Pasadena, TX Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been hit while riding your motorcycle in Pasadena, you’re facing more than just physical pain. Medical bills are arriving before you can even stand up. Lost wages are piling up because you can’t work. Insurance adjusters calling you while you’re still in a hospital gown.
Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers represents motorcycle riders across Pasadena and Harris County who have been seriously injured through no fault of their own. As a Pasadena, TX motorcycle accident lawyer, our attorneys have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for clients in personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Texas. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover money for you. If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle wreck, reach out to us today for a free consultation.
Why Choose Greenberg Streich for Motorcycle Accidents in Pasadena, TX?
A Record of Results That Speaks for Itself
Our attorneys have recovered over $300 million for clients across Texas. That includes a $6 million recovery in a motorcycle accident wrongful death case, a $37.5 million verdict in Dallas County for a trucking death, and a $35 million settlement in Tarrant County that set a local record at the time. We don’t settle for cheap, and we don’t back down from insurance companies that try to blame riders for crashes they didn’t cause. Our client testimonials speak to how we communicate, prepare, and fight for results.
Local Knowledge and Courtroom Experience
Matt Greenberg is a trial lawyer with 12 years of experience handling motorcycle accident cases. He earned his J.D. from Baylor Law School after completing dual bachelor’s degrees magna cum laude and a master’s degree from Abilene Christian University. He has been recognized by Super Lawyers, Lawdragon, and National Trial Lawyers, and has served as lead trial counsel in cases resulting in record-setting verdicts and settlements, including the largest recorded personal injury settlement in Tarrant County and the largest recorded personal injury verdict in Montgomery County. His work has been featured on ABC, FOX, CBS, Law.com, the Texas Lawbook, the Dallas Morning News, and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Mike Streich has 13 years of personal injury litigation experience and a background that few plaintiff’s attorneys have. Before representing injured riders, he spent nearly a decade defending corporations and major insurers, including Lloyd’s of London syndicate members, in catastrophic injury and death cases. He graduated cum laude from the University of Houston Law Center and earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin. That defense-side experience gives him direct insight into how insurance companies evaluate claims, build defenses, and attempt to minimize payouts.
Our attorneys understand how Harris County courts handle these claims and how adjusters in this market operate. That knowledge gives us an edge as a personal injury lawyer in Pasadena TX handling motorcycle cases.
Contingency Fees: No Cost to You Unless We Win
We handle all motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee. You won’t pay attorney fees up front, and you owe us nothing if we don’t recover money for you.
What Our Clients Say
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“I was injured in an accident & Mike was exceptional from start to finish. He let me know the process and provided follow ups anytime there was an update in my injury case. I felt like he had a grasp of my personal situation and it was clear he definitely had my back. I would highly recommend him to anyone who wants the real.” – Jonathan Louis
Additional reviews are available on our Google Business Profile.
Types of Motorcycle Accident Cases We Handle in Pasadena
Motorcycle wrecks take many forms. Some involve a single driver who didn’t see a rider. Others involve road defects, mechanical failure, or multi-vehicle collisions on the highways running through Pasadena. Motorcycle wrecks take many forms. Some involve a single driver who didn’t see a rider. Others involve road defects, mechanical failure, or multi-vehicle collisions on the highways running through Pasadena.
- Left-turn collisions: The leading cause of fatal motorcycle crashes in the United States is a driver turning left in front of an oncoming rider. The motorcyclist has no time to react and no vehicle frame to absorb the impact. These car-on-motorcycle crashes often happen at intersections where drivers misjudge a rider’s speed or fail to see them entirely.
- Large vehicle blind spot crashes: Commercial vehicles create blind spots that swallow motorcycles entirely. When an 18-wheeler merges into a rider or drifts across lane markings, the size difference turns a collision into a life-threatening event. We investigate truck accident claims by pulling carrier safety records, driver logs, and maintenance records to prove negligence.
- Rear-end collisions: A motorcyclist stopped at a red light or in traffic is vulnerable to distracted or speeding drivers approaching from behind. Rear-end crashes often throw riders from the bike entirely, causing spinal cord damage, fractures, and road rash that requires extensive surgery.
- Lane-change and sideswipe crashes: Drivers who fail to check mirrors or blind spots before switching lanes account for a significant portion of motorcycle wrecks in Pasadena. On multi-lane roads like SH 225 and Beltway 8, this kind of negligent driving is a constant risk for riders.
- Intersection crashes: Intersections are where more than a third of all motorcycle fatalities in Texas happen. Drivers who run red lights, roll through stop signs, or misjudge a motorcyclist’s speed create collisions that riders have almost no ability to avoid.
- Hit-and-run crashes: Drivers who flee the scene after striking a motorcyclist leave injured riders without immediate help. We pursue these cases aggressively using surveillance footage, traffic cameras, and witness identification to hold the responsible driver accountable.
Texas Legal Requirements for Motorcycle Accidents
Texas has specific laws that directly affect motorcycle accident claims. Understanding them matters because insurance companies will use every statute available to reduce what they owe you.
The statute of limitations in Texas gives you two years from the date of a motorcycle crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. That deadline is set by Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003. Miss it, and the court will dismiss your case, regardless of how strong it is.
Texas follows a modified comparative fault system under Chapter 33 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code. If you are found more than 50% responsible for the accident, you recover nothing. If your share is 50% or below, your compensation is reduced by that percentage. This rule means insurance companies will fight hard to assign fault to riders whenever possible.
Texas’s helmet law is another important factor. Under Transportation Code Chapter 661, riders under 21 must wear a DOT-approved helmet. Riders 21 and older can legally ride without a helmet if they’ve completed a motorcycle safety course or carry at least $10,000 in health insurance coverage. But not wearing a helmet can still be used against you in a civil claim, even if you were legally exempt. Adjusters will argue your injuries were worse because you chose not to wear one.
What Damages Are Recoverable in Pasadena Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle crashes cause more severe injuries than car crashes. Riders don’t have the protection of a metal frame, airbags, or a seatbelt.
Economic damages cover the financial losses you can calculate: hospital and emergency room bills, ongoing physical therapy and rehabilitation, prescription medication costs, lost income from missed work, and reduced future earning capacity if you can’t return to the same job. In serious motorcycle wrecks, medical bills alone can reach six or seven figures. We work with medical and vocational professionals to document every dollar.
Non-economic damages compensate for losses that don’t come with a receipt. Pain and suffering are the most well-known categories, but it also includes mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and physical impairment. Texas law allows juries to award compensation that reflects the full scope of that harm.
Punitive damages are available in limited situations where the at-fault party’s conduct was especially reckless. A drunk driver who killed a motorcyclist, for example, or a trucking company that knowingly put an unsafe vehicle on the road. Under Chapter 41 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Texas caps most punitive damage awards at the greater of $200,000 or twice the amount of economic damages plus an amount equal to non-economic damages up to $750,000.
We evaluate every motorcycle accident case for all three categories. Getting full value requires detailed evidence, aggressive negotiation, and a willingness to go to trial. Our firm has the litigation experience to do all three.
What Steps Should I Take After a Motorcycle Accident?
The first hours and days after a motorcycle wreck are critical. What you do during that window can strengthen or weaken your case significantly. Here are 10 steps riders should follow:
- Get to safety: If you can move, get yourself and your motorcycle out of the travel lanes to avoid a secondary collision.
- Call 911: A police report is one of the most important documents in any motorcycle injury claim. It records the other driver’s information, witness details, and the officer’s initial observations.
- Get medical attention: Some injuries from motorcycle crashes don’t show symptoms right away. Adrenaline masks pain. Internal bleeding, concussions, and soft tissue damage can take hours or days to become apparent.
- Document the scene: Photograph everything. The damage to your bike, the other vehicle, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signals, and your injuries. Take wide shots and close-ups.
- Collect witness information: Get names and phone numbers from anyone who saw the crash happen. Witness testimony can be decisive in disputed fault situations.
- Do not admit fault: Don’t apologize at the scene or tell the other driver it was your fault. Even a casual “I’m sorry” can be used against you later.
- Notify your insurance company: Report the crash, but keep the conversation factual. Don’t give recorded statements or accept quick settlements without speaking to a lawyer first.
- Keep all medical records: Every doctor visit, prescription, therapy appointment, and diagnostic test needs documentation. These records form the foundation of your damages claim.
- Stay off social media: Insurance adjusters review your online accounts, looking for posts that contradict your injury claims. A photo of you smiling at a family gathering can be twisted into evidence that you aren’t really hurt.
- Contact a motorcycle accident attorney: The sooner we get involved, the sooner we can preserve evidence, communicate with the insurance company on your behalf, and begin building your claim using our accident guide framework.
Pasadena Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to NHTSA, 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes nationwide in 2023. That’s the highest number since federal recordkeeping began in 1975. An additional 82,564 riders were injured. Motorcyclists accounted for 15% of all traffic deaths that year, despite representing a far smaller share of total road users.
Per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, motorcyclists in 2023 died at a rate of 31.39, compared to 1.13 for passenger car occupants. That means riders were 28 times more likely to die in a crash than someone in a car, based on NHTSA crash data.
Texas is one of the worst states for motorcycle fatalities. TxDOT reported that nearly 600 motorcyclists were killed in crashes on Texas roads in 2023, with more than 2,400 seriously injured. The number of motorcyclists killed that year increased by 7% compared to 2022, and fatal intersection crashes involving motorcycles rose 21%.
Harris County, which includes Pasadena, consistently records some of the highest crash totals in the state. Pasadena sits in one of the most heavily industrialized corridors in Texas, where highways are shared by commuters, industrial vehicles, and commercial trucks. In 2023, TxDOT data showed Harris County had over 116,000 total crashes. Motorcycle crashes increased statewide by 3.3% that year, with 54 additional motorcycle fatalities compared to 2022.
Alcohol impairment remains a factor in many fatal motorcycle crashes. According to NHTSA, 41% of riders killed in single-vehicle crashes in 2023 were alcohol-impaired. And 34% of motorcycle operators in fatal crashes were riding without a valid motorcycle license. More than a third of all motorcycle fatalities in Texas happened at intersections, where left-turn collisions are especially deadly for riders.
Pasadena Motorcycle Accident Lawyer FAQs
How much does it cost to hire a Pasadena motorcycle accident attorney?
Nothing out of pocket. Greenberg Streich handles motorcycle cases on a contingency fee. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. There are no hourly rates, retainers, or upfront costs.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Texas?
Two years from the date of the crash, under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003. If a rider dies from their injuries, the family has two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. There are limited exceptions for minors and people with legal disabilities.
What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet during the crash?
You can still file a claim. Texas doesn’t require helmets for riders 21 and older who meet certain conditions. However, the defense will argue your injuries would have been less severe with a helmet, and that argument can reduce your recovery. We know how to counter it with medical evidence.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes, as long as your percentage of fault is 50% or below. Texas’s modified comparative negligence rule reduces your award by your share of responsibility. If you’re found 30% at fault and your damages total $500,000, you’d recover $350,000. But if you’re 51% at fault, you get nothing.
What is my motorcycle accident case worth?
Every case is different. The value depends on the severity of your injuries, the total cost of medical treatment, how much work you’ve missed, whether the injuries are permanent, and the specific facts surrounding the crash. We can give you an honest assessment during a free consultation.
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
You should not speak with the other driver’s insurer without an attorney. Their goal is to settle quickly and cheaply. Anything you say in a recorded statement can be used to minimize your claim. Let your attorney handle all communication with the insurance company.
How long does a motorcycle accident case take to resolve?
The timeline depends on the complexity of the case. Straightforward cases with clear liability can settle in a few months. Complex cases involving disputed fault, catastrophic injuries, or multiple defendants can take a year or longer.
What if the driver who hit me was uninsured?
You still have options. If you carry uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy, you can file a claim against your own insurer for the full policy limits.
Do I need a lawyer for a motorcycle accident claim?
You’re not required to hire one. But motorcycle riders face unique bias from juries and adjusters who assume riders are reckless. A lawyer who handles motorcycle cases can push back against that bias, handle the insurance company, and fight for a result that actually reflects your losses. Knowing the right questions to ask during a consultation helps you evaluate whether a firm is the right fit.
What evidence is important in a motorcycle accident case?
Police reports, medical records, photographs of the scene and your injuries, witness statements, the other driver’s phone records, and any available surveillance or dashcam footage. We also work with accident reconstruction professionals when the facts are disputed.
Can I file a claim if a road defect caused my motorcycle crash?
You can file a claim based on a road defect. Poor road conditions, potholes, missing signage, and debris in the roadway can cause serious motorcycle wrecks. Claims against government entities for road defects have strict notice requirements under the Texas Tort Claims Act, including a 180-day notice period.
What happens if the motorcycle crash killed my family member?
Texas allows surviving spouses, children, and parents to file a wrongful death claim. We’ve recovered millions in motorcycle-related wrongful death cases for families across the state, including a $6 million result.
Will my case go to trial?
Most motorcycle cases settle before trial. But we prepare every case as though it’s going to a jury. Insurance companies know which firms actually try cases and which ones always settle.
What if a hit-and-run driver caused the crash?
File a police report immediately. Even if the driver isn’t identified, you can still recover through your own uninsured motorist coverage. We also investigate hit-and-run cases using traffic cameras, nearby business surveillance footage, and other methods.
Can passengers on motorcycles file injury claims?
Passengers have the same right to file claims as riders. They can pursue claims against the at-fault driver, the motorcycle operator, or both, depending on the circumstances. Passengers can also bring premises liability claims if a road hazard or property condition contributed to the crash.
Most Dangerous Locations for Pasadena Motorcycle Accidents
Pasadena’s road network includes several corridors where motorcycle crashes happen frequently. State Highway 225 runs through the heart of the city and connects to Beltway 8, creating high-speed merge zones that are dangerous for riders. The intersection of SH 225 and Red Bluff Road has seen multiple serious collisions involving motorcycles and commercial trucks.
Spencer Highway, Shaver Street, and Fairmont Parkway all carry heavy traffic through commercial and residential areas. Left-turn crashes at busy intersections along these roads are common, particularly during evening rush hour. Beltway 8 through Pasadena and into neighboring Deer Park and La Porte is another high-risk stretch due to fast-moving traffic and frequent lane changes. Pasadena Boulevard and Burke Road also see significant traffic collisions during peak travel times.
What Are Important Local Resources for Pasadena Motorcycle Accidents?
If you’ve been in a motorcycle crash in Pasadena, TX, these local resources are relevant to your situation. We are listing them as a convenience and do not endorse any of these organizations or facilities.
- Pasadena Police Department – 713-477-1221
- HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast – 713-359-2000 (Level III Trauma Center, 4000 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX 77504)
- Harris County Justice Courts – Court filings and case information
- TxDOT Crash Records – Request copies of your official crash report
- Texas DPS Motorcycle License – Motorcycle licensing and safety course information
Contact Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers
If you or someone you care about was hurt in a motorcycle wreck in Pasadena, we want to hear from you. Our attorneys handle motorcycle injury cases across Harris County and are available to review your claim. The consultation is free, and there’s no obligation. We work on a contingency fee, so you don’t pay us a dime unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us today to get started.
