Motorcycle vs. Car Accidents: Why the Injuries Are So Much Worse
May Is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month — And The Risks Are Still Being Ignored
Every driver knows that motorcycles are smaller than cars, but too many still fail to understand the consequences when a crash happens. And for the rider, those consequences can be life-altering. At Smith & Hassler, our lawyers have represented countless injured bikers in Houston and across Texas, and we’ve seen the difference firsthand: when a motorcycle and a car collide, the motorcyclist almost always pays the higher price.
May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and while the message is getting louder, the numbers remain troubling. More than 9,000 motorcycle crashes were reported in Texas last year, and thousands of riders suffered serious injuries. In one of our own cases, we secured $3.145 million for a rider who suffered a traumatic brain injury and orthopedic injuries in an intersection crash.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a motorcycle accident, here’s why the injuries are often so severe—and what you can do to protect your rights.
Bikers Have Zero Margin for Error in a Crash
Unlike people in cars, motorcyclists don’t have the benefit of steel frames, airbags, or crumple zones. That means even a low-speed collision can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Riders are fully exposed to:
- The full impact of the vehicle
- Road rash from being thrown off the bike
- Secondary collisions with other vehicles or structures
Even with proper gear, your body becomes the first point of impact. In car vs. motorcycle crashes, it’s not about who “wins”—it’s about how bad the damage is for the rider.
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Injuries from motorcycle wrecks are rarely minor. Some of the most common include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Even with a helmet, a violent impact can cause concussions or life-threatening brain trauma.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Falls or direct hits can lead to partial or total paralysis.
- Broken Bones and Orthopedic Trauma: Arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones are frequently fractured.
- Road Rash and Skin Damage: Severe abrasions can lead to infection, skin grafts, and permanent scarring.
- Internal Bleeding: Not always immediately visible, but extremely dangerous if untreated.
- Crush Injuries or Amputations: When a limb is pinned under the bike or struck by another vehicle.
These injuries often lead to long-term disability, chronic pain, and expensive medical treatments, and insurance companies are notorious for undervaluing them.
Cars Don’t See Motorcycles — But That’s Not an Excuse
Too often, drivers claim, “I didn’t see the motorcycle.” However, this is often due to inattentional blindness—drivers are looking, but their brain doesn’t register the rider because they’re focused on other things.
Motorcyclists are told to “ride like they’re invisible,” but that doesn’t mean car drivers get a free pass. Failing to see a biker isn’t a defense—it’s negligence.
At Smith & Hassler, our Houston motorcycle accident lawyers make sure that defense doesn’t fly. If a distracted or inattentive driver caused your crash, our attorneys will hold them accountable.
Intersections Are a Deadly Threat to Motorcyclists
Many of the worst motorcycle accidents happen at intersections. That’s where visibility issues, speed, and poor judgment collide—literally. Common scenarios include:
- Cars making a left turn in front of a motorcyclist
- Drivers running red lights or stop signs
- Rear-end crashes when a biker is stopped at a light
- Lane changes without checking mirrors or blind spots
In our $3.145 million case result, the crash happened in an intersection, something we see far too often in Houston.
Motorcycle Safety Isn’t Just the Rider’s Responsibility
While riders are encouraged to wear protective gear, obey speed limits, and stay alert, they can’t control how other drivers behave. TxDOT’s Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month campaign reminds all motorists to:
- Look twice, especially at intersections
- Use caution when turning or merging
- Don’t tailgate motorcycles—they stop faster than cars
- Give riders space, both laterally and when passing
- Slow down—speed remains a top contributor to fatal crashes
Motorcycle safety is a shared responsibility. But when drivers fail to take it seriously, bikers get hurt—and we’re here to make sure they get justice.
Insurance Companies Don’t Understand Bikers—But We Do
After a motorcycle wreck, the insurance company may not understand your injuries, your bike, or your life. They’ll use outdated stereotypes, try to blame you for riding, and offer settlements that don’t come close to covering your damages.
At Smith & Hassler, our lawyers know how to push back. We know the value of your claim, and we’ll build a case that proves it. That means:
- Investigating the crash thoroughly
- Preserving helmet, gear, and bike damage as evidence
- Bringing in medical and accident reconstruction experts
- Negotiating hard, or taking your case to trial if needed
We’ve recovered millions for Texas riders, and we won’t stop until you get what you deserve.
Protect Your Rights After a Motorcycle Crash
If you were hit while riding in Houston or anywhere in Texas, don’t assume the insurance company has your best interests in mind. Talk to a law firm that knows motorcycles, respects riders, and takes every case personally.
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month—but at Smith & Hassler, we fight for riders every day of the year.
Tell them you mean business. Contact us today for a free consultation.
“I’m so thankful that I chose Smith and Hassler to represent me in my auto collision case. I would recommend them to anyone who found themselves in a similar situation as myself. Daragh Carter was the best lawyer! He is extremely timely in answering emails/phone calls, he explained the entire process thoroughly, and was successful in getting me the outcome I wanted! Such a great firm!” – Diana O., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐