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August 17, 2023
- Motorcycle Accidents
- By Cesar Ornelas
It keeps getting worse in Texas for motorcyclists. According to the state’s Department of Transportation, 562 motorcycle riders were killed in crashes in 2022. That’s an increase of 8% over the prior year.
Texas is also a leading state in the U.S. when it comes to motorcycle injuries and fatalities, so people on motorcycles are more vulnerable on Texas roadways. Drivers of other vehicles need to take additional care at intersections, when turning in front of oncoming traffic, or while changing lanes. When they don’t, serious injuries can result for motorcyclists. Anyone involved in a crash should consult with a motorcycle accident attorney in El Paso right away.
Texas Motorcycle Accident Percentages
In a recent year, there were almost 7,500 motorcycle accidents reported in Texas, resulting in over 1,850 serious injuries. Texas also has around 343,000 registered motorcyclists in the state, which means about two percent of motorcyclists get into accidents yearly. Further, motorcycles are involved in about 12 percent of reported Texas traffic crashes.
Motorcycle Safety Programs in the Lone Star State
Texans seriously consider motorcycle safety, including the celebration of National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May. The state also supports a yearly safety campaign, “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles.” Both programs aim to educate riders and drivers about staying mindful of certain safety precautions – precautions that can prevent motorcycle mishaps and deaths.
Despite these programs, drivers continue to act negligently and crash into motorcyclists, often causing serious injuries or death.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in TX
Motorcycle accidents can happen for many reasons, often involving driver negligence. Some common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Lack of visibility – Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than other vehicles on the road, making it challenging for drivers of larger vehicles to see them, especially in blind spots or when they do not pay proper attention.
- Distracted driving – Drivers who are texting, using smartphones, or engaging in other distractions can fail to notice motorcyclists nearby, resulting in collisions.
- Speeding – Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions or road hazards, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Alcohol and drug use – Impaired driving, whether by alcohol or drugs, significantly impairs a driver’s coordination and judgment, making accidents more likely.
- Road hazards – Uneven surfaces, potholes, gravel, and debris on the road can be more hazardous for motorcyclists than for larger vehicles, potentially leading to loss of control.
- Left-turn accidents – Collisions often occur when a motorist fails to yield to an oncoming motorcycle while making a left turn at an intersection.
- Car doors – Motorcycles passing closely parked cars are at risk of accidents if a driver opens their car door without checking for approaching motorcycles.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer About Your Personal Injury Claim
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident where you believe the other driver was at fault, you need to speak to an attorney right away. Take your case to Cesar Ornelas Injury Law. Discuss your claim today so you can receive the compensation you need.
Originally from Kyle, Texas, Mr. Ornelas is a first-generation college graduate and a first-generation attorney.
Licensed in Texas, Cesar Ornelas’s nationwide practice is entirely contingency fee-based and consists of a wide variety of catastrophic personal injury and death cases. He has represented countless victims of catastrophic accidents across the United States.
