Texas Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Motorcycle accidents are a prevalent problem in Texas, resulting in hundreds of injuries and deaths each year. Motorcycles provide the driver with little physical protection during accidents compared to cars and other vehicles, so when there is a collision involving a motorcycle, the motorcyclist is likely to be injured.
While there are numerous reasons for motorcycle accidents, most are caused by negligence and could have been avoided. Because of the increasing popularity of motorcycles and scooters in Texas, coupled with an increase in the number of motorcycle accidents, the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) has “amped” its efforts to improve motorcycle safety.
Data from the TXDOT and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) demonstrates the magnitude of the problem of motorcycle accidents in Texas, as well as factors that contribute to the problem.
Motorcycle Accidents in Texas: A Continuing Safety Concern
As of 2025, motorcycle accidents remain a serious and ongoing safety issue across Texas. While the most recent finalized statewide data comes from 2022, these figures continue to shape current safety discussions and highlight risks that persist today.
Motorcycle Involvement in Texas Crashes
In 2022, 9,528 motorcyclists were involved in crashes statewide. Although this represents a slight decrease from prior years, the total remains alarmingly high and reinforces the continued danger motorcyclists face on Texas roadways.
Serious Injuries Among Motorcyclists
That same year, 5,264 motorcyclists suffered serious injuries. These numbers reflect the extreme vulnerability of riders, who lack the physical protection afforded to occupants of passenger vehicles.
Helmet Use and Injury Severity
Helmet use continues to play a critical role in rider safety. In 2022, 48 percent of motorcyclists who were killed or seriously injured were wearing helmets. While helmets significantly reduce the risk of severe injury and death, these figures also show that many fatal crashes still involve riders who are unprotected or only partially protected.
Motorcycle Fatalities Continue to Rise
Motorcycle fatalities in Texas have trended upward for several years. In 2022, 563 motorcyclists were killed, up from 556 in 2021. This increase continues a decade-long pattern that remains deeply concerning in 2025.
Motorcyclists’ Share of All Traffic Deaths
Motorcyclists account for a growing share of traffic fatalities. In 2022, 18 percent of all vehicle-related deaths in Texas involved motorcyclists, marking an increase from previous years and underscoring the disproportionate risks riders face.
Fatal Motorcycle Crashes
Texas records 556 fatal motorcycle crashes in 2022, up from 533 the year before. Despite representing a smaller percentage of vehicles on the road, motorcycles continue to have a significantly higher fatality rate than other types of vehicles.
Rural vs. Urban Crash Trends
Motorcycle accidents continue to occur primarily in urban areas. In 2022:
-
70 percent of motorcycle crashes happen in urban settings
-
30 percent occur in rural areas
This split remains consistent and reflects heavy traffic density and congestion in major cities.
Cities with the Highest Motorcycle Crash Numbers
Texas’s largest cities continue to lead in motorcycle accident totals. In 2022, Houston reports the highest number of motorcycle crashes, followed by Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and Fort Worth. High population density and increased roadway use contribute significantly to these numbers.
Risk Comparison: Motorcycles vs. Passenger Vehicles
Motorcyclists remain 27 times more likely to be killed in a crash than occupants of passenger vehicles and five times more likely to be injured. These statistics continue to highlight the elevated risks associated with motorcycle travel.
Why These Numbers Still Matter in 2025
The data shows that motorcycle accidents in Texas remain a critical public safety issue. Fatalities and serious injuries continue to rise, and motorcyclists face substantially higher risks than other roadway users. While helmet use helps reduce injury severity, it does not eliminate the dangers riders face.
These trends underscore the ongoing need for stronger safety measures, increased public awareness, improved driver education, and continued advocacy for motorcyclist protection. For the most current updates, riders and families are encouraged to review reports from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Motorcycles vs. Cars
Some accidents are the fault of the motorcyclist, while for others another driver or pedestrian is at fault. Negligence was involved in the vast majority of accidents as they involved either speeding or alcohol use. When a car or other motor vehicle is involved in an accident with a motorcyclist, the motorcyclist is likely to be seriously injured.
The sheer difference in weight and size of the vehicles put the motorcyclist at a disadvantage. The average motorcycle weighs 700 pounds while the average weight of a car is 4000 pounds, 8500 pounds for an SUV, 7500 pounds for a truck and 85,000 pounds for an 18-wheeler.
TEXAS MOTORCYCLE SAFETY & MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYERS
If you’re a motorcyclist, you already know the large responsibility that having a motorcycle can be. While dangerous, motorcycling makes for an excellent hobby and can often lead you on the best adventures. There are more than 400,000 motorcycles registered in the Lone Star State. However, with it being hazardous, it would be beneficial if you were driving carefully, wearing proper safety gear, and keeping on top of your motorcycle maintenance. If you’re out on your motorcycle in Texas, here are some of the top tips to keep you and those around you safe.
THE DANGERS OF MOTORCYCLES IN TEXAS
The Texas Department of Transportation reported that in 2017 more than 450 motorcyclists were killed in accidents. Another 1,887 drivers and passengers suffered from incapacitating injuries such as brain damage and spinal cord damage. These fatalities and life-altering injuries included drivers and passengers with and without helmets. The statistics for injury and death may be daunting, but there are proactive ways to protect yourself, your friends, and your family, and there is help available for those who have been injured in a motorcycle accident.
ROAD RISK FOR TEXAS MOTORCYCLE RIDERS
Motorcycle riders are in a unique position on the road in that they are exposed to dangers that are not met by automobile drivers and other motorists. As a result, motorcyclists must be aware of the risks and remedies available if they are involved in a traffic accident.
The Fatality Rate of Motorcycle Accidents in Texas Has More Than Doubled Since 1999
The fatality rate for motorcycle accidents in Texas has significantly increased over the past two decades. In 1999, there were 145 motorcycle fatalities in the state. By 2022, that number had risen to 563, marking a nearly fourfold increase in fatalities. This surge reflects a troubling upward trend in motorcycle accidents, with fatalities continuing to rise each year despite various safety initiatives and awareness campaigns.
The fatality rate, as a percentage of all motor vehicle fatalities, has also risen, with motorcyclists now accounting for 18% of all traffic-related deaths in Texas, compared to just 10% in 1999.
This increase in fatalities highlights the growing danger for motorcyclists, even as the total number of traffic fatalities in Texas has fluctuated. Safety measures such as helmet use, rider education, and improved road conditions continue to be critical factors in preventing fatal crashes, but the overall risks for motorcyclists remain disproportionately high compared to other vehicle occupants.
- Road Hazards: potholes, oil slicks, puddles, debris, ruts, uneven pavement, and railroad tracks can all be minor irritations for a car, but a major hazard to motorcycles.
- Avoid adverse weather conditions: Rain cuts your visibility and reduces your tires’ grip on the road. If you have to ride in the wind, be proactive in anticipating the potential push from the side by moving to the side of the lane the wind is coming from
HOW TO BOOST YOUR VISIBILITY IN TEXAS
When you’re out on your motorcycle, the last thing you want to be worried about is whether cars and other vehicles around you can see you. Here are six tips to help increase your visibility when you’re out on the road on your motorcycle and conditions are dark.
Top Tips to Increase Your Visibility and Safety While Riding a Motorcycle:
- Wear Brightly Colored Clothing
Opt for high-visibility gear in bright colors like neon yellow, orange, or green. This makes it easier for other drivers to see you, especially in low-light conditions. Consider jackets or vests with reflective elements to increase your visibility even more. - Upgrade Your Headlamp
Upgrade to a high-performance LED headlamp. These offer brighter and longer-lasting light, making it easier for you to see the road ahead and for other drivers to spot you, especially at night or in poor weather conditions. - Add Reflective Tape or Decals to Your Bike
Add reflective tape or decals to various parts of your motorcycle, such as the rims, frame, and helmet. These reflective materials will increase your visibility, especially at night or in low-light conditions, when headlights from other vehicles hit your bike. - Stay Out of Blind Spots
Always be aware of other drivers’ blind spots, especially when riding near larger vehicles. Stay visible and avoid lingering in areas where other drivers may not be able to see you. Make sure to adjust your speed and lane positioning to ensure you remain in their view. - Add Auxiliary LED Lights to Your Bike
Installing auxiliary LED lights on your bike can dramatically increase your visibility on the road. These lights can be mounted on the front or rear of the bike to help other drivers see you from a greater distance, especially in daytime or low-light conditions. - Ride in a Group
Group riding can be an effective way to increase visibility, especially in traffic. Motorcycles traveling together create a larger presence on the road and can be more noticeable to other drivers. Always make sure your group follows proper safety protocols and maintains a safe distance from each other.
TEXAS MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS AND HELMET USE: HOW TO SAVE A LIFE
Motorcycles can be extremely dangerous if proper safety precautions and careful driving are not employed. One of the biggest and most important precautions to take when riding a motorcycle is to wear protective gear. Helmets can absolutely save lives when it comes to motorcycling. When a person is wearing a motorcycle helmet, they actively protect not only their skull and face but also their brain and spine. Upon impact, brains can suffer traumatic injuries resulting in injuries as mild as concussions to as severe as paralysis or brain death. Helmets help protect against the dangerous results of a head impact during a motorcycle crash.
BENEFITS OF MOTORCYCLE MIRRORS IN TEXAS
Your motorcycle mirrors are one of your best resources to spotting potential hazards out of your immediate field of vision. Good mirror visibility is an important aspect of performance and truly contributes to overall riding enjoyment. The best way to get maximum visibility out of your motorcycle mirrors is to ensure you’re placing and adjusting them. Mirrors are good, of course, and can even make or break the safety of your motorcycle. However, you cannot rely solely on your mirrors to keep you safe and to help you avoid accidents.
DO NOT LANE SHARE IN TEXAS
In Texas, lane sharing is illegal. Lane sharing means that motorcycles ride between cars, passing over the solid yellow line or dashed white line or alongside cars within the same lane. Even if you think lane sharing will save you time or that your dexterity will eliminate any risk, you may be putting yourself or others in danger. You could fall into a blind spot, which can cause an accident and severe injuries to both you and the person in the cars around you.
MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE TASKS YOU SHOULD DO OFTEN
If you’re a motorcyclist, you already know the large responsibility that having a motorcycle can be. Here are five motorcycle maintenance tips that you should consider as a biker.
- Inspect your tires
- Check your oil
- Check or replace your battery if needed
- Inspect the frame of your motorcycle
- Change the air filter
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE IN A TEXAS MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT?
If you are in a motorcycle accident that results in a personal injury- no matter the severity—and you are not at fault, you may be eligible for compensation. If this may be your case, you should consult with a personal injury attorney with experience in motorcycle accidents so that you can better your chances of a payout in court.
We Can Help You
If a motorcyclist is injured in an accident due to the negligence of another driver, the motorcyclist can recover compensation for losses that result through a personal injury lawsuit. Compensable losses include property loss, medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
Furthermore, if a loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident, family members may be able to recover damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. If you are a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident, do not hesitate to contact a Texas motorcycle accident attorney at Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C., who will review the facts of your case and represent you through this difficult period.
CONTACT HERRMAN & HERRMAN IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ACCIDENTS:
We can help you if you have been harmed by the following:
- Car accidents – Our lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases. We will work to identify the party or parties at fault for the crash and build a case to demonstrate persuasively how the parties caused the accident and your injuries. We will seek fair and full compensation through a negotiated settlement or at trial if necessary.
- Truck accidents – Thousands of large commercial trucks travel the roads of Texas every single day. Unfortunately, careless truck drivers and trucking companies disregarding safety put innocent people at risk of serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers stand up to the trucking companies and insurers on your behalf.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcycle riders often suffer grievous injuries in crashes caused by other motorists. Too many motorcycle accidents in Corpus Christi are caused by careless drivers who don’t look for motorcycle riders or violate their right of way. Our personal injury lawyers will work to cut through the bias and stigma against motorcycle riders. Our goal is to seek the financial compensation that you’ll need to recover from a serious motorcycle accident and injuries such as bone fractures, road rash, or traumatic brain injury.
- Product liability – Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to make products that are safe for their intended uses and to warn consumers of any risks that may come with the product. When products have design or manufacturing defects or undisclosed dangers, the product manufacturer may be legally responsible for injuries suffered by consumers. Our attorneys can help you evaluate whether you have a valid product liability claim.
- Brain injury – Brain injuries can leave accident victims with disabilities that leave them unable to work or perform many tasks of daily living. Seeking compensation for a brain injury in an accident often proves incredibly complex. The brain injury survivor may seek compensation for anticipated future medical care and the medical care already provided. Our personal injury lawyers can help you through the difficult recovery process following a brain injury and will fight to make sure you have the resources you need.
- Spinal injury – Spinal cord injuries could cost millions of dollars of care over the course of the victim’s lifetime, especially when those injuries result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you deserve compassionate legal representation. Our attorney can help you determine whether you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injury and expenses related to living with the disability, such as making a home more accessible.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, your family deserves to seek accountability and compensation from those at fault for the wrongful death. Our caring and dedicated attorneys can help guide you and your family through this difficult and painful time and seek justice for your loved one.
