Motorcycles offer freedom and fuel efficiency on Texas roads. But they also leave riders far more exposed than people in cars or trucks.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Texas leads the nation in motorcycle fatalities. Hundreds of riders are killed each year, and thousands more suffer serious injuries.
Many of these crashes are not rare or unavoidable. Most happen because of common and preventable safety mistakes.
At Herrman & Herrman Motorcycle Accident Lawyers, we represent injured riders across Texas. We see the same crash patterns again and again. Knowing these mistakes can help riders stay safer and help injured riders understand how and why accidents happen.
Below are the top 10 motorcycle safety mistakes that most often lead to serious injuries in Texas.
1. Not Wearing Proper Protective Gear
Riding without proper gear is one of the most dangerous mistakes a motorcyclist can make.
Texas law allows some riders to go without a helmet. However, TxDOT data shows that helmets greatly reduce the risk of fatal head injuries.
Riders without protective gear are much more likely to suffer:
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Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
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Severe road rash that may require skin grafts
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Facial fractures and permanent scarring
In a state where approximately 580 motorcyclists die each year, protective gear can mean the difference between walking away and a life-altering injury.
2. Speeding or Riding Too Fast for Conditions
Speed plays a major role in Texas motorcycle crashes.
High speeds reduce reaction time and increase stopping distance. They also increase the force of impact during a crash.
TxDOT reports show that speeding is a factor in a large percentage of fatal motorcycle accidents. What might be survivable at a lower speed often becomes deadly at higher speeds.
3. Assuming Other Drivers See You
Many riders assume drivers can see them. This is a dangerous mistake.
Motorcycles are smaller than cars and harder to judge for distance and speed. Drivers often fail to notice them.
This issue is especially common at intersections. In Texas, nearly one in three motorcycle fatalities happens at an intersection. Many involve a driver turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle.
4. Riding in Vehicle Blind Spots
Blind spots are extremely dangerous for motorcyclists, especially on highways and multi-lane roads.
Cars, SUVs, and large trucks may not see a motorcycle riding next to them. These crashes often happen when a driver changes lanes.
Common results include:
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Lane-change collisions
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Sideswipe crashes
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Riders being forced off the road
These accidents frequently cause severe spinal, orthopedic, and head injuries.
5. Ignoring Road Hazards
Road hazards that barely affect cars can be deadly for motorcycles.
Common hazards on Texas roads include:
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Gravel and loose debris
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Potholes and uneven pavement
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Oil slicks
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Construction zones
Loss-of-control crashes caused by road hazards often lead to:
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Broken bones
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Head injuries
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Severe abrasions
Poor road maintenance is a recurring factor in motorcycle injury claims.
6. Riding Under the Influence
Alcohol and drugs severely affect balance, judgment, and coordination.
Even small amounts of alcohol increase the risk of a motorcycle crash. TxDOT reports consistently show that a large percentage of fatal motorcycle accidents involve alcohol impairment.
This is one of the most preventable and most deadly riding mistakes.
7. Lack of Proper Training or Experience
Motorcycles handle very differently than cars, especially in emergencies.
Many serious crashes involve riders who never received formal training.
Common mistakes among untrained riders include:
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Panic braking
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Overcorrecting in curves
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Improper swerving
Texas offers motorcycle safety courses that can greatly reduce crash risk, yet many riders never take them.
8. Following Too Closely
Tailgating is dangerous in any vehicle. On a motorcycle, it can be fatal.
When a vehicle stops suddenly, riders may have no time or space to react.
These crashes often result in:
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Riders being thrown from the motorcycle
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Severe neck and back injuries
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High-impact trauma
Maintaining a safe following distance is a simple but critical safety rule.
9. Riding While Fatigued or Distracted
Fatigue and distraction are often underestimated.
Long rides, Texas heat, dehydration, and lack of rest can slow reaction times. Distractions such as GPS adjustments or Bluetooth communication can delay reactions by just enough to cause a crash.
On a motorcycle, even a short delay can have devastating consequences.
10. Poor Motorcycle Maintenance
Mechanical failure on a motorcycle can quickly turn deadly.
Common maintenance issues include:
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Worn or underinflated tires
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Brake failures
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Lighting problems
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Chain or belt issues
TxDOT crash reports often cite vehicle defects as contributing factors in serious motorcycle accidents. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential for rider safety.
The Real Impact of Motorcycle Safety Mistakes in Texas
Each year in Texas:
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Over 9,000 motorcycle crashes occur
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More than 2,500 riders suffer serious injuries
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About 1.3 motorcyclists die every day
These are not just statistics. They represent families whose lives are permanently changed by preventable crashes.
While riders can reduce risk, many accidents are caused by negligent drivers, unsafe roads, or dangerous conditions beyond a rider’s control.
How Herrman & Herrman Helps Injured Motorcyclists
Insurance companies often try to blame motorcyclists after a crash. We know these tactics and fight back.
Herrman & Herrman Motorcycle Accident Lawyers pursue compensation for:
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Medical bills
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Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
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Pain and suffering
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Long-term rehabilitation
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Wrongful death damages
We focus on holding the right parties accountable.
Talk to a Texas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident anywhere in Texas, you do not have to handle the legal process alone.
Motorcycle injury claims require experienced legal representation and a deep understanding of Texas traffic laws and crash data.
Contact Herrman & Herrman today for a free consultation.
We are proud to stand up for injured riders across Texas — and we always put YOU First.
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.
