Houston, Texas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

How Common are Motorcycle Accidents in Houston?

Compared with many other U.S. cities, Houston is fairly safe for motorcycle riders. Among 100 large U.S. cities, Houston was ranked 59th for motorcycle fatalities per capita, and 69th for the 10-year increase in motorcycle fatalities. While many cities had increases of more than 150% and two of more than 1000%, the number of motorcycle deaths in Houston increased by just 3% across 10 years. 

Still, motorcycle wrecks do happen in and around Harris County. When they do, they often involve serious injury or death.

Why are Motorcyclists at Greater Risk on Houston Roads?

Motorcycles are at risk for collision in some situations where cars and trucks are not. For instance, if there is oil in the center of the lane, a passenger vehicle will likely pass right over it without even passing a tire through. If a tire hits the oil, it may cause a skid, but a four-wheeled vehicle is more stable than a motorcycle and the driver will typically regain control. In the same way, a motorcyclist may be at risk from grass clippings on the road, debris like small rocks that fell from a truck, or even a pothole. 

Another factor that puts motorcycle riders at risk is that many drivers don’t notice them on the road. That can be true even if the driver is watching the road and the motorcyclist is in plain sight. The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) urges drivers to “look twice for motorcycles,” but it doesn’t always happen. 

When a motorcycle is involved in an accident, the motorcyclist is more likely to be seriously injured or killed than an occupant in a car would be in the same situation. That’s because: 

• Seatbelts and airbags protect occupants of passenger vehicles in a collision, usually preventing them from being thrown from the car or into the windshield
• Except in the most serious collisions, occupants of passenger vehicles are shielded from being struck directly by the other vehicle 
• The vehicle absorbs some of the impact, lessening the impact on the driver and passengers

Motorcyclists have none of this protection. They can be thrown from the bike, run over by a car or truck, dragged, or pinned against the road by the motorcycle. A motorcyclist who has opted not to wear a helmet is at even greater risk.

Are Motorcycle Helmets Required? 

A rider under the age of 21 is always required to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. A motorcyclist aged 21 or older is excused from the helmet requirement if they have qualifying health insurance that will pay for their care if they are injured in a motorcycle accident. The insurance company must affirmatively state that the insurance covers motorcycle injuries. This can be accomplished by:

• Printing “MOTORCYCLE HEALTH” in caps on the insurance card
• Issuing a separate card with the header “Motorcycle Health: Standard Proof of Health Insurance,” which includes a statement that the insured “is covered by a health insurance plan that provides medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of an accident while operating or riding on a motorcycle, as addressed by the Transportation Code §661.003(c).”

Though a licensed Houston motorcyclist can escape the helmet requirement by purchasing insurance that fulfills the requirements above, can doesn’t mean should. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a motorcycle helmet reduces the risk of head injury by 69%. A helmet also significantly reduces the risk of death–by 37% for the motorcyclist and 41% for a passenger.

Protecting Yourself from Motorcycle Wrecks

No precaution is foolproof, but you can take measures to make riding your motorcycle in and around Houston safer. For example: 

• Check your lights, brakes, tires, and other essential equipment before every ride
• Dress for visibility, whether you’re riding during the day or at night
• Wear a helmet, even if you’re not legally required to do so
• Don’t follow another vehicle too closely, and change lanes or take other measures if a car is too close on your tail
• Stay out of the blindspots of vehicles sharing the road with you
• Never ride in the same lane with a car, even to pass
• Take special care at intersections, where drivers often fail to yield the right of way to motorcycles
• Don’t allow yourself to get hypnotized by the road on a long ride
• Don’t ride if you’ve been drinking or using drugs, or if you are too tired to ride safely
• Always signal turns and lane changes
• Be vigilant for debris on the road, potholes, or other hazards

Protecting Yourself After a Motorcycle Crash

If you are hit by a car while riding your motorcycle or are in a single-vehicle crash due to hazards on the road, you’ll need to take quick steps to protect yourself. If you’re able, you can gather some useful information at the crash scene. For example, you can ask any witnesses for their contact information, and ask them to share any photos or videos they may have taken and to preserve the original. You can also take your own pictures or video of the scene. Remember that your health comes first. If you can’t move around safely or you aren’t sure, don’t try. 

If you need medical attention, get it right away. If you don’t know how seriously you’re injured, don’t try to wait it out and see if it goes away on its own. Some injuries, such as swelling around the spine or internal bleeding, can have serious long-term consequences if not treated right away. If you are injured, it’s important that you follow your doctor’s instructions and keep follow-up appointments. Not following up can hurt your body and your motorcycle accident case. 

You’ll also want to consult an experienced Houston motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. While you technically have two years to file most injury cases, important evidence can be lost if you delay. The attorneys at Godsey Martin have represented tens of thousands of injury victims, including Houston motorcycle accident victims. Read what our past clients have to say.

Our Houston Motorcycle Accident Attorneys are Here for You

We know what it takes to build a strong motorcycle accident case, what kind of evidence is required, how to work with experts, how to negotiate with insurance companies, and how to fight for you in court. We also know that if you’ve been seriously injured or lost a loved one to a motorcycle accident, you’re likely unsure of your next steps. We’re here to help. 

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