Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Mesquite Helping Victims Recover Maximum Compensation for Their Losses

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, over 2,300 motorcycle accidents resulted in injuries on Texas roadways in 2021. In addition, there were 519 fatal motorcycle accidents in 2021 alone. If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Learn how to assert your rights as a victim and see how an attorney can help you get paid for your damages.

What Are the Motorcycle Laws in Texas?

Like the rest of the country, Texas has specific motorcycle laws designed to keep motorcyclists and other roadway users safe. All motorcyclists are required to obtain a specific license to operate a motorbike, which requires passing a written test and a road test administered by the Department of Public Safety. Motorcycles must be properly registered, and insured and need to undergo a yearly inspection.

Helmets are required for motorcyclists and passengers under the age of 21. Riders over 21 may choose not to wear a helmet as long as they obtain proper certification or sufficient insurance coverage. No one under the age of 5 is allowed to be a passenger on a motorcycle. The motorcycle is required to have a permanent passenger seat and other safety equipment such as mirrors, brakes, lights, rear reflectors, and a license plate lamp.

Am I at Fault for My Accident If I Was Lane-Splitting?

Some riders may be tempted to take advantage of a motorbike’s smaller size and ease of maneuverability to engage in something called lane splitting or lane filtering, which allows them to pass through slow-moving traffic by traveling in-between lanes. This practice can be very dangerous because most drivers of larger vehicles do not usually expect to see another smaller vehicle passing them between lanes of traffic. This maneuver is risky even for experienced motorcyclists, and the risk is even higher when a beginner rider decides to engage in lane-splitting.

Texas laws require each vehicle to travel in a single traffic lane, meaning lane-splitting is not legal. If you were lane-splitting on your motorcycle when your accident occurred, you might be partially at fault for your damages. However, it is worth mentioning that even if you are partially at fault, you may still be able to recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for your accident. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer can work with you to try and reduce the percentage of liability assigned to you so you can maximize the amount of compensation you are eligible to receive. This is important because the higher your percentage of blame, the lower your final award amount may be, and you may be barred from getting any compensation if you are 51% at fault or more.

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Claim for a Motorcycle Accident?

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to be aware of the statute of limitations that applies to your claim. A statute of limitations is a legal deadline that can affect your ability to file a claim and receive compensation. In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury is two years.

This means the clock starts ticking on the day of your accident, and you have up to two years to take action and file a claim. If more than two years have passed, your claim may be dismissed because the statute of limitations for your case has expired, so taking prompt action is essential.

Why Should I Work With a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident, working with a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer such as Gregg Oberg and the legal team at the Oberg Law Office in Mesquite, Texas, can make all the difference in your case. Attorney Gregg Oberg can help investigate your accident and produce the evidence needed to fight for maximum compensation. Reach out to the Oberg Law Office at 972-682-9700 to learn more about how we can help.