1. Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz

Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian injuries, bicycle accidents, medical malpractice, premises liability, wrongful death claims

Case Types Handled: Motorcycle versus car collisions, motorcycle versus truck collisions, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, left-turn accidents involving motorcycles, intersection motorcycle accidents, highway motorcycle accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle collisions, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle crashes, spinal cord injuries from motorcycle accidents, road rash injuries

Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical lien resolution, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims

Background: Ruben Ortiz has been practicing law since 1998, providing nearly 25 years of experience in personal injury litigation. He received his Texas Bar License Number 24004845 and is licensed in both Texas and New Mexico. Attorney Ortiz is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. The firm has represented thousands of clients and earned the Client Distinction Award from Martindale-Hubbell for three consecutive years. The firm charges a 25% contingency fee when cases are settled prior to lawsuit filing, which is lower than the industry standard of 33-45%.

Location: 1141 E Rio Grande Ave, El Paso, TX 79902

Contact: (915) 308-8850 | (915) 545-1616 | https://www.rubenortizlaw.com

Consultation: Free initial consultation, free case evaluation, no fees unless case is won, contingency fee arrangement at 25%

2. Forbes & Forbes Law

Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, personal injury, estate planning, probate, business law, construction law, real estate

Case Types Handled: Motorcycle versus car collisions, motorcycle versus truck collisions, left-turn accidents, intersection accidents, highway motorcycle accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries, traumatic brain injuries, property damage claims

Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, insurance claim negotiation, personal injury protection claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims

Background: Stewart W. Forbes holds Texas Bar Number 07223000 and has been practicing law since 1971, providing over 50 years of legal experience. He is licensed to practice in Texas and New Mexico and focuses on representing personal injury plaintiffs. Susan Marcus Forbes holds Texas Bar Number 00790704 and has been practicing law since 1989. She is fluent in Spanish and licensed in California and Texas. She is admitted to the U.S. District Court Western District of Texas, U.S. District Court District of Arizona, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Both partners have served on the local grievance committee, Susan as a former chair. The firm provides bilingual services and personal attention to every client.

Location: 701 Texas Ave, El Paso, TX 79901

Contact: (915) 533-5441 | [email protected] | https://www.forbeslawoffice.com

Consultation: Free consultation available

3. Mission Personal Injury Lawyers

Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents, slip and fall injuries, wrongful death, brain injury cases, pedestrian accidents

Case Types Handled: Motorcycle versus car collisions, motorcycle versus truck collisions, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, left-turn accidents involving motorcycles, intersection motorcycle accidents, highway motorcycle accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle collisions, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle crashes, spinal cord injuries, road rash injuries

Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical lien resolution, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, loss of consortium claims, wrongful death claims, expert witness coordination

Background: The firm was established in 2010 and has recovered tens of millions of dollars on behalf of injury victims. The legal team has over 43 years of combined experience with a 99% success rate. Rosalio (Ross) Munoz, Jr. is the Senior Partner with Texas Bar Number 00784653, licensed since 1992. He has practiced law for over 29 years and is a former Texas Court Judge, serving on the bench for over 11 years. He is also licensed in California since 2009. Attorneys at the firm have been recognized by Super Lawyers, the National Trial Lawyers, and Rising Stars on multiple occasions.

Location: 201 E Main Suite 106, El Paso, TX 79901

Contact: (915) 591-1000 | https://missionlegalcenter.com

Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis, available 24/7

4. Chavez Law Firm

Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, trucking accidents, employment law, labor and employment discrimination, medical malpractice

Case Types Handled: Motorcycle versus car collisions, motorcycle versus truck collisions, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, left-turn accidents involving motorcycles, intersection motorcycle accidents, highway motorcycle accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle collisions, traumatic brain injuries, workplace injuries, employment discrimination cases

Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical lien resolution, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, employment discrimination representation

Background: Enrique Chavez, Jr. holds Texas Bar Number 24001873 and has been licensed since November 1997. He graduated from Yale University with a B.A. in Philosophy and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law. While in law school, he earned induction into the National Order of Barristers for excellence in trial advocacy. Attorney Chavez has over 22 years of experience as a trial lawyer and is licensed in both Texas and New Mexico. He is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. He is the past Chair of the Labor & Employment Law Section of the State Bar of Texas (2011-2012), a member of the American Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, and the American Board of Trial Advocates. Born and raised in El Paso, he has won millions for his clients in personal injury and employment cases.

Location: 2101 N Stanton St, El Paso, TX 79902

Contact: (915) 351-7772 | https://chavezlawfirm.law

Consultation: Free case evaluation, contingency fee arrangement

5. Harmonson Law Firm

Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, personal injury, car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, premises liability

Case Types Handled: Motorcycle versus car collisions, motorcycle versus truck collisions, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, left-turn accidents involving motorcycles, intersection motorcycle accidents, highway motorcycle accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle collisions, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, road rash injuries, amputation injuries

Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical lien resolution, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims

Background: The Harmonson Law Firm provides personalized attention with Attorney Harmonson handling cases directly rather than delegating to support staff. The firm has extensive experience in motorcycle accident litigation and serves clients throughout El Paso and surrounding areas including Las Cruces, Albuquerque, and Carlsbad. The attorneys are experienced trial lawyers prepared to take cases to court if insurance companies refuse to provide fair settlements. The firm focuses on quick, strategic resolution of cases while understanding the urgency of clients facing mounting medical costs.

Location: El Paso, TX

Contact: (915) 584-8777 | https://www.clarkharmonsonattorney.com

Consultation: Free consultation available


Motorcycle Accident Laws and Regulations in Texas

Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Two years from the date of the motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003.

Statute of Limitations for Property Damage Claims: Two years from the date of the accident for property damage claims.

Fault System: Texas is an at-fault insurance state where the driver determined to be responsible for the accident is liable for damages.

Comparative Negligence Rules: Texas follows a modified comparative negligence doctrine with a 51% bar to recovery. Injured parties can recover compensation only if they are found to be 50% or less at fault. If found 51% or more responsible, the injured party cannot recover any compensation. Damages are reduced proportionally by the percentage of fault attributed to the injured party.

Minimum Motorcycle Insurance Requirements: Texas requires motorcycle riders to carry minimum liability insurance of $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage (30/60/25).

Helmet Laws: Texas has a partial helmet law. Riders under 21 years of age must wear a helmet meeting FMVSS 218 standards. Riders 21 and older may ride without a helmet if they have completed a Motorcycle Operator Training Course or have a motorcycle insurance policy that covers at least $10,000 in medical benefits. Not wearing a helmet when required can potentially affect compensation in injury claims, particularly for head injuries.

Eye Protection Requirements: Eye protection is required unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen.

Lane Splitting/Lane Filtering Laws: Lane splitting became illegal in Texas as of September 1, 2023. Motorcyclists may not pass between lanes of traffic moving in the same direction.

Motorcycle Licensing Requirements: Texas requires a Class M motorcycle license or a motorcycle endorsement on a standard driver’s license. Applicants must pass written and skills tests or complete an approved motorcycle safety course.

Motorcycle Equipment Requirements: Motorcycles must have at least one rearview mirror, a horn, a muffler, proper lighting including headlights, taillights, and turn signals, and a seat for the operator.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP): PIP coverage is optional in Texas but can provide coverage for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: UM/UIM coverage is optional but recommended. Insurance companies must offer this coverage, and policyholders must reject it in writing if they do not want it.

Damage Caps: Texas does not cap economic damages. Non-economic damages are not capped in most personal injury cases. Punitive damages are generally capped at the greater of $200,000 or two times economic damages plus an amount equal to non-economic damages up to $750,000.

Dram Shop Liability: Texas has dram shop laws that allow injured parties to hold bars, restaurants, or other establishments liable if they serve alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person who subsequently causes an accident.

Wrongful Death Claims: The statute of limitations is two years from the date of death. Eligible claimants include the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the time limit to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in El Paso, Texas?

Texas law provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from motorcycle accidents. This deadline runs from the date of the accident. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this two-year period, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation through the courts. Property damage claims also have a two-year deadline. It is important to consult with a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident to preserve evidence and ensure all deadlines are met. Certain exceptions may apply, such as when the injured party is a minor or when the defendant is facing criminal charges related to the accident.

How does Texas comparative negligence law affect my motorcycle accident claim?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar. This means you can recover compensation only if you are found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you suffered $100,000 in damages but were determined to be 25% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $75,000. If you are found to be 51% or more responsible for the accident, you cannot recover any compensation. Insurance companies often attempt to attribute a higher percentage of fault to motorcyclists to reduce or eliminate their liability, making legal representation important in contested cases.

Can I recover compensation if I was not wearing a helmet during my El Paso motorcycle accident?

Yes, you may still recover compensation even if you were not wearing a helmet at the time of your accident. Texas law only requires helmets for riders under 21 or riders 21 and older who have not completed a safety course or lack adequate medical insurance coverage. However, not wearing a helmet when not legally required can still affect your claim. If you suffered a head injury and were not wearing a helmet, the defendant may argue that your failure to wear protective equipment contributed to your injuries under comparative negligence principles. This could reduce your total compensation. The effect on your claim depends on the type of injuries you sustained. If your injuries were unrelated to head trauma, such as leg fractures, the lack of helmet use would likely not reduce your compensation.

What types of compensation can I recover after a motorcycle accident in Texas?

Motorcycle accident victims in Texas may recover several types of damages. Economic damages include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage to your motorcycle and gear, and rehabilitation costs. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. In wrongful death cases, family members may recover for loss of companionship, loss of financial support, funeral and burial expenses, and mental anguish. Punitive damages may be available in cases involving gross negligence, reckless conduct, or intentional harm. Texas law generally caps punitive damages at the greater of $200,000 or twice the economic damages plus non-economic damages up to $750,000.

What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident in El Paso?

First, seek medical attention even if you feel your injuries are minor, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Contact law enforcement to file an official police report, which creates important documentation for your claim. Gather evidence at the scene if possible, including photographs of damage to vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and your injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and the other driver, including their insurance information. Do not admit fault or make statements about the accident to insurance companies without consulting an attorney. Preserve all evidence including your damaged helmet and gear. Keep records of all medical treatment, expenses, and missed work. Contact a motorcycle accident attorney promptly to protect your rights and ensure important deadlines are met.