personal Injury Lawyer • Available 24/7

Motorcycle icon

Austin Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Contact the Carlson Law Firm for Help

White Phone Icon Image
Call 512-346-5688
Location Arrow Icon
11606 N Interstate Hwy 35 Austin, TX 78753
Location Arrow Icon
135 W Slaughter Lane Ste. A Austin, TX 78748

Motorcycle Riders Face Unique Risks on Austin Roads

Motorcycles can offer freedom on Austin’s busy roadways, but they also leave riders with less protection than occupants of passenger vehicles. Even at low speeds, a motorcycle crash can result in life-changing injuries that require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Austin’s population has grown quickly, bringing more commuter traffic and ongoing construction projects to roads like U.S. Highway 183, State Highway 71 and State Highway 130. Unfortunately, more vehicles sharing roads means an increased risk of motorcycle crashes.

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Austin or the surrounding area, understanding your legal rights may help your case. If your injuries resulted from another driver’s negligence, an Austin car accident lawyer can explain any Texas personal injury laws that may apply to your motorcycle collision.

Motorcyclist involved in a traffic collision in Austin, Texas.

Why Motorcycle Accidents Are Different

Motorcycle crashes can be very different from typical passenger vehicle accidents. Motorcyclists have little protection beyond helmets and protective riding gear. As a result, crashes that might cause minor injuries to someone in a car can leave a ride with severe injuries.

Motorcycle accident investigations may also involve issues like:

  • Rider visibility
  • Lane positioning
  • Left-turn collisions
  • Driver inattention
  • Road surface conditions
  • Helmet use
  • Motorcycle defects
 

Because these cases often involve serious injuries, insurance companies may aggressively dispute liability or attempt to minimize the value of a claim.

Austin Roads Can Present Hazards for Motorcyclists

The rapid expansion of Austin creates a variety of hazards for motorcycle riders. Local challenges they can encounter include:

  • Congested traffic on Interstate 35
  • Stop-and-go conditions on MoPac Expressway
  • Construction zones throughout the city
  • Heavy commuter traffic
  • Sudden lane changes
  • Distracted drivers
  • Uneven pavement
  • Road debris
  • Narrow shoulders
 

Motorcycles are generally more vulnerable to hazards on the road that passenger vehicles may barely notice. The Texas Department of Transportation offers motorcycle safety resources that encourage defensive driving proper protective equipment and rider education that may reduce risks.

Video: How Can a Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyer Help?

Common Motorcycle Accident Scenarios in Austin

We Care. How can we help?

Left-Turn Accidents

One of the most common motorcycle collisions occurs when a driver turns left across the rider’s path after misjudging the motorcycle’s speed or distance.

Lane Change Accidents

Drivers who fail to check blind spots before changing lanes may collide with motorcycles traveling alongside them.

Rear-End Collisions

Although rear-end crashes are often associated with passenger vehicles, motorcyclists are especially vulnerable because even a low-speed impact can throw a rider from the bike.

Road Hazard Accidents

Loose gravel, potholes, uneven pavement and construction debris can create hazards that are far more dangerous for motorcycles than enclosed vehicles.

Commercial Vehicle Collisions

Motorcycles involved in crashes with delivery trucks, tractor-trailers or utility vehicles often suffer catastrophic damage due to the significant size difference.

Why Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen?

Many motorcycle crashes occur because another driver fails to see an approaching rider. Common causes include:

  • Left-turn accidents
  • Failure to yield
  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding
  • Unsafe lane changes
  • Following too closely
  • Drunk driving
  • Opening vehicle doors into traffic
  • Road hazards
  • Defective vehicle components
 

In many cases, multiple factors contribute to the collision. An attorney can help to understand the circumstances of the accident and determine liability.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Because riders have limited physical protection, injuries are often severe. When a motorcycle is involved in an accident, the rider may suffer injuries including:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Road rash
  • Broken bones
  • Internal organ damage
  • Crush injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Burn injuries
  • Amputations
  • Permanent disability
 

Some injuries require years of ongoing treatment and rehabilitation. Understanding the potential outcomes and taking careful safety measures may reduce the risk of serious injuries.

Motorcyclist involved in a traffic collision in Austin, Texas.
Motorcycle driving on rural highway.

What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

The steps you take immediately after a crash can affect medical and insurance claims. If you are able, consider:

  • Calling 911.
  • Seeking immediate medical attention.
  • Photographing the accident scene.
  • Photographing your motorcycle.
  • Gathering witness information.
  • Obtaining the police report.
  • Preserving your riding gear.
  • Avoiding repairs until photographs have been taken.
  • Avoiding recorded statements before understanding your legal rights.
 

Even if injuries seem minor at first, getting medical evaluation as possible is important. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also offers motorcycle safety tips that riders can use to reduce their risk of crashes and better understand common hazards.

Texas Motorcycle Laws

Motorcyclists must follow the same traffic laws as other drivers while also complying with laws that specifically apply to motorcycles. Riders should understand Texas requirements regarding licensing, equipment and helmet use before operating a motorcycle on public roads.

You can learn more about Texas motorcycle licensing requirements through the Texas Department of Public Safety. Topics that may affect a case include:

  • Motorcycle licensing requirements
  • Helmet laws
  • Insurance requirements
  • Equipment regulations
 

Helmet use may become an issue during litigation, but not wearing a helmet does not automatically prevent an injured rider from pursuing compensation.

Is Lane Splitting Legal in Texas?

One question riders frequently ask is whether lane splitting is legal. Texas generally does not permit lane splitting, meaning motorcycles are generally expected to travel within a designated traffic lane like other vehicles.

Whether lane positioning contributed to a crash depends on the specific facts of the collision.

Get Our Injury Claim Process Sheet

Who May Be Liable?

Several parties can share responsibility for an accident. Parties that could potentially be liable include:

  • Negligent drivers
  • Commercial vehicle operators
  • Employers
  • Government entities responsible for road maintenance
  • Motorcycle manufacturers
  • Parts manufacturers
  • Maintenance providers
 

Every motorcycle accident requires an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Motorcycle Accidents Involving Commercial Vehicles

Because of the significant size and weight differences, motorcycles crashes involving commercial vehicles often result in catastrophic injuries. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable when collisions involve:

  • Tractor-trailers
  • Delivery vehicles
  • Utility trucks
  • Construction vehicles
  • Company-owned vehicles
 

Commercial accidents can be complex and involve multiple insurance carriers or corporate defendants. An experienced commercial vehicle accident lawyer can help investigate whether a trucking company, employer or another business may share liability for the crash.

Insurance Challenges After a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accident claims can be more complicated than standard passenger vehicle collisions. Every motorcycle accident should be evaluated based on the available evidence, including witness statements, photographs, police reports and, when available, surveillance footage or dash camera recordings.

Unfortunately, some insurance companies rely on unfair assumptions that motorcyclists are inherently reckless, even when another driver clearly caused the crash. Assumptions do not determine liability, but insurance adjusters may attempt to argue that:

  • The rider was speeding.
  • The motorcycle was difficult to see.
  • The rider was weaving through traffic.
  • Protective gear was inadequate.
  • The injuries were pre-existing.
  • The rider accepted a greater level of risk simply by choosing to ride.

Accidents with uninsured drivers in Austin can make your own uninsured or underinsured coverage an important source of compensation. Understanding your policy and available benefits can be just as important as investigating the crash itself.

What Compensation May Be Available?

Following an Austin motorcycle accident, potential compensation may include:

  • Emergency medical care
  • Future medical treatment
  • Lost wages
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Physical impairment
  • Permanent disability
  • Disfigurement
  • Property damage
 

Depending on the available insurance coverage, compensation may come from the at-fault driver’s liability policy, commercial insurance, or your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.

Unfortunately, some motorcycle accidents are fatal. If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle wreck, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. An attorney can review the facts of your case and determine available legal options.

Motorcycle Accident FAQ

What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident?

Seek medical treatment, report the accident, document the scene and preserve evidence whenever possible.

Do I have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Texas?

Texas law details helmet requirements and exceptions depending on the rider’s circumstances. Whether helmet use affects a claim depends on the specific facts of the case.

Can I recover compensation if the other driver says they didn’t see me?

Possibly. Many motorcycle accidents occur because drivers fail to notice riders before turning, changing lanes or entering traffic.

What if poor road conditions caused my crash?

Road hazards, defective roadway maintenance or construction issues can become important factors when determining liability.

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim?

Texas law generally limits the time available to file a personal injury lawsuit to two years. Acting quickly may help preserve evidence, so speak with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident.

Are motorcycle accident claims different from car accident claims?

Yes. Motorcycle crashes often involve more severe injuries, unique liability issues and different insurance considerations.

Speak With an Austin Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle accidents frequently leave riders facing serious injuries and expensive medical treatment. Understanding your legal rights after a crash can help you make informed decisions while focusing on your recovery.

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Austin or the surrounding area, The Carlson Law Firm can review your situation, answer your questions and explain available legal options. Contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation.

The Carlson Law Firm

With over a dozen locations throughout Texas, there’s a Carlson Law Firm near you. We have law offices located in Killeen, Temple, Waco, Round Rock, Austin, San Antonio, Kerrville, Laredo, Bryan, Lubbock, Midland, Baytown, San Angelo and Corpus Christi.

Find an attorney near you

free consultation

Ready to get started?

Get a FREE consultation