Houston Motorcycle Attorneys for Lane Change Accidents

Were you in an accident while riding your motorcycle? Were you injured in an accident that happened after another driver negligently changed lanes? If so, contact the Houston motorcycle accident attorneys at Gibson Hill Personal Injury, and we can investigate your case to determine the available legal options. You might be entitled to financial compensation from the driver or another party for the suffering you were forced to endure.

Motorcyclists are at greater risk of injury and fatality than the occupants of cars, trucks, and other vehicles. That’s because there’s limited protection from external forces during an accident. The impact between a car and motorcycle can be so violent that the biker gets launched off their bike into oncoming traffic. With no seatbelt or airbag, it’s difficult to prevent a debilitating injury from occurring.

Many motorists don’t see motorcycles when they’re driving. Blind spots make it even more challenging to notice if a biker is riding alongside them. Changing lanes becomes dangerous for the motorcyclist when drivers don’t check their blind spots, drift into another lane, or pass them too closely. The Houston personal injury attorneys of Gibson Hill Personal Injury can help you hold the driver liable for the harm they caused and get you on the road to recovery. Call us for a free consultation today at (713) 659-4000.

Blind Spots Can Contribute to Lane Change Accidents

Most motor vehicles have blind spots preventing the driver from seeing around a specific area of their car. Motorists should always check these blind spots before changing lanes, taking turns, or merging to ensure there aren’t motorcyclists or other vehicles. Since bikes are much smaller than most cars, it’s harder to notice when someone is riding in a blind spot.

Drivers not only have to check their mirrors but also look over their shoulders when they’re preparing to change lanes. Someone who doesn’t take these necessary precautions could sideswipe a motorcyclist, causing a devastating accident.

Other common causes of lane change accidents include:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Weaving in and out of traffic
• Passing too closely
• Failing to use turn signals

Gibson Hill Personal Injury believes it’s our responsibility to keep our community members safe and fight for their rights when an accident occurs. You can depend on us to go to battle for you against the at-fault driver and seek the maximum compensation you deserve.

Compensation That Might Be Available After A Lane Change Accident

Texas uses the fault system when determining who’s liable after an accident. Whoever caused the crash becomes financially responsible for the injured party’s injuries and resulting losses. The driver’s auto insurance company could provide a settlement covering your losses when you file a claim.

All motorists must purchase auto insurance with minimum liability limits. These limits are:

• $30,000 bodily injury per person
• $60,000 bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 property damage

Depending on the severity of your injuries and various other factors, you might be entitled to the maximum available liability coverage. An insurance settlement could compensate for losses, such as:

• Medical bills
• Out of pocket expenses
• Physical impairment or disfigurement
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Cost of motorcycle repairs
• Mental anguish
• Pain and suffering

Gibson Hill Personal Injury knows the state laws associated with motorcycle accident cases and how to recover a fair settlement in insurance claims. We can aggressively negotiate with the insurance company, so they pay the money they owe you. If they unfairly deny your claim or offer an insufficient settlement, we have the resources and experience to file a lawsuit and take your case to court.

You Have Other Options If the At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance

Although state laws require liability insurance, some drivers don’t have coverage. If you’re in a motorcycle accident with someone who doesn’t carry auto insurance, you might be able to file a claim with your insurance company.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM) is optional insurance offered to every motor vehicle owner and operator who purchases liability insurance. It can provide a settlement to accident victims if the at-fault driver doesn’t have liability insurance or high enough limits to compensate for the total losses. Policyholders could choose to opt-out of this coverage but must do so in writing.

If you chose to keep UM insurance on your policy, you could file a claim with your insurance company. The losses you could pursue are:

• Property damage
• Medical bills
• Out of pocket expenses

You also have the right to sue the at-fault driver for causing your lane change motorcycle accident. There’s a two-year statute of limitations you must follow if you want to file a lawsuit in Texas. This is a strict deadline, so you must begin preparing your legal case immediately after the accident. If the statute passes and you try to file anyway, the court will likely dismiss your case.

Why Hire Gibson Hill Personal Injury?

The other driver failed to safely change lanes, resulting in your injuries, and should be held accountable for their carelessness.

When you hire us, we will launch a thorough investigation and collect a range of evidence. Some of this evidence might include:

• Crash scene photos
• Repair estimates from your motorcycle and other vehicle damage
• Police reports
• Statements from witnesses
• Copy of the at-fault driver’s and your insurance policies
• Video surveillance of the accident
• Your medical records and bills

You won’t be alone while during this stressful and overwhelming experience. We will provide guidance and support from start to finish of your case. We treat each of our clients as a priority and always keep their interests in mind while pursuing compensation. You can depend on us to advocate for your rights and fight for a favorable outcome in your case.

Contact Us

The Houston motorcycle accident attorneys of Gibson Hill Personal Injury will treat you with compassion and care while we’re working on your case. We know the uphill battle you’re facing and want to make this process as stress-free as possible. We will handle every legal aspect so you can focus on what matters – recovering and putting the pieces of your life back together.

If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident due to another driver’s unsafe lane change, contact Gibson Hill Personal Injury at (713) 659-4000 immediately for a free consultation with one of our Houston personal injury attorneys.