Driving a motorcycle in Austin, Texas, comes with unique challenges compared to operating a car. Motorcycle licensing requirements in Texas take these challenges into account to ensure drivers have the skills necessary to avoid crashes. To learn more, contact McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers at (512) 474-0222.
When a motorcycle accident does occur, these requirements may also play a role in determining liability for a legal claim. An Austin motorcycle accident lawyer from McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers can fight for compensation from a negligent driver if you were hurt in a crash that wasn’t your fault.
Since our opening, McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers has represented injured people in Austin, Texas, as they seek financial compensation from those responsible for their accidents. Our attorneys have over 40 years of experience, successfully recovering over $500 million in settlements and court awards for our clients.
After you suffer an injury in a motorcycle crash, our attorneys can provide the following legal assistance:
Vehicle drivers often operate carelessly around motorcyclists, which all too often results in a crash. If you were hurt in such a crash, contact McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with an Austin personal injury attorney and explore your legal options.
Unlicensed motorcyclists have about double the risk of a fatal motorcycle crash as licensed motorcyclists. As a result, every state in the U.S. requires motorcycle operators to obtain a motorcycle license. These licenses often require applicants to complete special training or pass tests designed to ensure they can ride safely.
Texas generally divides applicants into these three broad categories to determine their licensing requirements:
Riders who move to the state with a valid out-of-state motorcycle license can obtain a Texas motorcycle license upon surrendering their old license. The state waives both the knowledge and testing requirements for these applicants.
New applicants 18 or older must take a state-approved motorcycle safety course. This course includes classroom and hands-on instruction covering the following areas:
Students must pass the course’s written and road tests. Upon completion, the course administrator will issue a certificate and notify the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The applicant has 24 months after completing the course to visit a DPS office to finalize their application. Applicants who miss the window must typically retake the course.
At the DPS office, the applicant must provide evidence of their identity. The DPS usually waives any additional testing for applicants 18 or older since they already passed the course’s written and road tests.
Applicants as young as 15 can apply for a motorcycle license. However, applicants under 18 must pass the motorcycle safety course and either pass a driver education course or hold a learner’s license.
A parent or guardian must appear at the DPS office with a minor applicant to provide permission for the issuance of the license. Finally, the minor must pass a motorcycle road test even though they previously passed the safety course’s road test.
In Texas, the DPS cannot waive the road test requirement for applicants under 18.
It’s important to note that you are not automatically excluded from seeking injury compensation if you were riding without a motorcycle license when you were hit. Instead, liability for motorcycle crashes in Texas depends on negligence.
This means that if you were riding reasonably carefully and following Texas motorcycle laws other than the licensing requirements, you may still seek injury compensation from the other driver. In other words, another driver is not absolved of their liability for hitting your motorcycle just because you were riding without a license. They are still legally responsible for their actions.
For example, suppose that a vehicle driver failed to check their blind spot before changing lanes. You can still seek injury compensation for your lane change crash, regardless of whether you were licensed or unlicensed at the time.
On the other hand, getting properly licensed can protect your rights in a claim and help ensure you receive the full compensation you are entitled to. Without licensing, a car driver may be able to claim you share blame for the accident because you did not have the appropriate qualifications to operate a motorcycle.
In Austin, Texas, a motorcycle accident can cause serious injuries that impact you for the long term. The seasoned team at McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers can help you seek the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
Contact us for a free consultation with an Austin motorcycle accident lawyer to find out how we can fight for your future today.
