McKinney Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Protecting Motorcycle Riders Injured in McKinney, Texas
McKinney offers some of the best riding in Collin County. Riders cruise the historic downtown square along SH-5 (McDonald Street), commute on US-75 and US-380 (University Drive), and head east toward Lavon Lake on quieter two-lane roads. But the city's rapid growth has also brought heavier traffic, new intersections, and more drivers who simply are not looking for a motorcycle.
A rider has almost nothing between their body and the pavement. A crash that would leave a car driver sore can leave a motorcyclist with broken bones, road rash that requires surgery, or a brain injury that changes their life. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are many times more likely to be killed in a crash than people riding in passenger cars, mile for mile.
Joel Vecchio has handled personal injury cases for more than 25 years, and his firm recovered $2,250,011 in a motorcycle injury case. When you hire this office, you work with Joel directly, not a rotating staff. There is no upfront cost, no fee unless compensation is recovered, and free consultations are available 24/7 in English and Spanish.
Why Riders Get Blamed, and How to Push Back
Many people carry a quiet assumption that motorcyclists are reckless. Insurance adjusters know it, and they use it. After a crash, the rider may hear that they were speeding, weaving, or hard to see, even when the other driver turned left across their path or changed lanes without looking.
That matters because Texas uses a 51% bar on recovery. Every percentage point of fault pinned on the rider lowers the claim, and enough of it wipes the claim out. The answer is evidence: scene photos, damage patterns, witness accounts, camera footage, and when needed, crash reconstruction that shows what really happened.
Serious Injuries We See in McKinney Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcycle injury claims tend to involve longer recoveries and higher medical costs than typical car crash claims. Documenting the full extent of the harm, including what future care will cost, is a key part of the case.
Head, Spine, and Internal Injuries
Brain injuries: helmets reduce the risk, but concussions and more severe traumatic brain injuries still occur and can affect memory, mood, and the ability to work.
Spinal cord and back injuries: fractured vertebrae and nerve damage can cause chronic pain, weakness, or paralysis.
Internal bleeding and organ damage: these injuries may not be obvious at the scene, which is one reason prompt medical care is so important.
Bones, Skin, and Limbs
Fractures: legs, hips, wrists, arms, and collarbones often break on impact and may require plates, rods, or several surgeries.
Road rash: deep abrasions can lead to infection, skin grafts, and permanent scarring even when a rider wears protective gear.
Crush injuries and amputations: a leg pinned beneath a bike or vehicle can suffer lasting damage or loss of the limb.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Crash in McKinney
Call for help and report the crash. Dial 911 so police and paramedics respond. Texas Transportation Code Chapter 550 sets out a driver's duties after a crash, including stopping, exchanging information, and rendering reasonable assistance to anyone injured.
Get checked out, even if you feel okay. Adrenaline hides pain. A same-day visit to an emergency room or urgent care clinic protects your health and creates a medical record tied to the crash.
Document what you can. If you are able, photograph the vehicles, where they came to rest, the road surface, traffic signals, your gear, and your injuries. Collect names and phone numbers of witnesses before they leave.
Keep your gear and your bike as they are. A scuffed helmet, torn jacket, and damaged motorcycle help show how the crash happened. Do not repair or dispose of them until they have been inspected and photographed.
Be careful with insurance and social media. Avoid recorded statements to the other driver's insurer, do not accept a quick settlement, and hold off on posting about the crash or your recovery online.
Texas Legal Rules for Motorcycle Injury Claims
Filing Deadline
Most injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the crash under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003. For a fatal crash, the family generally has two years from the date of death. Read our guide to Texas injury claim deadlines to learn more.
Proportionate Responsibility
Chapter 33 reduces a rider's recovery by their percentage of fault and bars recovery if that percentage is more than 50%. This is where biased assumptions about motorcyclists can do real damage, and where careful evidence makes a difference.
Helmets and Your Claim
Under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 661, riders under 21 must wear a helmet, and riders 21 and older may ride without one only if they have completed an approved safety course or carry qualifying health insurance. Not wearing a helmet does not mean you caused the crash, although the defense may argue it made certain head injuries worse.
Uninsured and Underinsured Drivers
If the driver who hit you has no insurance or too little, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy may help close the gap. Texas insurers must offer this coverage, and it is included unless it was rejected in writing, so it is worth reviewing your policy after a crash.
Crashes Involving Government Vehicles or Roads
Claims against a city, county, or the state fall under the Texas Tort Claims Act. Written notice is generally required within six months, and some cities require it sooner.