Skilled Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Standing Up For Riders
Last updated on May 26, 2026
A motorcycle accident can change your life in an instant. At Flores Mendez Law, we understand the challenges you face after such a crash and are ready to help you pursue the compensation you need for your recovery. From offices in Las Cruces and El Paso, our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys fight for justice for riders and their families throughout southern New Mexico and western Texas. They are proven litigators who are always ready to take cases all the way to trial if needed. Let our caring team help you pursue your unique goals in your motorcycle case.
Common Motorcycle Accidents
There are many types of accidents motorcyclists can suffer on Texas and New Mexico roads, including:
- Rear-end collisions
- Left-turn accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Sideswipe accidents
- Lane-splitting accidents
Accidents involving collisions with cars or trucks can be especially severe for motorcyclists, given the size differential of the vehicles involved and how exposed riders are. Our accident lawyers are passionate about standing up for the rights of victims in all types of motorcycle crashes.
What Injuries Can Motorcyclists Suffer?
Motorcycle accidents can expose riders to an array of significant injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Limb loss
- Nerve damage
- Road rash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
These injuries can have major long-term impacts on your health and well-being. They can sometimes be catastrophic or even fatal.
Understanding The Motorcycle Helmet Rules In New Mexico And Texas
It’s important for motorcyclists to understand the safety laws that apply to them. Many states have implemented some sort of motorcycle helmet law. Both New Mexico and Texas have such laws, but they only require some riders, not all, to wear helmets.
- Under New Mexico law: All riders under 18 must wear a helmet.
- Under Texas law: Helmet use is mandatory for riders under 21. It is also mandatory for riders over 21, unless they’ve taken a qualifying motorcycle safety course or have qualifying health care insurance.
Additionally, both New Mexico and Texas generally require that motorcyclists wear eye protection unless their vehicle has a windscreen.
What Safety Equipment On Motorcycles Does The Law Require?
In addition to helmets, equipment on the motorcycle itself can directly impact your safety. Both Texas and New Mexico have distinct rules for motorcycle safety equipment that you must comply with at all times when riding on public roads. The features of the motorcycle you operate have a direct impact on your safety and visibility to others.
New Mexico
In New Mexico, state statutes clearly require that every motorcycle feature either one or two headlamps that conform to state standards. The headlamp must sit between 54 inches and 20 inches from the ground to meet the legal standard.
New Mexico also requires two brakes, which riders can operate using hand or foot controls. The motorcycle must also feature a horn or similar warning device that can emit a sound audible to others who are 200 feet away. The law requires a harmonious sound and limits riders to using the horn for safety purposes only.
Texas
Texas has a much more exhaustive list of mandatory safety equipment for riders. In addition to a horn, brakes and a headlamp, the law mandates a mirror to check adjacent lanes for approaching traffic.
Motorcycles in Texas must also have a tail lamp and stop lamp, as well as a rear red reflector. Finally, Texas requires both footrests and handholds for passengers to ensure adequate balance and safety when a rider transports another person.
Beyond The Legal Requirements
Additional safety equipment, including rider gear, is not legally mandatory in either New Mexico or Texas. However, investing in safety equipment and riding gear can dramatically improve your safety on the road.
There are various aftermarket accessories that can enhance safety while riding, often by improving your motorcycle’s visibility to others in traffic. Visibility is key to crash risk reduction, as drivers overlooking motorcycles is one of the leading causes of motorcycle collisions involving larger, enclosed vehicles.
Brightly colored gear and other eye-catching safety equipment can help ensure that drivers notice motorcycles next to them on a multilane road or across from them at an intersection. Proper gear, such as riding suits, can reduce your risk of severe injury should a crash occur. Even if the law does not mandate full-body suits or two-piece leather sets that cover all limbs, wearing the right riding gear can save your life or dramatically reduce the severity of crash injuries.
What Unsafe Conduct Can Motorcyclists Face On The Roads?
Even the most seasoned, safety-conscious and vigilant riders can still experience motorcycle crashes when other motorists act negligently. Here are some examples of common types of unsafe behavior by drivers that can endanger motorcyclists:
- Drunk driving
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Failing to follow traffic signals at intersections
- Failing to watch for motorcyclists
Our injury lawyers provide dedicated advocacy to motorcyclists harmed by careless or reckless drivers.
Seeking Compensation After A Motorcycle Accident
Whether you can pursue compensation for your motorcycle injuries depends on the specific circumstances of your accident. New Mexico and Texas are both “fault” states when it comes to motor vehicle accidents. This means the parties at fault for an accident hold legal liability for injuries and damages resulting from the crash. Given this, when it comes to motorcycle accidents in these states, riders can often seek compensation from the auto insurer providers of at-fault drivers.
The process of pursuing a motorcycle accident case in Texas or New Mexico typically begins with filing an insurance claim with the other party’s insurer. There will then generally be negotiations with this insurer, and you will need to decide whether to accept any settlement offer. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, taking the case to trial may be necessary.
Having a skilled motorcycle accident attorney at your side can make a significant difference when going through this process. Our team has the experience, knowledge and skill necessary to guide you forward.
How Much Is A Typical Motorcycle Accident Settlement?
Every Texas and New Mexico motorcycle accident is different, so there is no “standard amount” for a settlement. How much you could realistically expect to recover depends on many different things. A few examples of common factors at play include:
- The severity of your injuries
- The amount of your medical bills
- The extent of your lost wages
- Who was at fault
- Whether your actions contributed to the accident
- Insurance policy limits
Our motorcycle crash lawyers can evaluate your case and help you understand the potential value of your accident claim.
How Long Do You Have To File A Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Prompt action is important after a motorcycle accident, as there are important deadlines to meet when pursuing compensation. The time limit for bringing your initial insurance claim depends on the policies of the individual insurer. The limit for filing a lawsuit depends on the statute of limitations of the state in which the accident happened.
- New Mexico’s statute of limitations is three years for injury claims and four years for property damage claims.
- Texas’ statute of limitations is two years for injury claims and property damage claims.
Our motorcycle injury lawyers can help you understand what specific deadlines apply to your case.
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today For A Free Consultation
Get trusted guidance on your legal options following a motorcycle accident. Call us at 800-381-9999 or reach out to us by email for a free consultation. Se habla español.