Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Riders have the same right to the road as other drivers, but motorcycle crashes often lead to serious injuries because riders have little protection. Insurance adjusters may also assume a rider was speeding or reckless. Basu Law Firm, PLLC represents injured motorcyclists and passengers in the Houston area. Attorney Annie Basu is responsible for this page.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in Houston
- Drivers turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle
- Unsafe lane changes and failing to check blind spots
- Rear-end collisions in stop-and-go traffic
- Distracted driving
- Road hazards such as potholes, debris, and uneven pavement
- Drivers opening car doors into traffic
Texas Motorcycle Laws to Know
Helmet law
Texas requires motorcycle operators and passengers to wear helmets unless the person is at least 21 years old and has either completed an approved motorcycle operator training and safety course or is covered by a health insurance plan providing at least $10,000 in medical benefits for accident injuries (Tex. Transp. Code § 661.003). Not wearing a helmet does not automatically bar a claim, but insurers may argue it affected the injuries.
Lane splitting
Texas law does not expressly authorize lane splitting, and riding between lanes of traffic may be treated as an unsafe lane movement (Tex. Transp. Code § 545.060).
Fault and comparative responsibility
As in other Texas injury cases, a rider can recover if his or her share of responsibility is 50% or less, with damages reduced by that percentage (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §§ 33.001, 33.012).
Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Road rash, fractures, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputations, and internal injuries are common. These injuries may require long-term care, which should be fully documented before any settlement.
Insurance Sources
Possible sources include the at-fault driver’s liability insurance, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (if you did not reject it in writing, Tex. Ins. Code § 1952.101), PIP coverage on your policy, and health insurance.
Deadlines
Most motorcycle accident lawsuits in Texas must be filed within two years of the crash (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003).
Riding in Houston
Houston riders deal with heavy freeway traffic, frequent lane changes, potholes and uneven pavement, sudden afternoon storms, and drivers who aren’t looking for motorcycles. Left-turn crashes at intersections on busy streets such as Westheimer, Richmond, Bellaire, and FM 1960 are a common pattern, as are freeway lane-change crashes on I-10, I-45, and the 610 Loop.
Step by Step After a Motorcycle Crash
- Get medical care. Road rash can become infected, and head injuries may not be obvious right away.
- Keep your gear. Don’t repair or throw away your helmet, jacket, or damaged bike parts; they can be evidence.
- Photograph everything: the bike, the other vehicle, road conditions, skid marks, and your injuries.
- Get the crash report and check it for errors about fault.
- Notify insurers, including your own motorcycle policy for UM/UIM and medical payments coverage.
- Value the bike and gear. Aftermarket parts and custom work should be documented with receipts and photos.
- Pursue the claim and, if needed, a lawsuit before the two-year deadline (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003).
Motorcycle Bias
Some adjusters and jurors assume riders are reckless. Evidence such as video, the physical damage pattern, and reconstruction can show what really happened. Texas’s comparative responsibility law reduces recovery only by the rider’s percentage of fault, and bars recovery only if the rider is more than 50% responsible (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §§ 33.001, 33.012).
Texas Motorcycle Insurance
Texas requires motorcycle owners to carry liability insurance like other vehicle owners (Tex. Transp. Code ch. 601). Riders under 21 must wear helmets; riders 21 and older may ride without one if they have completed an approved safety course or have at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage for injuries from a crash (Tex. Transp. Code § 661.003). , so check your policy for medical payments coverage.
Common Motorcycle Injuries
Head and brain injuries, spinal injuries, broken legs and pelvises, road rash and skin grafts, and hand and wrist injuries are common. Serious injuries often require surgery and months of therapy.
Mistakes to Avoid After a Motorcycle Crash
- Posting about the crash or your riding on social media while the claim is open.
- Repairing or selling the bike before it is photographed and inspected.
- Guessing about your speed or what happened when talking to an adjuster.
- Skipping follow-up care, physical therapy, or recommended imaging.
- Signing a release before you know the full extent of your injuries and all available insurance.
Keep a folder with the crash report number, insurance claim numbers, medical bills, and receipts for gear and parts.
How Basu Law Firm Can Help
We investigate what happened, counter assumptions about riders with evidence, identify all insurance, and document the full cost of your injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Basu Law Firm at a Glance
- 3,200+ personal injury matters (firm records through October 31, 2026)
- Rated 4.8 stars from 960+ Google reviews (as of October 2026)
- Serving Houston clients since 2006, per firm records
- Office at 8612 Long Point Rd, Houston, TX 77055 · Se habla español
Case figures are counts of matters logged in Basu Law Firm’s internal records as of October 2026 and include matters with all kinds of outcomes. Google reviews reflect the individual opinions of the reviewers. Past results and reviews do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any other matter; every case depends on its own facts.
Talk With Basu Law Firm
Call (713) 460-2673 or email info@basulaw.com to schedule a free consultation. Se habla español.
Attorney Advertising & Disclaimer
Attorney advertising. Responsible attorney: Annie Basu, Basu Law Firm, PLLC, 8612 Long Point Rd, Houston, TX 77055. This page provides general information about Texas law and is not legal advice. Reading it or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, and no particular outcome is promised. Unless a page states otherwise, the attorneys of Basu Law Firm are not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Laws change; information is current as of the date of review and should be confirmed for your situation.