In 1997, Texas made significant changes to its helmet law. Those changes have been proven to be deadly. In 2008 (the most recent year for which statistics are available), 516 motorcyclists died in Texas motorcycle wrecks.* Harris County had the greatest number of motorcycle fatalities that year, with 69 people losing their live in Harris County motorcycle crashes that year.
The Texas motorcycle wreck lawyers of Denena & Points understand the injuries sustained by bikers who have been hurt and by the survivors of bikers who have been killed in motorcycle wrecks. We work hard for the recovery of each of our clients – whether or not the victim was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Current Texas Helmet Law
Texas helmet law requires helmets for motorcyclists under the age of 21 and for motorcyclists over the age of 21 only if they have failed to complete a motorcycle safety course or they cannot provide proof of insurance with a minimum of $10,000 coverage for injuries in a crash.
Since Texas amended its helmet law to allow riders over age 21 not to wear a helmet, the number of motorcyclists who routinely wear helmets has decreased and the number of motorcycle fatalities has increased.
Lack of Helmet Use Leads to Fatalities
At least 316 of the 516 people who died in 2008 Texas motorcycle wrecks were not wearing a helmet. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that at least 120 of those 316 fatalities would have been prevented with a helmet. It is unlikely that a helmet would have protected the remaining fatality victims.
Denena & Points Will Fight for Your Right to Recover Damages – Whether or Not You Were Wearing a Helmet
Whether or not you were wearing helmet when your bike crashed, you can recover damages if another driver’s negligence caused your injuries. State law does not prevent Texas bikers who ride without a helmet from recovering damages and a helmet is not foolproof protection against serious injuries or death.
The Houston motorcycle accident attorneys of Denena & Points aggressively represent all motorcycle accident victims who suffered serious injuries, and the survivors of victims who lost their lives in bike accidents. Our highly efficient hands- on approach to the practice of law allows us to personally understand the injuries sustained by each of our clients and to zealously advocate for their recoveries.
If you want to work with a Houston motorcycle wreck lawyer who is approachable and aggressive, informative and professional, then please call Denena & Points today at (713) 807-9500, toll free at (877)-307-9500 for a free consultation.
*Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Traffic Safety Performance Measures for Texas