Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in McAllen, TX

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in McAllen

Motorcycle crashes generally aren’t random events. Instead, they result from preventable driver behavior. Common causes include:

• Distracted driving: Drivers who text, tinker with vehicle controls, or focus on conversations with passengers may fail to notice a motorcycle in time to avoid impact.
• Unsafe left turns: Many drivers can misjudge a rider’s speed or distance when attempting to turn across traffic. Their poor decisions can result in high-impact crashes.
• Failure to yield the right-of-way: Whether merging, entering traffic, or turning, drivers who ignore right-of-way rules increase the risk of preventable motorcycle accidents.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and exponentially increases crash forces.
• Following too closely: Motorcycles can stop more quickly than larger vehicles. Drivers who tailgate may be unable to react in time to prevent a devastating rear-end crash.
• Impaired driving: Alcohol or drug impairment slows reaction time and hinders judgment. Impaired drivers are less likely to notice or respond appropriately to hazards.
• Aggressive driving: Sudden lane changes, unsafe passing, and road rage behavior can put motorcycle riders in imminent danger.

Don’t let the at-fault party’s insurer minimize what happened or suggest that your crash was unavoidable. We can analyze how the accident occurred and pinpoint the negligent conduct that led to your injuries to support a compelling case for compensation.

Possible Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle crashes can produce much more severe injuries than other motor vehicle accidents because riders lack structural protection. Here are some of the types of harm we see most often:

• Brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries can cause memory loss, cognitive impairment, headaches, and long-term neurological damage.
• Spinal cord injuries: Spinal trauma can result in partial or complete paralysis and make long-term medical care a necessity.
• Neck and back injuries: Herniated discs and nerve damage frequently lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and other functional difficulties.
• Fractures and broken bones: Arms, legs, ribs, hips, and pelvis fractures are common in motorcycle wrecks and often require extensive surgical repair.
• Internal organ damage: Blunt-force trauma can cause internal bleeding or organ injuries that may not be immediately visible.
• Road rash: Severe skin abrasions may demand surgical treatment and can result in permanent scarring.
• Emotional trauma: Anxiety and post-traumatic stress are common after serious accidents and can be recognized as part of a personal injury case.

Types of Compensation Available After a Motorcycle Accident

A motorcycle accident claim may involve both major financial losses and the personal impacts that come with injury. Here are some of the remedies that might be available to address these effects.

Texas Motorcycle Accident Laws You Should Know About

Motorcycle accident claims in McAllen are governed by Texas personal injury law. The statutes outlined here will directly affect your ability to recover financial repayment for your injuries.

Modified Comparative Fault

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which is laid out in Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001.

Under this rule, a claimant may not recover damages if they’re more than 50% responsible for the accident that caused their injuries. If this applies to your case, your eligible compensation will be reduced in proportion to your assigned percentage of responsibility.

Two-Year Statute of Limitations

Motorcycle accident lawsuits generally must be filed within two years of the crash. Missing this deadline could permanently bar you from seeking compensation.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

Per Transportation Code § 601.072, Texas drivers must carry minimum liability insurance. Current minimum limits include:

• $30,000 per person for bodily injury
• $60,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $25,000 per accident for property damage

These limits often prove insufficient in serious motorcycle accident cases involving high medical expenses or long-term care.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Texas insurers are required to offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. This protection may apply when the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance.

Helmet Requirements

Helmet use is mandatory for some motorcyclists under Texas Transportation Code § 661.003. All riders under 21 must wear protective headgear. Those 21 and older may qualify for an exemption under certain conditions, including completion of an approved motorcycle training and safety course.

Crash-Reporting Requirements

Accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage must be reported to the local police department or sheriff’s office. Police reports frequently serve as foundational evidence in motorcycle accident claims.