Austin Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

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.

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.
• Helmet Laws: Under Texas state law, all riders and passengers under the age of 21 must wear a motorcycle helmet. Motorcyclists who are 21 and over can forgo the helmet requirement, but only if they completed a state safety course and obtain an approved insurance plan. As motorcycle helmets prevent brain injuries and save lives, every rider should wear one.

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.