motorcycle on the road


Were you recently hurt in a motorcycle accident in El Paso because of another driverā€™s carelessness? Are you struggling to pay your bills while recovering from painful injuries and hurting too badly to work? If so, donā€™t lose hope. You can take action by filing a personal injury claim with the help of an El Paso motorcycle accident lawyer with the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC.

Our personal injury lawyers understand how long and difficult the road to recovery can be after a motorcycle crash. Thatā€™s why weā€™re dedicated to helping you with every aspect of your case, from filling out paperwork to dealing with the insurance companies to representing you in court. While we fight for the money you deserve, you can focus on your recovery.

Ready to get started with your motorcycle accident El Paso, TX claim? Then, contact our firm today to tell us about your accident in a free initial case review with a motorcycle injury lawyer in El Paso.

How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in El Paso, TX?

Motorcycles make up a relatively small percentage of registered vehicles in the U.S., but motorcyclists make up a disproportionately large percentage of traffic accident victims. Research suggests many motorcycle accidents occur because of the negligence of other vehicle drivers. According to research conducted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA):

  • 76.2 percent of motorcycle accidents involve other vehicles.
  • 11 percent of motorcycle accidents result in fatalities.
  • Top causal factors for motorcycle wrecks include ā€œother vehicle driver perception failureā€ (30 percent) and ā€œother vehicle driver decision failureā€ (17 percent).
  • The other vehicle driverā€™s inattention, distraction, or stress is a factor in 43 percent of motorcycle accidents.
  • The other vehicle driverā€™s improper traffic scan is a factor in 43 percent of motorcycle accidents.
  • The other vehicle driverā€™s unsafe acts contribute to 63 percent of motorcycle accidents.
  • Unsafe traffic strategies contribute to 50 percent of motorcycle accidents.

In one recent year, Texas placed third in the nation for total motorcyclist fatalities, trailing only California and Florida, per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In another recent year, 521 motorcycle riders and passengers died in Texas motorcycle accidents.

Texas Motorcycle Laws

If you ride a motorcycle in El Paso, Texas, you should know the following laws and how they could apply to you:

  • Texas motorcycle helmet laws ā€“ Texas law requires all motorcycle operators and passengers under 21 to wear helmets while riding. Riders 21 and over may ride without helmets if they complete approved motorcycle safety courses or carry minimum amounts of health insurance coverage.
  • Texas lane-splitting laws ā€“ Texas motorcycle operators may not engage in lane-splitting, a practice that involves riding between lanes of slow-moving traffic.
  • Texas motorcycle license laws ā€“ Texas motorcyclists must obtain Class M driverā€™s licenses by taking approved motorcycle safety courses.
  • Texas motorcycle passenger laws ā€“ Motorcyclists may only ride with passengers if their bikes are equipped to carry more than one person and have proper footrests and handholds for passengers.

What Leads to Motorcycle Accidents?

Common causes of motorcycle accidents in El Paso, TX include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Texting while driving
  • Driving under the influence
  • Driver fatigue
  • Driving too fast for the conditions
  • Following too closely for conditions
  • Failure to check blind spots
  • Failure to yield the right of way
  • Running red lights or stop signs
  • Improper turning or merging
  • Driver inexperience
  • Defective car parts
  • Poorly-maintained car parts
  • Poor road conditions