If you’ve suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, our motorcycle accident attorney in Texas can help you get the compensation you deserve. Award-winning Dr. Louis Patino and his legal team have secured six and seven-figure settlements for accident victims in McAllen, Brownsville, Edinburg, San Antonio, Hondo, and beyond.
You might love nothing more than taking to the roads on your motorcycle. But regardless of how careful you are on the road, you can never control the actions of another driver or rider — and that’s where the danger lies.
While enclosed vehicles offer protection and absorb some of the impact of a crash — yet are still deadly — bikers are more vulnerable even when wearing a helmet and safety gear. Motorcycle accidents can be horrific, throwing a motorcyclist off their bike and causing severe or fatal injuries.
Catastrophic injuries often require lengthy treatment — perhaps even for the rest of your life — and surgery, medication, transportation, and rehabilitation don’t come cheap. Then there’s the cost of repairing or replacing your bike and the wages you can’t earn because you’re unable to work (in some cases, ever again). The financial burden can become overwhelming, and that’s on top of challenging the unfair stereotypes others hold about motorcyclists.
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The best personal injury lawyer is someone you can trust to fight for the compensation and justice you deserve — not who will happily push you into accepting an offer less than you deserve just so that they can collect their share of legal fees and move on to the next client.
When you choose our Texas motorcycle injury lawyer, you can rest assured we understand and respect you as an individual and a member of the motorcycle community — and we promise to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve under the law.
You don’t pay unless we win. Our Texas motorcycle accident attorneys work on a contingency basis, so you won’t pay a cent until we win your case.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), riding a motorcycle is more dangerous than traveling in a car. The most recent data released by the NHTSA reveals that 6,218 motorcyclists were killed in 2022, representing 15% of all traffic fatalities and the highest number of motorcycle accident deaths since 1975. Concerningly, this figure has once again increased year on year, up from 5,932 in 2021.
Patino Law Firm’s own research into Texas motor vehicle accidents in 2023 shows that 595 motorcyclists died in road accidents in the Lone Star State, up from the previous year’s total of 562. Of those fatalities, just under half were not wearing a helmet.
When not fatal, motorcycle accidents can cause many injuries, from broken bones and spinal injuries to head trauma. Because of the shocking impact a motorcycle accident victim often endures, these accidents can have lasting effects and may cause permanent damage.
Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Even motorcyclists who wear a helmet can sustain a traumatic brain injury in an accident. These are severe injuries, and even a mild TBI can cause symptoms that last for weeks or months. A severe TBI can lead to permanent brain damage, with ongoing symptoms ranging from headaches and blurred vision to problems thinking, remembering, and communicating.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury can happen if the neck or back sustains damage in a crash. The spinal cord carries messages from the brain throughout the nervous system. It’s also delicate, and it doesn’t need to be severed to cause a severe injury. A cut, wound, or bruising to the spine can result in permanent mobility loss, if not total paralysis from the neck down.
Back Injuries
A spinal cord injury isn’t the only damage the back might sustain during a motorcycle accident. Being thrown off a motorcycle can cause lingering back pain even if the spinal cord isn’t severed, and it might require medication, cortisone shots, or surgery to alleviate the pain. Even then, many victims continue to experience chronic mobility issues.
Amputation
Amputation is a serious risk for motorcyclists. During a crash, it’s not uncommon for a biker to trap their leg or arm, especially if their motorcycle lands on top of them. Blood cannot flow to the affected area when a limb is trapped. This can cause infection, and doctors can’t always restore blood flow. When this happens, doctors may be forced to amputate the limb.
It’s no exaggeration to say that having a limb amputated can cause significant physical and emotional pain. It’s a life-changing injury that poses many challenges, including adapting to using a wheelchair or prosthetic limb, dealing with phantom limb pain, and coping with the emotional trauma of a permanent disability.
Road Rash
Road rash injuries happen when exposed skin makes contact with the ground, causing friction. This friction can scrape the skin and cause open wounds, which can get infected. Road rash often happens when bikers are thrown from their motorcycle. In severe cases, several layers of the skin may come off and expose muscle and bone. This can lead to severe scarring and disfigurement.
Dental and Facial Injuries
Dental and facial injuries can occur if a motorcyclist isn’t wearing head protection when they’re in a motorcycle accident. A motorcycle crash can crack or chip the teeth, while a facial injury could cause disfigurement. Either injury can have a devastating impact on an individual’s confidence.
In addition to physical injuries, a motorcycle crash can have a significant emotional impact. It’s not uncommon for bikers to experience depression and post-traumatic stress disorder after an accident.
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, your first step after seeing a doctor should be to contact a personal injury attorney. Our motorcycle accident attorney in Texas can help you retrieve copies of your medical records to support your claim and get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
The most common causes of motorcycle accidents are related to driver error, but vehicle error and environmental factors also contribute to a fair share of accidents.
Some of these causes include:
Distracted driving can be anything from eating or drinking while driving to talking to other passengers or using a cell phone. The brain is inherently incapable of multitasking, and instead of doing multiple tasks well, the brain toggles between them. This can cause drivers to miss a hazard, not react in time, or simply not see a motorcyclist on the road.
Texas roads have some of the highest speed limits in the country, which can spell disaster for a motorcyclist. The impact of a motorcycle crash at legal speeds can be deadly, so exceeding these speeds can result in a more significant impact — the brunt of which is usually absorbed by an unprotected motorcyclist.
When it comes to alcohol-impaired driving, motorcyclists are the worst affected. According to page 136 of the NHTSA’s 2019 Traffic Safety Facts report, 34% of all motorcycle fatalities were caused by intoxication.
When a car encounters a pothole, it might blow a tire or cause the driver to swerve to avoid a collision. This can cause deadly crashes. But potholes are potentially even more dangerous for motorcyclists. Hitting a pothole can cause a bike to flip, throwing a rider off their cycle and into the road — or even into oncoming traffic.
A motorcycle accident can happen in the blink of an eye, but it can leave you with injuries that upend your life for far longer. Whether you’re out of work for weeks or months and facing mounting medical bills, or you’re left paralyzed or disabled after your motorcycle accident, you may be able to claim compensation. Our motorcycle injury lawyer can help you recover the tangible expenses you’ve incurred due to your accident and compensation for the overall impact of your motorcycle injuries on your life. We can recover damages for:
Want to find out how much compensation you could be entitled to? Try our quick and easy personal injury calculator.
Texas law allows you to seek compensation against the party responsible for your motorcycle accident. This is often another driver, but a company can also be liable, such as if a brake failure or tire blowout caused your accident.
But what if you were partly responsible for your accident?
As Texas is a modified comparative negligence state, you may still be able to claim compensation — but only if you were no more than 50% at fault.
The process starts with filing an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Then, a claims adjuster will determine how much the insurance company will offer you based on your accident and injuries.
It can be daunting dealing with insurance companies, but our motorcycle accident lawyers in Texas can handle negotiations on your behalf to secure the best possible settlement for you.
If your motorcycle accident wasn’t your fault and you want to claim compensation, there are some vital steps you should take to maximize your chances of success.
Securing a fair settlement relies on two key parts:
Not having this evidence makes it more difficult to negotiate a fair settlement or build a solid court case, as the other party may argue that your injuries were not caused by the at-fault driver or company. This means you should see a doctor immediately after your accident to document your injuries. You should keep any relevant information, including medical bills, tax returns, payroll information, and receipts for travel, prescriptions, and prosthetic devices. You can never retain too much, so if in doubt, keep records — your Texas motorcycle lawyer can advise you about what information is most relevant to your claim.
Immediately after your accident, you might be tempted to share your story on social media to let your friends and family know what happened and — ultimately — that you’re okay. But the other party’s insurance company will be investigating the details of your accident. After all, they want to get away with paying as little as possible. This means you should expect them to go through your personal social media updates, looking for any way to devalue or deny your claim. Even responding to a comment telling another person that you’re okay, or downplaying your injuries, can impact how much compensation you receive. You don’t need to stop using social media completely, but avoid talking about your motorcycle accident until your claim is resolved.
Insurance adjusters will take anything you say and twist it to avoid financial liability at all costs. Having a lawyer on your side will protect you from these tactics and allow you to focus on your recovery.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys are experienced in negotiating the best settlements and defending our clients’ rights. We’re dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve after your accident.
Our motorcycle accident lawyer in McAllen and San Antonio can help you:
It’s important to act fast, as the statute of limitations for personal injury in Texas is two years from the date of your accident. There are exceptions to this law, so contact our personal injury lawyer in McAllen and San Antonio today if you’re unsure how long you have to make a claim.
Our motorcycle accident lawyer in Texas has the knowledge and experience to help you secure justice and financial support for your injury. Get a free, no-obligation case review with the Law Ninja at Patino Law Firm by calling 855-LAW-NINJA or filling in our contact form. If you choose us to represent you in your motorcycle accident claim, you will never have to pay upfront attorney’s fees. We take cases on contingency, which means you’ll only ever pay legal fees if we win your case.
The most common causes of motorcycle accidents are related to driver error, but vehicle error and environmental factors also contribute to a fair share of accidents.
Some of these causes include:
Texas roads have some of the highest speed limits in the country, which can spell disaster for a motorcyclist. The impact of a motorcycle crash at legal speeds can be deadly, so exceeding these speeds can cause a more significant impact — the brunt of which is usually absorbed by an unprotected motorcyclist.
When it comes to alcohol impairment, motorcyclists are the worst affected. As outlined in the NHTSA’s 2022 Traffic Safety Facts report, 28% of all alcohol-impaired drivers killed in traffic accidents were operating a motorcycle:
| Vehicle Type | Percentage of Alcohol-Impaired Driver Fatalities |
| Motorcycle | 28% |
| Passenger Car | 25% |
| Light Trucks (Including SUVs and Vans) | 21% |
| Heavy Trucks | 3% |
Fatalities were motorcyclists: For comparison, 25% were passenger car drivers, 21% drove light trucks, 25% were pickup drivers, drivers of pickups, 20% were drivers of SUVs, and 13% were van drivers.
When a car encounters a pothole, it might blow a tire or cause the driver to swerve to avoid a collision. But potholes are potentially even more dangerous for motorcyclists. Hitting a pothole can cause a bike to flip, throwing a rider off their bike and into the road — or even into oncoming traffic.
Texas law allows you to seek compensation against the party responsible for your motorcycle accident. This is often another driver, but a company can also be liable, such as if a brake failure or tire blowout caused your accident.
But what if you were partly responsible for your accident?
As Texas is a modified comparative negligence state, you may still be able to claim compensation — but only if you were less than 51% at fault.
The process starts with filing an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Then, a claims adjuster will determine how much the insurance company will offer you based on your accident and injuries.
It can be daunting dealing with insurance companies, but our motorcycle accident attorney in Texas can handle negotiations on your behalf to secure the best possible settlement for you.
If your motorcycle accident wasn’t your fault and you want to claim compensation, there are some vital steps you should take to maximize your chances of success.
Securing a fair settlement relies on two key parts:
Not having this evidence makes it more difficult to negotiate a fair settlement or build a solid court case, as the other party may argue your injuries were not caused by the at-fault driver or company. This means you should see a doctor immediately after your accident to document your injuries. You should retain any relevant information, including medical bills, tax returns, payroll information, and receipts for travel, prescriptions, and prosthetic devices. You can never have too much, so if in doubt, keep records — your Texas motorcycle accident lawyer can advise you about what information is most relevant to your claim.
Immediately after your accident, you might be tempted to share your story on social media to let your friends and family know what happened and — ultimately — that you’re okay. But the other party’s insurance company will investigate the details of your accident. After all, they want to get away with paying as little as possible. This means you should expect them to go through your personal social media updates, looking for any way to devalue or deny your claim. Even responding to a comment telling another person that you’re okay or downplaying your injuries can impact how much compensation you receive. You don’t need to stop using social media completely, but avoid talking about your motorcycle accident until your claim is resolved.
Insurance adjusters will take anything you say and twist it to avoid financial liability at all costs. Having a lawyer on your side will protect you from these tactics and allow you to focus on your recovery.
Yes, Texas law requires regular inspection of motorcycles to ensure it is safe. Motorcycles must pass an annual inspection to be roadworthy. Inspectors will check the following components:
Keeping your bike maintained and inspected ensures you stay on the right side of the law and keeps you and other motorists safe.
However, accidents can happen because of auto defects. If a malfunction caused your accident and you failed to get your motorcycle inspected — which could have identified the fault — it could affect your entitlement to compensation.
Riders as young as 15 can operate a motorcycle. However, there are restrictions to ensure safety.
Riders aged between 15 and 17 must enroll in a motorcycle safety course. To do so, they must hold a provisional driver’s license or a Class C learner license and have completed the 32-hour classroom phase of a driver education course.
Riders aged 15 cannot operate a bike greater than 250cc and must ride under the direct supervision of a licensed motorcyclist aged 21 or older. When a rider turns 16, they can transition to a Class M license, which removes the restrictions on supervision and engine size.
Texas law also requires motorcyclists aged under 21 to wear a helmet.
If you or a loved one are involved in a motorcycle accident involving a minor, speak to our Texas motorcycle injury lawyer to discover your options.
Driving on the shoulder may seem tempting in congested traffic, but the Texas Transportation Code generally prohibits shoulder surfing, except in specific situations:
Riders should be cautious when driving on the shoulder, even when permitted — it is not designed for regular use and is often littered with debris, increasing the risk of damaging your bike and suffering an injury.
All motorists are required to abide by traffic laws and regulations, and driving on the shoulder when not permitted can constitute a violation. If you are injured in an accident, it is wise to consult a Texas motorcycle injury lawyer to find out where you stand.
Lane splitting is the practice of riding over painted, dashed road lines to pass between slower-moving vehicles. As of September 1, 2023, lane splitting and lane filtering are illegal in Texas. The legislative change began with House Bill 4122 in March 2023 and was officially signed into state law (to take effect from September) in June after a series of meetings, public hearings, and votes. It explicitly states riders “may not operate the motorcycle between lanes of traffic moving in the same direction or pass a motor vehicle while in the same lane as the vehicle being passed.”
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident while lane splitting, you should speak to a motorcycle accident attorney in Texas. Whether or not you are entitled to compensation depends on your comparative fault. You may still be able to claim if another party was majorly responsible — even if you violated the law by lane splitting.
You don’t need to hire an attorney if you’re injured in a motorcycle accident and want to pursue compensation. Your only legal obligation is to report the accident to the police, so you may choose to pursue compensation from the responsible party by yourself. The main reason injury victims choose to go it alone is to avoid paying legal fees — any settlement they negotiate, or judgment they secure from a jury is entirely theirs, minus any expenses for gathering evidence or consulting expert witnesses.
However, the advantages of hiring a Texas motorcycle accident lawyer make legal fees entirely worth it.
To file a claim, you must prove that the person or party responsible for your accident was negligent or reckless, and that requires solid evidence.
Our Texas motorcycle accident attorney will handle the entire process, from gathering physical evidence to tracking down and speaking to eyewitnesses and identifying the best expert witnesses to interview to support your case.
Because we’re expert negotiators and skilled at building winning cases, we can secure more compensation than you might be able to negotiate on your own, leaving you with a higher payout even after we deduct your fees.
Perhaps the greatest benefit of hiring a Texas accident lawyer is the support they provide. Your health must come first, which is why we will take the stress off your plate so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
For a free case evaluation with one of our compassionate Texas Motorcycle Accident lawyers, call us today at 855-LAW-NINJA or send us a confidential message through our contact page.
We’ll do our best to help you and your family through this difficult time.
You can reach us 24/7.
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