Motorcycles are fun and fuel efficient. And they are growing in popularity. The dramatic increase in motorcycle registrations every year makes that evident. But there’s a deadly downside to that statistic.  Danger on the road is up. Authorities are seeing a record number of deaths and injuries in accidents that involve motorcycles.  Sadly, the rider is not to blame most of the time. So all riders should call an experienced Texas personal injury attorney immediately if they have a motorcycle accident.  They never should  face the doctrine of comparative negligence alone.

Comparative negligence is an issue

This is one of the most important factors in motorcycle accidents - who is negligent and to what degree? Under the legal doctrine of comparative negligence, the jury attaches a certain amount of the blame to each person involved in the accident.  This reduces the award a victim can collect from the person who caused the accident. Comparative negligence is a complex legal doctrine that is best explained by a knowledgeable Texas personal injury attorney.

Was the rider wearing a helmet? That’s the most common question in motorcycle accidents when the doctrine of comparative negligence is applied. Helmets have been proven to reduce deaths and crash related injuries, but they are not necessarily required for Texas motorcycle riders. If a motorcycle rider is over 21 and has successfully completed a safety course, or has a medical insurance plan that provides at least $10,000 for any injuries resulting from an accident that occurs while riding his motorcycle, he is not required to wear a helmet.

Under Texas helmet laws, if he has an accident, the motorcycle rider can still be found partially negligent for not wearing a helmet. This reduces the amount of money that can be collected from the liable party.

Contact a Texas personal injury attorney

Jim Adler is a well-known lawyer who fights for the rights of personal injury victims. He is the founder of the legal firm Jim S. Adler & Associates. If you are the victim of injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident, the team of Texas personal injury attorneys at Jim S. Adler & Associates will fight vigorously to ensure that your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. Fill out our free case review form today.

Additionally, Jim S. Adler & Associates has offices at City Place Building, 2711 North Haskell Ave., Suite 2100 LB40, Dallas, Texas 75204-2887;  San Pedro Plaza, 7330 San Pedro Ave., Suite 700, San Antonio, Texas 78216-6237; and Bank of America, 12605 East Freeway, Suite 400, Houston, Texas 77015-5619 (serving Channelview, Texas).