In Texas, motorcyclists are subject to the same speed restrictions as other vehicles. All motorcyclists are required to drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent.
Per mile driven, motorcyclists are about 14 times more likely than persons in a car to die in a motor vehicle crash, and they're about 3 times more likely to be injured. While motorcycles make up less than 2 percent of all registered vehicles in the U.S., motorcyclists account for 6 percent of total traffic deaths. Almost half (42 percent) of all motorcyclist fatalities in 1999 resulted from crashes in seven states: 182 in Texas, 177 in Florida, 120 in Ohio, 111 in Pennsylvania, 107 in New York, and 106 in North Carolina. In 1999, 41 percent of all motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes were speeding, approximately twice the rate for drivers of passenger cars or light trucks. The percentage of alcohol involvement was more than 50 percent higher for motorcyclists than for drivers of passenger vehicles.
Wearing a helmet lowers a motorcycle rider's risk of fatal injury by 29 percent and reduces the risk of traumatic brain injury by 67 percent. Despite the documented effectiveness of helmets, many motorcyclists choose not to wear them, especially when state laws don't require helmet use. Currently, less than half of the states require helmet use by riders of all ages. NHTSA estimates that helmets saved the lives of 1,546 motorcyclists in 2005. And if all motorcyclists had worn helmets, an additional 728 lives could have been saved.
In all motorcycle accident cases it is essential that measures be taken promptly to preserve evidence, investigate the accident in question, and to enable physicians or other expert witnesses to thoroughly evaluate any injuries. If you or a loved one is a victim of a motorcycle accident, call The Law Offices of Alexander M. Gurevich now at (877) 224-9610 (toll free) or (713) 224-9600. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to accept your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary award or recovery of funds. Don’t delay! You may have a valid claim and be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but a claim must be settled or a lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations expires.
The above is not legal advice. That can only come from a qualified attorney who is familiar with all the facts and circumstances of a particular, specific case and the relevant law.
