Source: DFW Injury Lawyers, TX
As a motorcyclist moving through Dallas, there is more to consider than just the open road or your next gas stop. With the city’s mix of urban traffic, construction zones, and fast-moving highways like the Dallas North Tollway, your safety should always come first.
Understanding Texas motorcycle helmet laws is not only key to protecting yourself physically but also plays a significant role in safeguarding your legal rights after a crash.
Whether you are riding through Uptown, navigating downtown congestion, or heading out toward Fort Worth for the weekend, knowing how helmet laws affect liability and how they factor into calculating motorcycle accident claim compensation could make all the difference if you are ever involved in an accident.
Is Wearing a Helmet Required in Dallas?
Under Texas law, all motorcycle riders under the age of 21 must wear a helmet. That includes both the driver and any passengers. If you are 21 or older, you can legally ride without a helmet, but only if you meet specific requirements:
- You must have completed a Texas Department of Public Safety-approved Motorcycle Operator Training Course or
- You must carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage specifically for motorcycle-related injuries.
So, if you are over 21 and want to ride without a helmet, you are legally allowed to do so, but only if you can prove you are financially prepared for the risk.
Can Law Enforcement Pull You Over for Not Wearing a Helmet?
Texas law says that police cannot stop or ticket you solely for not wearing a helmet as long as you are 21 or older and meet one of the two legal exceptions. However, law enforcement is not required to verify whether you have taken the training course or have the proper insurance during the traffic stop.
If there is a crash or other violation, though, you may be required to show proof after the fact. In other words, while the law allows some freedom, it also places the burden on the rider to comply and be able to prove it when necessary.
What Happens if You Are in a Crash Without a Helmet?
Suppose you are injured in a motorcycle accident, and you were not wearing a helmet. In that case, the other party’s insurance company may try to argue that you contributed to your injuries, even if the accident was not your fault. This concept is known as comparative negligence, and it could lower the amount of compensation you’re entitled to receive.
In the context of calculating motorcycle accident claim compensation, not wearing a helmet could make things more complicated, especially if you suffered a head or neck injury. The at-fault party might claim your injuries would have been less severe if you had been wearing one, and that could reduce your payout.
Helmets and Insurance: What to Consider
Even if you are legally allowed to ride without a helmet, your insurance company may see things differently. Some insurers may raise your premiums or limit your coverage if they determine that you regularly ride without head protection. It is worth reviewing the fine print on your policy or speaking with your agent to ensure you are fully covered.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding Dallas motorcycle helmet laws is more than just staying legal; it is about protecting your health, your rights, and your financial future. Whether you are choosing to ride with or without a helmet, be informed, ride safely, and know how your choices could affect you, especially when it comes to calculating motorcycle accident claim compensation after a serious crash. If you are involved in a crash, do not hesitate to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer.
