Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Texas

By Laura Sharp

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Motorcycle Accidents

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Last Modified on Mar 06, 2026

Many people enjoy riding motorcycles throughout Texas, but all riders must acknowledge the inherent risks they face on their bikes. Motorcycle accidents have a much higher chance of resulting in severe or fatal injuries. All riders should know the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Texas and what they can do if they are injured. A skilled Texas motorcycle accident attorney is an invaluable asset to anyone in this situation.

Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Texas

The majority of the motorcycle accidents that occur throughout Texas each year result from driver negligence. This can be defined as any failure to exercise reasonable care, or a breach of a specific duty of care. All accidents in Texas involving multiple parties are resolved on a fault basis, so whoever is responsible for causing an accident is liable for the resulting damages.

The Texas Department of Transportation recorded 423,953 vehicle accidents statewide in 2024, which resulted in 2,263 fatalities, 11,458 suspected serious injuries, and 78,309 suspected minor injuries. When it comes to motorcycle accidents, nearly 600 people died in motorcycle crashes statewide in 2023, and about 2,400 riders suffered serious injuries. Motorcycle accident deaths in Texas increased 7% between 2022 and 2023.

A motorcycle offers very little physical protection in a crash, and the rider is likely to be thrown from their bike. This can result in many catastrophic injuries, from broken bones and friction burns to brain damage and spinal cord injuries. If another driver caused such an accident, you need to know how you can prove fault and hold them accountable for your damages. Motorcycle accidents often result from the same causes as other accidents:

• Distracted driving is a common cause of vehicle accidents in Texas each year, and motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to distracted drivers because of their small size. Texting while driving or anything else that diverts a driver’s attention away from the road can potentially result in a serious accident.
• Speeding is dangerous for any driver, and accidents that happen at higher speeds are more likely to result in catastrophic or fatal injuries. Excessive speeding could also lead to reckless driving charges against the at-fault driver.
• Moving violations will disrupt the flow of traffic, and motorcyclists are vulnerable to such actions, especially in intersections. Running red lights or stop signs, performing illegal turns, and failing to yield are just a few examples of how motorcycle crashes often happen throughout Texas.
• Intoxicated driving causes many vehicle accidents in Texas each year. It is illegal for anyone to operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and a driver who causes an accident this way faces criminal charges in addition to their civil liability for the damages they caused.
• Poor vehicle maintenance. Drivers must maintain their vehicles and address known safety issues as soon as possible. Any issue from a broken brake light to malfunctioning steering can potentially result in a serious accident. The driver or the party responsible for fixing their vehicle could be liable for the resulting damages.

Proving the cause of your recent motorcycle accident is crucial to your recovery. When you think another driver is responsible, it’s important that you hire a motorcycle accident lawyer at your first opportunity so they can begin gathering evidence immediately. Some of the evidence you may need to prove fault would be difficult to obtain on your own, and some won’t be obtainable for very long. The right attorney is a crucial asset in this situation.

Regardless of whether your motorcycle accident resulted from negligence or illegal misconduct, an experienced Texas motorcycle accident attorney is an invaluable asset to have on your side. They can help you build a stronger case against the at-fault driver and will know how to secure as much compensation as possible for your injuries. The Sharp Firm is ready to help with your case, so don’t delay in reaching out to our experienced team to speak with a Texas personal injury lawyer.

FAQs

How Do You Prove Liability for a Motorcycle Accident?

To prove liability for a motorcycle accident, you will likely require various types of evidence that your Texas motorcycle accident attorney can obtain on your behalf. Statements from witnesses, police reports, drivers’ cell phone records, and, if available, traffic camera footage could all be crucial evidence for your case. Hire a motorcycle accident lawyer right away so they can start gathering evidence immediately.

Why Are Motorcycle Accidents More Dangerous Than Car Accidents?

Motorcycle accidents are more dangerous than car accidents because a motorcycle provides very little physical protection from a crash. Additionally, a motorcyclist may suffer injuries not only from the impact of the other vehicle but also from hitting the ground at high speed. The risk of severe or fatal injury is much higher in a motorcycle accident than in a standard passenger car accident.

What State Has the Most Motorcycle Accident Fatalities?

According to 2023 data from the National Safety Council, Florida had the highest number of motorcycle accident fatalities that year, with 668 deaths. Texas ranked second in 2023 for the highest number of motorcycle accident deaths, with 598, and California had the third most deaths, with 583. These are also the three most populous states in the US, so they almost always have the highest annual accident rates in the country.

Why Should I Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Texas?

You should hire a motorcycle accident lawyer in Texas to have a better chance of success with your case. Even if you think that the fault for your recent accident is clear, the reality is that your case is likely to be more challenging than you expect. Hiring experienced legal counsel will significantly increase your chances of reaching a favorable outcome in your case, and you will be more likely to secure appropriate compensation for your damages with their help.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Texas are common causes of all other accidents, but motorcycle accidents have a much higher chance of resulting in catastrophic injuries. Every rider should know where to turn for legal help if another driver injures them in an accident. Contact The Sharp Firm right away to schedule a free consultation with a Texas motorcycle accident lawyer and learn how we can help with your recovery.