Houston
What to do after a motorcycle accident in Houston
The short answer
After a motorcycle crash in Houston, the crash-reporting rules are the same as for any collision in Texas. Texas also has its own motorcycle helmet law, with an exception for some riders 21 and older, and TxDOT runs a statewide motorcycle safety campaign; both are summarized below with their sources. InjuryClaimGuide is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
Key facts, as of October 22, 2026
- TxDOT reports that 557 motorcyclists died and 2,468 were seriously injured in Texas crashes in 2025. Source: TxDOT, Motorcycle Safety
- TxDOT's statewide motorcycle safety campaign is called “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles.” Source: TxDOT, Motorcycle Safety
- Texas law requires a driver in a collision that causes an injury, a death, or damage leaving a vehicle unable to be driven normally and safely to notify the local police department right away when the collision is inside a city. Source: Tex. Transp. Code §550.026
- For crashes inside the city, the Houston Police Department says its crash reports can be requested by mail from HPD, Records Division, 1200 Travis, Houston, TX 77002, with a $6 check or money order payable to the City of Houston. Source: Houston Police Department, Public Information
Motorcyclists face an outsized risk of serious injury even at lower speeds. Insurers sometimes assume the rider was at fault, so careful documentation matters.
Related guide: Texas motorcycle accident law: helmets, lanes and deadlines
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Related guide: How to get a crash report in Houston
Related guide: How to read a Texas crash report (CR-3)
Related guide: How to find a personal injury lawyer in Houston
Related guide: Who pays medical bills after a car accident in Texas
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Related guide: How long a car accident claim takes in Texas
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Related guide: Highest-injury roads in Houston (crash data)
What does Texas law say about motorcycle helmets?
- Texas requires a person who operates or rides as a passenger on a motorcycle on a public street or highway to wear protective headgear, except a person at least 21 years old who has completed a motorcycle operator training and safety course or is covered by a health insurance plan for motorcycle-collision injuries. Source: Tex. Transp. Code §661.003
- The same section says a peace officer may not stop or detain a rider only to check whether the rider has completed that course or has that health insurance. Source: Tex. Transp. Code §661.003(c-1)
Who writes the report on a motorcycle crash?
- An officer who investigates a collision with an injury, a death, or apparent property damage of $1,000 or more to one person must file a written report with TxDOT within 10 days. Source: Tex. Transp. Code §550.062
- Texas law sets the fee for a copy of a collision report at $6, plus $2 for a certified copy. Source: Tex. Transp. Code §550.065(d)
What lane rights does Texas law give motorcycle operators?
- A motorcycle operator is entitled to full use of a lane, and a motor vehicle may not be driven in a manner that deprives a motorcycle of the full use of a lane. Source: Tex. Transp. Code §545.0605(a)(1)
- The same subsection allows two motorcycles to operate two abreast in a single lane. Source: Tex. Transp. Code §545.0605(a)(2)