On average, more than one motorcycle rider dies per day on Texas roadways
We understand the feeling of freedom that comes with riding a motorcycle, but as injury lawyers, we are also very aware of the devastating aftermath of a motorcycle crash. That's why Hoover Rogers Law, LLP participates in Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month every May. Bringing attention to the severe motorcycle accidents in Texas can help others remember to be careful when sharing the road with motorcycle riders.
Why drivers should share the road with motorcycles
Motorcyclists are highly vulnerable on the roads, with an average of more than one rider dying in a crash on Texas roads every day. In 2023 alone, 599 riders lost their lives, and 2,483 suffered serious injuries in crashes. In the last three years, Wichita Falls has endured at least 10 deadly motorcycle accidents. Most of the fatal crashes occurred at intersections and highways on/off ramps, according to federal data. Specific locations include:
- Brook Ave at 3rd St
- Polk St at 5th St (US 277)
- Holiday St at 15th St by US 287/US 281
- Kell West Blv at Scott Ave (US 287)
- US 287 at N Beverly Dr
More than half of fatal motorcycle crashes result from collisions with other vehicles - often because drivers fail to notice motorcycles or misjudge their distance and speed. Many motorcycle fatalities are preventable. Drivers must watch out for motorcycles because:
- Motorcycles' small size can make them appear farther away than they actually are, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Factors such as congested roadways and distracted driving exacerbate the difficulty of seeing motorcycles in traffic.
'Look Twice' for motorcycles
Drivers who educate themselves on how to share the road with motorcycles safely can help reduce motorcycle accidents and save lives. This May, the Texas Department of Transportation runs a safety awareness campaign - Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles. The state shares the below tips to help drivers prevent dangerous motorcycle wrecks and improve overall road safety.
- Look twice for motorcycles. Always be vigilant and actively look out for bikers on the road, especially when changing lanes, turning, or at intersections.
- Give bikers extra space. Leave a greater following distance behind motorcycles than other vehicles to give them more room to maneuver and react to traffic conditions. Avoid encroaching into a motorcyclist's lane or passing too closely, as this can startle or intimidate them and increase the risk of accidents.
- Check blind spots for motorcyclists. Check mirrors frequently and properly adjust them to minimize blind spots, ensuring that motorcycles are visible before making any maneuvers.
- Always use your taillights, blinkers, and directionals early to indicate lane changes and turns, giving motorcyclists ample time to anticipate your actions and adjust their riding accordingly.
- Obey the speed limit and traffic laws.
Motorcycle accident lawyers fighting for maximum compensation
Motorcycle accident injuries often result in severe physical trauma due to the lack of protection afforded to riders. In a motorcycle wreck, catastrophic injuries, including head trauma, spinal cord damage, and extensive road rash, are common.
Consequently, medical expenses can skyrocket, coupled with profound changes in the injured individual's quality of life. Seeking fair and full compensation is essential to cover these significant costs and ensure access to the necessary medical care (past, present, and future) and support services for recovery and adaptation to life-altering injuries.
If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, Hoover Rogers Law, LLP is here to fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery. Contact us today for a free injury case consultation to learn how an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help. We have offices in Wichita Falls, TX, and Lawton, OK, and proudly serve injured bikers in both Texas and Oklahoma.