1. Crain Brogdon, LLP
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, truck accidents, vehicle accidents, product liability, premises liability, dram shop liability, civil liability for criminal acts
Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, motorcycle passenger injury claims, uninsured motorist motorcycle accidents, underinsured motorist motorcycle accidents
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical lien resolution, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, punitive damage claims, appeals, federal court litigation
Background: Quentin Brogdon has over 30 years of experience in personal injury trial law. He received his B.A. from Rice University and J.D. and M.B.A. (with honors) from University of Houston, where he served as associate editor of the Houston Law Review. Texas State Bar #03054200, licensed November 1989. Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Trial Advocacy by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and National Board of Trial Advocates. Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, American College of Trial Lawyers (Vice-Chair, Texas State Committee), and International Society of Barristers. AV-Rated Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell. Former President of Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Dallas Chapter of American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Dallas Trial Lawyers Association, and Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America. Has authored 90+ published articles on personal injury trial law. Recipient of Gene Cavin Award for Excellence in Continuing Legal Education (2025), Standing Ovation Award from State Bar of Texas CLE Program, Dan Rugeley Price Award from Texas Bar Foundation (2023), Thurgood Marshall “Fighting for Justice” Award (2018), and Don Bowen Distinguished Service Award from TTLA (2024). Federal court admissions include Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas, and Arkansas Eastern and Western Districts.
Location: 4925 Greenville Avenue, Suite 1450, One Energy Square, Dallas, TX 75206
Contact: (214) 522-9404 | [email protected] | https://www.crainbrogdon.com
Consultation: Free consultation available, contingency fee arrangement
2. McKay Law, PLLC
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, wrongful death, premises liability, drunk driving accidents, nursing home negligence, product liability, auto defects, animal bites, work-related injuries, medical negligence
Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, uninsured motorist motorcycle accidents, underinsured motorist motorcycle accidents, commercial vehicle accidents
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical lien resolution, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, 5th Circuit Court of Appeals representation, DTPA claims, civil rights cases
Background: Lindsey McKay is the Owner and President of McKay Law, PLLC, with over 20 years of combined experience with of counsel additions. Texas State Bar #24064154, admitted 2008. She graduated from Texas A&M School of Law (J.D. 2007) and University of Colorado, Boulder (B.S. Economics, minor in Spanish) in three years. In her first year as a licensed attorney, she was nominated by senior attorneys to argue in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals on a Civil Rights excessive force case, where she prevailed. Recently secured a $6,000,000 wrongful death verdict in a truck accident case. Member of Dallas Bar Association, American Bar Association, Dallas Trial Lawyers Association, and Texas Trial Lawyers Association. Previously worked at Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Legal Department.
Location: Sulphur Springs, TX (serves Grand Prairie and DFW Metroplex)
Contact: (903) 465-8733 | [email protected] | https://mckaylawtx.com
Consultation: Free consultation available 24/7, no fees unless case is won, contingency fee arrangement
3. Dashner Law Firm
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, premises liability
Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, road hazard accidents, uninsured motorist motorcycle accidents, underinsured motorist motorcycle accidents
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, comparative negligence arguments
Background: The Dashner Law Firm has a team of trial-tested attorneys serving Grand Prairie and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The firm provides dedicated representation for motorcyclists, developing comprehensive legal strategies to address bias against motorcycle riders and secure compensation for injuries and losses. The firm emphasizes prompt consultation after accidents to protect clients’ rights within Texas’s statute of limitations.
Location: Serves Grand Prairie and Irving, TX areas
Contact: (972) 793-8989 | https://www.dashnerlaw.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation available, contingency fee arrangement
4. The Cain Firm
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, premises liability, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, intersection motorcycle accidents, highway motorcycle accidents, uninsured motorist motorcycle accidents
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical lien resolution, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, punitive damage claims
Background: The Cain Firm brings over 85 years of combined experience among its attorneys. The firm has recovered millions of dollars for personal injury clients throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, including Grand Prairie. The attorneys focus on building strong cases through thorough investigation, evidence collection, and strategic negotiation with insurance companies. The firm emphasizes direct communication with clients and personalized legal strategies tailored to each case.
Location: Serves Grand Prairie and Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
Contact: Contact via website | https://www.cainfirm.com
Consultation: Free consultation available, contingency fee arrangement
5. Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, personal injury, premises liability, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, road hazard accidents, weather-related motorcycle accidents, intoxication-related accidents
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, medical bill management, insurance company communication
Background: Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC serves Grand Prairie and the surrounding DFW Metroplex. The firm recognizes that motorcycle accident cases often involve pre-existing biases against motorcyclists and insurance company tactics to minimize claims. The attorneys work to navigate these challenges while pursuing full compensation for physical and emotional injuries. The firm emphasizes client communication and making the legal process as straightforward as possible for accident victims.
Location: Serves Grand Prairie, TX and DFW Metroplex
Contact: Contact via website | https://brandyaustinlaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available, contingency fee arrangement
Motorcycle Accident Laws and Regulations in Texas
Statute of Limitations
Personal injury claims arising from motorcycle accidents must be filed within two years from the date of the accident under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003. Property damage claims also carry a two-year statute of limitations. Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years from the date of death, not the date of the accident. Claims against government entities require written notice within six months of the accident under the Texas Tort Claims Act. The discovery rule may toll the statute of limitations when injuries are not immediately apparent. Minors have until their 20th birthday to file claims (two years after turning 18).
Fault and Negligence Rules
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule with a 51% bar. An injured motorcyclist can recover compensation as long as they are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. If the motorcyclist is found to be 51% or more at fault, they are barred from any recovery. Compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the injured party. For example, if a motorcyclist is awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, they would receive $80,000.
Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
Texas law requires all motorcyclists to carry minimum liability insurance coverage: $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury (multiple persons), and $25,000 for property damage per accident (commonly referred to as 30/60/25 coverage). This liability coverage pays for damages caused to others but does not cover the motorcyclist’s own injuries. Proof of insurance must be carried at all times while operating a motorcycle. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is optional but recommended.
Helmet Laws
Texas has a partial helmet law. All motorcycle riders and passengers under age 21 must wear a DOT-approved helmet at all times. Riders 21 years of age or older may legally ride without a helmet if they have completed a state-approved motorcycle safety course OR have health insurance coverage that provides at least $10,000 for motorcycle accident injuries. Failure to wear a helmet is a secondary offense, meaning law enforcement cannot stop a rider solely to check helmet compliance. However, not wearing a helmet can be used as evidence of comparative negligence and may reduce compensation in an injury claim if head injuries are sustained.
Eye Protection Requirements
All motorcycle riders must wear eye protection (safety glasses, goggles, or face shield) unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windshield.
Lane Splitting and Lane Filtering
Lane splitting and lane filtering are explicitly illegal in Texas as of September 1, 2023, under House Bill 4122 (HB-4122). Motorcyclists may not operate between lanes of traffic moving in the same direction or pass another vehicle while remaining in the same lane. Two motorcycles may ride side-by-side in the same lane (lane sharing) with mutual consent. Police officers performing official duties are exempt from the lane splitting prohibition. Violations carry fines up to $175 per offense, and lane splitting can be used as evidence of comparative fault in accident claims.
Motorcycle Licensing Requirements
A Class M license or motorcycle endorsement on a standard Texas driver’s license is required to operate a motorcycle. Applicants must pass a written knowledge test and a riding skills test, or complete a state-approved motorcycle safety course. The motorcycle safety course certificate is valid for 24 months. Minors aged 15-17 must complete additional requirements and may have restrictions on their Class M license. A valid motorcycle license from another state removes the safety course requirement.
Passenger Requirements
Under Malorie’s Law (enacted January 2015), passengers may only ride on motorcycles equipped with a permanent passenger seat, footrests, and handholds. Passengers under age 5 are prohibited from riding on motorcycles (sidecar excepted). Passengers under age 21 must wear a DOT-approved helmet.
Equipment Requirements
Texas motorcycles must have: headlamp visible from at least 1,000 feet (headlights must be on at all times during operation), tail lamp visible from at least 1,000 feet, at least one rear-view mirror, functioning brakes, valid registration and license plates. Handlebar height cannot exceed 15 inches above the seat. Annual safety inspections are required (though inspection requirements were modified in 2025).
Damage Caps
Texas does not cap economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages, property damage) in personal injury cases. Non-economic damages (pain and suffering, mental anguish) are generally not capped in motorcycle accident cases unless a government entity is involved. Punitive damages are capped at the greater of: $200,000 or two times economic damages plus an equal amount of non-economic damages up to $750,000. Medical malpractice cases have separate damage caps.
Dram Shop Liability
Under the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, an establishment that serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or a minor may be held liable for damages caused by that person. This applies to motorcycle accidents caused by intoxicated drivers served alcohol at bars, restaurants, or other establishments.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
While not mandatory, UM/UIM coverage is recommended for motorcyclists. If available, these coverages provide compensation when at-fault drivers lack adequate insurance. First-party insurance claims (against your own insurer) have deadlines specified in the insurance policy, typically between two and four years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Texas, and what happens if I miss it?
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003, you have two years from the date of the motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This applies to claims for physical injuries, emotional distress, and property damage. If you miss this deadline, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case, and you will lose your right to recover any compensation. Wrongful death claims have a two-year deadline that begins on the date of death, not the date of the accident. If your claim involves a government entity (such as a city bus or state vehicle), you must provide written notice within six months of the accident under the Texas Tort Claims Act. Certain exceptions may extend the deadline, including the discovery rule for injuries not immediately apparent, legal disability for minors or incapacitated individuals, and tolling if the defendant leaves Texas.
How does Texas’s comparative fault rule affect my motorcycle accident compensation?
Texas follows a modified comparative fault system with a 51% bar. You can recover compensation as long as your percentage of fault does not exceed 50%. If you are found 51% or more at fault for the accident, you cannot recover any damages. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you are found 30% at fault, your recovery would be $70,000. Insurance companies and defense attorneys often argue that motorcyclists contributed to accidents through speeding, lane positioning, or lack of protective gear. An experienced attorney can help counter these arguments and establish the other party’s liability.
Can I recover compensation if I was not wearing a helmet during my motorcycle accident in Grand Prairie?
If you are 21 or older and legally exempt from wearing a helmet (having completed a safety course or carrying qualifying health insurance), your choice not to wear a helmet generally should not affect your right to compensation. However, if you were required to wear a helmet (under 21, no safety course, no qualifying insurance) or if your head injuries would have been reduced by helmet use, the defense may argue comparative negligence. Texas courts can consider helmet non-use when determining fault allocation, potentially reducing your compensation for head-related injuries. This is why documenting your helmet exemption status and the full extent of your injuries is critical in building your case.
What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident in Texas to protect my legal rights?
First, seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor, as some injuries like traumatic brain injuries may have delayed symptoms. Call 911 to report the accident and obtain a police report. Document the scene with photographs of damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and your injuries. Collect contact and insurance information from all parties involved, as well as contact information from witnesses. Do not admit fault or apologize, as these statements can be used against you. Avoid discussing the accident with insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney, as claims adjusters are trained to minimize settlements. Contact a motorcycle accident attorney promptly to protect your rights within the two-year statute of limitations. Preserve evidence including your damaged motorcycle, helmet, and protective gear.
What types of compensation can I recover in a Texas motorcycle accident case?
Texas allows recovery of economic damages including medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and earning capacity, property damage to your motorcycle and gear, and rehabilitation costs. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, physical impairment, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct (such as drunk driving), punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant, though these are capped under Texas law. If a motorcycle accident results in death, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death damages including funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. Compensation amounts depend on the severity of injuries, the strength of evidence, and the skill of legal representation in negotiating with insurance companies or presenting the case at trial.