Warm weather almost year-round means that Texas highways and city streets see plenty of motorcycle riders zipping in and out of traffic. Motorcycles lack the protection of a car or a truck, though, which means that the bike driver will often suffer grievous injuries in an accident.
Motorcycle insurance can cover the medical bills and damage to the motorcycle in an accident, but is it required to have insurance to ride a bike?
Insurance Requirements for Texas Motorcycle Riders
Some states require motorcycle riders to carry more insurance than car drivers, but Texas doesn’t. Whether you wish to ride a motorcycle or drive a car, the Lone Star State’s insurance requirements are the same:
- A minimum of $25,000 coverage for property damage
- A minimum of $30,000 in liability insurance to cover bodily injury to one person
- At least $60,000 liability insurance to cover bodily injury to more than one person
These are just the minimum requirements. A motorcycle rider may opt to purchase more insurance. Considering how badly someone can get hurt if they wreck their bike, medical bills can quickly surpass the $30,000 minimum coverage.
Motorcycle insurance covers liability if the motorcyclist causes the accident, too, compensating the other driver for any damage to their vehicle and injuries they suffered in the wreck.
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What If I Don’t Have Motorcycle Accident Insurance in Texas?
Legally, Texas motorcycle riders must carry financial responsibility for damages in any accident they cause. This usually means their insurance policy, but absent an insurance policy, the financial responsibility would be on the at-fault rider or driver themselves.
If you don’t have motorcycle insurance and are in a wreck, the other driver can come after your personal assets to recover damages. If you cause an accident and don’t have insurance, you could get a traffic citation, and the more damage you cause, the more serious the citation and associated penalties will be.
Other Requirements for Driving a Motorcycle in Texas
Motorcycle riders in Texas must hold a valid Class M motorcycle license. The requirements for this license are the same as a regular Class A license, plus the applicant must have completed a motorcycle safety course approved by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
If you move to Texas from another state and have a motorcycle license in that state, you don’t have to take the Texas motorcycle safety course to obtain a Texas motorcycle license.
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Is It Worth Buying Additional Texas Motorcycle Insurance?
Even after taking a motorcycle safety course, learning how to properly lay down the bike if you get in a wreck, and wearing all the proper safety gear, you could still suffer catastrophic injuries in a motorcycle accident.
Some of the most common injuries after a wreck include:
- Concussion or traumatic brain injury
- Broken bones and features
- Crushing injuries, internal bleeding, and internal organ damage
- Involuntary amputations
- Neck, back, and spine damage
- Partial or total paralysis
Many people suffer more than one of these injuries after a wreck, and some may be left unable to work again or even unable to live independently. An insurance policy of $30,000 won’t go very far in covering hospital stays, surgery, and physical therapy or the cost of recovery in a nursing home.
Purchasing a larger policy gives you additional protection when the unthinkable happens.
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Contact the Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help
Even if the driver who struck you while you were on your bike has insurance coverage, you still may have difficulty getting an adequate settlement. A Texas personal injury lawyer can help pursue your claim so all your medical bills are covered.
Contact the Houston personal injury law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers at (713) 500-5000.
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About the Author Brian White
Brian White earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer.
Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and community initiatives.
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