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Austin Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Austin Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Fighting For Motorcycle Crash Victims in Texas

Motorcycle accidents have the potential to result in devastating, potentially catastrophic harm to the rider. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reports that 410 motorcyclists were killed in accidents in 2019 alone. Many hundreds more suffered severe injuries. After a motorcycle crash, injured victims need immediate medical attention and legal representation from a trustworthy motorcycle crash lawyer.

At National Trial Law, our Austin motorcycle crash attorneys have the legal skills, expertise, and tenacity to get injured victims’ full financial compensation. If you or your loved one was hurt in a motorcycle wreck, we are ready to help. To set up a free, fully confidential initial case evaluation with an experienced Texas motorcycle injury attorney, please contact our Austin law office today.

Call National Trial Law today at (833) 913-1885 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our motorcycle accident attorney in Austin.

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  • Austin Monthly’s Top Attorneys
  • Outstanding 50 Year Lawyer Award 2022 – Texas Bar Foundation Awards
  • Expertise.com – “Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Austin”
  • Law Dragon 2025
  • Texas Bar
  • TTLA
  • AAJ
  • Super Lawyers
  • IATL
  • ACTL
  • ABOTA
Record-Breaking Case Results

Across the United States

Achieving Justice Nationwide with Unparalleled Verdicts and Settlements

National Trial Law has a storied history of securing landmark verdicts and settlements across the United States. Notable achievements include a $230 million judgment for survivors of the Sutherland Springs Church mass shooting, a $44.7 million trial judgment for a birth injury at an Air Force hospital, and a $21.5 million verdict for a veteran who suffered catastrophic brain damage due to malpractice at the Manchester VA Hospital—the largest personal injury award in New Hampshire history. These results underscore the firm's dedication to holding institutions accountable and delivering justice for their clients.

  • Record-Setting $230,000,000
    Trial Win
    Sutherland Springs Mass Shooting
    Highest Verdict and Settlement in FTCA History
  • Record-Setting $44,717,681
    Trial Win
    Air Force Birth Injury
  • Record-Setting $21,592,643
    Trial Win
    VA Medical Malpractice
  • Record-Setting $10,500,000
    Settlement
    VA Medical Malpractice

What Are the Motorcycle Laws in Texas?

Before you get on a motorcycle in Texas, it is essential that you understand our state’s laws. Motorcyclists have every right to use the road—but they also have legal responsibilities to protect themselves and others from harm. Here are three key things to know about the motorcycle laws in Texas:

  • Licensing Requirement: As explained by the Texas Department of Public Safety, a rider must obtain a Class M driver’s license to operate a motorcycle on public roads in our state.
  • Lane-Splitting: Motorcycle lane-splitting is not permitted in Texas. A rider cannot navigate in between lanes of traffic, even if that traffic is stopped or moving very slowly.

Texas Motorcycle Helmet Law

In Texas, motorcycle riders and passengers who are younger than 21 years old are required by law to wear a helmet that meets the safety standards set by the Texas Department of Public Safety. However, riders who are 21 years old or older are not legally required to wear a helmet if they have completed a motorcycle safety course or possess health insurance that covers motorcycle accidents.

This means that if you're 21 or older and have completed an approved safety course or have sufficient health insurance coverage, you have the option to ride without a helmet. However, it's important to note that even if you meet these requirements, wearing a helmet is still highly advisable for safety reasons.

The helmet must be specifically designed for motorcycle use and must meet the safety standards set by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). These standards typically include regulations such as the helmet's construction, impact absorption capabilities, and retention system (chin strap).

Helmets sold in Texas must be certified by the manufacturer to meet the standards set by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Look for a DOT sticker or label on the helmet, indicating that it meets these safety standards.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Some of the things that separate motorcycle accidents from other types of motor vehicle collisions are the unique causes of these crashes. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle wrecks in Texas include:

  • Speeding
  • Unsafe lane changes by drivers
  • People turn left directly into an oncoming motorcycle
  • Following a motorcycle too closely
  • Distracted driving
  • Intoxicated driving

Every motorcycle accident requires a comprehensive investigation to determine exactly what happened and why it happened. Too often, motorcycle crashes occur because other drivers simply fail to notice and respect bikes. Our Austin, TX motorcycle lawyers will take immediate action to investigate your crash, gathering all the evidence and information needed to prove fault.

How to Prove Negligence for a Motorcycle Accidents

Proving negligence typically involves establishing four key elements:

  • Duty of Care: The first step in proving negligence is indicating that the other party owed you a duty of care. All drivers have a legal duty to drive their vehicles safely and responsibly, taking care to evade causing harm to others, including motorcyclists.
  • Breach of Duty: After establishing the duty of care, it must be shown that the at-fault party breached this duty. A breach of duty often occurs when a driver fails to act in a manner that a reasonable person would under similar circumstances. Common examples of a breach in motorcycle accident cases include speeding, distracted driving, running red lights, failing to yield, or driving under the influence.
  • Causation: Next, it must be proven that the at-fault party's breach of duty directly caused the accident and your injuries. This step is crucial because the defendant may argue that something else caused the crash or that your injuries were not directly connected. Evidence like witness testimony, accident reports, and expert opinions can help establish causation.
  • Damages: Lastly, you will need to establish that the accident resulted in measurable damages to recover compensation. Damages include physical injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Documentation of your injuries, medical records, and repair estimates for your motorcycle are essential pieces of evidence.

Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle crashes are one of the most dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 80% of motorcycle accidents result in injuries to riders. As motorcyclists and motorcycle passengers are exposed, injuries can be truly devastating. 

Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:

  • Road rash and deep lacerations
  • Biker’s arm
  • Burn injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Whiplash and other soft tissue damage
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Severe mental and psychological distress
  • Internal bleeding and internal organ damage  
    Spinal cord injuries
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What Sets Us Apart

  • PEER APPROVED

    More attorneys named Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters in the “Personal Injury Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff” category in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, than any other law firm in Texas (Bill Whitehurst, Chip Brees, Michelle Cheng, Jamal Alsaffar, Laurie Higginbotham and Tom Jacob)

  • RECORD-SETTING RESULTS NATIONWIDE

    Our firm has achieved some of the highest judgments and settlements under the Federal Tort Claims Act across multiple states. With a track record of setting legal benchmarks nationwide, we are committed to delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients.

  • TEXAS ROOTS

    Founded in Austin with more than 50 years of trial experience.

  • NATIONAL REACH

    National results in complex personal injury litigation.

  • DEEP BENCH

    Many experienced lawyers ready to serve you.

  • SE HABLA ESPAÑOL

    Our team has multiple Spanish speaking staff members.