Motorcycle accident claims are not handled the same way as car accident claims—and in Texas, the differences can significantly impact your right to compensation. At Manfred Sternberg & Associates, we help individuals in Houston navigate these complex legal distinctions and fight for fair outcomes.

Higher Risk, More Severe Injuries

Motorcyclists are far more vulnerable on the road. Unlike cars, motorcycles don’t offer the same protection, such as seat belts, airbags, or steel frames. As a result, injuries in motorcycle crashes tend to be more severe—often involving broken bones, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or even fatalities. These serious injuries often require extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation, which means the value of a motorcycle claim is usually higher than that of a car accident.

Bias Against Motorcyclists

One major difference in motorcycle cases is the presence of bias. Insurance companies and jurors may view motorcyclists as reckless or irresponsible, which can negatively affect a claim even if the motorcyclist was following all traffic laws. Overcoming this bias requires strong evidence, persuasive legal arguments, and often expert testimony—things an experienced attorney can help build and present.

Different Accident Dynamics

Motorcycle crashes often involve different types of accidents than cars—like left-turn collisions, lane-splitting incidents, and road hazards. These types of crashes require a different kind of investigation to prove fault. For example, poor road conditions may play a much bigger role in a motorcycle accident than in a car accident.

Insurance Challenges

Texas requires minimum insurance coverage, but motorcycle accidents often result in damages that far exceed policy limits. Insurance companies may try to downplay injury severity or shift blame to the motorcyclist. This makes having legal support critical to ensure you’re not pressured into a lowball settlement.

The Role of Comparative Negligence

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover compensation. Insurance companies may try to assign more blame to a motorcyclist to reduce their own liability. Building a strong case to push back against unfair fault assessments is essential.

At Manfred Sternberg & Associates, we understand the legal, medical, and personal challenges Houston motorcyclists face after a crash. If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t assume it’s the same process as a car accident claim—contact our office for a case review.