Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month Takes Place Every May

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, a national campaign that hits especially close to home in Texas. With open highways, year-round riding weather, and one of the highest numbers of registered motorcycles in the country, Texas sees more than its share of tragic motorcycle wrecks.

For drivers in Texas, this isn’t just a message for motorcyclists. It’s a reminder that every driver plays a role in keeping riders safe. A few small changes in how you drive could make all the difference between a close call and a catastrophe.

If you or someone you love was hit by a car while riding, a Fort Worth motorcycle accident lawyer from the Cain Firm can help you understand your rights and pursue full compensation.

Why is motorcycle safety a shared responsibility?

Motorcyclists don’t stand a chance against a car or truck in a crash. They don’t have airbags or steel frames to protect them. That’s why motorcycle accidents are often severe or fatal, even when the collision happens at low speeds.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), nearly 600 riders were killed on Texas roads in 2023, and many more were seriously hurt. In many of these cases, the driver of a car or truck was at fault. Riders can do their part by wearing helmets, using defensive riding techniques, and staying alert. But the truth is, even the most careful motorcyclist is vulnerable when the people around them aren’t paying attention.

What do drivers get wrong about sharing the road with motorcycles?

A lot of motorcycle crashes happen because of basic misunderstandings. Here are a few common examples:

• “I thought they were farther away.” Because bikes are smaller, they can look farther away than they really are. But they’re probably moving faster than you think.
• “I didn’t hear them coming.” Loud pipes aren’t enough to make a motorcycle visible. You won’t always hear a bike, especially if your windows are up or your music’s on.
• “They were weaving all over the road.” Not always. Sometimes riders shift within a lane to avoid potholes, oil slicks, or debris you wouldn’t even notice.

What are common dangers motorcyclists face on Texas roads?

Some of the most common hazards that put motorcyclists at risk include:

• Distracted drivers: Many crashes happen because drivers fail to see motorcycles while texting, adjusting the radio, or using GPS. Even a brief moment of distraction can be deadly.
• Left-turn accidents: Drivers making left-hand turns often misjudge a motorcycle’s speed or fail to see it altogether, leading to serious intersection collisions.
• Lane changes and blind spots: Motorcycles are smaller and easier to overlook. When drivers don’t check their blind spots, they may sideswipe a rider while changing lanes.
• Following too closely: Rear-end collisions may be minor between cars, but for motorcyclists, being hit from behind can throw them off the bike and result in catastrophic injuries.
• Road hazards: Potholes, loose gravel, uneven pavement, and debris can be deadly for motorcyclists, especially at high speeds or while cornering.
• Dooring: When someone in a parked car opens their door without checking for oncoming motorcycles, it can cause a rider to crash head-on into the door.
• Speeding drivers: High-speed collisions often result in the most severe injuries. When other drivers are speeding, motorcyclists have less time to react or avoid a crash.
• Impaired drivers: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs pose a serious risk to all road users, but especially to motorcyclists who don’t have the same physical protection.

How can you safely share the road with motorcycles?

The best thing drivers can do is treat motorcycles with the same respect and space you'd give a car, but with a little extra caution. Here’s how:

• Look twice before changing lanes or turning left: Check mirrors and blind spots carefully. Motorcycles are easy to miss, especially around larger vehicles.
• Give more following distance: Stay at least 4 seconds behind a motorcycle. Riders may brake suddenly or swerve to avoid road hazards.
• Use your turn signal early: Riders rely on your signals to anticipate what you’ll do next. Sudden lane changes are dangerous.
• Respect the motorcycle’s lane: Don’t try to share a lane, even in heavy traffic. Riders need room to maneuver safely.
• Slow down near intersections: That’s where many of the most serious crashes happen, especially when drivers turn left without seeing a rider coming straight through.

What happens if I'm involved in a motorcycle wreck?

Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be a devastating experience. But what you do next matters for your health and your motorcycle accident claim. The first thing you should do is get out of the line of traffic and to a safe spot, if you're able to move. Then, call 911 (or have someone call for you) to report the crash to the police and request emergency medical care.

If you're able to, document the crash scene and exchange contact and insurance information with the driver. Also, take pictures of the crash scene, including damage to your motorcycle, visible injuries, and nearby signs. When the police arrive, an officer will evaluate the crash scene and document their findings in a detailed report. You can later obtain a copy of this report from the responding law enforcement agency, or a lawyer can get it for you. This report serves as a basis for a broader investigation into your crash and can help prove liability.

During the aftermath, be sure to follow up with medical appointments and avoid speaking to the driver's insurance company. Insurance companies often have a bias against motorcyclists, and they use that bias to shift the blame. So, never speak to insurance companies without a lawyer present. Anything you say can, and likely will, be used against you.

Hurt in a motorcycle crash? Let our Fort Worth attorneys fight to maximize your compensation

If you were hurt in a motorcycle wreck, you’re probably dealing with more than just physical pain. Medical bills. Missed work. Insurance companies pressuring you to settle fast. It adds up quickly, and it’s a lot to handle on your own. That’s where the Cain Firm comes in. Our Fort Worth motorcycle accident attorneys are here to take the legal weight off your shoulders so you can focus on getting better.

When you work with us, we take the time to listen, look into the details of your motorcycle crash, and build a strong case that’s built around getting the best possible results for you. You deserve support, answers, and a team that has your back from day one. That’s what we offer.

Our firm has recovered millions for injured Texans, and we understand what it takes to win complex cases. Your consultation is completely free, and we don’t charge a thing unless we win your case.

If you’re ready to take the next step, contact us online today. Our law offices are located in Fort Worth and Granbury, and we serve clients across Texas.