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Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Failing to promptly treat your injuries could mean the difference between a few months of recovery and several years of treatment, surgeries, and rehabilitation. Not acting within the time required by law could harm your case and jeopardize your entitlement to financial restitution. Also, embarking on this legal journey alone could lead to costly—often irreparable—mistakes. That’s why allowing the best injury lawyers Sutliff & Stout, to guide you in the right direction will pay off.

At Sutliff & Stout, we fight for motorcycle accident victims to get the compensation they deserve. We understand that motorcycle riders face unfair prejudices and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive a full and fair settlement for your injuries and other losses. To schedule a free and confidential consultation with a Houston motorcycle accident lawyer at Sutliff & Stout, text or call (281) 942-8694 anytime, 24/7, or submit our online contact form today.

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    About Sutliff & Stout

    Award-Winning Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Houston, TX

    Sutliff & Stout Injury & Accident Law Firm has been recognized as one of the top 3 personal injury law firms in Houston, Texas, and has helped thousands of individuals with their motorcycle accident claims. Our founders, Graham Sutliff and Hank Stout, are Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law and have been recognized by Thomson Reuters as Super Lawyers in the State of Texas. We have obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients.

    We know that you are going through a lot and likely have a lot of questions. This Houston motorcycle accident page was designed to answer some of the more common questions we receive and to help you understand how the process works. Our Houston motorbike accident lawyers are available seven days a week to answer any questions you may have about your particular car accident claim or legal situation.

    Top 10
    in Motor Vehicle Injury Settlements from TopVerdict in 2019 & 2020
    2000+
    Cases Reviewed 100% for Free
    10+ Years
    as Board Certified Lawyers by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
    50+ Years
    of Combined Legal Experience

    Rights of Texas Motorcycle Riders

    Texas motorcycle riders should know that they have as much a right to the roads they traverse as those in cars and trucks. However, unfortunately for Texas bikers, careless drivers often fail to take reasonable precautions toward people on motorcycles. In 2018, there were 618 motorcycle crashes in Houston alone. Those crashes produced 168 injuries, 131 more serious injuries, and tragically took 26 lives. Lane splitting is a common factor among the many possible causes of Houston motorcycle accidents.

    If you or a loved one has suffered significant harm in a motorcycle accident, you should immediately contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Houston, TX. You may be facing a long road to recovery, and only an aggressive Houston motorcycle attorney can protect your legal rights and get you the compensation you deserve.

    At Sutliff & Stout, we are proud of the culture we’ve built at our firm, uniting our strengths and diverse backgrounds to provide high-quality legal help for motorcycle injury and representation for injured accident victims throughout Houston. When your life takes an unexpected turn for the worst due to a motorcycle accident, don’t settle for less than the best. That’s exactly what you’ll get when you partner with the Sutliff & Stout team.

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    We bring each client a combination of deep industry knowledge and expert perspectives from other industries on the challenge at stake

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    Motorcycle Terminology

    What Is Lane Splitting?

    People often get lane splitting, lane sharing, and lane positioning confused. Lane sharing is the process of two motorcycles sharing the same traffic lane. However, lane splitting occurs when motorcycles operate between traffic lanes or lines of vehicles on the road. This is not a lawful practice and can seriously injure motorcycle riders and vehicles alike. Motorcyclists riding in a specific traffic lane cannot pass another vehicle in the same lane as they are when riding.

    Comparatively, lane positioning can help a motorcycle rider to see other drivers better to reduce the possibility of a collision. Lane splitting can result in a motorcycle rider moving into a driver’s blind spot.

    Lane Splitting

    Immediate Steps To Take After A Motorcycle Crash in Houston

    What you do in the immediate aftermath of a motorcycle crash in Houston can determine everything from your liability to the lasting impact of any injuries you may have sustained.

    Therefore, if you are not critically injured to the extent that you require on-scene emergency medical assistance and transportation, the most important thing you can do is stay calm. Doing so will allow you to think rationally and logically about your situation. If you’re still on your bike or lying beside it, remain seated and wait for help. For a moment, observe the situation to see if you are in danger and, if possible, try to move out of the way.

    Once you are able to move to safety, there are vital actions you should take and others you should not. Below is a compiled list of the “do’s” and “dont’s” for the immediate aftermath of a motorcycle collision in Houston:

    Dos

    • Call 911 as soon as possible. An officer can help control the situation and generate a police report that can serve as invaluable evidence later.
    • Get medical assistance right away, even if you don’t feel like you’ve been badly hurt. Some injuries are masked due to adrenaline, and injuries like internal bleeding don’t appear on the outside.
    • Document and gather evidence at the scene of the accident. Photos, videos, vehicle damage, and other parties’ contact information.
    • Contact an experienced and trusted motorcycle injury lawyers in Houston.
    • Inform your insurance company, but don’t trust that any insurer is on your side.

    Dont’s

    • Don’t get into a heated discussion with other parties or police.
    • Don’t apologize. This could lead to others indicating that you’re at fault.
    • Avoid discussing faults or damages with other parties or police.
    • Under no circumstances are you required to make any statements to insurance companies. Don’t rush to speak with them without an attorney’s advice.
    • Refrain from posting content on social media that could jeopardize your claim.
    • If presented with a settlement offer right away, don’t accept it. It’s likely significantly undervalued.

    Satisfied Client Stories

    Sutliff & Stout took an interest in me as a person, not just dollar sign..

    I was in a terrible car wreck, one that could have ruined me considering today’s economy. After searching far and wide, I finally found Sutliff & Stout. Their character and high morals were exemplified in my legal representation against huge power company. Through their expertise, I received proper medical care plus the money I needed to pay for future medical treatment and secure my financial future.

    - Judy J.
    Sutliff & Stout took an interest in me as a person, not just dollar sign..

    Most lawyers will take cases for the money. Sutliff & Stout took an interest in me as a person and not just dollar sign. If you want attorneys who will do their best, and go the extra mile, Sutliff & Stout are perfect for you. They took care of everything after my personnel basket transfer accident, and their efforts made sure that my family would be taken care of in the future.

    - Tony N.
    I felt like I was talking to old friends…

    When I met Hank and Graham of Sutliff & Stout, I felt like I was talking to old friends. We met, discussed my case and they were off and running. After promptly filing a lawsuit on my behalf, they even helped find a good doctor for me. Sutliff & Stout were very interested in getting the justice I deserved. They were also very attentive to any questions or theories I had.

    - Danny H.
    Sutliff & Stout fought to make my situation a bit more bearable…

    Sutliff & Stout immediately started working on my case and resolved it as soon as they could, because they understood I had been through enough after the death of my husband. Although a number of lawyers refused to help me because of the risk and cost involved in my case, Sutliff & Stout boldly took on my case and obtained a settlement that secured my economic future and, thereby, lessening the load on my shoulders after the accident. Where the other lawyers turned their backs, Sutliff & Stout fought to make my situation a bit more bearable.

    - Linda F.
    These guys are tireless and fierce advocates…

    Having never been in a car accident before, I assumed the insurance company for the 18-wheeler would take care of everything, and do so honestly. I was wrong. The insurance company refused to help me with my medical bills and wouldn’t treat me fairly. That’s when I contacted Sutliff & Stout. Thankfully, they stepped into the picture and made sure that I was treated fairly and with respect. These guys are tireless and fierce advocates for their clients. Sutliff & Stout provided clear explanations at every step, outlined my options, and carried out any decision I made. I was very fortunate to have found this firm.

    - Shannon H.
    Sutliff & Stout were there for me…

    I had an accident with an 18-wheeler. All I wanted was for my medical bills to be taken care of but the company would not help. Sutliff & Stout came to my house, sat down with me and discussed my options. I liked them immediately. I’d never been involved in an accident with a vehicle that massive before. It was scary, and I didn’t know what to do. Sutliff & Stout were there for me, and they helped me map a strategy to achieve all of my goals. I highly recommend Sutliff & Stout for any legal matters you may have.

    - Matt K.
    Sutliff & Stout made sure that I was always informed and up to speed…

    My daughter and I sustained a significant loss due to a defective tire. I didn’t know where to turn to, until I found Sutliff & Stout. Sutliff & Stout were very knowledgeable about the law as it pertained to my case. They were definitely client driven, understanding, and aggressive. Sutliff & Stout made sure that I was always informed and up to speed on any of my case developments and I was never out of the loop on any aspect of my case.

    - Kendall W.
    I would recommend their services to anyone…

    When I was rear-ended by a commercial truck, I needed an aggressive attorney to pursue the trucking company responsible for putting the driver on the road. Sutliff & Stout cared about me enough to help me find quality medical assistance for my neck injury. I would recommend their services to anyone in need of help.

    - Shavona W.
    Sutliff & Stout still got me the compensation necessary to treat all my injuries…

    Despite all of my prior medical problems, Sutliff & Stout still managed to win me the compensation necessary to treat all my injuries. After my accident, I was able to recover my lost wages and received a great amount of compensation for my losses. I have easily recommended Sutliff & Stout to my family and friends a number of times, and highly recommend them to you as well. Thanks again.

    - Doyle A.
    I will always go to Sutliff & Stout…

    I suffered a neck injury that kept me out of work for a long time. The good news was that I didn’t have any bills afterwards; even my hospital and my ambulance bills were paid for after my accident. The insurance company settled once Sutliff & Stout boldly showed them we were prepared to try the case. I will always go to Sutliff & Stout.

    - Susan C.
    They were patient, and always made sure I understood everything…

    I never thought I would be in a situation where I needed an attorney. I actually never thought I would be in a dredging accident. I found Sutliff & Stout through a friend and I turned everything over to them. They walked me through all the steps, and I asked loads of questions, but they were patient, and always made sure I understood everything. I am really happy that I chose such a good law firm to help me.

    - Anthony R.
    Without Sutliff & Stout, I would not have been treated fairly…

    When ten different attorneys gave me the cold shoulder, Sutliff & Stout warmly accepted me and my case. When I thought there was no hope for me, Hank and Graham worked extremely hard, for a very long time, in order to put me in a position to convince the city to settle. Without Sutliff & Stout, I would not have been treated fairly and would have significant debts as a result of the collision.

    - Chris F.
    They treated me more as a friend than as a client…

    I cannot thank Sutliff & Stout enough for the way they handled my case in a very professional yet caring manner. They treated me more as a friend than as a client. Their endearing ways in dealing with clients show how much they genuinely care. They resolved my case as soon as possible because they didn’t want me to go through any further hardship after already losing my daughter. In my time of need, Sutliff & Stout was there for me.

    - Daisie M.
    I wouldn’t even dare think of calling any other attorney…

    The Sutliff & Stout Law Firm helped me when I needed it the most with true professionalism and courtesy. After my child was injured at a daycare, Sutliff & Stout helped me make the best decisions possible. I would definitely recommend Sutliff & Stout to anyone that needs legal assistance. I wouldn’t even dare think of calling any other attorney.

    - Cassie F.
    Sutliff & Stout helped me fight back…

    I felt slighted and demoralized after a former associate of mine breached an agreement we made. Maybe the person thought I would just give in, but I didn’t. Sutliff & Stout helped me fight back. Their aggressiveness and hard work pushed the defendant to finally pay the rightful amount before we even went to trial. It’s nice to know there are attorneys out there like Sutliff & Stout that will fight for me.

    - Client prefers to remain anonymous
    We’ll never have to search around for lawyers again, we found our guys…

    Our company received the short end of a very bad business deal. Things were looking bleak financially. We’d never been part of a business deal that had gone so bad. When we met Sutliff & Stout, our worries were put to rest. Their commitment and prioritization produced a $850,000 settlement on our behalf. Things are back to normal, and we are financially secure again thanks to the hard work and know how of Sutliff & Stout. We’ll never have to search around for lawyers again, we found our guys.

    - Client prefers to remain anonymous

    The “Why” Behind Motorcycle Accidents in Houston, Texas

    A motorcycle crash can happen in a split second. What was supposed to be a simple joyride could end up becoming a deadly destination. For decades, accident and fatality rates for motorcyclists sit substantially higher than other roadway users. One widely understood explanation for this is that motorcycles are smaller and difficult to spot. Other common causes of motorcycle accidents in Houston include:

    • Reckless drivers
    • Speeding
    • Impaired drivers
    • Inexperienced drivers
    • Aggressive drivers or road rage

    The Houston motorcycle accident lawyers at Sutliff & Stout will analyze the factors of your case to determine fault and establish the other driver’s liability. Finally, based on your injuries, expenses, and additional losses, our legal team will precisely quantify a dollar figure necessary for your recovery.

    Houston Motorcycle Accident Attorney Help

    How Can A Houston Motorcycle Accident Attorney Help Me?

    After a motorcycle crash, you need to focus on recovering from your injuries and restoring your health (to the extent that this is possible). It’s critical to seek prompt medical attention and follow the course of treatment recommended by your doctor.

    If you do not get immediate medical treatment after a motorcycle accident, the at-fault party (or their insurance company) may try to deny you compensation for your injuries. They’ll try to argue that your injuries weren’t really caused by the motorcycle accident, but from other separate, unrelated events.

    A lawyer for a motorcycle accident can relieve your stress by communicating with the other parties and their insurance company representatives on your behalf. He or she can also make sure that your interests are not compromised and you maximize your chances at receiving a fair settlement.

    Injury Patterns Associated with Motorcyclists in Houston

    Given the sobering statistics on motorcycle crashes, it’s apparent that the issue with motorcycle injuries is the severity. This is especially poignant in situations involving lane splitting, as being in a driver’s blind spot can cause even more severe injuries. Because your entire body is exposed on a motorcycle, you have almost no protection to absorb the energy being transferred from the vehicle on impact. As a result, some of the associated injuries include:

    • Bone fractures
    • Internal injuries
    • Road rash
    • Lacerations and burns

    These injuries are notoriously painful and can cause immense distress for victims. In severe injuries, the consequences can be devastating, potentially requiring multiple medical operations. Not only do catastrophic injuries cost tens of thousands of dollars to treat, but the cost of in-patient hospitalization accumulates quickly. Consequently, many victims find themselves unprepared to shoulder excessive medical costs and lost wages due to missed work. A Houston motorcycle accident lawyer at Sutliff & Stout can help you plan for the future and give you peace of mind for what lies ahead.

     

    About Our Firm

    Why Choose Sutliff & Stout?

    We know how to win

    Our injury attorneys have successfully recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients over our 15-year history. See sample case results.

    No Fee Unless We Win

    We work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we recover money. Learn more about our no-fee unless-you-win policy.

    Thousands of Happy Clients

    Since starting our firm in 2007 we’ve served thousands of Texas clients and we’ve received hundreds of positive online reviews and client testimonials.

    Community Involvement

    We care about making a positive impact beyond the courtroom. Check out our free holiday rides and our annual scholarship contest.

    Motorcyclists Safety Tips for Bikers in Houston

    Road safety is a major concern worldwide, with bikers and cyclists being our most vulnerable road users. Ultimately, road safety is everyone’s responsibility. As a motorcyclist, the following safety tips can help you play your part in keeping our roads safer, and potentially reduce your chances of being involved in a serious accident.

    • Avoid lane splitting at all costs, even if it seems you have few other options to get around or through heavy traffic
    • Wear protective gear, including a helmet, face shield, eyewear, elbow guards, and knee braces
    • Obey all traffic laws
    • Ride attentively and defensively
    • Don’t ride when you’re sleepy or under the influence
    • Prep your bike before you ride; check your lights, horn, brakes, fluid levels, and tires
    • Know the weather
    • Plan your route
    • Anticipate traffic and dangerous roadways
    • Maintain a safe distance

    Even while following all of these tips, accidents are always potential. If you’ve been in an accident, contact a motorcycle accident attorney in Houston, TX, for help.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Motorcycle Accident FAQs

    In Houston, you have countless options when you need a personal injury lawyer. While finding a lawyer is the least of your worries, choosing one should be a significant matter. You need a motorcycle crash attorney who gives you the highest chance at yielding the best results for your case—not one who wastes your time or money.

    For this reason, choosing a firm with proven experience, results, and a long-standing reputation cannot be overstated. Of course, none of these elements matter if you don’t think your lawyer will be a good fit for you. Your best bet is to sit down and get to know each prospective attorney’s personality and background. Because most reputable personal injury law firms offer potential clients a free and confidential initial consultation, you have nothing to lose by setting up a case review with a motorcycle crash lawyer in Texas.

    A motorcycle crash can happen in a split second. What was supposed to be a simple joyride could end up becoming a deadly destination. For decades, accident and fatality rates for motorcyclists sit substantially higher than other roadway users. One widely understood explanation for this is that motorcycles are smaller and difficult to spot. Other common causes of motorcycle accidents in Houston include:

    The Houston motorcycle lawyers at Sutliff & Stout will analyze the factors of your case to determine fault and establish the other driver’s liability. Finally, based on your injuries, expenses, and additional losses, our legal team will precisely quantify a dollar figure necessary for your recovery.

    There is an important concept under Texas personal injury law called the “51% bar rule.” Texas courts apply what is known as a “modified comparative fault” rule to negligence claims. If you were partially responsible for the accident, the amount of compensation you receive will be reduced by a percentage proportionate to your fault.

    However, you cannot recover any damages if you were more than 51% responsible for the accident. This means that even if you were very badly injured, you may be prevented from receiving any money for your injuries. This is one of the reasons working with an experienced Houston motorcycle accident lawyer is essential to successfully navigating a claim.

    The term “damages” refers to a legally recognized harm. The harm may be tangible (for example, a medical bill) or intangible (such as pain and suffering). If you suffered any of the following types of injuries or losses, a Houston motorcycle attorney can help you recover compensation in an insurance claim settlement or personal injury lawsuit.

    • Past and future medical treatment: A motorcycle accident victim may be entitled to compensation for past or future medical treatment.
    • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity: If you missed work as a result of a motorcycle accident, an experienced lawyer can help you recover lost income. You may also be entitled to damages for the amount of income you will lose over your lifetime if your earning capacity has been reduced.
    • Property damage: You may be able to recover damages for the damage to your motorcycle, helmet, protective equipment, and other personal property.
    • Pain and suffering: Texas law recognizes the right of motorcycle accident victims to sue for pain and suffering.
    • Loss of enjoyment: This refers to the loss of enjoyment of recreational activities or time spent with family and friends.
    • Loss of consortium: Texas law allows motorcycle accident victims to recover damages if their ability to enjoy intimate relations with their spouse has been impacted.
    • Punitive damages: Under Texas law, you may be entitled to punitive damages if the party who caused your injuries behaved in an extremely careless manner.

    Only an experienced and top-rated motorcycle accident lawyer who has represented bikers in the past can calculate the amount of damages you’re entitled to receive in your motorcycle accident lawsuit. If you were in a motorcycle crash and are dealing with any of these types of injuries or financial hardships, contact an aggressive motorcycle accident attorney right away.

    There are two different methods for obtaining compensation after a motorcycle accident. You can either enter into a settlement agreement with the at-fault party’s insurance company or file a personal injury lawsuit against that party in Texas state or federal court.

    For some minor motorcycle accidents, it may be possible to secure a fair compensation settlement from an insurance company. But often, insurance companies will try to unfairly shift blame onto motorcycle riders. You may get to a point during the insurance claim settlement and negotiation process when you realize that it won’t be possible to get the compensation you deserve.

    A motorcycle accident lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party in state or federal court. Although it generally takes more time to reach a settlement in a personal injury lawsuit, you may ultimately receive a significantly higher settlement than the insurance company was willing to offer.

    By filing a lawsuit, you’ll show the at-fault party that you’re serious about getting the compensation you deserve. Because going to trial can be an expensive and risky proposition, the responsible party may quickly realize that offering you a fair settlement is the best thing to do.

    There are two different methods for obtaining compensation after a motorcycle accident. You can either enter into a settlement agreement with the at-fault party’s insurance company or file a personal injury lawsuit against that party in Texas state or federal court.

    For some minor motorcycle accidents, it may be possible to secure a fair compensation settlement from an insurance company. But often, insurance companies will try to unfairly shift blame onto motorcycle riders. You may get to a point during the insurance claim settlement and negotiation process when you realize that it won’t be possible to get the compensation you deserve.

    A motorcycle accident lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party in state or federal court. Although it generally takes more time to reach a settlement in a personal injury lawsuit, you may ultimately receive a significantly higher settlement than the insurance company was willing to offer.

    By filing a lawsuit, you’ll show the at-fault party that you’re serious about getting the compensation you deserve. Because going to trial can be an expensive and risky proposition, the responsible party may quickly realize that offering you a fair settlement is the best thing to do.

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