Texas Accident & Injury News
Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable in 18-wheeler accidents.
Schertz Accident Involving Tractor-Trailer Leaves Motorcyclist Dead
According to a KSAT News report, a motorcyclist was killed in an accident in Schertz yesterday evening.
Schertz police reported the accident happened at around 6:41 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11th, in the 17500 block of the Interstate 35 northbound access road. Officers responding to a collision between a semi-truck with a trailer and an SUV found a motorcyclist on the ground and a bystander administering CPR. An officer took over until EMS arrived, but the motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. Police did not share any details of the collision, and the accident is under investigation. No other injuries were reported. The motorcyclist’s identity was not released pending next of kin notification.
Did You Know?
The FMCSA has reported 57 fatal accidents involving at least one large truck in Texas this year.
Motorcycles and 18-Wheeler Accidents in Texas
Texas ranks 5th in the nation for most motorcycles owned–we also have more 18-wheeler traffic than any other state, posing a significant threat to motorcyclists.
Motorcyclists make up a disproportionate amount of traffic fatalities. Nationwide, they represent only 3% of registered vehicles but 14.6% of traffic fatalities and 3.5% of traffic injuries. They are particularly vulnerable to 18-wheeler accidents, which often end up being fatal for the motorcyclist.
Why Do 18-Wheelers Hit Motorcycles?
According to NHTSA data from 2017, in two-vehicle accidents involving a motorcycle:
- Motorcyclists are hit in the front 76% of the time,
- Motorcyclists are hit from behind 7% of the time.
A majority of these accidents happen at non-intersections, during the day, and on city streets. When motorcyclists were in an accident with another type of vehicle, the other vehicle was making a left turn 42% of the time, and both the motorcycle and the other vehicle were heading straight 21% of the time.
Motorcyclists are harder to see than other vehicles because they’re smaller. 18-wheelers have unique and extensive blind spots that make it even more difficult for them to see a motorcycle. Interestingly, 18-wheeler accidents are also most likely to happen during the day and on non-interstates, though a slight majority happen in rural areas.
How to Protect Yourself from an 18-wheeler Accident as a Motorcyclist
Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to an 18-wheeler accident on a busy city street, as 18-wheelers have limited visibility, difficulty navigating sharp turns, and lots of other distractions to keep track of when navigating downtown areas. However, you can be injured in an accident anywhere.
You can’t control the accidents of other motorists or truckers, but you can reduce your risk by:
- Wearing Bright, Reflective Gear: A crazy bright helmet isn’t just cool; it makes it easier for truckers to see you. When possible, choose light colors and reflective clothing to stand out as much as possible.
- Give Extra Space: Truckers need a considerable distance to perceive, react, and brake in time to avoid an accident. Keep that in mind when merging and changing lanes.
- Be Aware of Blind Spots: Big Rigs have extensive blind spots in the front, back, and sides of the rig.
- Use Extra Caution on Left-Hand Turns: Whether you or the truck is turning, don’t assume that the trucker sees you. Most left-hand turn accidents involve a motorcycle making a legal maneuver, but the other driver never saw them.
- Avoid Lane-Splitting: Many motorcyclists engage in lane-splitting to avoid being rear-ended by a careless motorist. However, lane splitting is illegal and extremely dangerous when next to an 18-wheeler. 18-wheelers have large blind spots to the sides of the rig, and motorcycles can easily be pulled under the rig due to how they sit above the ground.
It doesn’t always matter how careful you are. One mistake from a careless trucker can cause an unavoidable accident. When that happens, call Shaw.
Hit by an 18-wheeler on a Motorcycle? Call Shaw!
Motorcyclists are often unfairly blamed when an accident occurs. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Medical Bills,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Disfigurement,
- Property Damage,
- Trauma/PTSD,
- Missed Work,
- And More.
We’ll help you find out if you have a case for free.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. No fees, no obligations, just the expert legal advice you need. Carabin Shaw has been a trusted name in San Antonio and across Texas for over 32 years because we put our clients first. We look forward to serving you.