El Paso Motorcycle Injury Lawyer

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer & Motorcycle Accident Injury Types

Were you recently hurt in a motorcycle accident in El Paso because of another driver’s carelessness? Are you struggling to pay your bills while recovering from painful injuries and hurting too badly to work? If so, don’t lose hope. You can take action by filing a personal injury claim with the help of an El Paso motorcycle accident lawyer with the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC.

Our personal injury lawyers understand how long and difficult the road to recovery can be after a motorcycle crash. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping you with every aspect of your case, from filling out paperwork to dealing with the insurance companies to representing you in court. While we fight for the money you deserve, you can focus on your recovery.

Ready to get started with your motorcycle accident El Paso, TX claim? Then, contact our firm today to tell us about your accident in a free initial case review with a motorcycle injury lawyer in El Paso.

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Michael J. Gopin
Legally reviewed by Michael J. Gopin

Michael J. Gopin has practiced law in El Paso since 1987. Even after more than 30 years, he still remembers his first jury case. It was two weeks after receiving his license, when he represented a person whose life had been forever changed after being blinded in a work-related incident...

How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in El Paso, TX?

Motorcycles make up a relatively small percentage of registered vehicles in the U.S., but motorcyclists make up a disproportionately large percentage of traffic accident victims. Research suggests many motorcycle accidents occur because of the negligence of other vehicle drivers. According to research conducted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA):

  • 76.2 percent of motorcycle accidents involve other vehicles.
  • 11 percent of motorcycle accidents result in fatalities.
  • Top causal factors for motorcycle wrecks include “other vehicle driver perception failure” (30 percent) and “other vehicle driver decision failure” (17 percent).
  • The other vehicle driver’s inattention, distraction, or stress is a factor in 43 percent of motorcycle accidents.
  • The other vehicle driver’s improper traffic scan is a factor in 43 percent of motorcycle accidents.
  • The other vehicle driver’s unsafe acts contribute to 63 percent of motorcycle accidents.
  • Unsafe traffic strategies contribute to 50 percent of motorcycle accidents.

In one recent year, Texas placed third in the nation for total motorcyclist fatalities, trailing only California and Florida, per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In another recent year, 521 motorcycle riders and passengers died in Texas motorcycle accidents.

Texas Motorcycle Laws

If you ride a motorcycle in El Paso, Texas, you should know the following laws and how they could apply to you:

Motorcycle Insurance Requirements in Texas

To ride legally in Texas, motorcyclists must carry minimum liability insurance, just like drivers of passenger vehicles. The current minimum requirements are 30/60/25—$30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. However, these minimums are often not enough to cover the full cost of a serious accident.

Many riders opt to add uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection (PIP), or comprehensive coverage to protect themselves more fully. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in El Paso can help you understand how your insurance coverage might affect your compensation and whether you have grounds to file a claim against a negligent party.

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Texas motorcycle helmet laws

Texas law requires all motorcycle operators and passengers under 21 to wear helmets while riding. Riders 21 and over may ride without helmets if they complete approved motorcycle safety courses or carry minimum amounts of health insurance coverage.

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Texas lane-splitting laws

Texas motorcycle operators may not engage in lane-splitting, a practice that involves riding between lanes of slow-moving traffic.

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Texas motorcycle license laws

Texas motorcyclists must obtain Class M driver’s licenses by taking approved motorcycle safety courses.

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Texas motorcycle passenger laws

Motorcyclists may only ride with passengers if their bikes are equipped to carry more than one person and have proper footrests and handholds for passengers.

What Leads to Motorcycle Accidents?

Common causes of motorcycle accidents in El Paso, TX include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Texting while driving
  • Driving under the influence
  • Driver fatigue
  • Driving too fast for the conditions
  • Following too closely for conditions
  • Failure to check blind spots
  • Failure to yield the right of way
  • Running red lights or stop signs
  • Improper turning or merging
  • Driver inexperience
  • Defective car parts
  • Poorly-maintained car parts
  • Poor road conditions

Safety Tips to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents

While you can’t control other drivers, you can take proactive steps to reduce your risk of being in a crash. As an experienced motorcycle accident attorney will tell you, many collisions involving motorcycles are preventable. Start by wearing a DOT-approved helmet and protective gear to reduce injury severity. Always ride with your headlights on, even during daylight, and avoid riding in blind spots of other vehicles.
Stay alert and never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Following traffic laws, avoiding distractions, and staying out of dangerous weather conditions are also key to staying safe. Defensive riding—anticipating what others might do and being prepared to react—can save your life.

How Can a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Help?

Working with an El Paso motorcycle accident lawyer offers many advantages over pursuing your case yourself. A lawyer can help you by:

el paso motorcycle highway injury
  • Explaining your rights and identifying sources of compensation for your injuries
  • Conducting an independent investigation into the motorcycle accident and how the accident happen
  • Communicating with insurance companies and other parties on your behalf
  • Gathering medical records, accident reports, and other evidence for your case
  • Interviewing accident witnesses and reliable experts for valuable testimony
  • Negotiating forcefully with the insurance company to increase your settlement
  • Taking your case to court and representing you at trial, if necessary

By leveraging their expertise and resources, a motorcycle accident attorney can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome. Their goal is to alleviate the burden of the legal process, allowing you to focus on your recovery while they fight for your rights and compensation.

Motorcycle vs. Car Accident Claims: What’s Different?

While both may fall under personal injury law, motorcycle accident claims often involve more complexity than car accidents. Injuries in motorcycle crashes tend to be more severe, which means medical bills are higher and recovery times are longer. Also, insurance companies may try to place more blame on the rider due to unfair stereotypes about motorcyclists being reckless.


An experienced El Paso motorcycle accident attorney will know how to counteract these biases and present solid evidence of the other driver’s fault. They’ll also understand the unique challenges in calculating long-term costs associated with serious motorcycle injuries.

Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcyclists are at higher risk for severe injuries in traffic accidents because they don’t have steel vehicle frames, seatbelts, or airbags to protect them. Common injuries from motorcycle accidents include:

  • Head and neck injuries
  • Facial and dental injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Back and shoulder injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
  • Abdominal and internal injuries
  • Arm, elbow, wrist, and hand injuries
  • Dislocated or broken bones
  • Permanent scarring or disfigurement
  • Amputation or loss of limb
  • Bruises, lacerations, and puncture wounds
  • Soft tissue strains, sprains, and tears
  • Leg, knee, ankle, and foot injuries
  • “Road rash” and other burn injuries
  • Emotional and psychological injuries
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from physical trauma like fractures and road rash to emotional impacts such as PTSD. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, seeking immediate medical attention and legal advice from an motorcycle accident attorney is crucial to ensure you receive the care and compensation you deserve. Understanding the severity and types of injuries common in these accidents can help you take the necessary steps toward recovery and justice.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in El Paso

If you get hurt in an El Paso motorcycle accident, you can take these steps to safeguard your legal rights and get a head start on your personal injury claim:

  • Seek Medical Attention: Obtain immediate medical attention and follow your doctor’s orders to ensure your injuries are properly treated and documented.
  • Gather Evidence: Collect evidence from the crash if you can, such as photos of the scene, your motorcycle, the other vehicle involved, and any visible injuries.
  • Document Your Recovery: Keep a pain journal to document the details of your recovery, including daily pain levels, medical appointments, and how your injuries impact your daily life.
  • Retain Important Papers: Keep copies of medical bills, pay records, and other important papers to support your claim for compensation.
  • Be Cautious with Communications: Watch what you say to the driver and the insurance companies. Anything you say can be used against you in your claim.
  • Stay Off Social Media: Avoid sharing anything about the accident or your injuries online while your case is pending to prevent your statements from being misconstrued or used against you.
  • Consult a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer before speaking to anyone else. An attorney can guide you through the process, ensuring your rights are protected and helping you secure the compensation you deserve.

By taking these steps, you can help build a strong foundation for your personal injury claim and increase your chances of a successful outcome.

Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Motorcycle Accident

Victims often make avoidable mistakes after an accident that can hurt their chances of recovery. One major error is failing to seek immediate medical care—this not only puts your health at risk but weakens your claim. Others fail to gather evidence at the scene or neglect to file a police report.

Another common mistake is speaking to insurance adjusters without legal guidance. Anything you say can be used against you to minimize or deny your claim. Always consult with a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer before giving a recorded statement. Lastly, avoid posting about the accident or your injuries on social media, as this can also be used to discredit your claim.

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What Damages Can I Recover After My Motorcycle Accident in El Paso?

If someone else caused the crash, an El Paso motorcycle lawyer can help you seek financial compensation in the form of damages for the following:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages from missed time at work
  • Losses in lifetime earning capacity
  • Pain, suffering, and lost quality of life
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement
  • Incidental, out-of-pocket costs

Understanding Motorcycle Accident Settlements

Motorcycle accident settlements can vary significantly depending on several key factors. These include the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment, whether you lost income due to missed work, and how the accident has affected your future earning ability and quality of life. Minor soft tissue injuries may result in settlements around $10,000 to $25,000, while more severe cases involving traumatic brain injury or permanent disability may reach into the hundreds of thousands or even over a million dollars.

An experienced El Paso motorcycle lawyer can review the facts of your case, assess all potential sources of compensation, and negotiate aggressively on your behalf to ensure you’re not pressured into accepting a lowball offer from the insurance company. This is why working with a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney is essential when pursuing a personal injury claim.

Proving Negligence in an El Paso Motorcycle Accident Case

For your case to succeed, you must show that someone else caused the accident and is therefore responsible for the consequences. This will likely require that you prove they were in some way negligent – that is, they did not behave with the care they should have, given the circumstances. Your lawyer can establish this negligence using the following types of evidence:

  • Photos and video footage
  • Police accident reports
  • Eyewitness statements
  • Expert witness testimony
  • Cell phone or GPS records
  • Vehicle maintenance records

Proving negligence in an El Paso motorcycle accident case is crucial for securing compensation. By gathering evidence such as photos, video footage, police reports, eyewitness statements, and expert testimony, your lawyer can demonstrate that another party’s lack of care caused the accident. Trust the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC, to build a strong case and fight for the justice you deserve.

Contact an El Paso Motorcycle Lawyer Today at (915) 333-3333!

FAQs

Most fatal motorcycle accidents occur at speeds above 55 mph, as riders often lack the same protection as car occupants. Even at lower speeds, the impact can cause severe injuries or fatalities. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC, for legal guidance. We’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Not always. While rider error is a factor in some cases, many motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers failing to see motorcyclists or yielding the right of way. At Michael Gopin’s office, we investigate all aspects of your accident to determine fault and build a strong case for you.

After a motorcycle accident, prioritize your safety and health. Call 911 to report the accident and seek medical attention for any injuries, even if they seem minor. Gather evidence by taking photos of the scene, damage, and injuries, and exchange contact information with others involved.

The settlement amount depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Each case is unique, and the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC, will work to maximize your compensation. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your specific situation.

Yes, having a lawyer is highly recommended. Insurance companies may attempt to undervalue your claim, and proving fault in motorcycle accidents can be complex. Michael Gopin’s experienced legal team has over 50 years combined of experience fighting for accident victims in El Paso and will advocate for your rights every step of the way.

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"Awesome staff.

Worked hard for my case. Bills paid and I got highly compensated.”

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Mr. Marshall had a premises liability accident in an El Paso restaurant where he took a pretty hard hit to his shoulder. Thanks to the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, he was able to get in a timely matter a settlement that was beyond his expectations!

Jim
"I was badly injured in an accident and the insurance was refusing to pay.

Michael Gopin settled my case and got my car fixed, medical bills paid and I got a great settlement too. The staff was caring and attentive to me. I couldn’t be happier. Go see Michael Gopin.”

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"I was in bad shape when I hired Michael Gopin.

He and his staff quickly took care of my issues and settled case. I am beyond happy with their services.”

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Cruz was involved in a terrible car accident and his car was totaled after the traumatic event. With the help of the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC., fate sided with him and the following legal processes went in his favor.

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Everything smooth and easy. They fought hard for me and negotiated large discounts on my medical bills.”

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My case settled and I received an excellent settlement. This office cared about me. Thanks Michael Gopin. I highly recommend.”

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John and his son were involved in a traumatic car accident. Thanks to The Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC., the Shamley Family had the support they needed to turn this painful experience into one of hope and triumph.

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Accidents can happen in a number of different ways. If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident that was not your fault, you should speak to a personal injury lawyer in El Paso, Texas as soon as possible. Contact our law office today to set up a free consultation.

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Contact the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin

The lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC have over 50+ years in experience helping people like you get the money they need after accidents that weren’t their fault. Contact us today for a free consultation with a motorcycle crash attorney.

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