1. Simmons & Fletcher, P.C.
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, automobile accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, traumatic brain injuries, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions with cars and trucks, left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions, hit-and-run accidents, accidents involving uninsured motorists, accidents where rider is accused of sharing fault
Legal Services: Accident investigation, cause determination, negligence analysis, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims
Background: Nearly 50 years of experience fighting for motorcycle accident claimants. Three partner attorneys with over 75 years of combined experience. The firm exclusively handles personal injury claims on behalf of injured victims. All cases handled personally by one of the three partners (no associates).
Location: Houston, TX
Contact: https://www.simmonsandfletcher.com/motorcycle-accident-lawyer/
Consultation: Free initial consultation with no obligation, contingency fee arrangement (one-third if settled without lawsuit, 40% if litigation required)
2. The Stephens Law Firm
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, automobile accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions, accidents caused by distracted drivers, accidents caused by road conditions, accidents involving multiple liable parties including employers, accidents involving underinsured or uninsured motorists
Legal Services: Accident investigation, evidence documentation, liability identification, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations
Background: Joe Stephens is the founding attorney with 40 years of personal injury experience. Double board-certified in personal injury law and trial advocacy by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (among only 1% of lawyers nationwide). 17-time Texas Super Lawyer. Recognized as one of the top 100 courtroom lawyers in the United States. Most cases come from referrals by past clients and other attorneys.
Location: 9039 Katy Freeway, Suite 332, Houston, TX
Contact: (281) 623-1701 | https://www.joestephenslaw.com/houston-personal-injury-lawyer/motorcycle-accident/
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee arrangement (no fee unless the firm wins)
3. Sutliff & Stout
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, automobile accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, traumatic brain injuries, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions on interstate highways, accidents caused by negligent drivers, accidents caused by distracted drivers, fatal motorcycle accidents, accidents resulting in catastrophic injuries
Legal Services: Accident investigation, evidence gathering, liability analysis, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims
Background: Founded in 2007. Board certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by The Texas Board of Legal Specialization (achieved by less than 2% of all trial lawyers). Strategic locations across Texas. 15-year history with hundreds of millions of dollars recovered for clients. Hundreds of positive online reviews and client testimonials.
Location: 550 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 530, Houston, TX 77027
Contact: (713) 987-7111 | https://www.sutliffstout.com/houston-motorcycle-accident-lawyer/
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee arrangement (no fee unless recovery is made)
4. Gibson Hill Personal Injury
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, automobile accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions, single-vehicle motorcycle accidents, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, accidents caused by reckless drivers, accidents involving trucking companies, fatal motorcycle accidents
Legal Services: Accident investigation, evidence gathering from trucking companies (driver logs, maintenance reports, black box data), witness interviews, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation
Background: Experienced personal injury attorneys focusing on motorcycle accident cases. When clients call, they speak to an attorney immediately. Handles each case personally. Serves Houston and surrounding areas.
Location: 636 Hawthorne St, Houston, TX 77006
Contact: (713) 659-4000 | https://www.gibsonhillpc.com/houston-personal-injury-attorneys/motorcycle-accidents/
Consultation: Free case review, contingency fee arrangement
5. Baumgartner Law Firm
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, automobile accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, traumatic brain injuries, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions with larger vehicles, accidents on busy Houston roads, accidents involving complex liability issues, accidents where riders are blamed for the crash
Legal Services: Scene investigation, evidence collection, liability analysis, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, personal injury trial law expertise
Background: Greg Baumgartner, the founding attorney, has 40 years of experience helping accident victims. Perfect 10 AVVO rating. Graduate of the Trial Lawyers College. Holds dual law degrees. Recognized as one of the top personal injury lawyers in Texas. Won millions for accident victims in Houston and across Texas.
Location: Houston, TX
Contact: (281) 587-1111 | https://baumgartnerlawyers.com/practice-area/houston-motorcycle-accident-lawyer/
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 accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003)
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims: Two years from the date of death
Statute of Limitations for Property Damage Claims: Two years from the date of the damage
Statute of Limitations for Minors: Children under 18 have until their 20th birthday to file a lawsuit for personal injuries
Insurance State Status: Texas is a fault-based (at-fault) insurance state. Injured parties can file claims directly against the at-fault party or their insurance company.
Comparative Negligence Rules: Texas follows modified comparative negligence (proportionate responsibility) under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.001. An injured motorcyclist cannot recover any compensation if found to be 51% or more at fault. If less than 51% at fault, compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault.
Minimum Motorcycle Insurance Requirements:
- $30,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
(Same requirements as automobiles)
Helmet Law: Partial helmet law. Riders under 21 years of age must wear a DOT-approved helmet. Riders 21 and over may ride without a helmet if they have completed a motorcycle safety course or have health insurance coverage of at least $10,000 for motorcycle injuries.
Eye Protection Requirements: Not required by state law, but recommended.
Lane Splitting/Lane Filtering: Not explicitly addressed in Texas law, but generally discouraged. Not specifically legal or illegal.
Motorcycle Licensing Requirements: Class M license required. Must be at least 15 years old. Must pass written and skills tests. Motorcycle safety course recommended (required for certain helmet exemptions).
Motorcycle Equipment Requirements:
- At least one rearview mirror
- Functioning brakes
- Muffler in good working order
- Horn capable of being heard at least 200 feet away
- Headlight visible from 1,000 feet
- Tail lamp visible from 1,000 feet
- Red rear reflector
Passenger Requirements: Passengers must have their own seat and footrests. No age restrictions specified.
Handlebars: Handlebars cannot be higher than shoulder level of the operator.
Helmet Law and Insurance Claims: If you were not wearing a helmet and suffered head injuries, the defense may argue your injuries were worsened due to not wearing a helmet, potentially reducing your compensation under comparative negligence.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Available but not required. Recommended given Texas has a significant number of uninsured drivers.
Damage Caps: Texas has caps on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases but generally does not cap damages in other personal injury cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Texas?
A: In Texas, motorcyclists have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is two years from the date of death. Minors have until their 20th birthday to file. Missing these deadlines typically results in losing the right to pursue compensation in court.
Q: How does Texas’s comparative negligence law affect motorcycle accident claims?
A: Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule (proportionate responsibility). If you are found to be 51% or more at fault for the accident, you cannot recover any compensation. If your fault is 50% or less, you can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 30% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you would receive $70,000.
Q: What are Texas’s motorcycle helmet requirements?
A: Texas has a partial helmet law. Riders under 21 must wear a DOT-approved helmet. Riders 21 and older may ride without a helmet if they have completed a motorcycle safety course approved by the Texas Department of Public Safety or have health insurance coverage of at least $10,000 for motorcycle injuries. However, not wearing a helmet may affect your injury claim if the defense argues your injuries were worsened.
Q: Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the motorcycle accident?
A: Yes, as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Texas’s modified comparative negligence rule allows you to recover damages if your fault is 50% or less. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If a judge or jury finds you 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation.
Q: What compensation can I recover in a Texas motorcycle accident case?
A: Motorcycle accident victims in Texas may recover economic damages including medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. For fatal accidents, surviving family members may recover wrongful death damages including funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support.