Motorcycles offer operators a sense of freedom on the road and the ability to connect with nature on a level that most motor vehicle drivers are unable to connect with. Unfortunately, this freedom on the road comes with devastating accident and injury statistics that can have tragic consequences on motorcycle operators and passengers. If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries.

The Texas Department of Transportation keeps careful records of motorcycle accidents, including injuries and fatalities, as well as causes of accidents.

In 2015, approximately 450 motorcyclists were killed in motorcycle accidents. This represents nearly 13 percent of all fatalities throughout the state in 2015 in motor vehicle accidents. However, the number of licensed motorcyclists in Texas represents only 7 percent of the total number of licensed drivers in the state. It is therefore clear that motorcyclists are more at risk of being involved in fatal accidents.

The numbers of motorcyclists killed and injured has increased dramatically over the last 15 years, from a low of below 300 in 2004 to a high of 550 in 2008. This spike could be due to a number of factors, but most notable is the advent of the smart phone during this time, causing increased driver distraction. Texas still has no statewide law which bans the use of cell phones while driving, although several local jurisdictions have implemented ones within set limitations.

While the amount of fatalities may seem like a relatively small number, the total number of fatalities and injuries of motorcycle operators and passengers nearly reached 10,000 throughout the state of Texas in 2015. This represents an increase of about 2,000 injuries and fatalities since 2003. The safety features of motorcycles and motor vehicles have increased over the last decade, so it remains a difficult issue for law enforcement to target the underlying reason for the high increase over the years.

The vast majority of accident and injury statistics report that the motorcycle driver experiences the bulk of all injuries. Passengers injuries represent only about 10 percent of all motorcycle injuries and fatalities. However, it is important for all motorcycle operators to ensure that they and their passengers are equipped with a helmet. A helmet does little to protect the rest of the body in cases of extreme collisions, but it can ensure that the victims protect their brain, the most important organ in the body.

While motorcycle accident injury and fatality rates are slowly decreasing, they still have a long way to go to get to the rate they were at only 12 years ago.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, do not hesitate to contact the Malley Law Firm. Tony Malley has years of experience in assisting his clients with their injury claims after a devastating accident leaves them injured and unable to work. Contact our Houston or Beaumont offices today for your initial free consultation.