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
Motorcycle Crash
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).
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.
What are some common causes of motorcycle accidents?
According to Ride Apart, common causes of motorcycle accidents include the following examples:
- A driver fails to see a motorcycle or incorrectly judges its speed and turns left in front of the motorcycle at an intersection. NHTSA reports that 41 percent of all fatal motorcycle crashes occur when the other vehicle was turning left and the motorcycle was going straight, passing or overtaking another vehicle.
- A car changes lanes into a motorcycle because the motorcycle is in the driver’s blind spot or the driver simply does not see the motorcycle.
- The motorcycle is stopped (at a stop sign, intersection, etc.) and hit from behind by a car because its driver fails to see or register that the motorcycle is there.
- The rider hits gravel or some other substance in a blind corner and loses control.
- The rider takes a corner too fast.
- A motorist is not looking and opens a car door in the path of an approaching motorcycle.
What should a rider do immediately after an accident?
The first priority is to get medical attention for your injuries. 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.
What damages can I claim for a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver?
Each motorcycle accident is different and you should consult with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses.
- Disfigurement.
- Impairment.
- Lost income, past, and future.
- Pain and suffering.
- Punitive damages (in some cases).
- Other losses.
What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet? Will that prevent me from recovering damages for my injuries?
According to the Texas DOT, motorcycle riders under the age of 21 must wear a helmet. Motorcyclists age 21 or older may legally choose to ride without a helmet if they have health insurance coverage for an accident and if they have completed a safety course.
It makes sense to wear a helmet. NHTSA warns that more than 80 percent of motorcycle accidents cause injury or death to the motorcyclist, and that riders without helmets are 40 percent more likely to suffer a fatal head injury in a crash. However, if you were not wearing a helmet when you were injured, that should not prevent you from recovering compensation from the at-fault driver.
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, P.C., our seasoned Dallas motorcycle accident lawyer will fight aggressively for the maximum compensation you are entitled to receive from all available sources.
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.
How much will it cost to consult with an attorney about my motorcycle accident?
Our firm can assist you immediately with a case consultation at no charge and no further obligation to you. We can analyze your case and advise you as to whether you may be entitled to compensation.