Motorcycle Laws in Houston, TX
Motorcycles have unique features that distinguish them from automobiles. These distinctive characteristics require riders to use different skills and knowledge to ride safely. In Texas, there are special laws governing how riders obtain a license, secure insurance, and operate their motorcycles.
After a motorcycle accident, your compliance with the relevant laws in Houston, TX, may determine the scope of your compensation rights. A lawyer from Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers can assess your case and guide you through any issues posed by state motorcycle laws.
Contact us today at (432) 220-0000 to get started with a completely free consultation.
Table of Contents
- How Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers Can Help You After a Motorcycle Accident in Houston, TX
- How Many Motorcycle Accidents Occur in Houston?
- Texas Motorcycle Laws
- Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Undefeated Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
How Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers Can Help You After a Motorcycle Accident in Houston, TX
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers was founded to provide experienced legal representation to injured people in Houston, Texas. Our firm has recovered billions in compensation from at-fault parties and their insurers, which includes the largest accident recoveries in the history of the State of Texas.
Our award-winning Houston motorcycle accident lawyers use their decades of combined experience to stand up to these parties on behalf of our clients. After you suffer an injury, our lawyers provide the following:
- Advice and counsel to educate you about your legal options and rights
- Representation in the insurance claims process to negotiate a fair settlement
- A team of undefeated litigators to fight in court when insurers refuse to settle
A motorcycle crash can cause severe injuries that require expensive medical treatment and therapy. Contact Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation to discuss your options for pursuing injury compensation.
How Many Motorcycle Accidents Occur in Houston?
Houston had 67,386 traffic crashes in 2022. This number included:
- 58,396 collisions between multiple automobiles
- 1,208 pedestrian accidents
- 705 motorcycle accidents
- 355 bicycle accidents
The remaining accidents involved a single vehicle that overturned, ran off the road, or collided with a fixed object. In 2022, Houston motorcycle crashes produced:
- 38 fatalities
- 163 serious injuries that incapacitated the rider
- 202 minor injuries that did not incapacitate but produced visible wounds
- 256 possible injuries that caused symptoms such as pain with no visible wound
In total, motorcycle accidents injured or killed 659 riders and passengers in 2022.
Texas Motorcycle Laws
Motorcycle laws in Texas cover four main areas:
Motorcycle Licensing
Motorcycle operators in Texas must have a special license. You have three options for obtaining a Texas motorcycle license. First, if you hold a valid motorcycle license from another state and move to Texas, you can exchange your out-of-state motorcycle license for a Texas motorcycle license.
Second, adults over 18 with a valid driver’s license can take an approved motorcycle safety course. This course teaches riders the skills they need to handle a motorcycle safely in traffic. To complete the course, students must pass both the classroom and hands-on portions of the class. Texas waives the road safety test for adult applicants who pass the course.
Third, young riders ages 15 to 17 must possess a learner’s license or provisional driver’s license. They must complete the motorcycle safety course and take a road safety test. The state cannot waive the road safety test for applicants under 18, and there are other restrictions as well.
Motorcycle Helmet Use
Texas has a motorcycle helmet law. This law requires all riders to wear a helmet. But for riders 21 or older, the law has exceptions that make the law unenforceable. Riders 21 and older do not need to wear a helmet if they have passed a motorcycle safety course or have health insurance that covers motorcycle crash injuries.
Motorcycle Insurance
Motorcycle owners must carry liability insurance. This coverage pays third parties injured by the motorcyclist’s negligence. The coverage minimum for motorcycles is the same as for automobiles. Motorcycle owners must carry at least $30,000 per person up to $60,000 per accident in bodily injury liability.
Motorcycle Operation
For the most part, motorcycles must follow the same traffic laws as automobiles. This means that motorcyclists in Texas cannot perform the maneuver commonly known as lane splitting. This practice happens when riders ride on the lane lines rather than between them.
A few states, such as California and Utah, allow this type of riding. Texas does not. When a road has marked traffic lanes, motorcyclists must ride between the lines or risk getting a citation.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Undefeated Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Negligent drivers can cause motorcycle accidents even when you do everything right. We’re here to help. Our record-setting Houston motorcycle accident lawyers work on contingency, so you can hire us with no upfront costs – and we only get paid if we secure compensation for you.
Contact Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your motorcycle crash and how we can help you recover injury compensation. We’re available 24/7 to take your call.