Author: Shelby Benavidez
Contributing Attorney: Spencer Smith, attorney
If you ride a motorcycle (or share the road with someone who does), it doesn’t take long to realize that motorcycling is different from driving a car. There’s a sense of freedom that comes with riding, but there’s also a higher level of risk. Motorcycles offer little physical protection, which means even a minor mistake or moment of inattention can have serious consequences.
Motorcycle accident rates continue to be a major safety concern across the United States. While motorcycles make up a small percentage of registered vehicles, they account for a disproportionately high number of serious injuries and fatalities. Understanding motorcycle accident statistics, where crashes happen, and why they occur can help riders make safer choices and help drivers become more aware of the motorcycles around them.
In this guide, we’ll break down motorcycle accident statistics, including the most common causes of motorcycle accidents, where they tend to happen, and the injuries riders face most often. We’ll also take a closer look at Texas motorcycle crash rates, state laws, and what to do if you’re involved in a motorcycle accident.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
#1 Cause of Motorcycle Accidents
There seems to be a common misconception that motorcycles are dangerous because the rider is willing to take risks. They weave in and out of traffic, speed, and don’t pay attention to other drivers. While this may be true in some cases, it’s hardly the majority. In fact, the leading cause of motorcycle accidents is driver error by other motorists.
Many accidents with motorcycles are caused by drivers in passenger vehicles turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle or pulling out of an intersection without yielding to the motorcyclist. Motorcycles are much smaller than other vehicles, so other drivers either don’t pay close enough attention to spot the rider or misjudge their speed and pull out in front of them.
Motorcycle accident statistics consistently show that visibility and right-of-way violations play a major role in serious crashes. When a car and a motorcycle collide, the motorcyclist almost always bears the brunt of the impact.
Where Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Occur?
Contrary to popular belief, most motorcycle accidents don’t happen on rural highways or winding country roads. The majority occur in urban and suburban areas. Busy streets, multi-lane roads with frequent lane changes, areas with heavy commuter traffic, and intersections with traffic signals or stop signs are some of the most dangerous areas for motorcyclists.
Intersections are particularly dangerous because they involve turning vehicles, changing traffic patterns, and multiple points of conflict. Motorcycle crash statistics show that left-turn accidents at intersections are among the deadliest scenarios for riders.
Most Common Injuries in a Motorcycle Crash
If you’ve ever seen a motorcycle, it’s obvious that motorcycles don’t provide the protection that passenger vehicles do. Because of this, injuries in a motorcycle crash are typically more severe. Even when a rider wears all the proper safety gear, the force of impact can cause life-altering harm.
The most common injury in motorcycle crashes is traumatic brain injury (TBI), especially if the rider wasn’t wearing a helmet. Spinal cord injuries and paralysis, broken bones, and road rash are other common injuries.
Texas Motorcycle Accident Rates and Risks
Texas Is Rated #2 Worst State for Motorcycle Crashes
Texas consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous states for motorcyclists and is often cited as the second-worst state for motorcycle crashes. This may be because of the population size, longer travel distances, and higher speed limits, but our laws are also pretty lax compared to other states. With more motorcycles on the road and more miles traveled, Texas sees an average of over 9,000 motorcycle wrecks each year and 600 fatalities.
Texas Motorcycle Crash Rates
Texas motorcycle accident rates remain higher than the national average. Fatal motorcycle crashes account for about 15% of all vehicle crashes statewide, even though motorcycles represent a small share of registered vehicles.
Urban areas like Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin report high volumes of motorcycle accidents due to traffic density, while rural areas often see more severe outcomes because of higher speeds and delayed emergency response times.
Worst Roads in Texas for Motorcycle Crashes
Certain roads in Texas are consistently associated with higher motorcycle accident rates. Some of the most dangerous roads for motorcycle crashes in Texas include I-35, I-45, I-10, Hwy 59, and Hwy 290. This is likely due to higher speeds, frequent construction, and heavy traffic.
Texas Motorcycle Helmet and Eye Protection Laws
While some states require all motorcyclists to wear a helmet, that isn’t the case for Texas. Texas law requires all riders under the age of 21 to wear a helmet. However, riders over 21 may be exempt from wearing a helmet if they can prove they have completed an approved motorcycle operation training course and have health insurance that covers injuries related to motorcycle accidents.
Texas law also requires all riders to wear eye protection unless the bike has a windscreen. Violating motorcycle laws can increase the risk of accidents and may also impact a rider’s ability to recover compensation after a crash.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Immediate Steps After a Motorcycle Accident
The moments after a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights.
- Call 911 and report the accident.
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
- Move to a safe location if possible.
- Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and injuries.
- Gather contact information from witnesses.
- Report the crash to your insurance company.
- Contact a personal injury attorney with experience in motorcycle crashes.
Getting medical care as soon as possible is especially important in motorcycle accidents. Adrenaline can mask pain, which can cause severe complications with any internal injuries that aren’t visible.
How to File a Motorcycle Crash Insurance Claim
Filing a motorcycle accident insurance claim is usually very similar to a car accident claim. You should notify your insurance company as soon as possible and check your policy. Many insurance companies require you to report the incident within 24 hours. Document all medical visits, expenses, interactions with other drivers or witnesses, and maintain records of the police report, lost wages, and bike repair estimates.
Insurance companies are in the business of minimizing payouts to save themselves money, so be careful with what you say. They may ask you to provide a recorded statement, but we highly encourage you to speak with an attorney first. Anything you say could be used against you to downplay your injuries or switch the narrative to place you at fault. For example, if the insurance adjuster asks how you’re doing today and you say, “I’m fine,” or if you say, “I may have been speeding a little, I’m not sure,” these become ammo for the insurance company to pay you less than full value.
Choosing the Right Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Texas
Selecting the right motorcycle accident lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. There are a ton of personal injury attorneys in Texas, but the right attorney will have resources, experience, and willingness to go to trial. Their fierce advocacy should set them far above the rest.
So, when shopping around for a motorcycle accident lawyer, look for experience in handling similar cases. They should have vast knowledge of Texas motorcycle laws and a track record of successful results. Beyond that, though, you should feel comfortable talking to your attorney. If you’re feeling like just another file on a desk, that firm may not be right for you. Almost all personal injury attorneys offer free consultations, so make a few phone calls and decide which attorney would best handle your case.
Key Takeaways: Motorcycle Safety in Texas
Motorcycle accident rates and statistics highlight a clear reality: riding a motorcycle comes with serious risks. Understanding where motorcycle accidents happen, what causes them, and how injuries occur can help riders make informed decisions and encourage safer driving behavior from everyone on the road.
Whether you’re a daily rider, a weekend enthusiast, or a driver sharing the road, awareness is one of the most powerful tools for preventing motorcycle crashes and reducing their devastating impact.
Motorcycle Accident FAQs
How common are motorcycle accidents compared to car accidents?
Motorcycle accidents are less frequent overall but far more likely to result in serious injury or death compared to car accidents.
What is the leading cause of motorcycle fatalities?
Collisions with passenger vehicles, especially left-turn accidents at intersections, are the leading cause of motorcycle fatalities.
Are helmets required in Texas?
Texas requires helmets for riders under 21. Riders over 21 may ride without a helmet if they meet specific legal requirements.
What should I do if I’m injured in a motorcycle crash?
Seek immediate medical care, document the accident, and consider speaking with a motorcycle accident lawyer before dealing with insurance companies.
Why are motorcycle accident rates so high in Texas?
High traffic volume, long highways, year-round riding weather, and a large population all contribute to higher motorcycle crash rates in Texas.
