Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Protecting Riders After a Crash Changes Everything
Settlements
Serious Injuries Deserve Serious Representation
You survived the crash — but now you’re facing pain, bike repairs, missed work, and insurance calls that won’t stop.
Most riders don’t think about contacting a motorcycle accident lawyer right away. They reach out days or weeks later, when injuries linger, bills pile up, or insurers pressure them into unfair decisions. If you’re here now, it’s because you want answers, protection, and justice — not regrets later. That’s why having the right lawyer matters most.
Message From Attorney Michael Bates
“I understand that being hurt in an accident or facing criminal charges can turn your life upside down. I know the stress, the uncertainty, and the fear of what comes next.
My job is to listen, guide, and fight for you. I treat every case as if it were my own — making sure your rights are protected, your voice is heard, and your case is handled with the seriousness it deserves. You didn’t ask for this situation, but together, we can take control and work toward the best possible outcome for you and your family.”
Types of Motorcycle Accident Cases We Handle
Our Houston motorcycle accident lawyers represent riders injured in a wide range of crashes caused by another driver’s negligence. We handle cases that include:
Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents
Often occur on Westheimer Road or I-10 when drivers fail to yield, causing serious side-impact injuries to motorcyclists.
Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accidents
Frequently happen on the Sam Houston Tollway or US-59 when drivers flee the scene, leaving riders with severe injuries.
Lane-Change & Blind Spot Crashes
Common on I-45 or Beltway 8, drivers change lanes without checking mirrors, striking motorcycles and causing serious trauma.
Road Hazard & Poor Surface Accidents
Happen on Richmond Avenue or FM 1960 when debris, potholes, or unsafe road surfaces make riders lose control.
Speed-Related Motorcycle Accidents
Often on I-10 or West Loop 610, speeding vehicles collide with motorcycles, worsening injuries and causing long-term damage.
Intersection Motorcycle Accidents
Occur on Main Street or Washington Avenue when drivers run red lights or fail to yield to motorcycles.
Head-On Motorcycle Collisions
Frequently seen on I-45 or US-290 due to wrong-way drivers, intoxication, or extreme fatigue, resulting in catastrophic injuries.
Multi-Vehicle Motorcycle Accidents
Happen on I-10 or Beltway 8 when motorcycles are caught in highway pile-ups involving multiple negligent drivers.
Distracted Driving Motorcycle Accidents
Often occur on Westheimer Road or US-59 when texting, phone use, or distractions lead to serious motorcycle crashes.
Rollover & Side-Swipe Motorcycle Crashes
Seen on I-45 or the Sam Houston Tollway when vehicles roll or sideswipe motorcycles during high-speed traffic conditions.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
What you do after a motorcycle crash can protect both your health and your claim:
Get Medical Care First
Motorcycle injuries are often severe and not always obvious.
Document the Scene
Photos of the bike, road conditions, gear, and vehicles matter.
Report the Accident
Police reports are critical in motorcycle claims.
Avoid Insurance Statements Alone
Riders’ words are often used against them.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Early
evidence disappears fast.
It only takes 1 minute to see if you have a case — we’ll handle the rest.
When to Call a Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Most riders call when something feels wrong — when injuries linger, blame shifts, or the insurer treats the crash as “minor”. At the Law Office of Michael Bates, we step in to protect your rights, stop insurance pressure, and make sure your claim reflects the true cost of a motorcycle crash, not stereotypes about riding.
What Is Motorcycle Accident Law?
In Houston, motorcycle accident claims follow Texas’s fault-based system, holding the at-fault party responsible for medical bills, lost income, property damage, and other losses. Texas applies modified comparative fault — recovery is barred if you are more than 50% at fault.
Claims must be filed within two years under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003. Riders under 21 must wear helmets; adults 21+ must wear one unless they completed a DPS-approved motorcycle safety course. Helmets greatly reduce head injuries and may impact insurance claims or compensation.
How a Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Helps You
A motorcycle accident lawyer takes the pressure off you and redirects it where it belongs — onto the insurance company. Your attorney builds evidence, proves fault, calculates long-term damages, and handles all negotiations. If a fair settlement isn’t offered, your case is prepared for trial — not rushed into compromise.
Common Fault Scenarios in Motorcycle Accident Cases
How fault is handled can decide your entire claim:
Clear Negligence by Another Party
When a motorcycle crash is caused by speeding, distraction, or failure to yield, negligence may appear obvious, yet riders are often blamed unfairly. Law allows injured motorcyclists to recover compensation by proving duty, breach, causation, and damages. Claims must be filed within two years under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003 to remain valid.
Shared Fault Motorcycle Accidents
Insurance companies frequently argue that motorcyclists share fault to reduce payouts. Texas follows modified comparative fault, allowing recovery if you are less than fifty-one percent responsible. Compensation is reduced by your fault percentage. Taking early legal action helps preserve evidence, challenge biased blame, and protect your claim before the two-year deadline under §16.003 set by law.
Multiple Liable Parties
Motorcycle accidents sometimes involve more than the negligent driver. Employers, vehicle owners, maintenance providers, or manufacturers may share responsibility for unsafe vehicles or conduct. Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §33.013 allows fault to be divided among multiple parties, often increasing available insurance coverage and total compensation for injured riders after serious crash related injuries.
Damages You May Recover After a Motorcycle Accident
If you were injured, a Houston motorcycle accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for:
Medical Expenses
Covers emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, medication, and long-term medical care required after serious accident injuries.
Lost Wages
Compensation for income lost during recovery, missed workdays, reduced hours, and employment benefits affected by injuries.
Pain and Suffering
Addresses physical pain, emotional trauma, mental distress, and daily life limitations caused by accident-related injuries.
Loss of Earning Capacity
Provides compensation when injuries permanently reduce your ability to work, earn income, or advance professionally.
Wrongful Death
Financial support for families covering funeral expenses, lost income, and the lasting impact of losing a loved one.
Do You Need a Motorcycle License in Houston?
To legally ride a motorcycle in Houston, you must have a valid motorcycle license or endorsement on your Texas driver’s license. Riders under 18 must complete a DPS-approved safety course. Adults 18+ need a license or endorsement to operate on public roads safely and legally. Riding without a license can result in fines, penalties, and insurance issues. It may also weaken your injury claim after a crash.
Why Choose Our Law Office
Local Knowledge
Our lawyers in Houston are familiar with local courts, judges, and procedures, giving your case a strategic advantage.
Client-First Representation
You work directly with your attorney—not passed off to case managers.
Proven Results
Millions recovered for clients by our team of attorneys.
No Fee Unless We Win
We only get paid when you do.
The Personal Injury Process
Free Consultation
We listen to your story and review the facts of your case.
Investigation
Gathering evidence, witness statements, accident reports, and expert testimony.
Negotiation
Aggressively pursuing full compensation from insurance companies.
Litigation
Taking your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
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You’re Not Alone After an Accident
Reach us at [Your Phone Number] or submit the form for a free consultation. We’ll listen, support you, and fight to ensure your recovery and future are protected.
It only takes 1 minute to see if you have a case — we’ll handle the rest.
- Frequently asked question
Answers to your asked queries
Do I have a valid motorcycle accident case?
If another party caused your injuries, you likely do. A free consultation confirms fault and damages.
How much is my motorcycle accident case worth?
Value depends on injury severity, medical care, lost income, and future impact — not bike damage alone.
How long will my case take?
Some cases settle in a matter of months, while others may take a year or more if litigation is required. We keep you informed every step of the way.
Will I have to go to court?
Many cases settle, but every claim is prepared as if trial is necessary.
What does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident attorney?
There are no upfront fees. You only pay if compensation is recovered.