May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, a time to focus on the significant risks bikers face on the road in Texas and nationwide. When involved in a crash, the consequences for bikers can be severe. Unlike vehicle occupants, motorcyclists are exposed to the direct impact of a crash, leading to potentially life-threatening injuries.
With more motorcycles on the road during the summer months, the risk of motorcycle accidents increases, making it crucial to spread awareness about sharing the road safely with motorcyclists and protecting riders.
Texas bikers are at risk
Motorcycle wrecks happen everywhere, but they've become a serious problem in Texas. Almost 600 motorcyclists were killed in crashes in the state last year, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). In the same year, over 2,400 riders suffered serious injuries.
“It can be hard to judge the distance, size, and speed of a motorcycle, which is why we need to pay extra attention when sharing the road,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “We want everyone to get home safe, and that means drivers should be on the lookout for motorcycles and give them adequate space, especially when turning.”
TxDOT's "Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles" safety campaign aims to protect motorcyclists and promote safe driving habits for all road users. To prevent crashes, it's crucial to maintain alertness and always be on the lookout for motorcycles nearby.
Before changing lanes, signal your intent and thoroughly check blind spots to ensure you don't overlook a motorcyclist. Exercise caution when turning left and give priority to oncoming motorcycles, as judging their speed and distance can be challenging. Intersections pose a significant risk, so remain vigilant when approaching them. Provide motorcycles with ample space on the road, maintain a safe following distance, and adhere to posted speed limits. Above all, avoid distractions and give driving your full attention, as even a momentary lapse in concentration can have severe consequences.
Motorcycle accident injuries
Motorcycles' smaller size makes them harder to see, which increases the likelihood of accidents and the severity of injuries. When an accident occurs, motorcyclists are exposed to a range of potential injuries, many of which can be life-threatening or have long-lasting consequences.
- Fractures and broken bones: During a crash, bikers can be thrown from their motorcycle, leading to direct impact with the ground, vehicles, or other objects, resulting in broken arms, legs, ribs, or other bones.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Even with proper protective gear, the force of impact can cause the brain to move within the skull, leading to concussions, contusions, or more severe brain injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries: The impact from a crash can cause the spine to twist, compress, or fracture, leading to potentially permanent disability or paralysis.
- Soft tissue injuries: Following a crash, bikers commonly suffer sprains, strains, and tears to their muscles, ligaments, or tendons. This damage results in pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
- Biker’s arm: During a crash, bikers often try to brace themselves for impact with their arms, leading to nerve damage that can extend from the arm to the lower neck.
- Road rash: When bikers are involved in crashes, they often slide along the road surface. This friction can strip away layers of skin, causing painful wounds that can become infected if not properly treated.
- Internal injuries: The force of a collision can cause blunt force trauma to the torso, leading to injuries to organs such as the liver, kidneys, and spleen, which, because they are internal, may not be immediately apparent.
Get the legal help you deserve with a motorcycle accident lawyer
At Colby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law, P.C., we are dedicated to protecting the legal rights of injured motorcyclists. We understand the unique challenges bikers face after a motorcycle accident. Our team is committed to providing professional and experienced legal representation to guide you through every step of the way. We work tirelessly to secure our clients the compensation they need and deserve. If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident in Fort Worth, TX, contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation. We are here to support you. Let us help you on the road to recovery and justice.
"I would highly recommend Coby Wooten. He is a fantastic lawyer who is very responsive and trustworthy. Coby is intelligent, professional, and genuinely cares about you." — Actual client.