personal injury lawyers<\/a> review the crash scene evidence, dashcam footage, and witness statements early in the process can make the difference between a fair recovery and a denied claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\nChandler Ross Injury Attorneys handles motorcycle accident cases in Frisco and throughout Denton County. Call us at (940) 800-2500 for a free consultation. Past results in any case do not guarantee the same outcome in another matter, as each case depends on its own facts and applicable law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in the Frisco Area<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Most Frisco motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers, not by the riders themselves. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), more than half of fatal motorcycle crashes in Texas involve a collision with another vehicle, and in the majority of those crashes, the other driver is at fault. The most common reasons include failure to yield, unsafe lane changes, and left turns made directly in front of oncoming riders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The left-turn crash is one of the deadliest scenarios a motorcyclist can face. A driver waiting at an intersection on a road like Main Street or Stonebrook Parkway misjudges the motorcycle’s speed and turns left just as the rider arrives. NHTSA data shows that in two-vehicle fatal crashes, motorcycles are struck from the front in the vast majority of cases. The rider has almost no time to react, and the impact is almost always at full speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Distracted driving is another major factor. Drivers checking phones, adjusting navigation systems, or simply not watching the road fail to see motorcycles that are already in their path. Motorcycles are smaller and harder to spot than passenger vehicles, especially in heavy traffic near Frisco’s commercial corridors like the Frisco Fresh Market area or near Toyota Stadium on match days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drunk driving also plays a significant role. TxDOT data shows that nearly one-third of motorcyclists killed in Texas crashes had a blood alcohol content above the legal limit, but drivers of other vehicles also cause crashes under the influence. If a drunk driver hit you, that fact is relevant both to your injury claim and to a potential claim for exemplary damages under Texas law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Road hazards, including potholes, uneven pavement, and debris on roadways near active construction zones, can also send a rider down without any other vehicle being involved. In those situations, liability may fall on a government entity or a private contractor responsible for maintaining the road. These claims carry different notice requirements and shorter deadlines, so acting quickly is critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Texas Motorcycle Laws Every Frisco Rider Should Understand<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Texas has a partial helmet law governed by Transportation Code Chapter 661. Under Section 661.003, all riders and passengers under 21 must wear a helmet at all times, with no exceptions. Riders who are 21 or older may ride without a helmet only if they have completed a DPS-approved motorcycle operator training course or carry at least $10,000 in health insurance coverage for motorcycle-related injuries. Both conditions do not have to be met, only one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This matters to your injury claim. If you were riding without a helmet and did not qualify for the exemption, an insurance company or defense attorney may argue that your head injuries were made worse by your own choice. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule under Section 33.001 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Under this rule, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, and if you are found 51 percent or more at fault, you recover nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Helmet use does not determine who caused the crash. Fault still depends on negligence, such as a driver failing to yield or making an unsafe turn. But the helmet question can affect how damages are calculated for head and brain injuries, which are among the most serious outcomes of motorcycle crashes. TxDOT data confirms that traumatic brain injuries are a leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Texas Transportation Code Section 545.0605 also prohibits a motorcycle from passing a motor vehicle while in the same lane as the vehicle being passed. This rule, added in 2023 through House Bill 4122, codifies lane-sharing restrictions that were previously implied under general lane discipline rules. Riders who were not violating this statute at the time of a crash should make sure that fact is clearly documented in the police report and any witness statements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Understanding these laws helps you protect your rights. It also helps your attorney anticipate what arguments the other side will raise and prepare responses backed by the actual statutory language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Compensation Can Frisco Motorcycle Accident Victims Recover?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Texas law allows injured motorcycle accident victims to seek both economic and non-economic damages from the at-fault party. Economic damages cover the financial losses you can document, while non-economic damages address the personal harm that does not come with a receipt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Economic damages typically include past and future medical expenses, lost wages from time missed at work, reduced earning capacity if the injury affects your ability to work long-term, and the cost of rehabilitative care. Motorcycle crash injuries often involve broken bones, road rash, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries, all of which can require extended treatment. Hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and long-term care expenses can easily reach six figures or more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Non-economic damages cover physical pain, emotional suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement. These losses are real, even when they are harder to assign a dollar amount to. Texas law does not cap non-economic damages in most personal injury cases, though certain exceptions apply in medical malpractice claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In cases involving extreme recklessness or intentional misconduct, Texas law also allows for exemplary damages under Chapter 41 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. These damages go beyond compensating the victim and serve to punish conduct that was grossly negligent or malicious. If a drunk driver caused your crash, for example, exemplary damages may be available depending on the facts of the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If a loved one was killed in a Frisco motorcycle accident, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003(b), a wrongful death suit must be filed within two years of the date of death. Eligible family members can seek compensation for loss of companionship, mental anguish, and financial support. Each wrongful death case turns on its own specific facts and circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Filing Deadline for Frisco Motorcycle Accident Claims in Texas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003 sets a two-year deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit. The clock starts on the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case, and you will lose your right to recover any compensation, regardless of how strong your claim might have been.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Two years can feel like a long time when you are focused on recovering from serious injuries. But the reality is that building a strong motorcycle accident case takes time. Evidence needs to be gathered quickly, including surveillance footage from nearby businesses, dashcam recordings, and physical evidence from the crash scene near roads like the Dallas Parkway or US-380 in Frisco and Denton County. Witnesses need to be contacted while memories are still fresh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Insurance companies are aware of the statute of limitations, and some adjusters will delay the process hoping you run out of time or settle for far less than your claim is worth. Do not let that happen. Consulting with an attorney soon after the crash gives you the best chance of preserving evidence and meeting every legal deadline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Certain situations can affect when the clock starts. For example, if the injured rider was a minor at the time of the crash, the limitations period may be tolled under Texas law until the minor turns 18. Claims against government entities, such as those involving a city-maintained road near the Denton County Courthouse on the Square, may require a formal notice to be filed within six months of the incident under the Texas Tort Claims Act. These shorter deadlines make it even more important to act without delay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys serves riders in Frisco, Denton, and throughout Denton County. Reach our team at (940) 800-2500. There is no fee unless we recover for you, and a consultation costs you nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAQs About Frisco Motorcycle Accident Lawyers<\/h2>\n\n\n\nHow long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Texas?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the accident resulted in a death, the two-year period begins on the date of death. Missing this deadline generally means losing your right to sue, so contacting an attorney as soon as possible after the crash is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Does Texas law require motorcycle riders in Frisco to wear a helmet?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Texas Transportation Code Chapter 661 requires all riders and passengers under age 21 to wear a helmet with no exceptions. Riders who are 21 or older may ride without a helmet only if they have completed a DPS-approved motorcycle safety course or carry at least $10,000 in health insurance coverage for motorcycle injuries. Riding without a helmet when you do not qualify for the exemption can affect your injury claim, as insurers may argue it contributed to the severity of your head injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What if the other driver says I was at fault for the motorcycle accident?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Texas uses a modified comparative fault system under Section 33.001 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. As long as you are found to be less than 51 percent at fault, you can still recover compensation, though your award will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. An attorney can help gather evidence to counter false or exaggerated fault claims made by the other driver or their insurance company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can I still recover damages if I was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Possibly, yes. Helmet use does not determine who caused the accident. Fault is based on negligence, such as a driver failing to yield, speeding, or making an unsafe lane change. However, not wearing a helmet when required by law may allow the other side to argue that your injuries were made worse by your own conduct, which could reduce your overall compensation under Texas’s comparative fault rules. Each case depends on its specific facts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident in Frisco?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Call 911 so law enforcement can document the scene and create an official crash report. Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel okay, because some injuries like traumatic brain injuries or internal damage do not show immediate symptoms. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any vehicle damage if you are able. Collect contact and insurance information from all involved parties. Avoid giving a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Then call Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys at (940) 800-2500 for a free consultation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n