What Percentage of Motorcycle Riders Get in Accidents in Texas?

Motorcycle riding in Texas is exhilarating, but it comes with inherent risks. Many riders and drivers alike wonder what percentage of motorcycle riders get in accidents in Texas. Knowing this statistic makes it easier to highlight the importance of safety precautions and the benefits of having professional personal injury attorney in Texas in the event of mishaps. Due to their size and speed, motorcycles are particularly susceptible to serious collisions on Texas’s congested roads.

About The Sharp Firm

At The Sharp Firm, we are a husband-and-wife team of attorneys with over three decades of experience practicing personal injury law. We are Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. We have been working together since 1992 and have developed the right blend of knowledge, compassion, and tenacity to guide our clients through the process of getting the compensation they deserve.

Motorcycle Accident Trends in Texas

Motorcyclists are at high risk for serious injuries on Texas roads. The latest statistics show 581 motorcyclists were killed and 2,534 were seriously injured in 2024. Over 50% of these fatal crashes involved the motorcyclist colliding with a vehicle, typically when a driver does not see the motorcycle or misjudges its speed or distance. The narrow size of motorcycles can create a perception of greater distance from oncoming cars, posing a high risk, especially in dense traffic.

Motorcycles account for a small percentage of registered vehicles but are involved in a disproportionately high percentage of traffic fatalities and injuries. For example, in 2023, they accounted for 15.5% of all traffic deaths, despite comprising only 0.6% of total vehicle miles traveled. Helmet use trends and urban versus rural road conditions significantly impact fatality and injury rates.

Motorcycle Accident Laws in Texas

Crashes can happen anywhere. In Texas, the chances of being involved in a motorcycle crash are higher on urban roads with clear weather and during the daytime. The most common cause of death is a collision between two vehicles. While motorcyclists can take numerous safety measures to reduce their chances of an accident, it is still possible to get into an accident due to another person’s error.

Motorcycle accident laws are in place to protect riders from serious injury. Helmets are an essential piece of safety gear for motorcyclists.

Texas Transportation Code §661.003 requires motorcycle operators and passengers under 21 years old to wear approved protective headgear, as specified by the Department of Public Safety’s motorcycle helmet safety standards.

Motorcycle riders above 21 years old can forego wearing helmets when they have either completed a safety course or have health insurance to cover crash-related medical expenses at the time of the accident.

Exercising Safety While Sharing the Road

Awareness is key to saving lives. The Texas Department of Transportation is urging drivers to check twice for motorcycles and share the road. Most motorcycle accidents are due to collisions at intersections, accounting for 40% of motorcycle deaths. The number one cause is still left turns, followed by tailgating and distracted driving. The department is asking motorists to train their eyes to see motorcycles, maintain a safe distance, and slow down on roads that are motorcycle-friendly.

Motorcyclists are more vulnerable than other road users. That’s why it’s important for everyone to take extra precautions on the road. Be especially careful when turning left and be aware of oncoming motorcycles.

Stay focused while driving to avoid distractions. Always check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes and maintain a proper following distance to avoid tailgating. Drivers should pass motorcycles carefully by providing them the complete width of the lane. Following speed limits and driving according to current road conditions helps lessen crash severity.

Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Due to the presence of numerous liable parties, insurance disputes, and substantial property and medical damages, motorcycle accident cases can be particularly challenging. A knowledgeable Texas motorcycle accident attorney can handle these complexities and ensure that victims are fairly compensated.

They are knowledgeable about the laws governing motorcycle accidents in Texas and know how to present compelling arguments supported by data and professional testimony. To ensure justice and protect rights, it is essential to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer.

FAQs

What Is the Motorcycle Fatality Rate in Texas?

Texas is one of the most dangerous states for motorcyclists and frequently has one of the highest motorcycle fatality rates in the country. Texas motorcycle accident statistics show that one or more riders die on Texas roadways every day. This is the result of traffic congestion, distracted driving, and the fact that it is more difficult to see motorcycles on the road.

What Percent of Motorcycle Riders Get in a Crash?

While statistics vary, it has been shown that motorcyclists are much more likely to be involved in an accident than other drivers. In fact, many riders will be involved in an accident at some point during their lifetime. Motorcycles become more accident-susceptible when visibility challenges combine with inadequate protection and driver distractions and fatigue on congested roads with high speeds.

Which State Has the Highest Motorcycle Accidents?

Florida tends to have the most motorcycle accidents and fatalities. This is also true for Texas and California. These states are among the most populous in the nation. They also have climates where motorcyclists can ride almost year-round, as well as congested highways and high traffic density. Tourist drivers are also a factor. For these reasons, these states are at the top of the list each year.

What Is the Fatality Rate on a Motorcycle?

Motorcyclists have a higher fatality rate than those in passenger vehicles. Motorcycles offer minimal protection, and even a low-speed crash can have serious consequences. The rider is many times more likely to be killed in a crash than the driver of a passenger car. Wearing a helmet and driving safely can reduce a rider’s risk of an accident.

Contact The Sharp Firm Today

The clients of The Sharp Firm benefit from more than 30 years of trial and appellate experience among our attorneys. We offer a free and honest evaluation of every case and, where appropriate, aggressively pursue our clients’ legal remedies from claim through trial and, when necessary, appeal with the benefit of our personal supervision and direction. Please contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation and discuss any concerns you may have regarding your case.