Unfortunately, even the most skilled and experienced riders could become victims of motorcycle crashes. In addition, because of motorcycles’ small size, other drivers sometimes fail to see motorcycles on the road.

Additionally, motorcycles offer no protection to the rider, meaning injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents in Houston are often severe. However, riders whose injuries result from another party’s negligence could file a legal action seeking damages. Contact a dedicated motorcycle collision attorney at Roberts Markland LLP to discuss your legal options if you were hurt while riding.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to specific injuries. Seasoned attorneys in Houston often represent motorcycle crash survivors who suffered:

  • Significant abrasions and friction burns, also known as road rash
  • Injuries to the lower legs, including fractures, soft tissue injuries, and traumatic amputations
  • Pelvic fractures
  • Chest trauma, including rib fractures and punctured lungs
  • Hyperextension of the back, neck, and shoulder, known as whiplash
  • Facial injuries, including fractures and loss of teeth, an eye, or features
  • Back injuries
  • Concussion or more severe traumatic brain injury
  • Spinal cord damage

These injuries often require a long recovery time and could be permanent in some cases. If another party’s negligence contributed to a rider’s injuries, the responsible party could be liable for the rider’s damages.

Damages in a motorcycle accident case could include medical bills for rehabilitation, costs for medical equipment like wheelchairs or prosthetics, and home renovation expenses to accommodate an injury. Injured riders could also receive money to compensate them for their pain, emotional trauma, disability, disfigurement, lost enjoyment of life, and other immeasurable consequences caused by the crash.

Steps You Can Take to Prevent Severe Injury

An irresponsible driver could cause a collision with a biker even if the motorcyclist was doing everything right. Although it is impossible to eliminate the risk of an accident, responsible riders must do what they can to protect themselves from injury.

Always Wear a Helmet

According to Texas Transportation Code §661.003, adult riders can choose not to wear a helmet if they have completed a motorcycle safety course or have health insurance. However, helmets significantly reduce the risk of death and severe head injuries. Careful riders will always wear helmets to reduce the likelihood of suffering a catastrophic injury in a crash.

Invest in Appropriate Gear

Protective clothing could reduce the risk of road rash. For example, motorcycle boots could protect against foot and ankle injuries. In addition, face screens can reduce disfiguring or blinding facial trauma.

Experience

Experience is critical when it comes to riding a motorbike. Motorcycle schools and groups offer riders the opportunity to improve their skills and competency, so they can ride larger and more powerful motorcycles with ease and confidence.

Ensure The Bike is Road Worthy Before Every Ride

Keeping a bike in good repair and obeying all traffic laws could also reduce the risk of accidents that cause injuries. Riders should make it a habit to go through the Motorcycle Safety Institute’s T-CLOCS inspection method before every ride: check tires and wheels, controls, lights and electrical, oil and fluids, chassis, and side stand.

Ride Responsibly

Following traffic laws is mandatory but especially important for bikers, who have no physical protection if they get into an accident. Never ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Be aware of road conditions and pull off the road if conditions are poor or deteriorate. To learn more about preventative measures for avoiding injuries in motorcycle collisions, enlist the help of a knowledgeable lawyer in Houston.

Contact a Houston Attorney to Learn More About Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents

Call a local attorney immediately if you suffered injuries from a motorcycle accident in Houston. Legal representatives could identify the parties responsible for the crash and hold them liable for your damages.

You have only a short time to take legal action, so get legal help quickly. Call Roberts Markland LLP today to get our diligent attorneys working for you.