Riding a motorcycle gives you a sense of freedom on the open road. Still, when a collision happens, that freedom can quickly turn into physical, emotional, and financial hardship.
If you have been hurt in a motorcycle crash in Dallas, you may feel overwhelmed – but you are not alone. Our Dallas motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help you understand your rights and pursue the justice you deserve. Contact our office today at (214) 999-9999 for a free consultation with a personal injury attorney to learn about your options.
Why Hire a Dallas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Motorcycle wrecks often lead to permanent injuries or long-term disability. Insurance companies know this, and they work hard to settle quickly for as little as possible. That’s where a Dallas motorcycle accident attorney comes in.
At Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C., our mission is to fight for injured motorcyclists and their families. Whether you’re dealing with brain trauma, broken bones, road rash, nerve damage, or emotional distress, we understand the challenges you are facing. We have been helping clients since 1971 and have over 50 years of experience supporting injured Texans.
Hiring a motorcycle injury lawyer means:
- Someone else handles the insurance company so you don’t have to.
- You get professional support in gathering evidence and proving fault.
- You won’t miss any losses you need to claim, such as future medical care.
- You have an advocate who knows Texas law and how to pursue a fair financial recovery.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Dallas
Knowing what to do after a motorcycle crash can make a big difference in your case. If you are able, take the following steps:
- Call 911. Always seek emergency help and ensure a police report is filed.
- Seek medical treatment. Even if you feel okay, adrenaline can mask pain, so it is essential to consult a doctor. Getting immediate care also ties your injury to the accident.
- Take photos. Capture your injuries, the crash scene, vehicle damage, and any other relevant details, such as road hazards.
- Gather contact info. Get details from all drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
- Avoid giving statements to insurance companies. They may try to twist your words.
- Call a Dallas motorcycle injury lawyer. Reach out as soon as possible to begin building your case.
If you are too injured to do any of this, we can work to reconstruct the accident scene and gather the necessary evidence.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Motorcycle accident victims often face overwhelming financial and emotional strain. When someone else’s negligence causes your crash, you have the right to pursue compensation for the full extent of your losses. That may include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and permanent disability
- Property damage
Every case is unique. Our goal is to determine the full value of your claim and advocate for the maximum compensation you are entitled to under Texas law.
Are Texas Motorcycle Helmet Laws Important for Your Claim?
Texas law requires helmets for motorcycle riders under 21. Motorcyclists who are over 21 with proper safety training and insurance coverage are not legally required to wear one. However, failure to wear a helmet can still affect your claim. If you suffered a head or neck injury without a helmet, the insurance company may try to argue that you contributed to your own injuries and use that to reduce or deny compensation.
It is essential to know that failure to wear a helmet does not automatically mean you were at fault or prevent you from recovering losses. An experienced Dallas motorcycle crash lawyer can challenge these arguments and defend your right to full compensation.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Dallas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
You may wonder whether hiring a lawyer is affordable, especially with overwhelming medical bills and lost income. At Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C., our Dallas motorcycle accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. That means:
- There are no upfront costs to hire us.
- We charge no legal fees unless we win your case.
- Our fee is taken from your settlement, not out of your pocket.
There’s no charge to talk with us, no cost to start your claim, and no hidden fees along the way. You get experienced legal help without financial risk – because we only get paid if you do.
What Makes Motorcycle Accidents Different?
While every vehicle accident is alarming, motorcycle crashes bring unique challenges. Unlike cars, motorcycles do not offer riders protection from impact. Even with a helmet and protective gear, riders are far more vulnerable to serious injury. Motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die and five times more likely to be injured in a collision than vehicle occupants. With more on the line, motorcycle collisions often result in a more intense personal injury claim process.
Here’s what sets motorcycle accident cases apart:
- Severe injuries – Motorcycle collisions can result in catastrophic injuries, leading to long-term losses that need to be covered.
- Different road dynamics – Motorcycles are smaller and more challenging to see, so drivers often misjudge their distance or fail to see them entirely – which makes determining fault more difficult.
- Insurance company bias – Insurers often try to blame the motorcyclist to reduce or deny their claim, even when they are not at fault.
This combination demands representation from a Dallas personal injury lawyer who understands the complexities of these cases – not just general personal injury law. With an experienced legal advocate, you can protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
Who Is Liable After a Motorcycle Crash?
Determining liability in a motorcycle accident can be complicated and is not always straightforward. While another driver may appear responsible, several others could share blame, including:
- The at-fault driver, if they were speeding, distracted, or driving carelessly
- The vehicle manufacturer, if a defective part contributed, such as faulty brakes or tires
- A government entity, if poor road maintenance or lack of proper signage played a role
- Commercial vehicle operators, if the accident involved an 18-wheeler, delivery truck, rideshare, or commercial fleet
In Texas, injury cases follow modified comparative negligence rules. That means that if you are found to be partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced in proportion. If you are more than 50 percent responsible, you may not be able to recover compensation at all.
Insurance companies often exploit the common stigma that motorcyclists are reckless to shift some of the blame to them. A skilled motorcycle crash lawyer can investigate and work to prove the at-fault party was responsible.
How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Texas?
Texas law typically gives motorcycle accident victims two years (2) from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing the deadline could mean losing your right to seek compensation forever. Time is crucial in these cases.
The sooner you contact a motorcycle accident attorney, the better your chances of protecting the evidence you’ll need to prove your case. Witnesses become harder to reach, memories fade, and records can get lost. Acting quickly allows your lawyer to build a strong, timely claim while you focus on healing and moving forward.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Dallas
Dallas is no stranger to high traffic, busy interstates, and aggressive driving. Unfortunately, these conditions contribute to grim motorcycle accident statistics year after year. The most common causes of motorcycle crashes include:
- Left-turn collisions – These occur when a driver turns left in front of a motorcyclist who has the right of way.
- Distracted driving – Texting, using a GPS, eating, or talking on the phone are all dangerous when motorcycles are nearby.
- Lane changes and blind spots – Drivers can fail to see motorcycles when switching lanes, despite using mirrors and technology.
- Speeding – Excessive speeds reduce reaction time and worsen the impact of crashes.
- Impaired driving – Alcohol and drugs often play a role in motorcycle collisions.
- Dangerous road conditions – Potholes, uneven pavement, construction debris, or loose gravel pose a significantly greater risk to motorcycles than to cars.
If someone else’s negligent behavior caused the crash, you may have grounds for a motorcycle accident claim.
Talk to Our Dallas Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C. has been helping injured Texans since 1971, earning the trust of thousands of clients and many positive reviews along the way. When you are wrongfully injured in a motorcycle crash, you deserve a legal team that listens, supports you, and fights for your rights with decades of proven experience. One former client described the experience this way:
“I have had the utmost professional Law Firm, Kraft and Associates, represent me. They heard my issues and concerns about all the medical conditions that I will be dealing with for the rest of my life. The entire law office handled my case and myself with total respect, dignity, and integrity. I could not ask for anything more.” – Irene R.
If you are dealing with complex insurance issues, growing medical bills, or uncertainty about your legal options, we are here to make the process easier. Contact our Dallas office at (214) 999-9999 or contact us online for a free consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. Let us go to work for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Motorcycle Accidents
I Was Injured in an Accident While Riding on the Back of a Motorcycle. Am I Entitled to File a Claim for Damages?
Yes. In fact, you are entitled to file a claim for compensation no matter who caused the accident. If a passenger vehicle driver caused the collision, you may file a claim against that driver’s insurance company. If the motorcyclist you were riding with caused the accident, you are entitled to file a claim for compensation under the rider’s policy. Remember, the insurance company, not the rider, will pay your claim if you are successful in obtaining compensation.
What Happens if the Driver Who Hit Me Was Not Carrying Liability Insurance?
This situation is, unfortunately, all too common. Although liability insurance is required by law for motorists in Texas, many drivers do not have it. Even when drivers do carry insurance with the minimum limits the law requires, it is often not enough to cover serious motorcycle crash injuries.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash caused by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage, you may file a claim for compensation under your own policy’s uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Insurance companies are sometimes reluctant to pay full compensation on this type of claim – even though you paid your premiums. At Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C., our seasoned Dallas motorcycle accident lawyer will fight aggressively for the maximum compensation you are entitled to receive from all available sources.
What Should a Rider Do Immediately After an Accident?
The first priority is to get medical attention for your injuries and call 911. Even if your injuries do not at first appear to be serious, you should still have a doctor check you out for the possibility of internal injuries. If you are not transported away from the accident scene by emergency medical services, the following actions could be helpful in a personal injury claim:
- Get the driver’s name, address, telephone number, insurance information, and license number. Refrain from making any statements about who caused the accident.
- Take pictures of the scene, including the other vehicle, your bike, any skid marks, traffic signals and signs, and anything that could have blocked the view of approaching traffic at an intersection.
- If there are witnesses to the accident, get their names and contact information before they leave the scene.
- When a police officer shows up on the scene, get the officer’s name and the number of the police report.
- Talk to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney before you speak with any insurance adjusters and before you sign anything.
Are Motorcyclists More Likely to Be Injured Than Passenger Car Occupants?
Yes. NHTSA reports that per vehicle mile traveled, motorcycle riders are 26 times more likely to die and 5 times more likely to be injured than passenger car occupants. Motorcyclist injuries increased by 15 percent in one recent year. Fatalities increased by 7 percent over the same period.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that motorcyclists accounted for 14 percent of all traffic crash fatalities in one recent year, as compared to 9 percent a decade earlier. As reported by the agency, 4,668 people were killed and 88,000 were injured on motorcycles in one recent year. In Texas, 495 motorcyclists were killed that same year, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (DOT).
How Do Insurance Claims Work for Motorcycle Crashes in Texas?
After a motorcycle accident in Texas, the insurance claims process starts with identifying who caused the crash. Texas uses a fault-based system, which means the driver who caused the accident must pay for the damage they caused, usually through their auto insurance.
If another driver hits you, you can file a claim with their insurance company. You can also report the crash to your own insurer, even if you don’t plan to use your insurance coverage.
If you have uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, that policy can help you cover your losses if the other driver has no or insufficient insurance. You can also use personal injury protection (PIP) or MedPay coverage for immediate medical bills if you included those options in your policy.
Remember that insurance companies often try to limit what they owe by asking you to make on-the-record statements that lock you into an unfavorable version of events after a crash. They might also offer quick settlements that seem appealing but don’t actually reflect the full value of your claim. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can step in to calculate your losses, communicate with adjusters on your behalf, and push for a fair outcome while you focus on healing.
What if I Was Partially at Fault for the Motorcycle Accident?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule in cases where more than one person shares the blame for an accident. Under this rule, you can still recover compensation from other at-fault parties as long as you weren’t more than 50 percent at fault. If a court decides that you’re 51 percent or more to blame, the law bars you from recovering anything.
If you’re less than 51 percent at fault, the total amount of compensation you can get will be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you’re 30 percent at fault, your maximum compensation award would be reduced by 30 percent.
Insurance companies know this rule well, and they won’t hesitate to use it as an excuse to lower your payout – even if that means assigning you more blame than you deserve. They may point to small mistakes you made to shift the attention away from the driver who actually caused the crash. A Dallas motorcycle injury lawyer can help you push back against those tactics and keep the focus on what really happened.
Can I Still File a Claim if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?
Yes, you can still file a motorcycle accident claim if you weren’t wearing a helmet. Texas helmet laws allow riders over 21 to ride without a helmet as long as they complete an approved motorcycle safety course and carry qualifying health insurance. If you meet either requirement, you may legally ride without head protection.
Even if you didn’t meet those requirements, you are still entitled to pursue financial compensation. However, if you weren’t wearing a helmet when you crashed, this will almost certainly come up during the claims process. The insurance company may argue that not wearing one made your motorcycle crash injuries worse. If your case involves a head injury, they’ll likely focus on that point. If your injuries don’t involve your head, though, that argument probably won’t carry as much weight.
While the other side may try to use your decision to ride without a helmet to avoid blame or reduce your payout, that doesn’t mean you lose the right to file a personal injury claim. Texas law still allows you to seek compensation from other parties who were responsible for the collision. A lawyer can help you respond to blame-shifting tactics and keep the focus of the case where it belongs – on the at-fault party.
What Are Common Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle riders face a much higher risk of serious, crash-related injuries than occupants of enclosed vehicles. Cars and trucks come with built-in safety features like seat belts, airbags, and steel frames. Riders have little to shield them from the impact of a crash or the surface of the road. As a result, even low-speed motorcycle accidents are significantly more likely to lead to severe or fatal injuries.
Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Road rash – If a rider slides across the pavement in a collision, the friction can tear through clothing and skin. Some road rash cases can heal with basic first aid, but deep road rash may require skin grafts and leave permanent scarring.
- Broken bones – Riders’ arms, legs, ribs, and wrists often take the brunt of the impact in motorcycle crashes. Experiencing a hard fall or getting pinned under a bike can easily fracture bones. Some motorcycle accident victims need surgery and orthopedic hardware to rebuild crushed limbs.
- Head injuries – Helmets considerably reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury, but they don’t guarantee full protection. Even helmeted riders can suffer concussions, brain bleeds, or long-term cognitive issues after blunt-force trauma to their heads in a wreck.
- Spinal cord injuries – A violent collision can cause irreversible damage to the spine and the nervous system. This severe injury can disrupt the signals between the brain and the rest of the body, leading to chronic pain, loss of function, and, in severe cases, total paralysis.
- Internal injuries – The impact of a motorcycle crash can damage internal organs like the liver or spleen and cause them to start bleeding within the body. Internal bleeding isn’t always obvious right away, but it can become life-threatening if doctors don’t address it quickly.
- Facial injuries – Riders without full-face helmets sometimes suffer broken noses, fractured jaws, eye injuries, or dental trauma. Some need reconstructive surgery to repair damage or even lose their vision permanently after hitting the road or other vehicles.
- Amputations – In some crashes, a limb can get so badly crushed or mangled that doctors can’t save it. Riders can also lose limbs at the accident scene due to shearing, twisting, or tearing forces upon impact. Survivors often face major physical and emotional adjustments after the loss of a limb.
Is Lane Splitting Legal in Dallas, Texas?
Lane splitting is not legal in Dallas or anywhere else in Texas. State law explicitly states that riders cannot pass between lanes of traffic, even if all the cars are moving in the same direction. This includes riding between cars that are stopped in traffic or moving slowly on the highway. When a rider passes another vehicle, they cannot be in the same lane as the vehicle they’re passing.
Motorcyclists must stay within a single lane and follow the same traffic rules as other vehicles. You can ride side-by-side with one other motorcycle in the same lane, but you can’t ride three across or weave through traffic to get ahead. Police officers may ride between lanes while engaged in official duties, but this exception doesn’t apply to civilian riders.
If you get into a crash while lane splitting, the insurance company may try to blame you and reduce your payout, even if the other driver was behaving carelessly. A lawyer can help you push back, limit any blame placed on you, and protect your right to seek fair compensation.
What if the Driver Who Hit Me Didn’t See Me?
“I didn’t see you” is a terrible excuse in any accident case because it’s essentially an admission of failure to pay attention. Every driver has a duty to stay alert behind the wheel, check their surroundings constantly, and watch for all other road users, including motorcycles. Another driver saying that they didn’t notice you is voluntarily acknowledging that they didn’t meet that responsibility.
Motorcycles might be smaller than cars, but that doesn’t make them invisible. If another driver claims that they didn’t see you before merging, turning, or pulling out, they’re admitting they didn’t look carefully or long enough. That kind of carelessness often leads to serious injuries – and it can absolutely make them legally responsible for the crash.
Insurance companies may still try to use that excuse to reduce what they owe. They might say it was a “mistake” or call the crash an accident no one could have prevented. But failing to look for other road users is not a mistake. It’s negligence. Your personal injury attorney can use evidence like traffic camera footage, photos, and witness accounts to show the at-fault driver had more than enough time and visibility to notice you.
How Much is My Dallas Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
How much your motorcycle accident claim is worth heavily depends on the circumstances of your specific case. Factors that can affect the value of your personal injury case include:
- How badly you were hurt
- How much income you lost
- The cost of your medical treatment
- How the crash has affected your daily life
Cases involving permanent injuries, surgery, or long recovery times usually lead to higher compensation. The more proof you have to document your losses, the stronger your case will be.
Every motorcycle crash case is unique, and online calculators often overlook key details. The best way to determine the potential value of your claim is to consult a Dallas motorcycle accident attorney. They can review your case, gather strong evidence, and calculate a fair number based on your specific losses – not just averages or estimates.