Motorcycle accidents in Dallas, TX, may lead to devastating consequences. Without the physical protection that enclosed vehicles provide, motorcyclists are more vulnerable to catastrophic injuries and fatalities even in relatively low-speed collisions.
At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, we understand how severely a motorcycle crash can disrupt your life. Our motorcycle accident attorneys in Dallas are committed to helping injured riders pursue maximum compensation.
Why Motorcyclists Face a Higher Risk on the Road than Passenger Car Occupants
Motorcyclists lack the structural protections of passenger vehicles—no airbags, no crumple zones, and no reinforced cabin. This makes even minor collisions potentially life-altering. In addition, motorcyclists are more exposed to direct impact with the ground, other vehicles, and stationary objects.
According to traffic safety data, motorcycle riders are over 22 times more likely to die in a crash per mile traveled compared to car occupants. This elevated risk is due to several factors:
- Limited visibility to other drivers
- Smaller vehicle size
- Increased vulnerability in multi-vehicle crashes
- Road hazards (potholes, debris, oil slicks) that pose a greater danger to motorcycles
Many motorcycle accidents result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal injuries, neck injuries, multiple fractures, or severe road rashes. These injuries require extensive treatment and may result in permanent disability, which is why aggressive legal representation from an experienced attorney is essential.
Motorcycle Safety Laws in Dallas, TX
Texas has safety laws designed to reduce the risks of common motorcycle accident injuries for riders and protect all roadway users.
Motorcycle Licensing Requirements
To legally operate a motorcycle in Dallas, riders must obtain a Class M license. This requires passing a written exam and completing a motorcycle safety course approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Riders without proper licensing may be held partially liable in an accident, especially if their lack of training contributed to the crash.
Helmet Laws
Texas law requires motorcyclists under the age of 21 to wear a helmet. Riders 21 and older may ride without a helmet if they:
- Have completed a state-approved safety course
- Carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage for motorcycle-related injuries.
However, failing to wear a helmet can negatively impact your injury claim, even if you weren’t at fault. Insurance companies may argue that the severity of your injuries was worsened by not wearing a helmet, particularly in head trauma cases.
Passenger Laws
Motorcycles designed to carry passengers must be equipped with a proper passenger seat and footrests. It’s illegal to carry a passenger without these accommodations. This law exists for the safety of both the operator and the passenger and may become relevant if your motorcycle accident caused injuries.
Motorcycle Equipment Requirements
Under Texas law, motorcycles must have:
- Working headlights, taillights, and brake lights
- Rearview mirrors
- Horn
- Exhaust system within noise regulations
- Tires in good condition
Motorcycles may also undergo periodic safety inspections. Riding a non-compliant motorcycle may be used against you in an accident claim, even if the equipment defect didn’t directly cause the crash.
Insurance Requirements
Texas requires motorcyclists to carry a minimum of:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Failure to carry the required insurance may not bar you from recovering compensation, but it may limit your ability to claim certain damages or affect your liability standing in a lawsuit.
Texas Transportation Code § 545.151: Right-of-Way Rules Protecting Motorcyclists
Section 545.151 of the Texas Transportation Code governs right-of-way at intersections. It explicitly mandates that all drivers must yield to vehicles, including motorcycles, when required by traffic signals, signs, or established intersection rules.
Failure to yield the right-of-way is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents in Dallas. A common example is when a driver makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcyclist, assuming the rider is farther away due to the smaller vehicle size. In these situations, a violation of § 545.151 can be a strong foundation for proving driver negligence.
Texas Transportation Code § 545.053: Safe Passing of Motorcycles
Section 545.053 requires drivers to maintain a safe distance when overtaking and passing other vehicles, including motorcycles. Due to the instability of two-wheeled vehicles and their susceptibility to wind turbulence from larger vehicles, failure to leave adequate space can result in side-swipe accidents, loss of control, or rear-end collisions.
If another motorist passed you aggressively or too closely, they may have violated this statute, bolstering your claim for negligence and liability.
How Our Dallas Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Will Fight Back if the Insurer Claims You Violated Safety Laws
Insurance companies may try to minimize or deny claims by pointing to alleged safety law violations by the motorcyclist. Common allegations include:
- Riding without a valid motorcycle license
- Not wearing a helmet
- Carrying an unqualified passenger
- Failing to maintain proper lane position
- Operating a bike with defective lights or brakes
At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, our Dallas personal injury lawyers are prepared to combat these tactics. Even if you violated a safety regulation, it doesn’t automatically mean you were at fault for the accident.
Our Strategy Includes:
- Arguing that your actions didn’t contribute to the cause of the crash
- Demonstrating that the other party’s negligence was the primary cause
- Using expert testimony to separate non-compliance from fault
- Highlighting that Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover compensation if you were less than 51% at fault
Our personal injury lawyers will also gather evidence to demonstrate how the opposing driver violated traffic laws, such as failure to yield, unsafe lane changes, speeding, drunk driving, or distracted driving.
Lane Splitting vs. Lane Filtering vs. Lane Sharing in Dallas, TX
Motorcyclists may encounter confusion about what’s legal and what isn’t when it comes to navigating traffic on two wheels.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting means riding between two lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. Lane splitting isn’t legal in Texas. Although common in some other states, Texas law doesn’t permit this maneuver, and doing so may be used to argue against you in a liability claim.
Lane Filtering
Lane filtering involves a motorcyclist moving between vehicles at a low speed (typically under 20 mph) to the front of the line at traffic lights. Like lane splitting, lane filtering isn’t permitted under Texas law. If involved in an accident while filtering, you may face added scrutiny, even if you were otherwise riding safely.
Lane Sharing
Lane sharing means riding side-by-side in the same lane with another motorcycle. Lane sharing is legal in Texas if both riders consent. However, lane sharing between a motorcycle and a car isn’t allowed. This behavior can be dangerous and may complicate fault determination if an accident occurs.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident in Dallas?
Following a motorcycle accident, your first priority should be safety and medical attention. If you can, take the following steps:
- Call 911 and report the accident to law enforcement.
- Seek medical treatment, even if injuries seem minor, as some symptoms may appear later.
- Document the scene with photos of your injuries, your motorcycle, other vehicles involved, and the road conditions.
- Collect contact and insurance information from all parties and witnesses.
- Don’t admit fault or discuss the accident directly with insurance adjusters.
- Contact our Dallas motorcycle accident law firm as soon as possible.
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle injury claim is two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this time frame can result in losing your right to recover compensation. There are rare exceptions, such as when the injured party is a minor or when the at-fault driver leaves the state. It’s always best to consult with our Dallas motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible after a crash.
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover After a Motorcycle Accident?
If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident in Dallas, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: Hospital costs and other medical bills, surgeries, therapy, medications, and future medical care.
- Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery and potential loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical discomfort, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life for motorcycle accident victims.
- Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: Compensation for long-term impacts of severe injuries on your life.
In exceptional cases of gross negligence or reckless behavior, punitive damages may also be awarded to injured motorcyclists who may suffer severe injuries.
What If the Other Driver Claims I Was at Fault?
Texas follows a 51% bar rule under comparative negligence laws, meaning you can recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault. Your award may be reduced based on your share of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% responsible and your damages total $100,000, you would receive $80,000.
A skilled personal injury attorney in Dallas will gather evidence to reduce your percentage of fault and fight back against the defendant’s attempts to unfairly shift the blame to you.
Are Motorcycle Accident Claims in Dallas Harder to Win Than Car Accident Cases?
Motorcycle accident claims in Dallas can be more complex than car accident claims for several reasons:
- Bias against motorcyclists: Some police officers, insurers, and even jurors may assume riders are generally reckless.
- Severity of injuries: These cases typically involve higher medical costs, loss of current and future income, and long-term care.
- Complex liability: Many motorcycle crashes involve questions of right of way, visibility, or road hazards.
- Regulatory scrutiny: Insurance companies may allege safety violations, such as failure to wear a helmet or lack of a proper motorcycle license.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Working with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Dallas increases your chances of securing fair compensation. Your attorney will:
- Investigate the accident
- Preserve and gather evidence
- Communicate with insurance adjusters
- Calculate full damages
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
- Litigate your case if necessary
Insurance companies are more likely to offer a fair settlement in a motorcycle accident case when you’re represented by a resourceful Dallas bike crash lawyer.
How Is Fault Determined in a Dallas Motorcycle Accident?
Fault in fatal motorcycle crashes or a personal injury claim is determined by examining all the circumstances of the accident. Key evidence includes:
- Police accident reports
- Eyewitness testimony
- Surveillance footage or dashcam videos
- Skid marks from the accident scene
- Black box data from commercial vehicles
- Driver statements and cellphone records
- Accident reconstruction expert reports
Texas Transportation Code § 545.151 (failure to yield) and § 545.053 (unsafe passing) are frequently cited in motorcycle crash cases to establish driver negligence.
Choose Our Dallas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Your Case
When you choose Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, you’re hiring a legal team committed to standing up for motorcyclists who face challenges and stereotypes after a crash. Insurance companies may see you as reckless or blame you for your motorcycle crash injuries. We know better. We know Texas law. And we know how to dismantle those false narratives.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Aggressive Case Investigation: We collect black box data, surveillance footage, witness statements, and accident reconstruction evidence.
- Strategic Legal Argumentation: We understand how to apply Texas transportation codes and safety regulations to maximize your claim.
- Trial Readiness: Insurance companies often settle more favorably when they know you’re backed by trial lawyers with a strong courtroom record.
- Client-Centered Approach: We keep you informed, empowered, and supported throughout the legal process.
- No Pay Unless You Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay anything unless we recover compensation for you.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash in Dallas, you need a legal team that can take on powerful insurance companies. At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, our Dallas bike crash lawyers are experienced, aggressive, and prepared to fight for maximum compensation for you. To schedule your free consultation, call us 24/7 at 1-844-DEMANDA or contact us online.
