El Paso Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents

The list of injuries you might suffer from a motorcycle crash is infinite and can range in severity from minor to severe. Because motorcycles are not equipped with seatbelts or airbags, more often than not, injuries are catastrophic. Being thrown from the bike in a collision can result in devastating injuries and even death.

Many motorcycle injuries are common in other motor vehicles and bikes. However, some are more unique to motorcycle accidents.

Motorcycle accident injuries include:

• Road rash,
• Severe lacerations,
• Burns,
• Multiple compound fractures,
• Neck and back injuries,
• Internal bleeding,
• Spinal cord injuries, and
• Loss of limbs.

What might be a minor rear-end fender bender between two cars can be devastating in a motorcycle collision. Even a minor crash can result in permanent injuries.

You may be entitled to compensation if you suffered minor, temporary injuries or severe life-altering trauma. An El Paso motorcycle accident lawyer can help you determine your legal options.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Often, motorcycle accidents require a thorough investigation to determine the cause. Other drivers, responding law enforcement, and insurance companies quickly blame the motorcycle rider for the crash. However, other factors and individuals are commonly responsible for the wreck.

While there are many potential causes of any motor vehicle crash, including a motorcycle accident, three common causes exist.

Other Driver Negligence

The most common cause of motorcycle accidents is other drivers’ negligence. Car, truck, and bus drivers pose a significant danger to cyclists they share the road with if they engage in negligent or reckless conduct.

The driver may leave the accident unscathed while the motorcyclist suffers severe consequences.

Driver negligence can include an array of conduct and actions, such as:

• Driving while intoxicated (alcohol or drugs),
• Aggressive and reckless driving,
• Speeding,
• Talking on the phone while driving,
• Texting and driving,
• Unsafe lane change and
• Failing to obey traffic signals (e.g., running a red light).

The negative stigma surrounding motorcycles can lead to a general lack of respect and awareness for them on the road, posing an exceptional danger to riders and the public.

Poorly Maintained Roads

Poorly maintained roads can pose a danger to any motor vehicle but are particularly significant to motorcycles. Potholes, uneven pavement, and poorly lit roads can be catastrophic to a motorcyclist. If a municipality, county, or state fails to maintain the streets in a safe condition, it could be liable for injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident.

Motorcycle Manufacturing Defect or Malfunction

Although on a smaller scale than the average car, motorcycles comprise many different working and moving parts. If a motorcycle is manufactured with a defective or malfunctioning part, it can lead to a loss of control and, ultimately, a crash.

For example, if the motorcycle has a defective fuel line or the brakes malfunction while riding, it can be disastrous to the rider. If this occurs, the manufacturer of the bike and the defective part can be held liable for your injuries.

What to Do After an El Paso Motorcycle Accident

After the initial shock, adrenaline, and trauma wear off from the accident, you may be wondering what to do next. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out your next steps when you are drowning in medical bills, unable to work, and trying to heal from mental and physical trauma. Here are three steps to guide you in those moments, weeks, and months after a crash.

Seek & Continue Medical Attention

You likely required emergency medical services immediately after the accident, including an EMS response and emergency room care. However, regardless of whether you sought emergency treatment, you should always be seen by a physician. Underlying injuries can creep up days and even weeks after the accident.

It is just as essential to continue with medical treatment prescribed by your doctors.

This can include:

• Primary care services (i.e., your family doctor),
• Radiology and other diagnostic services,
• Orthopedic treatment,
• Physical and occupational therapy,
• Chiropractic care,
• Pharmaceutical services, and
• Surgery.

Keep a detailed and organized record of all medical treatment you receive to ensure an accurate claim for damages later.

Document and Gather Evidence from the Accident

Depending on the severity of the accident and your injuries, if you are physically capable, you should document what you can at the scene. Even snapping some photos of the vehicle and bike damage, your injuries, and the road conditions can be conducive later.

Don’t worry if you cannot document it in real time because of your injury. We can further assist you in gathering what you need to pursue a claim.

We can assist you in obtaining the following:

• The police and accident report,
• Witness information,
• Nearby video surveillance,
• Insurance information and
• Weather and road conditions at the time of the crash.

While the events are still fresh, it is good to write down what you remember from before, during, and after the accident. This information and recollection can be helpful later.

Our El Paso motorcycle accident attorney can help you fill in any missing pieces and collect necessary evidence later.

Track All Accident-Related Expenses

Start recording every cost associated with the crash, big or small. Medical documentation includes hospital bills, ambulance fees, follow-up visits, medication, and rehabilitation costs. Also, keep receipts for incidental expenses like transportation to appointments, in-home care, or medical equipment.

Document lost income and any missed business opportunities if your injuries prevent you from working. Detailed, date-stamped records will help your motorcycle accident lawyer in El Paso establish the true financial impact of the crash, including long-term losses that insurance adjusters often overlook.

Contact an El Paso Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

An experienced El Paso motorcycle accident attorney can take immediate steps to protect your claim. This includes gathering evidence before it’s lost, managing communication with insurance companies, and preparing your case for maximum compensation. The earlier you involve an attorney, the stronger your position becomes, especially if the at-fault driver denies liability or multiple parties are involved. At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we begin building your case from day one, and we don’t get paid unless you do.

Avoid Social Media Posts

It’s natural to want to update friends and family after a serious accident. However, posting photos, status updates, or even check-ins can unintentionally damage your claim. Insurance companies and defense attorneys may misinterpret or take posts out of context to downplay your injuries or question your credibility. They may even use private posts against you in litigation. Until the final resolution of your case, it’s best to avoid sharing anything related to your health, the accident, or your daily activities online.

Avoid Discussing Fault

Do not apologize or speculate about what caused the crash. Even innocent comments can be used against you later. Do not speak with an insurance adjuster until you talk to an El Paso motorcycle accident lawyer.

Recoverable Damages After a Motorcycle Crash

Motorcycle accident victims may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of losses. These damages typically fall into three main categories:

Economic Damages

These reflect measurable financial losses tied directly to the crash, such as:

• Medical bills, including emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, and therapy;
• Future medical treatment and rehabilitation;
• Lost income from missed work;
• Loss of future earning potential; and
• Property damage, including motorcycle repair or replacement.

Economic damages form the foundation of any personal injury claim, offering a clear, documentable picture of how the crash has impacted your financial stability. Preserving receipts, bills, and wage records is essential to building a strong case.

Noneconomic Damages

These cover harder-to-quantify but equally important consequences, including:

• Physical pain and suffering;
• Emotional distress, such as PTSD or anxiety;
• Loss of enjoyment of daily activities;
• Disfigurement or permanent disability; and
• Loss of companionship or consortium in wrongful death claims.

Although less tangible, noneconomic damages often represent the deepest losses victims face after a serious motorcycle crash. Accurately portraying these impacts requires clear documentation, compelling testimony, and a dedicated motorcycle accident attorney in El Paso who knows how to present them to insurers or juries.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are not intended to compensate but to punish egregiously reckless or malicious behavior, such as drunk driving or intentional harm. These are awarded in rare cases and must meet strict legal standards under Texas law.

Every motorcycle accident case is different. Our team works with medical, vocational, and financial experts to fully assess your damages and fight for the maximum settlement or verdict possible.

How Our El Paso Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help

At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we take a personalized approach to every motorcycle accident case.

When you work with us, you get:

• A thorough investigation of the crash;
• Strong legal representation from the negotiation table to the courtroom;
• Direct access to your attorney and support team;
• Assistance with medical providers, accident reconstruction experts, and financial specialists; and
• Aggressive advocacy focused on maximizing your recovery.

We have successfully handled high-value motorcycle cases across Texas and New Mexico. Our goal is to help you move forward while we handle the legal fight.

See what our clients have to say about our services:

Key Texas Motorcycle Accident Laws

The following laws influence how liability is assigned, how much time you have to file a claim, and what types of compensation may be available.

Fault and Liability

Texas follows a fault-based system, meaning the person responsible for causing the crash is also financially responsible. You can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or pursue a personal injury lawsuit.

Modified Comparative Fault

Under Texas law, if you are found more than 50% responsible for the crash, you cannot recover compensation. If you are less than 51% at fault, your recovery will be reduced in proportion to your level of fault.

Time Limit to File

You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas. Missing this statute of limitations deadline can result in a dismissal of your claim.

Understanding the legal framework that applies to motorcycle crashes in Texas is critical when pursuing compensation.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics in El Paso

Motorcycle collisions in El Paso are frequent and often severe.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT):

• El Paso County reported over 500 motorcycle crashes in 2023;
• More than 35 of those crashes resulted in serious injuries; and
• At least nine motorcyclists lost their lives in the same year.

These numbers reflect the ongoing risks local riders face, and why representation from a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer in El Paso is essential.

Consult an El Paso Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Once you get past the initial shock and trauma of the accident, it is time to think about your legal recourse. Your injuries can financially, physically, and mentally hurt you for years to come. You are entitled to justice for the crash’s negative impacts on your life.

Even if you are unsure if you want to pursue a civil lawsuit, consult an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to preserve your rights. You generally only have two years from the date of your accident to bring a claim; otherwise, you may lose your right to compensation altogether. We can guide you.

Rated by Super Lawyers and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, our El Paso motorcycle accident lawyers are experienced in serious injury cases. If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle wreck, you deserve justice and compensation. Let our team help you.

Contact us online or call (575) 222-1000 today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Case Take to Resolve?

It depends on the complexity of your case and whether a fair settlement can be reached. Some cases resolve within months; others may take a year or longer if litigation is necessary.

Can I Still Get Compensation if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?

Yes, but your compensation may be reduced if the defense can show that the lack of a helmet contributed to your injuries. Texas only requires helmets for riders under 21 or those without proper insurance or safety course certification.

What Makes Motorcycle Accident Claims Different from Car Accident Cases?

Motorcycle crashes often result in more serious injuries, and bias against motorcyclists may influence how insurers or juries view your claim. That’s why working with a lawyer familiar with motorcycle litigation is so important.

What if the Driver Who Hit Me Doesn’t Have Insurance?

You may be able to file a claim under your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Our attorneys can review your policy and identify all sources of compensation.

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