Motorcycle Accidents
Houston Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
An accident involving a motorcycle can result in devastating injuries. Often times, other motor vehicles such as cars, trucks, or commercial 18-wheelers, may not see a motorcyclist on the road and this type of negligence can cause a severe traffic accident. The attorneys at Wilhite & Lea, P.C. are experienced in representing bikers in auto accident claims.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident; it’s important to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer who will advocate for your right to fair compensation; both with the insurance claims process and in some cases, in the courtroom.
Attorney George W. Wilhite is board certified in personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Our firm has been representing injured bikers throughout the Houston area for over 40 years. If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash anywhere in Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Grimes, Waller, or Washington Counties, contact us to immediately discuss your case with one of our attorneys during your free initial consultation.
Motorcycle Accident Information Center
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Your First Steps After a Motorcycle Accident
After being involved in a motorcycle accident; it’s important to take some initial steps to minimize the devastation.
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Seek medical attention – This should be your first concern after an accident. In cases involving serious injuries such as broken bones, painful road rash, brain or spinal cord injuries, an ambulance should respond to the scene and paramedics will take action. However, in other cases, the injuries may be less noticeable. Even if you feel okay after an accident, some injuries to the neck, back, or internal organs, may not show symptoms until much later. It’s always important to get medical help right away.
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Speak with an attorney – A personal injury attorney will be able to explain your rights and provide you with legal advice as to your options. At Wilhite & Lea, we provide free consultations to injured bikers throughout Houston and surrounding areas.
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File an insurance claim – It is important to begin the claims process right away. In order to attain maximum compensation for your damages, it is important to utilize accident reports, witness testimony, and medical records while they are still very recent.
All of these steps are vitally important for you to be compensated for the damages you have endured as a result of the crash. Don’t delay the process by not taking the necessary action. Our firm is ready to help you through this difficult process.
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The Insurance Claims Process
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you probably have some questions regarding your claim, such as:
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How should I deal with insurance adjusters?
Third party insurance adjusters – The person who hit you will have insurance adjusters who will contact you about the claim. Sometimes a property damage adjuster and a bodily injury adjuster will both contact you. These adjusters are not on your side. It’s best to have a lawyer deal with these adjusters. Especially the bodily injury adjuster, this person will do whatever it takes to avoid paying damages on the claim. They will ask you to provide a “recorded statement.” DO NOT EVER provide a “recorded statement” to a third party’s insurance adjuster. They are only trying to gather information that will harm your case. Politely tell them “no thank you,” no matter how many times they ask. They may also ask you to sign a medical release form. They do this in order to access your medical history to find ways of denying compensation for the injury. DO NOT SIGN any kind of form provided to you by a third party insurance adjuster, only your attorney should advise you of what to sign.
Your own insurance claim adjuster - If you have coverage that you can claim, an adjuster will be assigned. Your own auto insurance company adjuster will usually be on your side. In many cases, they will have a claim against the other driver’s insurance. It’s best to make sure that a claim is filed very soon after the accident. If you’re unsure about how to deal with any insurance adjuster, it’s best to speak with an attorney for advice.
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Who is going to pay for my bike?
All drivers in Texas are required to carry liability insurance. This covers paying for the property damage to a vehicle that was damaged in an accident. Deductibles, determining fault, and other factors play a critical role in determining how you will be compensated. It’s best to have an attorney review all police reports, witness statements, and other documents in order to properly investigate the accident and allow you to receive the maximum compensation for your motorcycle repairs, or reimbursement for a totaled bike.
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How will I be compensated for medical expenses?
After suffering from injuries resulting in a motorcycle accident, the medical bills can become overwhelming. When these injuries come as the result of a negligent driver, insurance companies will do whatever it takes to pay out as little as possible. Damages resulting from the injury may include medical bills, as well as compensation for lost wages, mental pain and anguish, rehabilitation, and continued medical care. It’s important to speak with an attorney that will work diligently with your best interests at heart.
This website is intended to provide accident victims with general information about the issues involved with being injured in a motorcycle accident. There is no substitute for speaking directly with an attorney about your individual situation.
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Types of Injuries Suffered from Motorcycle Accidents
There are many devastating and sometimes fatal injuries that can result from motorcycle crashes. These injuries may include one or more of the following:
- Broken pelvis, hips, shoulders, nose, jaw, arms, legs, hands, ribs, or other bones;
- Arm / Leg fractures;
- Concussions;
- Head trauma or brain injury;
- Neck, back or spinal injury;
- Road rash / skin abrasions;
- Knee injuries.
If you have suffered from any of these injuries as the result of a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver, contact our firm today to secure your legal representation and ensure fair and just financial compensation for your injuries.
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Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can be caused by a number of contributing factors. Motorcycle riders themselves are often viewed as being negligent and unsafe on the roads. There is a stigma attached to riding. Unsafe motorcycle behavior reflects poorly on the community and gives motorcyclists in general a bad name. The truth is that the majority of people who ride motorcycles are safe and properly adhere to all motorcycle safety standards. Most car-motorcycle collisions are caused by factors that are beyond the riders control; usually human error by the driver of the secondary vehicle. The most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Car or truck motorist turning into the motorcyclist’s lane and violating the motorcyclist’s right of way;
- Lack of visibility from cars and trucks on the road;
- Alcohol related, drunk drivers, or DWI accidents;
- Speeding or reckless driving;
- Driver fatigue or inattention;
- Distracted driver, cell phone use, driving while texting;
- Open car doors or illegally parked vehicles;
- Traffic congestion;
- Inclement weather, fog, or poor road conditions.
Any of these causes can lead to severe injuries or even death if you have been involved in a motorcycle-car or motorcycle-truck collision. The liability of the person operating the car or truck should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who can secure your right to all the compensation you deserve.
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Types of Motorcycles
The circumstances surrounding a motorcycle accident can vary significantly depending on the type of motorcycle involved. Different types of motorcycles include:
Cruisers – These motorcycles are modeled after American style machines from the 1930s through early 1960s. When customized, they are known as “choppers.” The Harley-Davidson largely defines this category of motorcycle.
Sport Bikes – Often viewed as the most dangerous. These motorcycles emphasize speed, acceleration, and high-performance engines within a lightweight frame. Common makes include: Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Yamaha.
Touring – These motorcycles are meant for covering long distances, notable features include expansive luggage, relaxed upright seating, and passenger accommodation.
Off Road – Dirt bikes used in motor cross and other recreational riding. These motorcycles are lightweight, with long suspension, and high ground clearance.
Dual Sport – Street-legal motorcycles that are also used in off-road situations. These are basically dirt bikes but with added lights, mirrors, and signals so they are legal to be licensed for street transportation.
Mopeds – A hybrid of the motorcycle and bicycle. Mopeds have small engines, are lightweight, and very cheap.
When any of these types of motorcycles are involved in a collision with a car, truck, or SUV, the injuries to the rider can be devastating. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident; it’s important to speak with an attorney right away who can protect your rights.
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Motorcycle Safety Resources
Motorcycle Safety Foundation – The MSF, is a nonprofit organization that promotes motorcycle safety, training, licensing, and motorcycle awareness. They develop research-based Rider Education and Training Systems (RETS) and participate in government relations, safety research, and public awareness campaigns.
Texas RiderCourse Directory – The MSF provides a full directory for RiderCourse training and certification programs in Texas.
Texas Department of Public Safety – Motorcycle Safety Unit – The Texas DPS Motorcycle Safety Unit administers the Motorcycle Operator Training and Safety Program for All-Terrain Vehicle Education and Certification Program; both are statewide training programs as assigned by the Texas Department of Public Safety Education Training and Research Bureau.
U.S. Department of Transportation Motorcycle Helmet Safety Standards – The DOT has specific regulations regarding motorcycle helmets as provided in the Motor Carrier Vehicle Safety Standards Sec. 571.218.
National Association of State Motorcycle Safety Administrators – The SMSA fosters and promotes state-administered motorcycle safety programs, serves the needs of those having an interest in motorcycle safety, and represents state concerns relating to motorcycle safety.
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Wilhite & Lea, P.C. | Texas Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Wilhite & Lea, we have been representing Texas bikers for over 40 years. Our services span throughout North Houston, Spring, Cypress, the FM 1960 area, Midtown, and throughout all of Harris County, as well as Conroe and The Woodlands in Montgomery County. If you’ve been injured while riding, speak with an attorney who will protect your right to fair compensation. Our firm offers free consultations for motorcycle injury cases. We’re ready to help you through this situation right away.
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