1. Stephens Law Firm, PLLC
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, 18-wheeler wrecks, brain injuries, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, oil field injuries, spinal cord injuries, premises liability, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle versus car collisions, motorcycle versus truck accidents, left-turn motorcycle accidents, lane change collisions, distracted driving motorcycle accidents, drunk driving motorcycle accidents, road hazard motorcycle accidents, intersection motorcycle accidents, fatal motorcycle crashes, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle accidents, spinal cord injuries, crushing injuries, lost limbs, paralysis
Legal Services: Motorcycle accident investigation, evidence preservation and gathering, accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, personal injury litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims, punitive damage pursuit, comparative negligence defense
Background: Jason B. Stephens founded the firm and has over 25 years of experience representing injured riders. J.D. from Baylor Law School (1997). Texas State Bar Number 197510. Licensed in Texas (1997), Oklahoma (2010), and Colorado (2019). Admitted to Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, U.S. District Court Eastern and Northern Districts of Texas. Fellow in American College of Trial Lawyers (honor bestowed on only 1% of lawyers). Member of American Board of Trial Advocates. Texas Super Lawyer (2004-present). Top 100 Super Lawyers in Dallas/Fort Worth (2017-2018, 2024-2025). Best Lawyers in America (2016-present). Top 100 Trial Lawyer by National Trial Lawyers Association (2011-present). Top Fort Worth Attorney by Fort Worth Magazine (2003-present). AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell. 10.0 rating by Avvo. Past President and current director of Tarrant County Trial Lawyers Association. Director of Texas Trial Lawyers Association. Won 47th largest verdict in the United States (2004). Won 5th largest verdict in Texas (2004). Won 8th largest motor vehicle verdict in Texas (2012). Largest electrocution verdict in U.S. (2022). Has recovered over $300 million for clients. Former U.S. Army Reserves officer.
Location: 1300 S. University Drive, Suite 300, Fort Worth, TX 76107
Contact: (817) 420-7000 | https://www.stephenslaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available 24/7, contingency fee basis (no fee unless case is won), virtual and in-person consultations available
2. Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, catastrophic injuries, dram shop liability, brain injuries, wrongful death, premises liability, dangerous products, aviation accidents, industrial catastrophes, insurance bad faith
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle versus car collisions, motorcycle versus truck accidents, left-turn motorcycle accidents, intersection accidents, drunk driving motorcycle accidents, distracted driving motorcycle accidents, road hazard motorcycle accidents, motorcycle product defects, fatal motorcycle crashes, head injuries, spinal cord injuries
Legal Services: Motorcycle accident investigation, evidence gathering, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, personal injury litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims, punitive damage claims, dram shop claims against bars that overserved drivers, comparative negligence defense
Background: W. Bradley Parker founded the firm in 2001 and has practiced since 1985. B.A. from University of Texas at Austin. J.D. from Texas Tech School of Law. Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1997 (distinction held by less than 2% of Texas lawyers). President of Texas Trial Lawyers Association (2013). President of Tarrant County Bar Association (2010-2011). President of Tarrant County Trial Lawyers Association (1998-1999). Texas Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters (2006-present). Top 100 Lawyer in Dallas-Fort Worth (2017-2023). Top 100 Lawyer in Texas (2020-2023). Fort Worth Magazine Top Attorneys (2002-present). H.G. Wells Outstanding Trial Lawyer Award from Tarrant County Trial Lawyers Association (2017). AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell. National Trial Lawyers Top 100. Member of American Association for Justice. Director of Texas Trial Lawyers Association. Author of “How Do I…Find the Right Attorney I Want and Need.” Works as unpaid lobbyist at Texas Legislature to protect rights of Texas families. Frequent speaker at State Bar of Texas seminars. Firm has recovered over $100 million for clients.
Location: 209 N. Hampton Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102 (also office at 2317 Plaza Pkwy #100, Bedford, TX 76021)
Contact: (817) 839-3143 | https://parkerlawfirm.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis (fee never exceeds what client receives), personal cell phone of attorney provided to clients
3. Anderson & Cummings
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, personal injury, catastrophic injuries, brain injuries, wrongful death, premises liability, product liability
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle versus car collisions, motorcycle versus truck accidents, lane change collisions, intersection accidents, drunk driving motorcycle accidents, distracted driving motorcycle accidents, road defect motorcycle accidents, failure to yield accidents, fatal motorcycle crashes, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries
Legal Services: Motorcycle accident investigation, accident reconstruction with experts, evidence gathering, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, personal injury litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, comparative negligence defense
Background: Seth Anderson is a partner and board-certified attorney. Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Recognized as one of Fort Worth’s Top Personal Injury Lawyers by Fort Worth Texas Magazine. Member of Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum (members have obtained multiple verdicts of $1 million or more). Firm has over 50 years of combined legal experience. Has obtained over $100 million in compensation for clients. Case results include motorcycle accident settlements.
Location: Fort Worth, TX (serves Tarrant County and surrounding areas)
Contact: https://www.anderson-cummings.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation, contingency fee basis
4. Law Offices of J. Kent McAfee, P.C.
Practice Focus: Personal injury exclusively, motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle versus car collisions, motorcycle versus commercial vehicle accidents, lane change collisions, intersection accidents, highway motorcycle accidents (I-20, I-35W, I-35E, I-45), drunk driving motorcycle accidents, distracted driving motorcycle accidents, fatal motorcycle crashes, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, road rash, broken bones
Legal Services: Motorcycle accident investigation, evidence gathering, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, personal injury litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: J. Kent McAfee has represented injured motorcyclists for over 34 years. Recognized as one of the top lawyers in Tarrant County by peer review in Fort Worth Magazine. Firm focuses solely on personal injury law. Office located in Fort Worth serving clients in Arlington, Euless, Bedford, Richland Hills, Weatherford, Lakeside, Roanoke, Watauga, Keller, Haslet, Burleson, Cleburne, Forest Hill, White Settlement, Lake Worth, Azle, Aledo, Mansfield, Haltom City, North Richland Hills, Hurst, Johnson County, and throughout Tarrant County.
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Contact: (817) 332-7676 | https://www.onelegalplace.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation, contingency fee basis
5. Miller Weisbrod Olesky
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, personal injury, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, construction accidents, medical malpractice, traumatic brain injuries
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle versus car collisions, motorcycle versus commercial truck accidents, construction vehicle versus motorcycle accidents, intersection accidents, highway motorcycle crashes, drunk driving motorcycle accidents, distracted driving motorcycle accidents, fatal motorcycle crashes, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle accidents, spinal cord injuries
Legal Services: Motorcycle accident investigation, accident reconstruction team deployment, surveillance video preservation, evidence gathering, expert witness consultation with brain injury specialists, insurance claim negotiation, personal injury litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Clay Miller leads the motorcycle accident legal team and is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Firm has recovered more than $1.3 billion in settlements for clients in personal injury, wrongful death, motor vehicle accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents, and medical malpractice lawsuits. Documented $3.2 million recovery for client in motorcycle versus construction company truck collision involving traumatic brain injury. Firm deploys accident reconstruction teams and coordinates with world-class brain injury specialists. National practice with significant presence in Fort Worth and Dallas-Fort Worth metro area.
Location: Fort Worth, TX (serves Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area)
Contact: https://www.millerweisbrod.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis
Motorcycle Accident Laws and Regulations in Texas
Statute of Limitations: Texas allows two (2) years from the date of a motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003). This deadline is strictly enforced, and missing it typically results in permanent loss of the right to seek compensation. Property damage claims also have a two-year statute of limitations. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is two years from the date of death.
Fault System: Texas is a fault-based (tort) state for motor vehicle accidents. The at-fault party is responsible for resulting damages, and the responsible party’s insurance must compensate the injured party.
Modified Comparative Negligence Rule (51% Bar): Texas follows the modified comparative negligence rule under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.001. An injured party can recover damages only if they are 50% or less at fault for the accident. If found 51% or more at fault, the victim cannot recover any compensation. If found partially at fault at 50% or less, the compensation award is reduced proportionally by the percentage of fault assigned to the victim.
Proportionate Responsibility: Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.003, courts assign a percentage of fault to each party involved in an accident. This rule applies even in complex accidents involving multiple vehicles.
Motorcycle Insurance Requirements: Texas requires minimum liability insurance coverage for all motorcycles:
- $30,000 per person for bodily injury
- $60,000 per accident for bodily injury (two or more persons)
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
Helmet Law: Texas has a partial helmet law. Riders under 21 years of age must wear a DOT-approved helmet. Riders 21 and over may legally ride without a helmet if they can demonstrate proof of either:
- Successful completion of a motorcycle operator training course approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles, OR
- Health insurance coverage that will provide at least $10,000 in medical benefits for motorcycle accident injuries
Helmet Non-Use Impact on Claims: Even if legally exempt from helmet requirements, failure to wear a helmet can impact personal injury claims. Insurance companies may argue that injuries would have been less severe with helmet protection, potentially reducing compensation under comparative negligence principles.
Lane Splitting/Lane Filtering: Lane splitting is illegal in Texas. Since September 1, 2023, House Bill 4122 explicitly prohibits lane splitting, making it a moving violation. Motorcyclists caught lane splitting can be ticketed and fined.
Motorcycle Licensing Requirements: Texas requires either a Class M motorcycle license or a motorcycle endorsement on a regular driver’s license. Requirements include passing written and on-cycle skills tests, or completing an approved motorcycle safety course.
Motorcycle Equipment Requirements:
- At least one headlight and one taillight
- At least one mirror (left side)
- Horn
- Brakes on both wheels
- Muffler/exhaust system meeting noise limits
- Turn signals on motorcycles manufactured after 1968
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Texas law requires insurance companies to offer UM/UIM coverage, though drivers may reject it in writing. Coverage is recommended given the frequency of uninsured drivers.
Punitive Damages: Available in Texas when the defendant’s conduct involves gross negligence, malice, or fraud. Texas caps punitive damages at the greater of: (1) two times economic damages plus $750,000, or (2) $200,000.
Damage Caps: Texas does not cap compensatory damages (economic or non-economic) in most personal injury cases. However, caps apply in medical malpractice cases.
Dram Shop Liability: Under the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, bars, restaurants, and other alcohol-serving establishments can be held liable if they serve alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person who subsequently causes a motorcycle accident.
Motorcycle Safety Statistics: According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), over 500 riders lost their lives in fatal motorcycle crashes in Texas in 2022, and over 2,000 were seriously injured. Fort Worth ranks among the cities with the highest number of fatal motorcycle crashes in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Texas?
A: In Texas, you have two (2) years from the date of your motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is established under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003 and is strictly enforced by Texas courts. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this two-year window, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case, permanently barring you from seeking compensation. The same two-year deadline applies to wrongful death claims, calculated from the date of death rather than the date of accident. Given that investigations, medical treatment documentation, and negotiations with insurance companies can take significant time, it is advisable to consult with a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident to preserve your legal rights.
Q: If I was not wearing a helmet during my motorcycle accident in Fort Worth, can I still recover compensation?
A: Yes, you may still recover compensation even if you were not wearing a helmet, but your recovery could be reduced. Texas allows riders 21 and older to ride without helmets if they have completed an approved safety course or have adequate health insurance coverage. However, even if you were legally permitted to ride without a helmet, insurance companies may argue that your decision contributed to the severity of your injuries under Texas’s modified comparative negligence rule. If they successfully argue that your lack of helmet use made your injuries worse, a jury could assign you partial fault, reducing your compensation proportionally. For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you are found 20% responsible for your injury severity due to not wearing a helmet, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help counter these arguments by proving that your injuries would have occurred regardless of helmet use.
Q: How does Texas’s comparative negligence law affect my motorcycle accident claim?
A: Texas follows the modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.001. This means you can still recover compensation as long as you were 50% or less at fault for your accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $200,000 in damages but found 30% at fault, you would receive $140,000 (70% of the total). Critically, if you are found 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation at all. This makes it essential to work with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who can investigate the accident thoroughly, gather evidence supporting your case, and counter any attempts by insurance companies to unfairly assign blame to you. Motorcyclists often face bias from insurance adjusters who assume they were riding recklessly.
Q: Is lane splitting legal in Texas, and what happens if I was lane splitting when my accident occurred?
A: Lane splitting is illegal in Texas. Effective September 1, 2023, Texas House Bill 4122 explicitly prohibits motorcycle lane splitting, making it a traffic violation subject to fines. If you were lane splitting at the time of your motorcycle accident, this could significantly impact your personal injury claim. Insurance companies and defense attorneys will likely argue that your illegal lane splitting contributed to or caused the accident. Under Texas’s modified comparative negligence rule, if you are found more than 50% at fault due to lane splitting, you could be completely barred from recovering any compensation. Even if you are found less than 51% at fault, your damages would be reduced proportionally. If you were involved in an accident while lane splitting, it is crucial to consult with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who can analyze the specific circumstances and determine whether the other driver’s negligence still entitles you to compensation despite your traffic violation.
Q: What damages can I recover in a Fort Worth motorcycle accident case?
A: In a Texas motorcycle accident case, you may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include measurable financial losses such as medical expenses (past and future), hospital bills, surgery costs, medications, rehabilitation, motorcycle repair or replacement costs, lost wages during recovery, and lost future earning capacity if you are permanently disabled. Non-economic damages compensate for subjective losses including physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, scarring, and loss of consortium (impact on spousal relationship). In cases involving particularly egregious conduct by the defendant, such as drunk driving or extreme recklessness, you may also pursue punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoer. Texas caps punitive damages at the greater of two times economic damages plus $750,000, or $200,000. Additionally, if you lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident, eligible family members may pursue wrongful death damages including loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and funeral/burial expenses.