Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents in Fort Worth are common and often result in serious injuries or fatalities. As a law firm dedicated to assisting victims of such accidents, we frequently encounter questions from clients seeking guidance. This comprehensive guide provides all the most common Fort Worth motorcycle accident FAQs and aims to address the most pressing concerns. We hope it provides valuable information to those affected by motorcycle accidents in Fort Worth.
Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident FAQs: Let’s Get Started
Before we dive into our questions and answers, remember we are always available to help you with a claim or any questions you have about your case. We also offer a free consultation to new clients.
Let’s get started!
What Are the Latest Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Fort Worth?
Understanding the prevalence and severity of motorcycle accidents in our area is crucial. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2023, nearly 600 motorcyclists were killed in crashes across the state, with more than 2,400 riders seriously injured. Fort Worth ranked third among Texas cities with the most motorcycle fatalities that year.
What Are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Fort Worth?
Several factors contribute to motorcycle accidents in our city:
- Driver Inattention: Many accidents occur because motorists fail to notice motorcyclists on the road.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers often misjudge the speed or distance of an approaching motorcycle, leading to right-of-way violations.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions.
- Lane Splitting: Although illegal in Texas, some motorcyclists attempt to ride between lanes, increasing the risk of accidents.
What Are the Helmet Laws for Motorcyclists in Texas?
In Texas, all riders under the age of 21 are required to wear helmets. Riders over 21 may ride without a helmet if they have completed a Department-approved Motorcycle Operator Training Course or have at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage.
What Steps Should I Take Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident?
If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, consider the following steps:
- Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location and check for injuries.
- Call Emergency Services: Report the accident to the police and request medical assistance.
- Document the Scene: Take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damages.
- Gather Information: Collect contact and insurance details from all parties involved and any witnesses.
- Seek Medical Attention: Consult a healthcare professional even if injuries seem minor.
- Consult a Lawyer: Contact a Fort Worth motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.
How Is Fault Determined in a Motorcycle Accident in Texas?
Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This means that if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, you cannot recover damages. If you are 50% or less at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What Compensation Can I Seek After a Motorcycle Accident?
Victims of motorcycle accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for current and future medical treatments related to the accident.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to inability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for repair or replacement of your motorcycle.
Is Lane Splitting Legal in Texas?
No, lane-splitting is illegal in Texas. Motorcyclists are required to follow the same traffic laws as other vehicles, including proper lane usage.
What Are the Insurance Requirements for Motorcyclists in Texas?
Texas law mandates that all motorcyclists carry minimum liability insurance:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
This is often referred to as 30/60/25 coverage.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Texas?
In Texas, you have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit from the accident date. Failing to file within this period may result in losing your right to seek compensation.
How Can a Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Assist Me?
A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer can:
- Investigate the Accident: Gather evidence to establish fault and liability.
- Handle Insurance Companies: Negotiate with insurers to seek fair compensation.
- Represent You in Court: If the case goes to trial, advocate on your behalf.
- Provide Legal Advice: Guides you through the legal process and informs you of your rights.
What If the Other Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured?
If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may still have options:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If you have this coverage as part of your insurance policy, it can compensate for your damages.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): This no-fault coverage can help pay for medical expenses and lost wages.
- Legal Action: You may personally sue the at-fault driver, although collecting damages can be difficult if they lack sufficient assets.
That’s why we always advise riders to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage whenever possible. It’s an added layer of protection that can make all the difference after a serious crash. As a motorcycle accident lawyer in Fort Worth, we’ve helped many riders recover compensation even in complex insurance scenarios.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. Some cases settle in weeks, especially if the facts are clear and the insurance company cooperates. However, more complex claims involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or multiple parties can take months or even years to resolve.
Factors that impact how long your case might take include:
- The extent of your medical treatment and recovery time
- How cooperative the other party’s insurance company is
- Whether the case goes to court or settles beforehand
- How liability can be established
Our clients often face medical bills and lost income while waiting. As your accident lawyer in Fort Worth, we move your case forward quickly while ensuring your compensation isn’t shortchanged.
Should I Speak With the Insurance Adjuster Without a Lawyer?
We strongly advise against it. Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but their job is to minimize the amount their company pays. Anything you say can be twisted and used to devalue your claim. We’ve seen it happen far too often.
Instead, let us speak on your behalf. When you work with a Fort Worth motorcycle accident lawyer at our firm, we handle all communications with the insurance companies so you don’t have to. We protect your rights and keep your best interests front and center.
What If I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet at the Time of the Crash?
This is a common question and one we are happy to include on our Fort Worth motorcycle accident FAQs guide. Not wearing a helmet can affect your case, but it doesn’t automatically disqualify you from seeking compensation. Texas law allows riders over 21 to ride without a helmet under certain conditions, so doing so isn’t inherently illegal.
However, if you sustained a head injury, the insurance company might argue that you contributed to your injuries by not wearing a helmet. We work with medical experts and use evidence to push back on these claims and show that the other driver’s negligence was the primary cause of your injuries.
What Types of Injuries Are Common in Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcyclists lack the protection that cars offer, so injuries are often more severe. Some of the most common injuries we see include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Road rash and soft tissue injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Facial injuries and disfigurement
Even a low-speed crash can result in devastating consequences for a rider. We fight hard to ensure victims receive the full compensation they need to recover, pay for future medical care, and rebuild their lives.
Can I File a Claim if I Was a Passenger on the Motorcycle?
Absolutely. If you were a passenger, you have the right to pursue a claim against whoever was at fault—the motorcycle operator, another driver, or both. Your case will follow similar steps to a rider’s, and you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, pain, and suffering.
We’ve helped many passengers recover damages after motorcycle crashes, and we understand the unique dynamics these cases involve. As your motorcycle accident lawyer in Fort Worth, we ensure your voice is heard.
What if I Was Hit by a Commercial Vehicle or Truck While on My Motorcycle?
Accidents involving commercial vehicles or 18-wheelers are hazardous and often more legally complex. These cases typically involve multiple parties—the driver, the trucking company, and even the vehicle manufacturer or maintenance contractor.
We know how to handle these high-stakes claims. Our team investigates the full chain of liability, works with accident reconstruction experts, and builds a case to hold every responsible party accountable. Don’t face a commercial insurer alone—let us fight for you.
What Makes Patterson Law Group Different?
We’re a local Fort Worth firm that understands the roads, intersections, and traffic patterns that contribute to motorcycle crashes in this area. But more than that, we’re a team that genuinely cares about our clients.
When you work with us, you’re not just a case number. You have a story, a family, and a future worth protecting. We listen, respond, and act with urgency and purpose, whether we’re negotiating with insurers or preparing for trial.
Many of our attorneys ride motorcycles themselves or have close connections to riders. We understand the passion and freedom that riding brings—and we know how devastating it is when someone else’s carelessness steals that freedom.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Fort Worth?
At Patterson Law Group, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing up front and no hourly fees. We only get paid if we win your case or secure a settlement on your behalf. Our goal is to make top-tier legal representation available to every injured rider, regardless of financial circumstances.
You’ve already been through enough. You shouldn’t have to worry about how you’ll afford legal help on top of everything else.
How Do I Get Started With a Claim?
The first step is simple—contact us for a free consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, answer your questions, and help you understand your options. There’s no pressure, no obligation, and no confusing legal jargon. Just an honest conversation with a Fort Worth motorcycle accident lawyer who’s ready to help.
You can call us, submit a contact form on our website, or walk into our office. However you prefer to reach out, we’re here. And we’re ready to fight for you.
Reviewing Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident FAQs
Motorcycle accidents change lives in an instant. The physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Patterson Law Group, we’ve helped countless riders and families across Fort Worth get justice after life-altering crashes. If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, let us help you take the next step.
We know the road ahead may seem uncertain, but with the right legal team, you can navigate it confidently. Reach out to Patterson Law Group today and let us stand with you, ride for ride.
