If you’re injured at a motorcycle rally in Texas, you should get medical help immediately, document what happened, protect your legal rights, and speak with an experienced attorney who understands motorcycle accident claims and rally-related injuries.
Motorcycle rallies are meant to be exciting, social, and memorable, but when an accident happens, the aftermath can be overwhelming. From busy roads and unfamiliar riders to alcohol use and event-related hazards, rallies present unique risks. If you were hurt, a motorcycle accident lawyer in Corpus Christi can help you understand your options and pursue compensation for your damages.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately After a Rally Accident
The adrenaline of a crash often masks the severity of injuries. Whether you were involved in a low-speed spill in a parking lot or a high-speed collision on the highway, you must be evaluated by a medical professional. Common rally injuries include:
- Road rash
- Fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
Seeking immediate care creates a medical record that links your injuries directly to the accident. Without it, the stingiest automobile insurance companies may argue that your injuries were pre-existing or not serious. Beyond medical care, file a police report. At large rallies, local police and state troopers are usually out in force. Flag down an officer or call 911 so they can create an official accident report.
We have offices in Houston, Corpus Christi, and Victoria; and will travel to any corner of Texas if we are capable of preventing an injustice.
Report the Accident and Gather Evidence
Large rallies like the Republic of Texas Biker Rally or the Texas Fandango can be chaotic. Evidence can disappear quickly as crowds move and vehicles are cleared from the roadway. If you’re physically able, use your phone to capture as much information as possible:
- Photos and video: Take wide shots of the entire scene, close-ups of the damage to all vehicles involved, and pictures of any road hazards like loose gravel or poor signage.
- Witness information: Rallies are crowded. If someone saw what happened, get their name and phone number. Independent witness testimony is key in a disputed liability case.
- Identify the other party: Exchange insurance and contact information with any other drivers or riders involved.
When speaking with others at the scene, be polite but guarded. Don’t apologize for the accident. Insurers often view apologies as admissions of guilt. Stick to the facts when talking to authorities. Knowing what to do if you’re in a wreck and it’s not your fault starts with protecting your statement. What you don’t do is just as crucial as what you do if you’re injured at a Texas motorcycle rally.
Understand Texas Liability and Modified Comparative Negligence
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident, provided your proportionate responsibility level isn’t greater than 50%, according to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 33. However, your final payout will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
For example, if a jury determines you were 20% at fault because you were slightly exceeding the speed limit, and your total damages are $100,000, you would receive $80,000. If you’re found to be 51% or more at fault, you’re barred from recovering any compensation.
Insurance companies are well aware of this rule and often try to shift as much blame as possible onto the motorcyclist. This is why having a dedicated legal advocate is essential to ensure you aren’t unfairly blamed for a crash caused by another’s negligence.
Representing the injured in all areas of Texas that extends back over 40 years
Navigate Insurance Claims with Professional Help
Dealing with insurance adjusters after a rally accident is notoriously difficult. Many adjusters harbor biker bias, assuming that anyone on two wheels is inherently reckless. They may try to pressure you into a quick, low-ball settlement before the full extent of your injuries is known. Seeking legal help is one of the most important steps you can take after a Texas motorcycle rally injury.
An experienced attorney understands how to counter unfair assumptions, apply Texas negligence laws, and build a strong case supported by evidence and expert testimony. This guidance can be especially essential when injuries occur at large, high-profile events like motorcycle rallies.
What Are My Rights if I’m Hurt at a Texas Motorcycle Rally?
You have the right to be compensated for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses. A motorcycle accident attorney can handle all communications with the insurance company, preventing you from making statements that could hurt your case and ensuring that all of your damages are accounted for.
You need a skilled advocate to protect your legal rights and present your claim in such a way as to maximize your recovery.
Why Timing is Critical for Texas Rally Accidents
The statute of limitations (Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003) for Texas personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. While two years may seem like a long time, building a winning case takes months of investigation.
Large-scale events often involve unique defendants. For instance, if a poorly designed rally route or a dangerous road defect caused the crash, you might have a claim against the event organizers or a government entity. Claims against government agencies often have much shorter notice of claim deadlines, sometimes as little as six months.
Can I Sue for Injuries Sustained at a Texas Biker Rally?
Yes, if your injury was caused by the negligence of another driver, a defective product like a malfunctioning bike part, or unsafe conditions managed by the rally organizers.
However, proving this requires expert analysis, such as accident reconstruction and professional testimony. If you’re injured at a Texas motorcycle rally, you may need to file a lawsuit to recover your losses fully.
Take Action After a Texas Motorcycle Rally Injury
A motorcycle rally should be a highlight of your riding season, not a life-altering tragedy. If you’re wondering what you should do after being injured at a Texas motorcycle rally, contact our team at Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC, today for a free consultation.
We can review your case, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve. The physical, emotional, and financial toll of a crash can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps now can secure the resources you need for a full recovery.
At Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC we can talk to you about your options and rights.
