recovery.
First, Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. Under Chapter 33 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, you can recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. If you share some fault, your recovery is reduced proportionally — but partial fault doesn’t automatically bar your claim.
Second, Texas law gives injured riders two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under the statute of limitations in the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Waiting too long can forfeit your right to pursue compensation entirely. Insurance companies know these deadlines and may try to run out the clock. The sooner you contact our team, the better protected your claim will be.
Texas also has a helmet law that insurance companies sometimes raise to dispute damages. Riders over 21 who have completed an approved motorcycle safety course and carry qualifying health insurance may legally ride without a helmet — but that doesn’t mean an insurer won’t use helmet non-use as a bargaining chip. We know how to counter these arguments.
Our Austin Motorcycle Accident Attorney Fights for You
Being involved in a motorcycle accident is a traumatic and stressful experience. Trying to fight the insurance company on your own can be even worse. We’re here to handle the legal and financial battle so you can focus on recovery — negotiating with insurers, building your case, and pursuing the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Give our office a call at
(512) 334-9117 to speak with a
personal injury attorney in Austin regarding your case.
