How Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Help in Fort Worth
We focus on what caused the crash, not on what you were wearing. Insurers often raise the helmet question to shift attention away from the driver who hit you.
When you hire us, we:
- Investigate the crash and identify the at-fault driver and every applicable policy
- Gather proof of your safety course or medical coverage if helmet use is disputed
- Work with your doctors to show which injuries a helmet would not have prevented
- Handle the insurance company and its adjusters for you
- Go to court if a fair settlement isn’t offered
What Is the Texas Motorcycle Helmet Law?
Under Texas Transportation Code §661.003, anyone operating or riding on a motorcycle must wear protective headgear unless they are at least 21 and either:
- Completed a motorcycle operator training and safety course, or
- Are covered by a health insurance plan that pays at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries from a motorcycle accident
The age requirement applies to passengers too. A 19-year-old passenger must wear a helmet even if the adult operator is exempt. Fort Worth has no separate city helmet ordinance; the state rule applies on every road in the city.
Does Not Wearing a Helmet Affect My Claim?
Not wearing a helmet does not give the other driver a free pass. If they ran a light or turned in front of you, they are still responsible for the crash.
The issue comes up under Texas modified comparative fault. An insurer may argue that a helmet would have prevented or reduced a head or brain injury. If a jury agrees, your recovery for that injury may be reduced by a percentage. You can still recover as long as you are not found more than 50% at fault. Injuries a helmet could not have prevented, such as broken legs or road rash, are generally not affected.
Why Helmets Matter After a Crash
Helmets protect the head and face from direct impact with pavement, vehicles, and debris. Even a legally exempt rider gives up that protection. A helmet that meets federal DOT standards, along with eye protection, gloves, and riding boots, lowers the risk of serious injury.
If you were hurt, keep your helmet and gear exactly as they are after the crash. Damage to a helmet can show the force of the impact and help prove how the injury happened.
About Brad Parker
Helmet Laws In Fort Worth, TX FAQs
Is there a helmet law in Texas?
Yes. Texas Transportation Code §661.003 requires helmets for every rider and passenger under 21. Adults 21 and older may ride without one if they have completed an approved motorcycle operator training course or are covered by a health insurance plan that provides at least $10,000 in medical benefits for crash injuries.
Can you get a ticket for not wearing a helmet on a motorcycle in Texas?
Yes, if you are required to wear one. A rider under 21, or an adult who meets neither exemption, can be cited for riding without a helmet. Carrying proof of your safety course completion or your insurance coverage helps show you qualify for the adult exemption.
Does riding without a helmet hurt my injury claim?
It can reduce part of it, but it does not end it. The other driver still caused the crash. Insurers may argue a helmet would have lessened a head injury, which raises a comparative fault question about that injury only. Broken bones and other injuries are usually unaffected.
How much does a motorcycle accident lawyer in Fort Worth cost?
We handle motorcycle cases on a contingency fee. You pay nothing upfront and owe no attorney's fees unless we recover money for you. Our fee will never exceed your recovery, and Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers explains the exact terms in writing before any work begins.
Visit Our Fort Worth Office
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office
209 N Hampton St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
- Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday – Sunday Closed