Top Texas Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Get the Texas Motorcycle Legal Help You Demand, So You Can Ride Hard.
We’ve created this directory to help YOU find the BEST Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Texas. We’re a community of riders that is passionate about supporting each other because face it – if you or someone you love has been in a motorcycle accident then you need an attorney you can trust.
That’s where we come in. We’ve done our homework and are are confident about each and every one of the Motorcycle Accident Attorneys on our site.
Below you’ll find the attorneys that we feel most confident about when it comes to motorcycle accident law for Texas. Good luck and stay safe.
The Most Commonly Asked Questions from Riders Like You.
What do I need for my motorcycle to be street legal in Texas?
Do I need to wear a helmet when riding my motorcycle in Texas?
How much insurance is required to ride my motorcycle in Texas?
What should I do first after a motorcycle accident in Texas?
What can I do to help avoid a motorcycle accident in Texas?
Why do I need an attorney for a motorcycle accident? Can’t I do it myself?
How is compensation for a motorcycle accident determined in Texas?
If I was partially responsible for a motorcycle accident, can I still be compensated?
What kind of protective gear should I have while riding my motorcycle in Texas?
What do I need for my motorcycle to be street legal in Texas?
The requirements for a motorcycle to be street legal in Texas are fairly light. Still, like anywhere else in the country, there are a few requirements. Most of these will already be included with any modern motorcycle, but it’s always better to make sure you meet the minimum requirements just in case. There may be specific requirements unique to your area, so be sure to check in advance!
- A functioning exhaust system (Does not restrict noise levels or mufflers)
- A working motor horn
- Handlebars no more than 15 inches above the seat
- A working headlamp must be on even during daytime hours (modulating headlamps are fine)
- A working tail lamp and red rear reflector
- A light to clearly illuminate your license plate
- At least one (left or right) rearview mirror
- Working brakes
- Properly sized and inflated tires
- If carrying passengers, a separate seat and footrests
- Greg Herrman, Top Texas Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Do I need to wear a helmet when riding my motorcycle in Texas?
Unlike many other states, the rules on helmets in Texas are a little more complicated than ‘Yes, you must wear one’ and ‘No, you do not have to wear one.’
For riders under the age of 21, helmets are always required while riding in Texas by law. If a rider is at least 21 years old, and has either completed an approved training and safety course or purchased a health plan that meets the Texas state guidelines and covers the potential cost of injuries resulting from an accident, then they may choose not to wear a helmet if they wish. If you are riding without wearing a helmet, you are required to carry proof of your health coverage or safety training.
However, wearing a helmet significantly reduces the risk of severe or fatal head injuries during an accident, so it is usually a good idea to wear one even if it is not legally required.
- Greg Herrman, Top Texas Motorcycle Accident Attorney
How much insurance is required to ride my motorcycle in Texas?
As a motorcycle owner in the State of Texas, you are required by law to have a minimum amount of insurance referred to as ‘Compulsory Liability Insurance’. This insurance covers damages that you may cause during an accident. Compulsory Liability Insurance is made up of three main parts:
- $30,000 in coverage for bodily injury liability for each person
- $60,000 in coverage for bodily injury liability for an accident (all people involved)
- $25,000 in coverage for property damage liability.
There is also another type of insurance called Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Insurance. This insurance will help to make up the difference between the damages incurred in an accident and the other party’s insurance if they do not have enough insurance to cover the expenses of your injuries, or if they are uninsured for whatever reason.
- Glen F. Larson, Top Texas Motorcycle Accident Attorney
What should I do first after a motorcycle accident in Texas?
Your first priority after a motorcycle accident will be to ensure that anyone with serious injuries receives medical attention. Call an ambulance if you or any of the other parties involved in the accident have serious injuries, and even if you don’t, you should make plans to have yourself medically examined for hidden injuries like head trauma or internal injuries as soon as possible after an accident. This will help make sure you get the treatment you need, and also document the injuries so that there is evidence that they came from your accident.
Unless your injuries are severe enough that you will have to leave immediately with an ambulance, try and stay at the scene of the accident long enough to call the police and wait for them to arrive to file a report. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver, and get the contact information of any witnesses willing to share it, but do not discuss the details of the accident or who was at fault. This can be used against you, even if you don’t know all the details of the accident.
Take pictures of the accident, including both vehicles, if possible, and of the immediate surroundings, like skid marks on the road or any other damage caused by the accident. These pictures will help establish the cause and fault of the accident, including who hit who, and where.
- Greg Herrman, Top Texas Motorcycle Accident Attorney
What can I do to help avoid a motorcycle accident in Texas?
When riding a motorcycle, you have very little protection against an accident, and the reduced size of a two-wheeled vehicle makes noticing you more difficult. This is not an excuse for poor driving on the parts of other vehicles, but there are a few steps you can take to protect yourself as best you can and avoid unnecessary accidents.
- Always wear your protective riding gear and helmet. While sometimes it might not always be comfortable due to the weather, a little discomfort is better than a serious injury.
- If possible, go with brightly colored clothing or a brightly colored bike. Increasing your visibility makes it less likely that a car will fail to see you and cause an accidental collision.
- Ride defensively. If you’re involved in an accident with a larger vehicle as a motorcyclist, you’ll be the one to take the most damage. It’s better to be safe than to assume that other drivers will always do the right thing.
- Only ride when you’re both fully sober and fully awake. Fatigue or other distractions can lead to accidents with long term consequences.
If despite your best efforts you find yourself having an accident, we are here to help you sort through the ramifications and recovery, contact one of our team today for a free consultation.
- Glen F. Larson, Top Texas Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Why do I need an attorney for a motorcycle accident? Can’t I do it myself?
Motorcycle accident cases are often very complex, and there can sometimes be attempts to utilize some of the bad stereotypes around bikers against you in order to discredit your claim. They might claim that as a motorcyclist, you must have been reckless, or that you ‘assumed the risk’ by deciding to ride your motorcycle and are responsible for your injuries simply by choosing to ride.
That is clearly false, and any experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney knows it. Without the knowledge and experience that a Motorcycle Accident Attorney brings, it can be very difficult to fight against this and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
A Motorcycle Accident Attorney will also be able to conduct an investigation into the accident to find evidence of the fault of the other party, help you to organize the details of your claim, and negotiate with insurance companies to make sure that you get fair compensation and aren’t pressured into taking a lowball offer that won’t cover your expenses from the accident. Most Accident Attorneys will not receive payment unless they win, so if a Motorcycle Accident Attorney agrees to help with your case, you can rely on them to be confident that they will be able to help you get the full compensation you deserve.
- Glen F. Larson, Top Texas Motorcycle Accident Attorney
How is compensation for a motorcycle accident determined in Texas?
Damages, and the compensation for those damages, is usually broken up into two categories in Texas. The first is ‘Special Damages’, which are damages with a direct and obvious monetary value. Some Special Damages Include
- Your past, present, and future medical bills resulting from the accident
- Surgery or rehabilitation fees
- The cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle
- Lost wages from being unable to work because of your injuries.
There are also ‘General Damages’, which are harder to quantify with exact dollar values. The exact values of these are often disputed and often come down to judgment based on the severity of your injuries, or to precedent. Some examples of General Damages include
- Physical pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Loss of future earning potential due to your injuries
- Emotional distress caused by the accident.
If you have any questions be sure to reach out to us as experienced motorcycle lawyers and we will address those questions or any concerns you have with you – without cost.
- Greg Herrman, Top Texas Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If I was partially responsible for a motorcycle accident, can I still be compensated?
Even if you believe you may be partially at fault for an accident, it is best not to make any claims along those lines until you have spoken with a Motorcycle Accident Attorney and they have had a chance to properly investigate all of the details of an accident. Legal fault is very complicated and may not align with what you personally view as your responsibility.
Despite this, even if you are found to be partially at fault for an accident, as long as you are not at least 50% or more at fault you can still receive partial compensation for your losses, reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for an accident, and your injuries were found to be worth $100,000, you could still receive up to $80,000 in compensation for your injuries. An experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney will be able to help to prove that the other party was at fault for your injuries and will fight to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Greg Herrman, Top Texas Motorcycle Accident Attorney
What kind of protective gear should I have while riding my motorcycle in Texas?
Motorcycle riders and passengers in the state of Texas are required to wear a helmet that meets the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard #218.
If you are 21 years of age or older and have passed a DPS-approved Motorcycle Operator Training Course or can show proof of having at least $10,000 in medical insurance, then you are exempt from wearing a helmet. That said, the state does not require any other specific safety gear.
However, wearing safety gear will always help to protect your most vulnerable body parts! Including your eyes, face, and extremities, so here are some gear suggestions to keep you safe...
Eye Protection
If you wear eyeglasses, make sure they have shatterproof lenses. Goggles are even more protective than glasses and seal wind out to protect your eyes. Make sure your goggles are clean and do not block your peripheral vision.
Face Protection
It's more common than you might think to get hit in the face with debris while riding a motorcycle. Other vehicles, like dump trucks, may kick up stones or rocks that can hit your face. Don't forget all of the bugs that hit a windshield in a car, these can also hit your face when it isn’t protected. Research shows that those who wear a face shield while they ride are at a much lower risk of injury.
It is easiest for your face shield to be included as an extension of your helmet. Make sure the shield is securely fastened and is void of any scratches or damage that may impede your sight. You will also want a face shield that is strong enough to withstand impact or penetration from any flying objects.
Protective Clothing
The best riding clothes can protect you from the elements and also help minimize the risk of cuts, abrasions, and burns that may occur on your bike. For protective clothing, the best choices include a sturdy material like denim or leather, including bright colors can be helpful to improve visibility or reduce the risk of being hit by a vehicle that didn’t see you.
- For ultimate safety wear long pants when going for a ride on your bike.
- Boots or other appropriate shoes need a low heel.
- Gloves are another excellent safety piece. Choose a pair that provide a solid grip.
If you live in an area where rain or snow is common, you’ll also want a waterproof jacket. Last but not least, its classic to have a leather jacket for motorcycle enthusiasts.
- Glen F. Larson, Top Texas Motorcycle Accident Attorney