Midland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
When a car and a motorcycle collide, the rider almost always takes the damage, even when the rider did nothing wrong. Then the insurance company tries to make the rider take the blame, too: you were going too fast, you were hard to see, you came out of nowhere.
At Keith & Lorfing, our Midland motorcycle accident lawyers know that script, and we know how to take it apart. We build your case with the evidence that answers those arguments, from sightlines and lane position to damage patterns and black box data. Then we tie your medical proof to the mechanics of the crash, so serious injuries can’t be brushed off as a fender bender.
You focus on healing. We’ll handle the insurers, the evidence, and the deadlines. Contact us now to start your path toward recovery.
Do You Have a Case?
You likely have a claim if another driver’s carelessness caused your crash and you were hurt. Texas law looks at four elements, and in motorcycle cases the fight usually centers on the second and third:
- Duty of Care: Every driver on Midland roads must drive safely and watch for other traffic, motorcycles included. “I didn’t see the bike” is not a defense. Looking is part of the job.
- Breach of Duty: The other driver failed that duty, for example by speeding, texting, turning left across your path, or failing to yield.
- Causation: Their mistake caused your crash and your injuries. This is often where insurers argue that your speed or lane position was the real cause.
- Damages: The crash caused real losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, pain, or lasting impairment.
Being partly at fault doesn’t automatically end your case. Under Texas law, you can still recover as long as you are not more than 50% responsible, though your recovery is reduced by your share of fault. Every percentage point the insurer pins on you comes straight off your recovery.
Damages You Can Recover As Motorcycle Riders
Most motorcycle recoveries include two kinds of damages, and some include a third:
- Economic Damages: The measurable losses: medical bills, future care that’s reasonably necessary, rehabilitation, lost income and earning capacity, out-of-pocket expenses, and repair or replacement of your motorcycle, helmet, and riding gear.
- Non-Economic Damages: The human losses: pain, physical impairment, emotional distress, scarring and disfigurement (common with road rash and degloving injuries), and the ways the injury changes your daily life.
- Punitive Damages: When the at-fault party acted with gross negligence, such as driving drunk, a court may award punitive damages to punish that conduct. Texas sets a high bar for these and caps them in most cases.
Here’s a point that trips a lot of people up. The part of a recovery allocated to medical expenses isn’t extra money. It reimburses the cost the injury created, and hospital liens, health insurance reimbursement claims, and similar obligations often have to be paid out of the case proceeds. It pays to understand those obligations before you weigh any settlement offer, because they affect what you actually keep.
Our experienced Midland motorcycle accident attorneys can help you pursue the full range of damages you’re entitled to, ensuring you’re compensated for both the immediate and long-term effects of your injuries.
Who Can You Hold Liable in Your Motorcycle Accident Claim?
The driver who hit you is the obvious defendant, but rarely the only one worth investigating. A driver carrying the Texas minimum policy has $30,000 in coverage per injured person, which may not cover a serious motorcycle injury. Finding every responsible party can be the difference between a recovery that covers your losses and one that doesn’t.
- Car Drivers: If a negligent or reckless driver caused the accident, they could be held responsible for your injuries and damages.
- Truck or Bus Drivers: Commercial drivers must follow strict federal and state safety rules, and they can be liable when their negligence contributes to a crash.
- Employers: If the driver was on the job, their employer may also be responsible.
- City Transportation Authorities: If poor road design, lack of maintenance, or dangerous conditions caused the accident, a government agency could be held accountable. These claims come with short notice deadlines (see below).
- Property Owners: If a property owner or contractor obstructed the road or created hazardous conditions, such as gravel or debris tracked onto the pavement from a work site, they could be liable.
- Vehicle or Motorcycle Manufacturers: If a defective part or mechanical failure contributed to the crash, the manufacturer of the faulty component can be held responsible. Don’t repair or scrap your bike until it can be inspected; the defect is the evidence.
- Bars and Alcohol Providers: Under Texas dram shop law, a business that kept serving a driver who was obviously intoxicated may share responsibility for the crash that followed.
How to Get in Touch With Us
Talking to us costs nothing and commits you to nothing. You can reach us through the following methods:
- Telephone: Call us directly at (325) 480-8100 to speak with our experienced Midland injury lawyers about your motorcycle accident case.
- Contact Form: Visit our website and fill out the contact form to receive a prompt response.
Schedule a free consultation with us so we can better understand your situation..
Keith & Lorfing: Midland Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
What sets our personal injury lawyers apart at Keith & Lorfing is the unwavering dedication of our team, united by a common goal: leveling the playing field for hard-working West Texans.
Our managing partner, Russell Lorfing, is a former federal prosecutor.
With over 150 years of combined experience and more than 500 jury trials under our belt, we work seamlessly together to support and advocate for our clients. When you choose us, you’re not just a case number. You become part of our family, valued and supported every step of the way.
Our relentless pursuit of justice has earned us national recognition and respect from colleagues throughout Texas. Featured in numerous publications, both locally and nationally, we’ve built a reputation for doing what we do best: standing up and fighting for you.
How Our Midland Motorcycle Accident Law Firm Can Help
A motorcycle case is won with the right evidence and the right framing. Here’s the work we take off your plate:
- Case Types: Whether it’s a collision with a car or truck, a single-bike crash caused by road hazards, or a crash caused by defective parts, we’ve got the experience to handle it.
- Crash Investigation: We gather scene photos, lane positions, sightlines, damage patterns, black box and dashcam data, and witness accounts.
- Answering Rider Bias: “He came out of nowhere” and “she must have been speeding” are assumptions, not evidence. We answer them with facts about what the driver could see and when.
- Medical Proof That Fits the Crash: We connect your injuries to the mechanics of the impact, so the defense can’t treat a serious injury like a fender bender.
- Compensation for Lost Income: We work to recover your lost wages and lost earning capacity, helping you focus on your health without worrying about finances.
- Medical Costs: We pursue compensation for your current and future medical care.
- Repair and Replacement: We help secure funds for your motorcycle, helmet, riding gear, and other personal property damaged in the crash.
- Emotional Trauma: Accidents can cause lasting mental strain, and we’ll fight for compensation for emotional distress as well.
- Insurance Negotiations: An insurer’s offer is a spreadsheet, not a verdict. It’s built on assumptions about your fault, your injuries, and your future. We test every one of those assumptions.
- Legal Support: We offer clear, straight answers every step of the way, so you can move forward without unnecessary stress.
Important Initial Advice For Your Injury Law Claim
The first few days after a crash shape the whole claim. As a former federal prosecutor, our managing partner saw how two mistakes, losing evidence and waiting too long, can decide the outcome of a case.
The same holds true after a crash. Here’s what to do instead:
- Seek Medical Attention: Get checked even if you feel okay, because adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Tell your doctor about every symptom, attend every appointment, and follow your doctor’s advice.
- Preserve Everything: Don’t repair, sell, or scrap your motorcycle, and keep your helmet, jacket, and gear as they are. Scuffs, dents, and damage patterns help prove how the crash happened. Keep photos, texts, medical bills, repair estimates, and receipts. Evidence you preserve can only help you; evidence that’s gone can’t.
- Gather Evidence: If you’re able, collect evidence at the scene: photos, the other driver’s information, and names and numbers of witnesses.
- Stay Off Social Media: Avoid posting about your accident, your injuries, or your rides. Insurance companies may use your posts against you to downplay your claim.
- Let Us Handle the First Conversation: Don’t give a recorded statement or admit fault until you’ve talked with a lawyer.
- Don’t Accept the First Offer: Insurance companies often make low settlement offers early, before the full extent of your injuries is known. Once you accept and sign a release, you usually can’t go back for more.
- Don’t Wait: Claims don’t move fast on the surface, but the insurance company may already be collecting statements, reviewing the police report, and building its version of events. By the time the claim feels real to you, they may be well ahead.
- Contact Our Midland Motorcycle Accident Attorney: Get in touch with our experienced attorneys as soon as possible. At Keith & Lorfing, we can handle negotiations with the insurance companies and guide you through the personal injury claim process, helping you secure the compensation you deserve for a motorcycle wreck.
Deadlines to File a Personal Injury
In Texas, you typically have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Wrongful death claims generally must be filed within two years of the date of death.
Some deadlines are much shorter. If a city, county, or state agency may share the blame, for example for a dangerous road condition, Texas law generally requires written notice within six months of the crash, and some city charters require notice even sooner. Miss it, and that part of your claim may be gone.
Treat two years as the last possible day, not the plan. Delays can make evidence harder to gather and witnesses less reliable. Timing is leverage: the earlier you act, the more of the evidence is still there to find.
Gathering Evidence For An Accident Caused By Motorcycles
Collecting the right evidence is important for building a strong personal injury claim.
Here’s a detailed list of what you should gather as soon as possible:
- Police Documentation: Obtain a copy of the police report. This official document details the accident’s facts, including involved parties and any citations issued.
- Medical Records: Gather all records related to your medical treatment, including emergency room visits, hospital stays, follow-up appointments, and prescriptions. These documents are essential to show the extent of your injuries and the cost of your care.
- Eyewitness Statements: Collect contact information and statements from anyone who witnessed the accident. Eyewitness accounts can corroborate your version of events and strengthen your claim.
- Photo/Video Evidence: Take clear photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damages, road conditions, and your injuries. Visual evidence helps illustrate the impact of the accident.
- Insurance Information: Document the insurance details of all parties involved, including their policy numbers and contact information. This will be necessary for filing claims and negotiating settlements.
- Vehicle Damage Reports: Get repair estimates or records for your motorcycle and any other vehicles involved. This documentation supports claims for property damage.
- Accident Scene Documentation: If possible, document the accident scene with a diagram or map. This can help understand the dynamics of the accident.
- Medical Bills and Receipts: Keep all bills and receipts related to your medical care and out-of-pocket expenses. Detailed financial records are critical for claiming compensation.
- Lost Wages Documentation: Record the time you’ve missed from work due to your injuries. Obtain a statement from your employer detailing your lost wages and any impacts on your job.
- Correspondence with Insurance Companies: Save copies of all correspondence with insurance companies, including emails, letters, and claim forms. This can be useful for tracking the progress of your claim and ensuring nothing is overlooked.
We understand that this is difficult to do yourself if you’ve been injured in an accident. Let us handle this for you and remove the burden.
What Can I Expect to Pay?
At our firm, we operate on a contingency fee basis. Our payment comes as a percentage of the compensation we secure for you.
If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us anything. This model ensures that we are fully invested in getting the best possible outcome for you.
Why Choose Us Over Other Midland Motorcycle Accident Lawyers?
At Keith & Lorfing, we stand out because our commitment is solely to West Texas communities. Unlike many firms that concentrate on major cities like Dallas or Houston, our focus is on serving clients throughout West Texas, with offices in Abilene, Lubbock, Midland, and San Angelo.
Managing Partner Russell Lorfing served as a federal prosecutor in Lubbock, Partner Trey Keith has called Sweetwater home for 25 years, and Of Counsel Joel Wilks is a fourth-generation West Texan. Counsel Christopher Solis grew up in the heart of far west Texas.
From the Panhandle to Big Bend, our team is dedicated to bringing a personal touch and deep knowledge of the unique challenges and opportunities in our region.
General Information on Motorcycle Accidents in Midland
Riding in Midland comes with its own risks: heavy oilfield and commercial truck traffic, long stretches of high-speed highway, and gravel and debris near work sites. The next few sections cover the Texas laws, insurance rules, common causes, and injuries that shape a motorcycle claim here.
Texas Motorcycle Laws
These rules matter for your safety, and insurers will check every one of them when looking for a reason to shift blame:
- Helmet Use: Riders and passengers under 21 must wear a helmet. Riders 21 and older may ride without one if they have completed an approved motorcycle operator training and safety course or are covered by health insurance for motorcycle-crash injuries. Riding without a helmet doesn’t bar your claim, but insurers often argue it made a head injury worse, so it’s an issue we prepare for.
- Lane Splitting: Lane splitting, or riding between lanes of slow-moving traffic, is illegal in Texas. Insurers may raise it when lane position is disputed, so lane-position evidence matters.
- Motorcycle Licenses: Riders must have a Class M motorcycle license or endorsement to operate a motorcycle legally. A licensing issue doesn’t mean you caused the crash, but expect the other side to raise it.
- Protective Gear: While not mandatory, gloves, boots, eye protection, and abrasion-resistant clothing are highly recommended. Keep your gear after a crash; its damage helps tell the story of the impact.
Texas Insurance Requirements
Texas operates under a modified comparative fault system. If you’re partially at fault, your compensation is reduced by your share of the fault, and if you’re found more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover from the other driver at all. That’s why the fault fight in a motorcycle case is never a side issue.
Minimum Insurance Coverage Limits and Requirements:
- Liability Insurance: Required minimum coverage is $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. That may not cover a serious motorcycle injury.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Texas insurers must offer UM/UIM coverage, and it stays on your policy unless you rejected it in writing. When the at-fault driver has no insurance or only the minimum, your own UM/UIM coverage may help cover the gap.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Texas insurers must also offer PIP, which can cover medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault. Like UM/UIM, it’s included unless you rejected it in writing, so check your policy before assuming you don’t have it.
- Motorcycle-Specific Requirements: Motorcycles must meet the same liability insurance requirements as cars.
- Proof of Insurance: You must carry proof of insurance while operating your motorcycle and present it to law enforcement if requested.
Not sure what your own policy covers? Unless you signed a written rejection of PIP or UM/UIM, that coverage is part of your policy.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Insurers like to talk about the risks of riding. But most serious motorcycle crashes start with another driver’s mistake:
- Left Turns Across a Rider’s Path: TxDOT warns that many serious motorcycle crashes happen when a driver turns in front of an oncoming rider, because a motorcycle’s speed and distance can be hard to judge. Hard to judge is not the same as impossible to see.
- Distracted Driving: Drivers texting or on phone calls miss motorcyclists they would otherwise have seen.
- Speeding: High speeds reduce reaction time and amplify the force of a crash.
- Improper Lane Changes: Not checking blind spots or signaling can push a car directly into a rider.
- Failure to Yield: Ignoring the right-of-way leads to severe crashes at intersections and driveways.
- Commercial and Oilfield Traffic: Large trucks make wide turns, have big blind spots, and need longer distances to stop.
- Drunk Driving: Impaired drivers are slower to notice and react to motorcycles.
- Road Hazards: Potholes, uneven pavement, and gravel or debris near work sites are far more dangerous on two wheels than on four.
In Texas, motorcycle safety is a pressing issue. TxDOT reported 8,932 motorcycle crashes statewide in 2025, which killed 557 riders and seriously injured 2,468 more.
Types of Injuries We See as Lawyers
A rider has no steel frame or seat belt for protection, so injuries are often severe. The defense will still try to treat your case like a fender bender. Our job is to show how the mechanics of the crash caused each injury, and what that injury will cost you over time.
Here’s a breakdown of common injuries we encounter:
- Road Rash: Skin abrasions from sliding on the pavement. Severe cases can require skin grafts and leave permanent scarring, which should be part of your claim.
- Degloving: A severe injury where skin is torn away from the body, exposing underlying tissue and muscle. It can require multiple surgeries.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can cause partial or complete paralysis, affecting mobility, work, and independence for life.
- Head and Neck Injuries: Concussions, fractures, and traumatic brain injuries can occur even with a helmet. Symptoms like memory problems or mood changes may not show up for days, which is why early medical documentation matters.
- Arm Injuries: Fractures, dislocations, and nerve damage can result from impact with the ground or another vehicle.
- Leg Injuries: Fractures, crush injuries, and severe lacerations can affect mobility and require surgery.
- Broken Bones: Common in motorcycle crashes, including fractures of the arms, legs, ribs, collarbone, or pelvis.
- Amputation: In severe cases, limbs may be lost, bringing lifelong costs for prosthetics, rehabilitation, and home modifications.
- Paralysis: Extensive damage to the spinal cord or nervous system can lead to partial or full paralysis, requiring a lifetime care plan that should be valued before any settlement.
- Fatalities: Tragically, some crashes are fatal. Families may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim for the loss of their loved one.
Other Texas Cities We Serve
We’re proud to serve the entirety of West Texas, including but not limited to:
Speak to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Midland TX Today!
Dealing with the fallout of a motorcycle accident is hard, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our Midland team is ready to help you get the compensation and support you need.
Contact us today to see if our lawyers can help. You can schedule a free consultation to discuss how your accident happened and your next steps.
We Are
West Texas Strong
Our commitment is to stand up for hardworking Texans who have been affected by truck accidents. Our team, rooted in humble beginnings, values hard work – with family histories of farmers, mechanics, laborers, firefighters, and servicemen. This heritage drives our dedication.
We deliberately choose not to represent corporations or the elite. Instead, we fight for everyday West Texans, often taking on big trucking companies and their insurers who try to short-change you. Our mission is to level the playing field, ensuring that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
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Russell Lorfing
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We’re committed to being the best in the West! Proudly serving clients throughout Abilene, Lubbock, San Angelo, Midland & all of West Texas.