Odessa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Helping Injured Motorcyclists in Odessa, TX

If you’ve had the unfortunate experience of being injured in a crash caused by a distracted or otherwise careless driver, our Odessa motorcycle accident lawyer at Hanna Allen, PLLC may be able to help you get compensation for your injuries.

As a motorcyclist in Texas, you know that you must drive defensively. Too often drivers of other vehicles don’t pay enough attention to motorcycles on our busy roadways. It’s often the case that accidents involving motorcycles result in very serious and expensive injuries. You shouldn’t have to pay the financial price for another driver’s negligence. If the unthinkable has happened and you’ve lost a family member in a crash, our compassionate legal team can help you understand options you may have for compensation and holding the negligent party accountable.

Contact us today at (432) 287-7374 to arrange a free consultation.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries due to the lack of physical protection bikes provide compared to other vehicles. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Odessa include:

• Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, or using GPS while driving leads to inattentive behavior that puts motorcyclists at high risk.
• Left-Turn Accidents: Many motorcycle crashes occur when a vehicle makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle, often due to failing to properly gauge distance or speed.
• Speeding: Drivers who exceed speed limits have less reaction time and cause more severe crashes.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Failure to check blind spots or signal before changing lanes can be fatal for motorcyclists.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction time, significantly increasing the risk of crashes.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, loose gravel, or lack of signage can be particularly dangerous for two-wheeled vehicles.

Identifying the cause of your motorcycle accident is crucial to building a strong legal claim. Our team investigates every case thoroughly to determine liability and maximize your recovery.

Texas Motorcycle Laws

Here are some key regulations that motorcyclists in Odessa must follow:

• Helmet Law: Texas requires all riders under 21 to wear a helmet. Riders over 21 may ride without a helmet if they have completed an approved safety course or have medical insurance that covers motorcycle-related injuries.
• License Requirements: All motorcyclists must have a valid Class M license.
• Insurance Requirements: Texas mandates minimum liability coverage for all motorcyclists—$30,000 for injury per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
• Lane Splitting: Lane splitting (riding between lanes of traffic) is not legal in Texas.
• Passenger Laws: A motorcycle must be equipped with a proper passenger seat and footrests if carrying a passenger.

Failure to follow these laws can not only put your safety at risk but may also affect your ability to recover compensation after an accident.

Compensation from a Motorcycle Crash

Motorcycle accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, and severe road rash. If you've been injured in a motorcycle crash, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Including emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and future medical treatment.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently.
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
• Property Damage: Repairs or replacement of your motorcycle and other damaged property.
• Wrongful Death: If a loved one dies due to a motorcycle accident, surviving family members may pursue compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and financial support.

Our experienced Odessa motorcycle accident attorneys will evaluate every detail of your case and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

How Insurance Companies Treat Injured Motorcyclists

Unfortunately, insurance companies often have a bias against motorcyclists, perceiving them as reckless or inherently at fault. This unfair stereotype can lead insurers to:

• Offer lowball settlements that do not reflect the true cost of your injuries
• Delay or deny valid claims
• Try to shift blame onto the rider, even when the driver was clearly at fault

At Hanna Allen, PLLC, we know how to counter these tactics. Our attorneys negotiate aggressively with insurers and, when necessary, are fully prepared to take your case to court.

FAQs About Motorcycle Claims in Odessa, TX

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Texas?
You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under Texas law. Delaying may jeopardize your claim.

What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet during the crash?
If you're over 21 and meet Texas's helmet exemption, not wearing a helmet may not impact your compensation. However, insurance companies might still try to use it against you, especially in head injury claims.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Texas follows modified comparative negligence rules. You can recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault. Your damages will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident?
Seek medical attention, report the accident to the police, gather witness information, take photos if possible, and contact a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.

How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer in Odessa?
At Hanna Allen, PLLC, we work on a contingency fee basis—you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Odessa for Help

We believe that most motorcyclists are safe and careful riders who obey the rules of the road. We know that in many cases other drivers cause accidents that motorcyclists pay for in serious injuries and worse. We’ll work diligently to get you fair compensation when you have been hurt or lost a family member because of another party’s negligent driving or other actions. We hold negligent parties accountable when they cause accidents and injuries.

Call (432) 287-7374 to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation.