Motorcycle Accidents
The Bison Law Firm
Motorcycle Accident Lawyers | Texas & Louisiana
BISON LAW, P.L.L.C.
Motorcycles offer freedom and mobility, but they also leave riders far more vulnerable to catastrophic injury or death in the event of a crash. With no airbags, seatbelts, or protective frames, motorcyclists face the full force of impact when struck by careless drivers or when equipment fails.
At Bison Law, P.L.L.C., we fight for injured riders and grieving families across Texas and Louisiana. Our attorneys bring decades of courtroom experience and have been featured on NBC, CBS, FOX, CNN, ABC, and ESPN for their work in high-stakes cases.
If you or a loved one has been hurt—or if you’ve lost someone you love—in a motorcycle accident, we are here to pursue justice and secure the compensation you deserve.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Are Different
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 8 million motorcyclists ride in the U.S. Motorcycle crashes are disproportionately deadly: riders are 28 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a crash and 4 times more likely to be seriously injured.
Motorcyclists often face bias from police reports, insurance companies, and juries, who may assume the rider was at fault. At Bison Law, we know how to counter these assumptions and build cases that prove liability rests where it belongs.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
We investigate every possible factor that contributes to a motorcycle crash, including:
- Driver Negligence – Failure to yield, unsafe lane changes, tailgating.
- Distracted Driving – Texting, phone use, in-car distractions.
- Drunk or Drugged Driving.
- Left-Turn Accidents – A leading cause of fatal motorcycle crashes.
- Road Hazards – Potholes, debris, poor signage, unsafe construction zones.
- Defective Equipment – Brake failures, tire blowouts, helmet failures.
- Dooring Accidents – Drivers opening car doors into motorcyclists’ path.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle crashes often result in catastrophic or fatal injuries, such as:
- Road rash and severe skin lacerations
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Amputations and crush injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Wrongful death
Recovering Damages After a Motorcycle Accident
Compensation may include:
- Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage (motorcycle repair or replacement)
- Wrongful death damages (for surviving families)
- Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence, e.g., drunk driving)
Texas Motorcycle Accident Law
At Bison Law, we investigate every layer of negligence. Frequent causes include:
Fault & Comparative Negligence
- Texas applies modified comparative fault (51% bar rule).
- You may recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault. At 51% or more, you are barred from recovery. (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 33.001)
Helmet Laws in Texas
- Riders under 21 must wear a helmet.
- Riders over 21 may ride without one if they carry proof of health insurance.
- Insurance companies may argue that not wearing a helmet contributed to injuries—even though Texas law permits it.
UM/UIM in Texas
- UM/UIM applies when the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
- Exhaustion Rule: The at-fault driver’s liability policy must first be used in full.
- Coverage can pay for medical bills, lost wages, and wrongful death.
Statute of Limitations in Texas
- Two years from the date of the accident. (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003)
Louisiana Motorcycle Accident Law
Comparative Fault (Changing in 2026)
- Before Jan 1, 2026 (Pure Comparative Fault): Riders may recover even if mostly at fault, with damages reduced by their percentage of fault.
- On or After Jan 1, 2026 (Modified Comparative Fault, 51% Bar): Riders found 51% or more at fault cannot recover damages. (HB 431, signed 2025, amending La. Civ. Code Art. 2323)
Helmet Laws in Louisiana
- All motorcyclists and passengers are required to wear helmets.
- Failure to wear a helmet may be used by insurers to reduce compensation.
Louisiana’s “No Pay, No Play” Law
- Before Aug 1, 2025: Uninsured riders cannot recover the first $15,000 in bodily injury damages or $25,000 in property damages.
- On or After Aug 1, 2025: The bar increases to $100,000 in bodily injury damages and $100,000 in property damages.
Exceptions (Uninsured riders may still recover fully if):
- The at-fault driver was intoxicated.
- The at-fault driver acted intentionally.
- The at-fault driver was committing a felony.
- The motorcycle was legally parked.
- The accident involved a hit-and-run driver.
UM/UIM in Louisiana
- UM/UIM is included unless waived in writing.
- Exhaustion Rule: The at-fault driver’s policy must be fully used before UM/UIM applies.
Prescriptive Period in Louisiana (Statute of Limitations)
- Before July 1, 2024: Victims had one year to file suit.
- On or After July 1, 2024: Thanks to Act 423 (HB 315, 2024 Legislature), victims now have two years to file most tort actions, including motorcycle accident claims.
- Accidents before July 1, 2024 remain under the old 1-year rule.
Why Riders Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle cases are different from auto accidents because:
- Riders face severe injuries and higher damages.
- Insurers often blame motorcyclists unfairly.
- Police reports may be biased against riders.
- Road hazards play a bigger role in motorcycle crashes.
At Bison Law, we know how to counter these challenges and build strong cases for riders.
What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident
- Call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.
- Do not move your motorcycle until police arrive (unless it’s unsafe).
- Collect evidence—photos, witness info, driver insurance details.
- Request the crash report number.
- Do not give recorded statements to insurers.
- Contact Bison Law to protect your rights.
FAQ – Texas & Louisiana Motorcycle Accidents
What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Texas: Over 21 with health insurance may ride without a helmet. Insurers may still argue this reduced damages.
Louisiana: Helmets are mandatory. Not wearing one may reduce compensation but does not bar recovery.
What if the at-fault driver is uninsured?
Texas: UM/UIM applies, but the at-fault policy must be exhausted first.
Louisiana: Same exhaustion rule applies; “No Pay, No Play” may limit recovery if you were uninsured.
How long do I have to file?
Texas: Two years.
Louisiana: One year if the accident was before July 1, 2024; two years if on or after that date.
What if I was partially at fault?
Texas: You may recover if 50% or less at fault.
Louisiana: Pure comparative fault until Jan 1, 2026; modified comparative fault (51% bar) applies after that.
Contact Bison Law Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Texas or Louisiana, don’t fight insurance companies alone. At Bison Law, P.L.L.C., we combine skill, compassion, and aggressive advocacy to protect riders and their families.
Call Bison Law today for a free consultation.
We represent families nationwide, and we are ready to fight for yours.
