On Sunday, August 19, a fatal motorcycle accident occurred in Kingwood, Texas. The deadly accident, which involved both the motorcycle and a car, occurred around 3 a.m. on Kingwood Drive near Lake Kingwood.
Police reports indicate that the motorcyclist did not survive the crash. The driver of the car is reported to have been alone, and investigators don’t believe that alcohol played a role in the crash.
Although no cause of the crash has been determined, police are looking in to see if speeding played a role in this fatal accident.
The latest data on the U.S. motorcycle registration estimates that there was a total of 364,690 motorcyclists in 2017. Although motorcycles represent only 1 percent of all miles traveled in America, they contribute to 14 percent of total yearly roadway fatalities.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that there were 5,172 total motorcyclists killed across the state in accidents throughout 2017, which is a 3 percent drop in annual numbers.
In that same year, 28 percent of motorcycle deaths were related to intoxicated driving.
Helmets can make all the difference between life and death in motorcycle accidents. In 2018, 71 percent of motorcyclists followed the Department of Transportation’s helmet regulations.
As for motorcycle accidents that occured in Texas during 2018, statistics are as follows:
In order to operate a motorcycle in the state of Texas, an individual must acquire a motorcycle license by taking a motorcycle safety class that has been approved by the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS).
Furthermore, it is required that all motorcyclists and motorcycle passengers wear a safety helmet that meets the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards.
Individuals may not need to wear said helmet if they are of the age of 21 and up, have passed a TxDPS-approved motorcycle training course, and have a medical insurance policy of over $10,000.
In Texas, motorcyclists do not have any specific safety gear that they must wear; however, it is encouraged as the added protection of such will help reduce the risk of injury and death in the event of an accident.
Lane splitting on the other hand, i.e. a motorcyclist riding in between two lanes of traffic, is illegal in Texas. Those who partake in lane splitting may be issued a ticket or fine.
Furthermore, owners must make sure their motorcycle passes an annual inspection, has been registered, and has minimum liability insurance. That includes coverage for $25,000 for property damage, $30,000 for bodily injury, and $60,000 for death in the case of an accident.
Motorcycles can be a fun mode of transportation and leisure, but there is a high risk of injury and death for those involved in a wreck. Each motorist has the responsibility to drive with care to minimize the dangers present on Texas roads.
Unfortunately, reckless driving often results in catastrophic incidents that can lead these vulnerable parties to an awful fate. V
However, victims should know that they are entitled to recover damages from the at-fault party which caused their financial loss-related injuries.
If you or a loved one has been harmed by a negligent driver in a motorcycle collision, seek legal help from the experienced motorcycle accident attorneys of Lapeze & Johns to pursue the compensation and justice you deserve today.
Contact the trustworthy Houston motorcycle accident attorneys of Lapeze & Johns at (713) 766-4855 today for your no-cost, zero-obligation consultation.
Source: ABC13