Comprehensive Information and Legal Options for Murphy, TX Motorcycle Accident Victims

Texas and Murphy has one of the highest number of motorcycle accidents and fatalities in the nation

As reported by the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2016 there were 497 fatal motorcycle crashes across the state, and 5,290 injury motorcycle crashes statewide. According to the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, Motorcyclists are 25 more times more likely than passengers in cars to be killed in an accident, and they are five times more likely to be injured. In Murphy and across Collin County, motorcycles are a popular form of transportation, but also represent a greater danger of accident and injury.

What are some causes of the high number of Murphy motorcycle injuries and fatalities?

The great Murphy weather makes it a perfect place for motorcycling year round. Whereas other parts of the country have weather that discourage motorcycling, the residents of Murphy have more opportunities to ride motorcycles, and with these opportunities comes an increased risk of accidents and injuries. And since motorcycles get better gas mileage than most passenger vehicles, an increasing number of Texans are turning to motorcycles as the main form of transportation.

Some other causes Murphy motorcycle accidents and injuries include:

• Drivers don’t see the motorcycle or misjudge how fast it’s traveling.  
• The size of motorcycles compared to other motor vehicles means they can appear to be more distant than they are, and it’s easy to misjudge their speed.
• The combination of crowded roads and highways, distracted driving, and the difficulty of seeing motorcycles in traffic contributes to collisions.
• Speeding, driving while impaired, and the lack of training for motorcycle riders are also the leading causes of crashes.

What is being done to improve motorcycle safety in Murphy?

A rise in the number of motorcycle deaths in Murphy and across Texas last year inspired the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to kick off the new “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” awareness campaign. This campaign suggests that drivers:

• Look twice for motorcycles, especially at intersections.
• Use your turn signals.
• Don’t follow a motorcycle too closely.
• Check your mirrors before changing lanes.
• Always assume motorcycles are closer than they appear to be.
• Give motorcyclists a full lane.

Where can a motorcyclist get safety training in Murphy?

The Texas Department of Public Safety has a list of Frisco safety training courses for motorcyclists. Also, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers online safety courses. The Texas R.I.D.E.R. organization offers local motorcycle safety courses as well.

Get information from the Murphy first responders after a motorcycle accident

When someone is injured or killed in a motorcycle collision, contact the Murphy Police Department, the Murphy Fire and Rescue Department, and the Texas Highway Patrol to request copies of any reports regarding the incident.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle collision, you will need a great Murphy accident attorney to help

No matter how much we improve safety for motorcyclists around the Murphy region, motorcycle accidents will continue to happen. When a less serious crash happens, often someone can manage the insurance claim without help. When a serious injury motorcycle accident happens, or when a fatality occurs, it is crucial to get help from an experienced Mullen and Mullen Law Office lawyer. A good personal injury attorney will be able to answer questions about an insurance claim, and provide information about an injured motorcyclist's rights and options.