Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Fight for Justice

Hurt in a Motorcycle Wreck?

When you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle wreck, the fallout can be devastating. You may end up in the hospital, in pain, with medical bills piling up. If you can’t work, the income you and your family depend on may be diminished or completely disappear.

If you or a loved one has been injured or someone has died in a motorcycle accident you may be entitled to receive compensation that pays for your losses and provides money to help you through this difficult period. However, Texas injury laws are complicated, and there is an unfortunate bias against motorcyclists to begin with; it may color the decisions of the professionals whose job it is to determine what, if any, compensation you will receive in the aftermath of your wreck.

After a crash, one of your very first steps should be to call an experienced Houston motorcycle accident lawyer who will gather all of the facts and fight to get the full compensation you deserve.

Don’t assume the insurance company will do right by you… They won’t. Don’t assume it will all work out in the end if you sit back and do nothing… It won’t. Your future and financial life are at stake. Instead, take control by hiring an advocate who understands the relevant Texas law inside and out, who’s a nimble negotiator, who’s a tenacious opponent in the courtroom, and whose interests are your interests. The stigma associated with bikers can result in insurance companies’ denying benefits, so you’ll need someone on your side who knows how to fight back against these companies.

At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we understand the unique circumstances and issues that arise when an accident involves a motorcycle. Our Houston motorcycle accident lawyers know the hazards riders like you face every day, and we’re not afraid to stand up for your rights — whether that involves negotiating with an insurance company or taking your case to a court of law.

You don’t have to fight the insurance company alone after your bike accident. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and determine the best way to move forward. There are no fees to you unless and until we win your case, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Call us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000.

Why Choose Our Houston Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

TERRY BRYANT FIGHTS FOR JUSTICE FOR INJURED BIKERS

There are many attorneys in Houston, and it’s important for you to find the one that’s right for your individual situation. Here are some reasons we think Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law is your best choice:

  • We have more than 35+ years of experience.
  • We get results, and have recovered $1 Billion for our clients, including a $10.6 million settlement for multiple fractures and a traumatic brain injury resulting from a head-on car wreck.
  • We are available 24/7 for client emergencies.
  • Terry Bryant and two additional attorneys are board certified.
  • We have a 98 % positive group of satisfied clients.
  • We are recognized for customer service – our law firm has received the Better Business Bureau’s Winner of Distinction Award multiple times.
  • Terry Bryant is a former judge, which gives given him an unparalleled understanding of the law from all angles.
  • We offer free initial consultations and a No-Fee Guarantee, which means you pay us nothing unless you get your money. 

WE ARE DEDICATED TO PROVIDING THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE LEVEL OF SERVICE

Every person who works at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law — lawyers and support staff — shares our commitment to our clients. When you have our team on your side, we will:

  • Investigate your motorcycle accident thoroughly, often in conjunction with law enforcement.
  • Thoroughly assess all your damages, including current and future medical bills, all forms of lost income, damaged property and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
  • Demand damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
  • Negotiate aggressively – and in good faith – for maximum compensation.
  • If negotiation breaks down, we fight to win full and fair compensation for your injuries in court.

Call us at any time, seven days a week, at (713) 973-8888.

Damage Awards Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Houston May Win

In a successful Texas lawsuit, our motorcycle accident lawyers may win compensation for both your monetary costs, called “special damages,” and your non-economic damages, called “general” damages, as follows:

Economic (Special) Damages, cover the cost of:

  • Medical and rehabilitation bills and continuing care
  • Lost wages, current and projected into the future
  • Property damages such as to fix or replace your motorcycle
  • Costs of modifications to a home, such as to accommodate a wheelchair if necessary.

Non-economic (General) Damages, are for losses that do not have a specific dollar value, but negatively affect your life, including:

  • Physical, mental, and emotional pain and suffering
  • Loss of companionship and consortium and quality of life
  • Permanent disability
  • Disfigurement and scarring.

To qualify for non-economic damages in Texas, you must have had physical injury and costs.

Punitive damages

In some rare situations, where the crash was caused by actions that were wantonly reckless and negligent, you may also be awarded punitive damages. Texas law (CPRC Title 2 Subchapter C Sec. 41.008) caps the amounts of punitive damages.

At Terry Bryant Accident and Injury Law, we will evaluate your case to see what it should be worth and do everything possible to fight for optimum compensation for you and your family.

Amounts of Damage Awards

There are a wide range of damage amounts that you may receive in a successful motorcycle accident lawsuit, from the thousands to millions of dollars. While no one can give you an exact figure, the amount you receive will depend on the individual circumstances of the case and factors which include:

  • Actual costs of your losses and expenses
  • The extent and permanence of your injuries and whether you will need continuing care
  • Lost earnings and whether you will be able to work in the future
  • Your age, earning potential, and family situation
  • Whether a wrongful death was involved
  • Availability of insurance coverage and assets of the defendants
  • The degree of fault of the defendants and the evidence and witnesses available to prove it
  • The individual jurisdiction, judge, and jury if there is a trial
  • The skill and negotiating power of your attorney.

In general, more severe injuries that involve permanent damage and require long-term care or death often result in a higher settlement.

Why You Should Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

“One of my kids was involved in a traffic accident, and the attorneys at Terry Bryant took great care of us. Their knowledge and expertise resulted in a great outcome. Thank you!” – Robin G.

Client Testimonials

Reviews From Our Accident Clients

The proof is in our results. Visit our client victories page to read about real cases — and real money — the dedicated attorneys at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law have won for our clients. Here are just a few of the many client testimonials we’ve received from our satisfied customers over the years:

“Terry Bryant is an excellent law office. I had the pleasure of having them serve me through a difficult situation. I was in a car accident and had no idea there was someone out there that could help. Terry Bryant was there to help me through every step of the way. I felt at ease and was glad that I had someone taking care of all the intricate processes that are required in circumstances like these. Terry Bryant got me through this ordeal and I am so thankful that I chose Terry Bryant.” – Claudia P., Actual Client

“I braced myself real good and grasped onto the steering wheel and got ready to have a head-on collision… I didn’t seek any medical attention at the scene of the accident because I felt fine, probably because of the adrenaline rush… The insurance company wanted to do only what they had to in order to take care of the car… Seeing Terry Bryant’s commercial, I had a real good gut-feeling that he was the one I needed to call, so I did. It was a great relief. They handled everything… If I had a question, I just called them, and they took care of it… Of course I’d recommend Terry Bryant because he’s done me a great job.” – Frank, Actual Client

“I was sitting at a red light. A car hit me from behind going about 65 miles per hour… Terry Bryant definitely went to bat for me, and they took the burden off my shoulders, and I didn’t have to worry about anything but getting myself better.” – Misty, Actual Client

“The reason we contacted Terry Bryant’s office was because a family member referred us, and we had also had another case handled in the past through them that turned out great. It was a great experience. Everybody was very friendly and very polite, and you just felt that they wanted to help you… After the case was settled, we were able to pay for all of our medical bills, car repair and also compensation for our suffering. We were able to move on and put this whole case behind us.” – Sylvia, Actual Client

Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Must Prove Negligence

Proving Negligence is a Vital Part of Your Case

Motorcyclists have a reputation for being reckless, and sometimes even dangerous, and it’s a reputation they must fight when they’ve been injured in a crash. And it’s distressingly common for insurance company employees to make assumptions about and discriminate against motorcyclists and deny their claims for no good reason.

This puts an extra burden on you — the injured motorcyclist — to prove another party was at fault. Our motorcycle accident attorneys know the importance of fighting back against the negative biker stereotypes. Our goal is to demonstrate that, as a responsible motorcycle driver who was hurt due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve compensation for all the damages you suffered.

To win your case, our accident attorney must be able to show that another party, the defendant in the case, was negligent, at fault, and therefore liable for your damages. To prove fault legally, we must show the existence of the following elements:

  • Duty – The defendant owed you a duty of care not to cause harm.
  • Breach – The defendant breached that duty by acting or failing to act.
  • Cause – This breach caused an accident that resulted in your injuries.
  • Damages – You suffered damages as a result.

There may be multiple parties liable for your accident, depending on the situation.  In addition to the driver who hit you or caused you to crash, liable parties may include the manufacturers of the motorcycle and its parts, if these were defective and failed, and road repair companies and municipalities if poorly maintained roads contributed to the crash.

Based on our investigations and reports from experts, our legal team will find all possibly liable parties, as they all may have assets and insurance that can go toward a settlement.

Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Houston Deal with Insurance Companies

Don’t Be Bullied by Big Insurance

After a motorcycle accident, you will find yourself having to deal with your own or the other driver’s insurance company. They may try to give you a settlement that’s almost certainly a lowball offer. They may even try to avoid paying out damages altogether. No matter the situation, it’s imperative that you hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to do the talking for you. If you accept the initial settlement offer, or slip up and say the wrong thing, it will work against you and you will not receive the money you need.

What if the Other Party’s Insurance Company Calls Me?

If a representative of the other driver’s insurance company calls and offers you a seemingly good-sized sum of money, say you will get back to them, and nothing more. If they become insistent or rude, hang up and do not let them intimidate you. Let our motorcycle accident attorneys handle all communications with the insurance company and use our expertise to calculate the true cost of your injuries and negotiate the best possible deal for you.

We understand that it’s tough to turn down money, but it’s important to remember that once you’ve accepted an insurance company’s offer, you’ve blown your shot at additional compensation down the road. You can’t ask for more once you realize that what you received will not begin to cover all your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses which are rightly owed to you, but that you left off the table by accepting that first lowball settlement. We can aggressively negotiate with, and shield you from, insurance companies and their lawyers who will try to pressure you into accepting less money than they are actually prepared to pay. An experienced Houston motorcycle accident lawyer knows the stats, knows how to do the research to get to the truth, knows how to press your advantage in negotiations with the insurance company’s lawyers, and knows when it’s time to file suit and take the case to trial.

MOTORCYCLISTS ARE FAR MORE VULNERABLE TO SERIOUS INJURIES WHEN INVOLVED IN A CRASH. OUR INFOGRAPHIC OFFERS A FEW WAYS YOU CAN MAKE YOUR NEXT RIDE AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE

Motorcycle Infographic

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Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Prove Stereotypes Wrong

Motorcyclists have a reputation for being reckless and sometimes even dangerous, and it’s a reputation they must fight when they’ve been injured in a crash. The Houston motorcycle accident lawyers at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law know this puts riders at a serious disadvantage and makes it harder to get the compensation they need to recover when they’ve been hurt. We’ll make sure your legal rights to collect all of your legal damages are being protected after a motorcycle accident.

While you don’t have total control over labels and other people’s perceptions of you and your fellow bikers, you can fight back against being labeled as a lawless, irresponsible motorcyclist by driving safely and heeding these tips from the Texas Department of Public Safety.

  • Keep your distance from other vehicles and give yourself time to react and maneuver.
  • Position yourself in the lane so you can be seen at all times and avoid any blind spots.
  • Make sure you are fully visible when you pass another vehicle, and stay in the center of the lane when you’re being passed.
  • Never share a lane or drive alongside another vehicle. Don’t park between other vehicles — use your own parking spot.
  • Keep an eye out for uneven surfaces and obstacles.
  • Make sure your bike is always in good working order, and stay on top of routine maintenance.
  • Avoid add-ons and modifications that can make your bike more difficult to handle.
  • Wear appropriate protective clothing and shoes.
  • Wear a helmet, even if not legally required, and protective eyewear.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Accidents can happen for any number of different reasons; and when you are on a motorcycle, you have very little to protect you and are much more likely to be injured or killed than someone in a car. Some of the causes of accidents are:

Distracted drivers: How many times have you passed a car or truck and noticed that the driver is on the phone, fiddling with the stereo, or engaged in something other than watching the road?

Physical obstacles or road hazards: Because motorcycles are smaller and less stable than passenger vehicles, even a small obstacle in the road can lead to a catastrophic accident. Bikers must be vigilant to avoid potholes, roadkill, slick or uneven pavement, and unexpected objects in the lane.

Intoxicated or impaired motorists: People under the influence lack the ability to make good decisions; their vision may be reduced and their reaction time sluggish.

Cars turning left: Many motor vehicle crashes involving a motorcycle and a car are due to the passenger vehicle’s turning left into the path of the bike. This sometimes occurs when the motorcyclist is attempting to pass or overtake the car. In other cases, the motorcycle has the right of way going straight through the intersection, but the driver of the turning car fails to see the bike.

Motorcycles getting lost in a sea of cars: Because of their small size, motorists sometimes just fail to notice motorcycles. That’s why it’s important for everyone to remember they share the road and to remain vigilant at all times.

Motorcycle Accidents in Texas

Common Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident

You can observe all traffic rules, ride with special care, and still get in a serious accident, often through no fault of your own.

Two hard facts stand out about motorcycle accidents:

  • When involved in a crash, motorcyclists suffer much higher rates of injury and death than drivers of other vehicle types.
  • Motorcycle accident injuries are often severe. Two common examples are traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.

Cars are designed to protect their occupants in the case of a crash, with frames that absorb the energy of the impact, airbags, seatbelts, and other safety measures. Motorcycles offer their riders agility, maneuverability, and an unparalleled sense of freedom. But the joy of feeling the wind in your hair comes with a price.

Since there is nothing between you and the road, a few layers of clothing will do little to protect you. Riding a motorcycle is dangerous, and you risk life and limb every time you fire up your bike.

Injuries to motorcycle accident victims primarily involve fractures and burns. They can affect the face or any limb, internal organ, or system. Injuries can range from minor to disabling, such as spinal cord injuries, paralysis, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and limb amputations. One of the most common injuries suffered in motorcycle crashes is road rash, which occurs when unprotected skin comes in contact with road surfaces as the victim slides after “laying down” his or her bike. It’s very painful and can be permanently disfiguring.

Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can injure any part of a rider’s body. Several of the most common types of motorcycle accident injuries include:

Broken Bones – Fractures (including compound fractures) and shattered bones in the arms, legs, knees, and feet are common, as are facial fractures when motorcycle riders don’t wear a helmet.

Neck and Spinal Injuries – Because riders are thrown, twisted, and jerked off their bike in a wreck, the neck and back musculoskeletal system can experience a variety of serious injuries, including severe sprains and strains; herniated, slipped, or fractured spinal discs; and even paralysis.

Road Rash – This isn’t an ordinary cut or scrape. When riders “lay their bikes down,” they may be thrown from the bike and slide forcefully against the roadway. Any skin that’s uncovered or inadequately covered by clothing that’s too thin will usually suffer severe lacerations and burns from sliding on the road’s surface – especially if the rider isn’t wearing heavy-duty protective clothing. Road rash injuries can easily become infected, even when properly treated.

Muscle Injuries – A motorcycle crash can cause damage to muscles in any part of your body. Wearing appropriate protective gear can decrease the likelihood of muscle damage.

Biker’s Arm – When a motorcycle crashes, the driver and passengers are not restrained by seat belts like those in cars and may be thrown from the bike. When this occurs, it’s instinctive for people to hold their arms in front of them to protect themselves from the impact. This can lead to nerve damage in the arms, a condition known as “biker’s arm.” Protective clothing and elbow pads can help prevent this type of injury.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – Blows to the head during a motorcycle wreck may produce TBIs ranging from mild concussions to severe brain injuries. The victim may suffer from loss of consciousness, amnesia, and changes that affect thinking, language, and emotion.

TBIs may manifest in a range of symptoms, including:

  • Loss of consciousness (can range from a few seconds to hours in serious TBIs)
  • A state of dizziness, confusion, or disorientation
  • Loss of balance
  • Slurring or difficulty with speech
  • Vomiting or feeling of nausea
  • Inability to sleep
  • Excessive sleepiness
  • Headache
  • Sensory issues: blurry vision, unpleasant taste in the mouth, change in smell, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to light or sound
  • Memory or concentration problems
  • Moodiness
  • Anxiety or depression
  • Seizures or convulsion
  • Dilated pupils
  • Clear fluids coming from ears or nose
  • Numbness in fingers and toes
  • Agitation or combativeness
  • Coma.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident through no fault of your own, you need compassionate and expert representation by a motorcycle accident attorney in Houston. At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we will assist in your quest for full and fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other wreck-related expenses.

Motorcycle Accident FAQs

After a traumatic motorcycle accident, you likely have many questions about your legal options. These are best addressed in your free consultation, but to get started, here are some answers to questions our clients often ask.

What you do in the immediate aftermath of a motorcycle accident can have a major effect on the outcome of any personal injury case that may result from the crash. If you are able, do the following:

  • If at all possible, move your vehicles to a safe location, like the side of the road.
  • Take pictures of the damage to all vehicles and photos of the other vehicles’ license plates.
  • Exchange information with the other drivers, including names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance information, TDL numbers, license plate numbers, and vehicle makes and models.
  • Call the cops if anyone is injured or there is substantial property damage, and get an accident report.
  • Talk to witnesses, recording their comments and contact information. Get as much evidence as you can at the crash scene.
  • Get medical care, even if you don’t think you are seriously injured, as some injuries take time to manifest
  • Be very careful what you say. Never admit fault, or say you’re sorry, even if you believe you do bear responsibility, as this will be used against you.
  • Talk to our car accident attorney before you talk to the other driver’s insurance company. Make your first call to Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law to get the compensation you deserve.

You can still pursue a case because it is legal in Texas to not wear a helmet on a motorcycle if you are over the age of 21 and have the required insurance. If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence and your lack of a helmet did not cause or aggravate your injuries (e.g., knee injuries, back injuries, or road rash), then it should not affect how much compensation you receive. That said, insurance companies are always looking for ways to deflect responsibility from themselves and minimize the amount they pay out. And they may attempt to argue that because you take the chance of riding without a helmet, you do not care about your health and, consequently, you don’t deserve to receive the reasonable compensation you are asking for your injuries.

At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we encourage all motorcycle drivers and passengers to wear a helmet for their safety. But here in Texas, not wearing one is your right and should not preclude you from receiving full compensation. Whether you were wearing a helmet or not, we will fight back against any insurance company who tries to deny you your rightful compensation.

Yes. If you were a passenger on a motorcycle and were injured in an accident, you may have a legal claim to damages. If it was a single-vehicle crash, your suit will most likely be against the driver of the motorcycle. If the accident was the fault of another vehicle that hit you, your suit will be against the driver of that vehicle. In some instances, multiple people — like the driver of the motorcycle and the driver of another car — may share liability. In other cases, you may have cause to pursue a claim against the manufacturer of a faulty bike or part, or the party responsible for keeping the roads in good condition, if unsafe road conditions contributed to the accident. If you were a passenger in a motorcycle wreck and were injured, Terry Bryant and his associates are standing by to help you.

If a close relative — generally a spouse, child, or parent —was killed in a crash, a motorcycle accident attorney can represent you in a wrongful death case. According to Texas law, (TX CPRC Section 71.001) an action for wrongful death may be brought if the “wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness, or default” of one party causes the death of another. The law allows spouses, children, or parents to file a wrongful death claim. Damages family members may receive include:

  • Loss of income and future earning capacity
  • Loss of expected inheritance
  • Loss of services typically provided by the deceased: childcare, maintenance of the home, etc.
  • Loss of companionship, comfort, and love
  • In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded.

While no amount of money will replace your beloved relative, our experienced attorneys can make sure the financial blow of your loss is lessened and make it easier for family members to go on with their lives.

You may be hesitant to call a lawyer after your motorcycle accident, thinking that you will just settle things up with the insurance company on your own and save money by not having to pay attorney’s fees. But the insurance company will not offer you what they are actually prepared to pay. They want you to accept less than you really need, thereby helping their bottom line. If you’ve been injured, you should consult a motorcycle accident injury lawyer at the earliest opportunity, even if you don’t think your injuries are serious and even if you don’t want or expect your case to ever see the inside of a courtroom.

Our lawyers will know how to accurately calculate how much in damages you should receive and take that number to the insurance company. We can also help you preserve evidence, obtain witness statements, perform an accident investigation, and strongly advocate your compensation rights in negotiations with the negligent party’s insurance company (including at trial, if necessary).

At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we will be here for you to answer all your questions and concerns throughout the entire legal process. We will fight for you every step of the way. And we don’t get paid unless you do, so you have nothing to lose.

Get Help from Our Skilled Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Houston

If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, you need a good lawyer to ensure you receive the money you need to recover from your injuries. Terry Bryant is a former judge with over 35 years under his belt of fighting for his clients. He is tenacious, tough, compassionate, and serious about helping people who have been injured. He has assembled a team of top-notch attorneys who not only know the law inside and out, but who share a true dedication to helping their clients.

We understand the stereotypes against people who ride motorcycles and how these negative perceptions can affect the outcome of a claim. We fight through prejudice to get to the true story of an accident — which more often than not is the fault of another vehicle driver. We gather the evidence, calculate the damages you should be paid, and negotiate with the insurance company or take them to court so you get every penny you deserve. If you become a client, we handle nearly everything, and you owe us nothing unless we are successful in securing compensation for your damages.

We have a team of experienced motorcycle accident attorneys ready to help you now. Call us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 to discuss your case and learn your legal options. We have a No Fee Guarantee.

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Attorney Terry Bryant

Attorney Terry BryantTerry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]