1. Law Firm of Roger “Rocky” Walton, P.C.
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, DUI accidents, pedestrian accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle collisions, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle crashes, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle accidents, spinal cord injuries from motorcycle accidents
Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, intersection motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, road hazard accidents, defective motorcycle accidents, uninsured motorist motorcycle accidents, underinsured motorist motorcycle accidents, motorcycle passenger injury claims, wrongful death claims
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, motorcycle accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical lien resolution, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, letters of protection for medical care
Background: Roger “Rocky” Walton has practiced personal injury law since 1987, providing more than 37 years of experience. He is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction held by only 2.2% of Texas attorneys. Rocky holds an AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible peer rating for ethics, expertise, and skill. He has served as a board member of the Arlington Bar Association since 2012. Rocky has secured numerous six and seven-figure verdicts and settlements in personal injury cases, including a $1 million maximum recovery for a motorcycle accident victim struck by a commercial vehicle. Approximately 80% of his clients come through attorney referrals, reflecting his standing among legal peers. Member of Texas Trial Lawyers Association and American Association for Justice.
Location: 2501 Parkview Drive, Suite 500, Arlington, TX 76016
Contact: (817) 429-4299 | https://www.rockywaltoninjurylawyers.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation, contingency fee arrangement (no fee unless case is won), Spanish-speaking staff available
2. The Queenan Law Firm
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, bus accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, Uber and Lyft accidents, boating accidents, brain injuries, spinal injuries, burn injuries, wrongful death from motorcycle collisions, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle crashes
Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, intersection motorcycle accidents, highway motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, uninsured motorist motorcycle accidents, underinsured motorist motorcycle accidents, motorcycle passenger injury claims, product liability claims, wrongful death claims
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, motorcycle accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, loss of earning capacity claims, wrongful death claims, insurance dispute resolution
Background: M. Kevin Queenan founded the firm with more than 20 years of experience in personal injury litigation. The firm attorneys include Alexandra Cassar, Carlos Lopez, and Dana Queenan. The firm has handled cases throughout Texas with offices serving Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, and surrounding communities. The firm focuses on representing injured motorcyclists and their families against insurance companies and negligent parties.
Location: 4200 Airport Freeway, Suite 440, Fort Worth, TX 76117 (serving Arlington)
Contact: (817) 476-1797 | https://www.queenanlaw.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation, contingency fee arrangement, Spanish-speaking services available
3. Thompson Law
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle collisions, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle crashes, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle accidents, spinal cord injuries from motorcycle accidents, road rash injuries, amputation injuries from motorcycle accidents
Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, single-vehicle motorcycle accidents, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, uninsured motorist motorcycle accidents, underinsured motorist motorcycle accidents, motorcycle passenger injury claims, wrongful death claims
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, motorcycle accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical lien resolution, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, Texas Transportation Code compliance analysis
Background: Thompson Law obtained 15 of the top 50 personal injury settlements in the State of Texas in 2021. The firm has extensive experience handling motorcycle accident cases throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The legal team works closely with law enforcement and utilizes Texas Transportation Code requirements (§ 550.026 for accident reporting, § 550.023 for information exchange) to build strong cases for motorcycle accident victims.
Location: 3300 Oak Lawn Avenue, Suite 300, Dallas, TX 75219 (serving Arlington)
Contact: (844) 308-8180 | https://1800lionlaw.com
Consultation: Free case review, contingency fee arrangement (no fee unless case is won)
4. Dashner Law Firm
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, personal injury litigation, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle crashes, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle accidents, spinal cord injuries from motorcycle accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle collisions
Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, intersection motorcycle accidents, highway motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, road hazard accidents, uninsured motorist motorcycle accidents, underinsured motorist motorcycle accidents, motorcycle passenger injury claims, wrongful death claims
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, motorcycle accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, emotional distress claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Attorney Geoffrey Dashner provides personal attention to each client and gives clients his direct phone number for accessibility. The firm serves motorcyclists throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex including Arlington, Irving, and surrounding areas. Mr. Dashner handles injury cases personally from initial consultation through resolution to ensure experienced representation at every stage.
Location: 2591 Dallas Parkway, Suite 300, Frisco, TX 75034 (serving Arlington)
Contact: (972) 793-8989 | https://www.dashnerlaw.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation, contingency fee arrangement (no payment unless case is won), home and hospital visits available for seriously injured clients
5. Patterson Law Group
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, personal injury litigation, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle crashes, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle accidents, spinal cord injuries from motorcycle accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle collisions, burn injuries from motorcycle accidents
Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, intersection motorcycle accidents, highway motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, uninsured motorist motorcycle accidents, underinsured motorist motorcycle accidents, motorcycle passenger injury claims, property damage claims, wrongful death claims
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, motorcycle accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, loss of earning capacity claims, pain and suffering claims, emotional distress claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Patterson Law Group has recovered millions for Texas injury victims through settlements and verdicts. The firm handles motorcycle accident cases throughout Texas with particular focus on the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The attorneys provide personalized legal guidance for motorcycle accident victims and their families, addressing the unique challenges motorcyclists face in recovering compensation.
Location: 4925 Greenville Avenue, Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75206 (serving Arlington)
Contact: (214) 951-6260 | https://pattersonpersonalinjury.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation, contingency fee arrangement (no fee unless case is won)
Motorcycle Accident Laws and Regulations in Texas
Statute of Limitations: Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003(a) provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from motorcycle accidents. This period begins on the date of the accident. For wrongful death claims, the two-year period begins on the date of the victim’s death. Claims against government entities require notice within 180 days of the accident under the Texas Tort Claims Act (§101.101), and local municipalities may impose shorter deadlines.
Fault System: Texas is an at-fault (tort) state for motor vehicle accidents. The person responsible for causing the accident is liable for compensating those injured and for property damage. The at-fault party’s insurance provides coverage up to policy limits.
Comparative Negligence: Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule under the proportionate responsibility system. An injured motorcyclist can recover damages even if partially at fault for the accident, but recovery is reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the motorcyclist. If the motorcyclist is found more than 50% responsible for the accident, they are barred from recovering any compensation.
Minimum Insurance Requirements: Texas requires all motorcyclists to carry liability insurance with minimum coverage of $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury to multiple persons, and $25,000 per accident for property damage (commonly referred to as 30/60/25 coverage). Proof of insurance must be carried at all times while operating a motorcycle.
Helmet Laws: Texas has a partial helmet law under Transportation Code Chapter 661. All motorcycle operators and passengers under age 21 must wear DOT-approved helmets. Riders age 21 and older may ride without a helmet if they have completed a motorcycle operator training and safety course approved by the Texas Department of Public Safety, or if they have health insurance coverage of at least $10,000 for motorcycle accident injuries. Police officers cannot stop motorcyclists solely to verify helmet law compliance.
Eye Protection Requirements: Texas does not mandate eye protection for motorcyclists, though it is recommended for safety.
Lane Splitting/Lane Filtering: Lane splitting (riding between lanes of traffic) is illegal in Texas. Motorcyclists must remain within a single lane and cannot pass vehicles within the same lane.
Motorcycle Licensing Requirements: Texas requires a Class M license or motorcycle endorsement to operate a motorcycle on public roads. Riders must complete a motorcycle safety course approved by the Texas Department of Public Safety and pass written and practical skills tests.
Equipment Requirements: Texas law requires motorcycles to have a headlamp, tail lamp, stop lamp, license plate lamp, rear red reflector, horn, brakes, mirrors, proper tires, exhaust system with muffler, steering system, and wheel assembly. Annual vehicle inspection is required at an Official Motor Vehicle Inspection Station.
Passenger Requirements: Passengers may only ride on motorcycles equipped with a permanent fixed seat, footrests, and handholds for the passenger. Children under age five cannot ride as passengers on motorcycles but may ride in sidecars. Passengers under age 21 must wear helmets regardless of the operator’s helmet exemption status.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Texas law requires insurers to offer UM/UIM coverage, though motorcyclists may reject this coverage in writing. UM/UIM coverage protects riders if the at-fault party has no insurance or insufficient coverage.
Damage Caps: Texas does not cap economic damages in personal injury cases. Non-economic damages (pain and suffering, mental anguish) are not capped in most personal injury cases, though caps apply in medical malpractice cases. Punitive damages are capped at the greater of $200,000 or two times economic damages plus an amount equal to non-economic damages up to $750,000.
Dram Shop Liability: Under Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code §2.01, establishments that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated persons may be held liable if that person causes a motorcycle accident. This provides an additional avenue for recovery in drunk driving cases.
Wrongful Death Claims: Texas wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the decedent’s death. Eligible claimants include the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased motorcyclist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Texas?
Texas law provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from motorcycle accidents, beginning from the date of the accident. For wrongful death claims, the two-year period starts from the date of death rather than the accident date. Claims against Texas government entities have significantly shorter deadlines, requiring notice within 180 days of the accident under the Texas Tort Claims Act. Local municipalities may impose even shorter notice periods. Missing these deadlines typically results in permanent loss of the right to pursue compensation, making prompt consultation with an attorney essential after any motorcycle accident in Arlington.
How does Texas’s modified comparative negligence rule affect my motorcycle accident case?
Under Texas’s proportionate responsibility system, you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident, but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you suffered $100,000 in damages and were found 30% responsible for the accident, you would receive $70,000. However, if you are found more than 50% at fault, you are completely barred from recovering any compensation. Insurance companies and defense attorneys often attempt to shift blame to motorcyclists, arguing they were speeding, not wearing proper gear, or failing to take evasive action. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can work to minimize fault attributed to you and maximize your recovery.
Can I recover compensation if I was not wearing a helmet during my motorcycle accident in Texas?
Texas riders age 21 and older who have completed an approved safety course or maintain qualifying health insurance are legally permitted to ride without helmets. Not wearing a helmet in compliance with this exception does not automatically bar recovery. However, insurance companies frequently argue that failure to wear a helmet contributed to the severity of head injuries, which may reduce compensation under comparative negligence principles even when helmet use was not legally required. Courts may allow evidence of helmet non-use when considering head injury severity, though Texas law does not create automatic liability for helmetless riding that meets the legal exemptions.
What types of compensation can I recover after a motorcycle accident in Arlington?
Texas law allows motorcycle accident victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses (past, present, and future), lost wages, diminished earning capacity, property damage to the motorcycle and equipment, and vocational rehabilitation costs. Non-economic damages encompass physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, disfigurement, physical impairment, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of companionship. In cases involving egregious conduct such as drunk driving, punitive damages may also be available to punish the wrongdoer. The specific compensation available depends on the severity of injuries, the clarity of liability, and the at-fault party’s insurance coverage limits.
What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident in Arlington?
First, call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed, as Texas Transportation Code §550.026 requires reporting accidents involving injuries or significant property damage. Seek medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor, as conditions like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries may not be immediately apparent. Document the scene by photographing vehicle positions, road conditions, injuries, and any visible damage. Exchange information with other parties as required by Texas Transportation Code §550.023, including names, addresses, insurance information, and license numbers. Gather contact information from witnesses and ask if anyone has dash camera footage. Do not admit fault or provide recorded statements to insurance companies before consulting an attorney. Contact an Arlington motorcycle accident attorney promptly to preserve evidence and protect your legal rights within the applicable statute of limitations.