Unique Aspects of a Grand Prairie Motorcycle Accident Case

Since motorcyclists are not covered with the body of a car so there is an increased risk of injuries. Motorcyclists should always wear a helmet if they ride. Failure to wear a helmet significantly increases their risk of death and serious injury if they are in a motorcycle wreck. In Texas, bikers are much more likely to survive and have the opportunity to pursue compensation if they are wearing a helmet during the crash.

An experienced attorney could explain the various laws and regulations for motorcyclists in Texas. Reach out to learn about the unique aspects of a Grand Prairie motorcycle accident case.

What Standards Are Motorcyclists Held To In The Eyes Of Grand Prairie Law?

All bikers need to be very familiar with the laws surrounding motorcycles. Legislature frequently changes the specific mandates and requirements surrounding motorbikes and scooters. It is best to be active in the motorcycle groups, and those groups are usually aware of changes in legislation.

Additionally, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the responsible party for statewide law enforcement and vehicle regulation, including motorcyclist. The Texas DPS sets the standards to be enforced. The local municipality, the Grand Prairie Police Department, Dallas or Tarrant County deputies, Sheriff’s Department enforces the standards.

How Are Motorcycles Classified In Grand Prairie?

In Texas, bicyclists must have a valid Class M license to ride a motorcycle in the state. To get this, they must have already obtained a regular driver’s license and take the DPS pre-motorcycle safety class. In order to do that, they can go to the DPS website and find a safety course near them. That teaches new or inexperienced riders, basics of how to ride a motorcycle, and how to handle some possibly dangerous situations. Once they complete that course, they can bring their results to the local DPS office.

Out of State Motorcyclists

However, if they have a motorcycle license from another state, they can skip the safety course and simply bring their current out-of-state motorcycle license. Although Texas requires a motorcycle road test to own a license, they might waive this if they are over 18 and have completed the motorcycle safety course.

Written Test

The final step in getting a Class M license here in Texas is to pass the written test, testing their knowledge of all the motorcycle laws. Questions on this exam ask them how to properly swerve their motorcycle when it’s appropriate to use certain signals on their motorcycle or what to do about a flat tire, among other questions.

Rules for Minors

Minors ages 15 to 17 are still unable to earn their Class M license. In order to do that, they have to complete a 32-hour classroom phase of the driver’s education course. Then they must obtain a Class C learner’s permit. They are required a basic motorcycle safety course. But all minors must complete and pass the road test and written test to earn their motorcycle license.

If they are returning to riding after some time, they may want to take an intermediate motorcycle operator training course. This is only one day, and maybe use a street-legal bike.

Those with advanced knowledge may want to take a DPS approved advanced motorcycle operator training course. Classmates in this course will be at a higher level and bring their own bikes to class. It’s a great place to learn techniques for handling high-speed roads, slippery pavement, and cross country roads, and may also help to lower their insurance rates.

Requirements for Motorcycles

Texas law requires the following equipment on motorcycles and motor-driven cycles.

  • Wheel assembly
  • Exhaust system
  • One tail lamp
  • One spot lamp
  • License plate lamp
  • Rear red reflector
  • Headlamp
  • Vehicle identification number
  • Horn
  • Mirror
  • Steering wheel
  • Brakes
  • Tires
  • Reflector

Steps An Attorney Will Take Following a Crash

There are many things a bicycle accident attorney could do to help those injured in a case. They will look at all aspects of a case and help the injured person seek compensation. First, they will look at duty of care. In all injury cases, the duty of care is an important matter but even more so when dealing with a motorcycle. Motorcycles have their own duty of care. But a motorcyclist and their attorney needs to be able to demonstrate their own level of care. A consistent history of maintaining the bike can be shown through an inspection record and factors like replacing tires before they are worn, maybe looked at. They have a duty to be a responsible driver.

Then the attorney will calculate damages. Once it can be proven that the other driver is to blame, the focus then turns to what damages the victim is entitled to receive. Damages may include property damage, medical expenses, anticipated medical expenses, lost earnings, disability, pain, suffering, and mental anguish.

Additionally, the lawyer will try to determine fault or liability. This means determining which party acted carelessly to cause the crash, which could be a number of different causes. Insurance adjusters and jury members might presume that bikers are dangerous and careless and automatically to blame. However, the reality is in the accidents involving motorcycles those are caused from drivers of passenger vehicles that do not keep a proper lookout for bikers, or even because road hazards are more dangerous for bikes than cars.

Schedule a Consultation With a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

There are many consequences of a motorcycle accident. Those involved in a crash could sustain catastrophic damages and injuries. You should retain the services of a knowledgeable attorney after a motorcycle crash. A lawyer could explain the unique aspects of a Grand Prairie motorcycle accident case and help you seek compensation for damages. Call today to learn more about how an attorney could help your case.