Dallas, Texas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Riding a motorcycle in Texas is more dangerous than driving or riding in a car. Motorcycles make up about 3% of registered vehicles in the U.S., and account for less than 1% of miles traveled. Still, about 14% of motor vehicle deaths involve motorcycles. Here’s what you need to know about why motorcyclists are at risk, how you can protect yourself, and what to do if you’ve been hit by a car while riding a motorcycle.

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Trends in Motorcycle Accidents and Deaths

Statewide, motorcycle fatalities have been on the rise for several years. Because of the size of the state and number of registered motorcycles, Texas is among the top U.S. states in terms of number of motorcyclist deaths per year. That risk isn’t evenly distributed across the state, though. From 2011 to 2021, Dallas saw a small decrease in the number of fatal motorcycle accidents. A handful of other Texas cities also saw declines. During the same 10-year period, motorcyclist deaths in Fort Worth increased by 240%.

Why Are There So Many Fatal Motorcycle Accidents?

There are two parts to the answer to this question. First, why do motorcycle accidents happen? Second, why are so many motorcycle crashes fatal?

How Dallas Motorcycle Accidents Happen

A motorcycle accident can happen for the same reasons as any motor vehicle accident. A motorcyclist may be rear-ended by a car that was following too close, or hit by a drunk or distracted driver. Collisions happen when drivers fail to yield the right of way at an intersection, disregard traffic signals, or just drive too fast.

Motorcyclists also face a special crash risk: many drivers just don’t see them. That’s not just distraction. Studies show that drivers are less likely to notice a motorcycle than a car, even if they’re in plain sight.

Still, not every motorcycle crash is entirely the other driver’s fault. Across a recent 10-year period, 28% of motorcyclists involved in fatal collisions were legally intoxicated, and another 7% had some alcohol in their systems. Motorcyclists can also be negligent in the same ways the driver of a passenger car may. In recent years, it’s estimated that about 30% of riders involved in fatal accidents were speeding.

Finally, motorcyclists are at much greater risk for serious accidents caused by road conditions or faulty maintenance, such as an unexpected shift from asphalt to gravel, a pothole in the road, oil on the road, or even debris that has fallen on the road.

Why Motorcycle Accidents Are So Dangerous

The most obvious added danger for a motorcyclist on the road is that they don’t have any protective case as drivers and passengers in cars, trucks, SUVs and other passenger vehicles do. If a motorcycle is hit by a car, a vehicle weighing thousands of pounds may make direct contact with the rider’s body. If the motorcyclist is thrown from the bike, there’s nothing to buffer the impact when they slam into the road or a tree or highway barrier.

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Protecting Against Dallas Motorcycle Accidents

The first step toward safe riding is to know the relevant Texas laws and follow them. The first and most straightforward is often ignored. To ride a motorcycle in Dallas or anywhere in Texas, the rider must obtain a Class M license. That may seem like a technicality, but riding a motorcycle is different from operating another type of vehicle, and ensuring that a rider can operate safely is critical. In the two most recent years reported, 38% of motorcyclists killed in traffic were unlicensed.

You are also required to:

Register your motorcycle and display your registration sticker
Carry motorcycle insurance
Wear a helmet if you are under 21
Wear a helmet if you are over 21 but have not met other requirements for exemption
Ensure that your motorcycle meets equipment requirements

Operating a motorcycle under the influence of drugs or alcohol is also illegal, just as it is with a car or other vehicle.

To maximize safety on the road, you should also:

Make yourself visible on the road, including wearing reflective clothing when riding at night
Wear a helmet, even if you’re not legally required to do so
Never ride a motorcycle when you’ve been drinking or are under the influence of drugs
Keep alert on long rides, even it means stopping to get off your bike and move around
Stay aware of the traffic around you and maintain a safe distance
Never try to pass a vehicle in its lane
Follow the speed limit and other traffic laws
Be on the alert for oil or debris on the road

Unfortunately, motorcycle crashes sometimes happen even when you’re doing everything right.

What to Do If You’ve Been Injured in a Dallas Motorcycle Accident

The first thing you should do after a motorcycle wreck or any type of accident is seek medical attention. There are few minor motorcycle accidents. Even if you think your injuries are minor, it’s a good idea to see a doctor right away. Some injuries worsen quickly if left untreated, so it’s important that you know the extent of your injuries and what treatment is required.

If you’re able, there are a few other things you can do that may help your injury claim:

Get contact information from any witnesses to the accident
Take pictures or video of the scene
Look around and take note of any security cameras or traffic cams that may have recorded the collision

When you’ve taken care of any urgent medical needs and have a follow-up plan, it’s time to look for another type of help.

Talk to a Dallas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Right Away

In most Dallas injury cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. When you’re injured, going through medical treatment, in pain, possibly on medication and likely stressed about your finances, it may be tempting to wait. But hiring an experienced motorcycle accident attorney soon after the accident can take a lot of the pressure off.

When you work with an I Just Got Hit (Godsey Martin) motorcycle wreck lawyer, we will take responsibility for gathering evidence, talking with witnesses, managing your claim with the insurance company, meeting deadlines and fulfilling technical requirements, finding the right expert witnesses for your case and more.

We’ve helped tens of thousands of injury victims in Dallas and throughout Texas, and we’re here to help you, too.

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“Amanda Bell has been great. She’s been very diligent with checking in and keeping me up to date with what’s going on with my case. I never have to worry myself with calling her to get info because she’s on top of it and always informs me promptly.”

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“I want to take the time out to have Mr. Garza and Ms. Mendoza recognized for their extensive professionalism and also for their continued dedication to see me through my case! I was being given the run around and they fixed that quickly! Thanks for being a listening ear Mr. Garza and for always leaving a line open for me to reach you with my concerns!”

Sadie Harris

“I called Godsey Martin right after my daughter and I were hit by a drunk driver on the highway. They were very helpful in getting us set up with the medical care we needed and getting us a fair settlement through the drivers insurance. Priscilla Nowlin was my point of contact and kept me up to date with every step of the process. She responded quickly and was very professional. I am very grateful for her and for the Godsey Martin team!”

Alyssa Blank

“Priscilla Nowlin was a great help and very responsive. The process was painless and my settlement exceeded my expectations. Priscilla was very professional and when I notified her of a death in my family she very understanding, she let me know they would continue to work on my behalf and to just focus on my family. Thank you Godsey Martin for having such a great staff who just don’t see you as a client but a human being which is often lost with some law firms.”

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Our Dallas Team is Here for You 24/7

The attorneys and other legal professionals in our Dallas office understand how important it is that you have access to reliable information. We also know how stressful the time after a serious injury can be, so you can call us to get started at any hour of the day or night.

Our whole team is dedicated to helping you get your life back on track after you’ve been injured, and we bring deep knowledge and experience with Dallas injury cases. Contact us now to learn more about how we can help.

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