Motorcyclists in the Houston Metro area face unique challenges on some of Texas's busiest roadways, where risky driving behaviors significantly increase collision risks and the potential for catastrophic injuries. Common dangerous behaviors include excessive speeding on highways like I-10 and I-45, aggressive lane splitting through congested traffic, failure to yield right-of-way at intersections, riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and neglecting to wear proper safety equipment including DOT-approved helmets. These risky behaviors are compounded by inadequate rider training, distracted riding involving mobile devices, tailgating in dense urban traffic, and performing stunts or wheelies on public roads. Weather-related risks also escalate during Houston's frequent rain events when motorcyclists fail to adjust their speed or following distance. When these dangerous behaviors result in collisions causing serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, road rash, fractures, or wrongful death, victims and their families may pursue personal injury claims to recover damages. Establishing liability often requires demonstrating how specific risky behaviors violated traffic laws, contributed to the accident, and directly caused the injuries sustained.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Texas Transportation Code governs motorcycle operation throughout the Houston Metro area, requiring operators to maintain valid motorcycle endorsements, obey all traffic regulations, and use headlights at all times while operating their vehicles. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule (51% bar rule), meaning injured parties can recover damages only if they are found less than 51% at fault for the accident. Motorcyclists who were engaging in illegal behaviors at the time of collision may see their recovery reduced proportionately or barred entirely. Texas law requires minimum liability insurance coverage of $30,000 per person for bodily injury, though many motorcycle accidents result in damages far exceeding these minimums. Personal injury claims must typically be filed within two years from the date of the accident under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003. Available compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and in cases of gross negligence, punitive damages. 

Related Resources

Local Courts:

• Harris County Civil Courthouse, 201 Caroline Street, Houston, TX 77002
• Fort Bend County Courthouse, 401 Jackson Street, Richmond, TX 77469
• Montgomery County Courthouse, 301 N. Main Street, Conroe, TX 77301
• Brazoria County Courthouse, 111 E. Locust Street, Angleton, TX 77515

Support Services for Accident Victims:

• Memorial Hermann Texas Trauma Institute - (713) 704-4000
• Harris Health System Ben Taub Hospital Trauma Center - (713) 873-2000
• Texas Department of Insurance Consumer Help Line - 1-800-252-3439
• Houston TranStar Traffic Information - (713) 881-3000
• Crime Victims' Compensation Program (for hit-and-run victims) - 1-800-983-9933

State Traffic Laws and Regulations:

• Texas Transportation Code: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/TN/htm/TN.545.htm
• Texas Department of Public Safety Motorcycle Safety: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/motorcycle-safety
• Texas Department of Transportation Traffic Safety: https://www.txdot.gov/safety/home.html
• Texas Administrative Code Title 37 (Public Safety and Corrections): https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.ViewTAC