Texas is home to hundreds of thousands of motorcycles, more than most other states due to its year-round riding weather, sprawling roads, and diverse scenery.
Unfortunately, Texas also leads the country in motorcycle accidents. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there were 7,481 motorcycle crashes across the state in 2022, causing injuries to 1,856 motorcyclists and killing 482.
Because motorcycles offer little protection in the event of a crash, riders are susceptible to life-changing injuries. Some types of injuries occur more often than others; this blog post will explain some of the most common.
Broken Bones
Even when wearing all the right safety gear (as one always should while riding a bike), broken bones and fractures occur frequently in motorcycle accidents. Oftentimes, the motorcyclist will be ejected from their vehicle and hit the ground. In other accidents, the rider is struck by a vehicle or collides with an object.
Road Rash
Road rash is a type of abrasion caused by friction; it is also considered a type of burn injury. In the context of a motorcycle crash, road rash results when the rider’s skin drags along the roadway.
What many don’t realize is that a rider can still sustain road rash even when clothed. In fact, certain types of clothing, such as jeans that aren’t made specifically for riding, can actually make the problem worse. In severe cases, a skin graft may be required to help treat the injury if the improper clothing becomes embedded.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
The brain is the most important organ in the body, and an injury can have serious and long-term implications. A concussion is considered a “minor” traumatic brain injury, but the effects can lead to severe and lasting consequences.
Texas law doesn’t require motorcyclists ages 21 or over to wear helmets. Those who don’t wear a helmet are significantly more likely to suffer a traumatic brain injury in an accident. So, even if its legal to ride without one, it’s always a good idea to wear a helmet.
Crushing Injuries
Motorcycles can weigh upwards of 1,000 pounds or more, and the average car weighs around 4,100. In many motorcycle crashes, the rider is pinned underneath their bike or ejected, landing under the other vehicle involved in the wreck.
In either scenario, crushing injuries can lead to internal bleeding, organ damage, nerve damage, and many other serious injuries.
What Can I Do To Reduce My Risk of Getting Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycles are much more dangerous to operate than are most other motor vehicles. Nonetheless, there are many steps you can take to help prevent the injuries discussed above. These include:
- Always wear full protective gear while riding your motorcycle. While it’s true that injuries can happen regardless of what you are wearing, it’s also the case that having the right clothing on can make the situation much less severe.
- Consistently improve your riding skills. Although many riders in the state have taken a safety course (as doing so is generally required to get a license), it’s a good idea to have additional training on a regular basis.
- Ride defensively and appropriately for the conditions at all times. This means avoiding “road rage,” no matter how the other drivers on the road are behaving. It also means being hypervigilant of your surroundings and constantly staying aware of what’s ahead.
- Ensure your bike is properly maintained. This means regularly checking your tire pressure, oil levels, tire tread life, headlight operation, and more. It also means having your motorcycle serviced as necessary.
Of course, sometimes a crash can occur even when you do everything right. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident that was someone else’s fault, you can be entitled to substantial compensation. Contact our Undefeated motorcycle accident attorneys to learn about your legal options.
Contact Our Undefeated Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for Help Today
With Billions won and the largest accident verdicts and settlements in Texas, our Undefeated Motorcyle Accident Lawyers don’t just win – we set records.
If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle crash, please contact our Undefeated Motorcycle Accident attorneys at Zehl & Associates to schedule a free consultation today.
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
306 W Wall St Suite 701, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 220-0000