# Motorcycle Passenger Rights After an Accident in Texas | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Texas Laws for Motorcycles With Passengers 2. Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries 3. Motorcycle Passenger Rights in a Multi-Vehicle Motorcycle Accident 4. Motorcycle Passenger Rights in a Single-Vehicle Motorcycle Accident 5. What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident 6. Contact the Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help ![Motorcycle Passenger Rights After an Accident in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Motorcycle-Passenger-Rights-After-an-Accident-in-Texas-1-300x240.jpg) A total of 562 motorcyclists died, and [2,422 people were injured](https://www.txdot.gov/safety/traffic-safety-campaigns/motorcycle-safety.html#:~:text=On%20average%2C%20one%20motorcyclist%20dies,misjudge%20its%20distance%20and%20speed.) in [motorcycle accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/motorcycle-accident-lawyer/) in [Texas](https://www.texas.gov/) in 2022, according to the [Texas Department of Transportation](https://www.txdot.gov/) (TxDOT).  Some of these injuries and fatalities were the motorcyclists, while others were passengers. [The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration](https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycles) reports that motorcyclists are about [24 times more likely](https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycles) to be involved in an accident than occupants in passenger vehicles.  If you are injured in a [motorcycle accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/motorcycle-accident-lawyer/), you may wonder about your rights as a passenger. This blog post will fill you in on some of the important details you need to know. ## Texas Laws for Motorcycles With Passengers There are a few laws regarding motorcycles in Texas that may apply to your case. First, the rider must have a valid [class M license](https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/motorcycle-license) to legally operate a motorcycle in Texas. This requires the motorcyclist to take a [motorcycle safety class](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/texas-motorcycle-safety-courses/) and pass a written and driving test. No passenger under 5 is legally allowed to ride as a motorcycle passenger. Any passenger under the age of 21 must wear a helmet. The motorcycle must have a permanent passenger seat.  For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries Because motorcycles do not have a steel frame or other safety features to protect passengers, motorcycle accident victims often suffer serious injuries, such as: - Traumatic [brain injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/brain-injury-lawyer/) - [Spinal cord injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer/) - [Road rash](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/facts-about-road-rash/) - Biker’s arm - [Fractured bones](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/broken-bones/) - [Soft tissue injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/soft-tissue-injury/) These injuries can be expensive to treat. Many motorcycle accident victims suffer permanent injuries that prevent them from returning to work or have life-altering consequences. A motorcycle passenger may choose to file a [claim](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/claim-vs-lawsuit/) against the at-fault party to pursue compensation for the harm they have suffered. ## Motorcycle Passenger Rights in a Multi-Vehicle Motorcycle Accident Motorcycle passengers have the same right to file a claim against the at-fault party in a motorcycle accident just as they would in any other type of motor vehicle accident. There may be different parties who may be responsible for your injuries, including: - **The driver of the passenger vehicle**– Many motorcycle accidents occur because the driver of the passenger vehicle may not see the motorcycle and may collide with them when [changing lanes](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/lane-change/) or turning.  - **The motorcyclist**– The motorcyclist that was operating the motorcycle you were on may be responsible for the [accident if they were speeding](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/speeding/), lane splitting, or otherwise operating the bike in an irresponsible manner.  - **A product manufacturer**– Some motorcycle accidents occur because a part is defective. Texas law allows you to pursue compensation from any of the above parties and potentially others depending on the facts of the case. [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## Motorcycle Passenger Rights in a Single-Vehicle Motorcycle Accident You may still have the right to file a motorcycle accident claim even if there was not another vehicle involved. If the motorcyclist collided with a fixed object or simply wiped out, you may still have the right to pursue compensation for the harm you suffered. In these cases, the same parties mentioned above could also be liable.  Here, too, the facts and circumstances of your case will dictate your legal options. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can investigate the accident and determine who may be responsible for your injuries. Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident If you were a passenger involved in a motorcycle accident, there are steps you can take to protect your health and legal claim, including: - [Call 911](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/should-i-call-911-after-a-car-accident-in-houston/) and request an ambulance if anyone was injured - Report the accident to police - Seek medical attention promptly - Take pictures or video of the accident scene - Get the information from any other drivers involved - Ask witnesses for their contact information  A lawyer can help file an insurance claim on your behalf and pursue fair compensation for your injuries. Most motorcycle lawyers in Texas offer [free consultations](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-approach-a-free-consultation-with-an-attorney/) as well; you can reach out to receive legal advice and help at no cost to you. ## Contact the Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. As a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer, Brian represents clients throughout Houston in cases involving [car accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/), [truck accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/truck-accident-lawyer/), [motorcycle accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/motorcycle-accident-lawyer/), [brain injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/brain-injury-lawyer/), [wrongful death](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/wrongful-death-lawyer/), and more. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives across Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorney-brian-white-378410166) / [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrianWhiteLawFirm%2F/) / [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdkDcGkbY2GFTzpeTWypFQ?app=desktop/) / [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fattorneybrianwhite%2F%3Fhl%3Den&is_from_rle/) / [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/brian-white-and-associates-houston)   Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Motorcycle Accidents Blog Posts: [![Man and Woman Die After Being Thrown Off SH-99 Overpass in Motorcycle Crash](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Husband-and-Wife-Funeral-Farewell-000003529702_Medium-300x199.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/man-and-woman-die-after-being-thrown-off-sh-99-overpass-in-motorcycle-crash/) [Man and Woman Die After Being Thrown Off SH 99 Overpass in Motorcycle Crash](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/man-and-woman-die-after-being-thrown-off-sh-99-overpass-in-motorcycle-crash/) According to Harris County sheriff’s deputies, a man and a woman died in a motorcycle crash in northwest Harris [![Texas Laws on the Road: What’s the Smallest Street Legal Motorcycle?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Texas-Laws-on-the-Road-Whats-the-Smallest-Street-Legal-Motorcycle-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/laws-on-the-road-whats-the-smallest-street-legal-motorcycle/) [Laws on the Road: What's the Smallest Street-Legal Motorcycle?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/laws-on-the-road-whats-the-smallest-street-legal-motorcycle/) Motorcycles come in a fairly wide range of shapes and sizes. In some cases, a vehicle that you might regard as a [![Houston Citywide Electric Scooter Curfew](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Houston-Citywide-Electric-Scooter-Curfew-300x225.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/houston-citywide-electric-scooter-curfew/) [Houston Citywide Electric Scooter Curfew](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/houston-citywide-electric-scooter-curfew/) Recently, the Houston City Council voted unanimously to implement a citywide curfew on electric scooters and other [![Common Injuries After a Houston Motorcycle Accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/common-injuries-after-a-houston-motorcycle-accident/) [Common Injuries After a Houston Motorcycle Accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/common-injuries-after-a-houston-motorcycle-accident/) Riding a motorcycle is much riskier than driving a car in Houston, TX. Based on the miles traveled, --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/motorcycle-passenger-rights-after-an-accident-in-texas/