You know that wearing a helmet when you bike or ride a motorcycle is a good idea, but do you know precisely what Dallas’ helmet laws say? If not, Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers in Dallas, Texas, is here to help. Knowing and following helmet laws may prevent you from getting into legal trouble.
More importantly, understanding the risks of riding without a helmet could save your life. If you need help, contact us at (214) 556-8321 to schedule a free consultation with a Dallas motorcycle accident lawyer.
How Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers Can Help After An Accident In Dallas, TX
Choosing an attorney is never easy. If you’ve recently experienced a stressful event, such as a motorcycle accident, it will be even more difficult. Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers is dedicated to helping clients who have been hurt due to someone else’s negligence.
If you’re searching for a Dallas personal injury attorney, there are many reasons to choose Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers.
Our firm has successfully settled or litigated hundreds of cases for our clients over the years. We offer legal support in several practice areas, including auto accidents, premises liability, and workplace injuries. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients thanks to our knowledge, persistence, and commitment to effective representation.
Here are a few more reasons to consider working with Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers:
- Voted Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Dallas in 2019 by Expertise
- Voted Best Law Firms in 2023 by U.S. News & World Report
- Free case evaluations
- Transparent pricing — there are no fees unless we win your case
- Locations throughout Texas, including Dallas
Read testimonials from some of our past clients to learn more about the dedicated service, professionalism, and skill we bring to every case.
Understanding Dallas Helmet Laws
Motorcycle riders are involved in more fatal traffic accidents than other types of motorists. In 2022, approximately 6,218 motorcyclists died in crashes. It’s well-documented that helmets save lives. The National Highway Safety Administration estimates that when worn correctly, approved helmets can help reduce the risk of fatal injuries by 37%.
Helmets make riding safer, but are they legally required in Texas? Most states, including Texas, passed motorcycle helmet laws in 1966 to qualify for federal highway funds. A decade later, when the federal government changed its funding policies, Texas also changed its motorcycle helmet laws.
Today, Texas Transportation Code Section 661.003 says that motorcycle operators and passengers are required to wear helmets that meet or exceed Texas Department of Public Safety standards. However, the law only applies to passengers or riders under 21.
Unfortunately, studies have found that after the mandatory helmet law was relaxed, helmet use dropped in the Lone Star State. As a result, the number of fatal motorcycle accidents and minor injuries increased, and serious injuries became more likely to be deadly.
How Are Dallas Helmet Laws Enforced?
Texas police officers may not pull over a motorcyclist for riding without a helmet. If a rider is stopped for another violation, such as running a stop sign or speeding, an officer may determine that the helmet law has been violated. If a rider is found guilty, the fine for riding without an approved helmet is between $10 and $50.
Do Texas Helmet Laws Affect Motorcycle Accident Compensation?
Motorcyclists over 21 aren’t legally obligated to wear a helmet in Texas. However, if injury concerns aren’t enough to encourage helmet use, potential compensation loss might be. If you’re hurt in an accident, another driver may be able to claim that you’re partly responsible for your injuries because you didn’t wear a helmet.
Texas is a modified comparative negligence state. This means that all parties involved in an accident may share responsibility for a victim’s injuries.
For instance, if evidence suggests that you’re 20% responsible for your own injuries, the compensation you’d be eligible to receive would be reduced by 20%. If a court were to decide that you’re 51% or more at fault, you wouldn’t be able to collect any damages.
Motorcycle riders and their passengers should weigh all of these facts when deciding whether to wear a helmet. While riders over 21 aren’t legally required to do so, the consequences for forgoing protection can be dire. Riding without a helmet not only increases the risk of a serious injury like a traumatic brain injury but may also decrease the compensation you’re entitled to.
Contact Our Dallas Accident Lawyers For A Free Consultation
The helmet laws in Texas may be relaxed compared to other states, but the consequences of not wearing a helmet are still just as serious. You could lose the right to receive full compensation for an injury. Worse, you could lose your life.
Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers is committed to helping accident victims in Dallas, Texas, receive the compensation they need after being injured through no fault of their own. If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident, contact us today to speak with a qualified Dallas motorcycle accident lawyer.