For years, Sorey & Hoover, LLP has been representing clients who have been injured in motorcycle and other motor vehicle-related accidents. Our attorneys understand the challenges riders encounter every day on the road. With determination, skill, and know-how, we have been able to achieve significant awards for accident victims. As a rule, the vast majority of personal injury cases involving motorcycle accidents settle out of court. However, we are prepared to take any of our cases to trial, if it is in the best interest of our clients.
People have a lot of biases against motorcyclists. Bikers are often assumed to be dangerous, thrill-chasers who throw all caution to the wind. It isn’t uncommon for people to presume the biker is at fault for the damages caused by an accident, even if the evidence points in the opposite direction. That’s why you need an experienced attorney on your side. With a well thought out strategy, we can present a clear picture of what really happened, and get you the compensation and justice you deserve.
To get started with your case, schedule a free consultation with a skilled Longview motorcycle accident attorney from Sorey & Hoover, LLP at (903) 230-5600.
Texas Motorcycle Laws
Texas has strict regulations for its biker citizens and is a modified comparative fault state, meaning compensation can be limited if your actions contributed to the accident. Following these laws will help keep you safe on the road and ensure that you receive the maximum amount of damages owed to you in a personal injury claim. The most important laws to be aware of are:
- Lane-Splitting: Lane-splitting is when a motorcyclist rides their bike between lanes of cars on the road. It allows the biker to pass quickly through traffic, but can also be dangerous and many states prohibit it, Texas included.
- Passengers: In Texas, if a biker wants to bring a passenger along for the ride, their motorcycle must have a permanent passenger seat. On top of that, anyone younger than five is not allowed to ride on a motorcycle. Passengers under 21 must always wear a helmet, but once they are over 21, they can choose whether they want to wear one or not under certain conditions.
- Safety Gear: Helmets are required for anyone, passenger or driver, who is under 21-years-old. Riders over 21 who don’t want to wear helmets may, but only if they complete an approved training course or have at least $10,000 in medical coverage. Drivers must keep a copy of their medical insurance card on their person while operating a bike. It’s important to know that police are not allowed to pull you over just to find out if you completed the training course or have the proper medical coverage.
- License: Having a standard driver’s license does not qualify you to operate a motorcycle. All motorcycle riders must have an M class license in order to legally ride. Getting one will involve a safety class, a written test, and then the driving test.
Helpful Tips to Keep Motorcycle Riders Safe
The legal team at Sorey & Hoover, LLP have dedicated a considerable amount of time and resources to representing victims of motorcycle accidents, educating riders about the law and promoting safe riding.
At our premier firm, we advocate safe riding and promote important safety information for riders. Here are some important tips to help you stay safe:
- Increase your visibility to manage your riding risk.
- Wear bright colors whenever you’re on the road as dark colors can decrease your visibility.
- Consider placing a few pieces of reflective tape to your gear, especially at night.
- Use your turn signals, and make sure they’re always working.
- You may also use hand signals to let other drivers know your intentions.
- When you slow down to stop, flash your brake light to inform those behind that you are stopping.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are devastating. They result in extreme injuries like skull fractures, amputation, broken or crushed bones, road rash, and traumatic brain damage. When reviewing your case, we will work with various experts to determine the cause of the accident and who was at fault, which may include:
- Blind Spots: Motorcycles are quieter and smaller than cars, so it can be difficult for other drivers to notice a biker if you’re in their blind spot. It’s common for car drivers to merge into bikers, either running them off the road or into a center divide, because they didn’t bother to check their blind spot and assumed they had the clear.
- Poorly Maintained Roads: While a pothole or unevenly paved road may prove to be no problem for the average car, motorcycles are different. Because a motorcycle is less stable because it two wheels instead of four, if one pitches too far one way or the other, then you can easily be thrown off and into oncoming traffic. In this scenario, whoever was responsible for maintaining the roadway, usually the local government or property owners, would be liable for your injuries.
- Faulty Equipment: In a perfect world, everything would be built up to code and no company would ever cut corners. Unfortunately, this is not a perfect world. Sometimes pieces, or even the entire product, are defective or made from cheap materials. A badly built motorcycle could be unstable at high speeds, making it difficult for you to stay on. Or it could break suddenly, causing you to lose control. Whatever the outcome, the manufacturer would be responsible for any injuries and damages.
Talk to a Longview Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
Motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries and even fatalities. Often, injury victims find themselves in a mountain of medical bills and other financial responsibilities, especially if the injuries have caused them to miss a significant number of work days. If this is your current situation, get in touch with a Longview, TX injury lawyer at Sorey & Hoover, LLP right away. We are committed to working zealously to help recover the full amount of damages you are owed.
Schedule a free consultation with our experienced personal injury attorneys in Longview and Gregg County when you contact us at (903) 230-5600.
