Our firm is a friend and advocate of the motorcycle rider, having successfully represented many injured riders in the past. Through these cases, we have learned that too many car and truck drivers do not pay enough attention and motorcycle drivers often suffer the consequences. All too many times,  we've heard the other driver say, "I just did not see the motorcycle." The car driver makes it sound as if it is always the fault of the motorcycle rider. Not true! Not paying attention is NEGLIGENCE in the eyes of the law and the driver's insurance company must be held responsible. Even if the motorcycle rider is partially at fault, the rider still has a right to pursue a claim for damages.

MOTORCYCLE RIDERS HAVE RIGHTS

Our firm sincerely believes that riders have every right to be on the road and we fully support them in their passion to ride--and that is what it is--a PASSION. Whether riding in groups or riding alone, going on a Sunday ride or driving to work in traffic--as a rider you have rights. Those rights are just the same as every other car and truck on the road.

MOTORCYCLE-RELATED INJURIES

Unfortunately when an accident involving a motorcycle does occur, the results are usually not good for the rider as they just don't have the protection that cars, trucks and other vehicles have. In fact, the results are often devastating.  Many of the accidents involving motorcycles result in very serious injuries and even death. Because of the serious nature of these claims, it is extremely important to contact an experienced injury lawyer as soon as possible. The Anderson Law Firm has helped out many motorcycle riders and their families in the past, and we would be happy to consult with you and advise you of your legal rights. We are able to immediately investigate the accident, either through our in-house investigative services, or through the retention of accident reconstruction experts.

FREQUENT CAUSES OF MOTORCYCLE WRECKS

The most common cause of wrecks involving motorcycles is inattention of the other driver.  This accounts for about 70 percent of all wrecks.  Here are the most common scenarios:

• Cars pull out in front of a motorcycle
• Cars turn left into motorcycles
• Cars don't use turn signals before changing lanes
• Motorcyclists are forced off the road by cars or trucks merging onto the road

Other main causes of accidents involving motorcyclists are:  poor road conditions, drunk driving and excessive speed.

MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT STATISTICS

Injuries and fatalities by motorcycle riders are unfortunately, on the rise.  There were 4,810 deaths and over 88,000 injuries involving motorcycle riders in 2006 alone.  This is more than a 5 percent increase from the previous year and wrecks like these account for over 11 percent of all traffic fatalities.  A motorcycle rider is 37 times more likely to die in a crash than an occupant of an automobile.  It is estimated that 137,000 motorcyclists have died since the Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1996.

Here in Texas, 346 motorcycle riders died in 2006 and only one-third of those riders were wearing helmets.  The only other states which had more motorcycle wreck fatalities were Florida and California. 

Also in 2006, 51 percent of all fatal motorcycle crashes were caused by the rider colliding with another type of motor vehicle.  When two vehicles were involved, the motorcycle was impacted on its front 79 percent of the time.  Only 5 percent of the time was the motorcycle hit on its rear.

LET AN EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY FIGHT FOR YOU

Every case is different, but let us assure you that we will give your case our very best effort and we will do everything in our power to make sure an injured motorcycle rider or his or her family are treated fairly and are compensated for their devastating injuries. We have the necessary resources to make sure that the case is properly pursued until a favorable outcome is received.

FREE CONSULTATION

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle crash, please contact us for a free consultation on your rights. Call us at 817-294-1900 or Contact Us Online.

MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT FAQs

Do motorcyclists have the same rights as cars when it comes to making a claim?

Absolutely.  As a motorcycle rider, you have all the same rights as cars and other vehicles on the road.

What if the automobile driver is blaming me for the wreck?

Unfortunately, that is often the case, but evidence determines who was right and who as at fault.  We see car drivers try to blame the rider, when often, it was just a case of the car driver not ever even seeing the motorcycle.  Because motorcycles are so much smaller and sometimes harder to see, car drivers sometimes equate that the accident was the fault of the "invisible" rider. 

Is it mandatory that a motorcycle rider wear a helmet?

If you are under the age of 21, you must wear a helmet.  If you are older than 21, you must wear a helmet unless you have successfully completed a motorcycle safety course, or you have proof of health insurance with a minimum of $10,000 coverage for motorcycle accident-related injuries.

What are the common injuries in motorcycle wrecks?

The injuries can be devastating.  The results of being in an accident range from road rash to broken bones to brain injury or even death.  With the lack of protection, motorcycle riders are more vulnerable than those in passenger vehicles and consequently, the injuries are usually much worse.

Are motorcyclists required to have insurance?

Yes.  Riders are required to have liability insurance, just as those who drive cars or trucks.  The minimum liability policy in Texas is now $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

HELPFUL WEB RESOURCES

Texas Motorcycle Roadriders Association
The largest group of individual riders in Texas fights for the rights of riders.

Motorcycle Safety Foundation
Internationally recognized developer of the Rider Education and Training System (RETS) which promotes lifelong learning for all motorcyclists.

NHTSA Motorcycle Safety Plan
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration plan addresses all aspects of motorcycle safety.

FHA Motorcycle Safety Plan
Plan by the Federal Highway Administration to address the rising fatality rate of motorcyclists.

MOTORCYCLE LIBRARY

Basic Rider Course Handbook (pdf)

Motorcycle Operating Manual (pdf)

Riding Tips (pdf)

Group Riding Tips (pdf)

Passenger Tip Sheet (pdf)

Motorist Awareness Tips (pdf)

Motorcycle Accident Statistics (pdf)

Analysis of Helmet Use in Fatal Crashes (pdf)

How to Identify Unsafe Helmets (pdf)