Euless Uninsured Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Getting into an accident with a motorcycle is never good. When the motorcycle rider is uninsured, it can complicate a situation that’s already stressful and complicated. What do you do if you’ve been injured or your car is totaled, but the motorcycle rider who caused the accident doesn’t have liability insurance?
In Texas, all drivers must carry automotive insurance. This includes motorcyclists. Unfortunately, some motorcyclists ignore the law and ride without proper liability coverage. These same riders may be more likely to cause accidents due to their negligent, risk-taking personalities. Often, reckless motorcycle riders don’t insure their vehicle because they think they’re impervious to accidents.
Sadly, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Motorcycles are involved in thousands of crashes every year. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), motorcycle riders are 27 times more likely to die in an accident than occupants of a car. Motorcyclists who survive a crash frequently suffer serious, life-altering injuries.
If you’re in an accident with an uninsured motorcycle rider, it’s important to understand your legal rights. Because the rider doesn’t have insurance, they may take legal action against you to cover their medical expenses — even if you weren’t at fault! That’s why you need a lawyer on your side who has experience with uninsured motorcycle accidents.
Use the contact form on our website or dial (469) 998-4069 to speak to a Euless, TX accident lawyer. Our legal team can help. Consultations are free, confidential, and no-obligation. If we do take your case, we won’t charge for our services unless we help you win a settlement.
Motorcycle Insurance Requirements in Texas
All motorcycle riders need to carry proper insurance in Texas. This includes moped and scooter riders, as well. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) outlines the minimum insurance requirements for motorcyclists:
- $30,000 in minimum liability for each person injured in the accident
- $60,000 in minimum total liability per accident
- $25,000 in minimum property damage per accident
This is known as a 30/60/25 policy.
Why Motorcycle Riders Don’t Carry Insurance
Given the high rate of injuries and fatalities in motorcycle accidents, you’d think that all motorcyclists would be insured. Unfortunately, there are many reasons why a motorcyclist rides without insurance.
They Don’t Realize They Need It
Often, motorcycles are a second vehicle. Riders also have a car that they use for their day-to-day life, then ride their motorcycle on weekends as recreation. Sometimes, these motorcyclists falsely believe that the auto insurance policy for their car automatically extends to their motorcycle.
Unfortunately, it does not. Many insurance companies offer special discounts to drivers who bundle auto and motorcycle coverage. However, regular car insurance doesn’t cover a motorcycle by default. The motorcycle owner will need to purchase an additional policy for their bike.
Also, many people buy motorcycles from private sellers. While a motorcycle dealership will inform new owners about the state insurance requirements, an individual seller probably won’t. Thus, a motorcycle rider who buys their vehicle on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace might start riding without adequate coverage.
They Haven’t Gotten Around to Buying a Policy
Similarly, a rider who uses their motorcycle as a recreational vehicle might delay buying insurance. They might intend to purchase a policy but keep putting it off, or forget, because they don’t ride their motorcycle every day.
They Don’t Have a Motorcycle License
In some cases, the motorcyclist might ride without insurance because they also lack a license. Although Texas requires all motorcyclists to pass a test and obtain a special license, many riders ignore this law.
Unfortunately, motorcyclists who ride without a license are unlikely to purchase liability insurance. These same riders may also be involved in more accidents due to their reckless behavior towards driving.
They Can’t (or Don’t Want to) Pay for Motorcycle Insurance
Even when bundled with existing auto insurance for a discount, motorcycle insurance coverage can be very expensive due to the high risk of accidents and injuries. Some riders simply can’t afford this. Although you shouldn’t buy a motorcycle if you can’t afford to insure it, many do it anyway. They simply refuse to pay for insurance.
What to After an Accident with an Uninsured Motorcyclist
After an accident with an uninsured motorcyclist, we recommend taking the following steps:
1. Move All Vehicles to a Safer Location
After an accident, try to avoid blocking traffic. This can cause further accidents as other drivers try to stop or swerve to avoiding hitting stopped vehicles. If your car and the motorcycle are still operational, move both vehicles to the shoulder or pull into a parking lot.
2. Get Medical Help for Injured Parties
Was anyone injured in the crash? If someone needs medical attention, call 911 to request an ambulance right away. Motorcycle riders are often gravely injured, especially if they’ve been thrown from their bike. Don’t move an injured rider unless they’re in immediate danger, such as lying in the middle of the road where cars may hit them.
3. Gather Personal Information
Exchange personal information with the motorcycle rider. Even if they’re not insured, be sure to give them your own insurance information nonetheless. You may also wish to take a photo of their motorcycle license plate or their driver’s license. This can help you track the rider down in case he or she decides to “disappear” after the accident.
4. Take Photos and Videos of the Accident Site
Assess the accident site. As long as you aren’t in any danger, take photos and videos of the scene. Highlight damage to vehicles and show the nearby area for context. Include broken guardrails, skid marks, or other environmental evidence of the crash. This can help your legal team build a case.
5. Contact an Accident Lawyer Who Handles Uninsured Motorcyclists
Finally, get in touch with an accident lawyer who knows how to handle cases involving uninsured motorcyclists. Call (469) 998-4069 to schedule a free consultation with a member of our Euless, TX legal team. We can help you determine your next steps.
