Quick answer: We are a Texas motorcycle accident law firm led by John David Hart, who is board certified in Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and has represented injured Texans since 1981. We work to hold negligent drivers accountable and pursue the compensation the law allows. No fee unless we win. Call 817-870-2102 for a free consultation.
Why motorcycle crashes are different
A motorcycle offers no crumple zone, no airbags, and no steel cage around the rider. When a car or truck strikes a motorcyclist, the forces that a passenger vehicle would absorb are transferred directly to the human body. That is why the same collision that leaves a driver shaken can leave a rider with fractures, road rash, spinal injuries, or a traumatic brain injury. These cases demand careful medical documentation and an understanding of how catastrophic injuries affect a person’s life long after the wreck.
Common causes of Texas motorcycle wrecks
Many Texas motorcycle collisions trace back to another driver’s inattention or failure to respect the rider’s right of way. Recurring causes we see include:
- Left-turn and failure-to-yield collisions — a driver turns across a rider’s path at an intersection.
- Unsafe lane changes and the “I didn’t see the motorcycle” excuse — a driver merges into a rider occupying the lane.
- Dooring — a parked vehicle’s door is opened into an approaching motorcyclist.
- Road hazards — potholes, debris, uneven pavement, and poorly marked construction zones that endanger two-wheeled travelers.
Identifying the true cause early helps preserve evidence such as vehicle data, roadway conditions, and witness accounts.
Texas motorcycle laws that affect your case
Several parts of Texas law can shape a motorcycle injury claim:
- Lane-splitting and lane-filtering are not legal in Texas. Riding between lanes of traffic is not permitted, and this can become an issue when insurers assign blame.
- Helmet law. Texas requires helmets for riders under 21. Riders over 21 may be exempt only if they carry the required health insurance coverage or have completed an approved motorcycle safety course.
- Helmet status and your recovery. Insurers sometimes argue that not wearing a helmet should reduce what you receive, but Texas law limits how helmet use may be treated, and that argument is often overstated.
- Modified comparative fault. Under Texas’s 51% bar rule, you may recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault, though your recovery is reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
- Statute of limitations. Texas generally allows two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Fighting the bias against riders
Motorcyclists often face an unfair assumption that they were reckless simply because they ride. Insurance adjusters and defense lawyers may lean on that stereotype to shift blame onto the rider. As a Texas motorcycle accident attorney, John David Hart builds cases on facts, physical evidence, and the applicable law so that a rider’s claim is judged on what actually happened, not on prejudice.
Damages a motorcycle claim may pursue
Depending on the circumstances, an injured rider or a grieving family may seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, disfigurement, and scarring
- Wrongful death losses when a crash takes a loved one’s life
Every claim is different, and the value of any case depends on its specific facts.
Why work with John David Hart
John David Hart is board certified in both Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction held by a small share of Texas attorneys. Practicing since 1981, he serves clients across all of Texas from the firm’s Fort Worth office. The firm handles motorcycle injury cases on a contingency basis, offers a free and confidential consultation, and brings decades of Texas trial experience to the negotiating table and the courtroom.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have a case if I was partly at fault for my motorcycle accident?
You may. Under Texas’s modified comparative fault rule, you can still recover damages as long as you are found to be 50% or less at fault, though your award is reduced by your share of responsibility. A consultation can help you understand how the rule may apply to your situation.
Can the insurance company reduce my payout because I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Insurers often raise this argument, but Texas law limits how helmet use can be used against a rider, and the claim is frequently overstated. It is worth having a lawyer review the facts before you accept any reduction.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Texas?
Texas generally gives you two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Because deadlines and evidence preservation matter, it is wise to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Is lane-splitting legal in Texas?
No. Lane-splitting and lane-filtering are not legal in Texas. If a driver claims you were splitting lanes, an attorney can help examine the evidence and respond to that assertion.
What does it cost to hire a Texas motorcycle personal injury lawyer near me?
The firm handles motorcycle injury cases on a contingency-fee basis, which means no fee unless we win, and the initial consultation is free and confidential. Call to discuss the details of your case.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a motorcycle crash anywhere in Texas, a motorcycle accident lawyer at The Law Offices of John David Hart is ready to review your situation at no cost. Call 817-870-2102 for a free, confidential case review. This page is informational and is not legal advice.
