7 Common Motorcycle Crashes and How to Avoid Them

The most common motorcycle accidents follow a handful of patterns, and the most frequent fatal one involving another vehicle is a driver turning left across a rider’s path. In 2023, the other vehicle was turning left in 46% of fatal two-vehicle motorcycle crashes nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That makes a driver’s failure to yield one of the primary causes of motorcycle crashes with another vehicle.

Texas sees the same danger. The Texas Department of Transportation counted 557 motorcyclists killed and 2,468 injured statewide in 2025, including 48 killed in the San Antonio and New Braunfels area, Texas Public Radio reported. Fatal motorcycle crashes happen mostly on everyday roads: nationwide in 2023, 65% of motorcyclist deaths were in urban areas and 92% were off interstates. Each common crash comes with riding habits that lower the risk and a Texas traffic rule that decides who should have yielded.

1. A Driver Turns Left in Front of the Motorcycle

Under Section 545.152 of the Texas Transportation Code, a driver turning left must yield to oncoming traffic that is already in the intersection or close enough to be an immediate hazard. Federal safety officials warn that a motorcycle’s small size can lead drivers to misjudge its speed and distance. Riders lower the risk by covering the brakes near intersections, easing off when a car waits to turn, and choosing a lane position that keeps them visible.

When a turning driver disputes fault, Texas divides responsibility by percentage: a rider found more than 50% responsible recovers nothing, and a smaller share reduces the recovery. That makes how fault is determined in a motorcycle accident central to a left-turn claim.

2. A Driver Changes Lanes Into the Rider

On a road with marked lanes, Section 545.060 requires a driver to stay as nearly as practical within one lane and to leave it only when the move is safe. A motorcycle can disappear into a car’s blind spot. Riders avoid this crash by not lingering beside a car’s rear corner and by riding where they can see the driver’s mirrors.

3. A Car Pulls Out of a Driveway or Parking Lot

A driver about to enter or cross a road from a driveway, alley, building, or private road must yield to vehicles approaching on that road under Section 545.155. Near busy driveways and shopping-center exits, riders do best to assume they have not been seen, roll off the throttle, and pick a braking point before they reach the gap.

4. The Motorcycle Is Hit From Behind

Texas requires drivers to keep an assured clear distance so they can stop without hitting the vehicle ahead, under Section 545.062. A rider who slows by downshifting does not turn on the brake light. Tapping the brakes to flash the light, stopping in gear, and watching the mirror until the car behind has stopped all leave room to escape.

5. A Car Door Opens Into the Rider’s Path

Texas law bars anyone from opening a vehicle door on the side facing moving traffic unless it can be done in reasonable safety without interfering with traffic, under Section 545.418. The danger is greatest beside parked cars and vehicles stopped to drop off passengers, so riders leave a door’s width of space and slow down there.

6. The Rider Loses Traction in a Curve

Not every crash involves another vehicle: in 2023, 24% of motorcycles in fatal crashes struck a fixed object, such as a guardrail, pole, or tree. Riders use two terms for falling off a motorcycle in a curve: a lowside is when the tires slide out and the bike goes down on its side, and a highside is when the rear tire suddenly grips again and throws the rider over the top.

Slowing before the curve rather than in it, looking through the turn, and watching for gravel, oil, or wet pavement keep the tires gripping.

7. Speed or Alcohol Turns a Mistake Into a Crash

Speed and alcohol make every other crash pattern more dangerous. In 2023, 36% of motorcycle riders in fatal crashes were speeding, and 41% of riders killed in single-vehicle crashes were alcohol-impaired.

Higher speed also means a harder impact, which is where a helmet matters most. Head injury is a leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. Texas requires protective headgear for riders and passengers under Section 661.003 of the Texas Transportation Code, though a rider who is at least 21 may ride without one after completing an approved safety course or while carrying qualifying health insurance.

Talk to Us After One of These Common Motorcycle Crashes

A motorcycle crash can leave you hurt, out of work, and facing hard questions about who was at fault. At Gamez Law Firm, we handle motorcycle accident claims across Texas, our past results include a $7.0 million motorcycle accident case, and we can come to your home or hospital room. Texas generally allows two years to file an injury lawsuit, so call 210-736-4040 or contact us today to schedule a free consultation after one of these common motorcycle crashes.

Gamez Law Firm

2943 Mossrock

San Antonio, TX 78230

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