Hit-and-Run Driver Arrested After Motorcyclist Killed
A driver was arrested after it was revealed she played a role in a deadly crash in Harlingen on October 15. Motorcycle accidents can be incredibly deadly, but there are steps you can take to reduce your likelihood of being involved in an accident. Keep reading to learn more about the accident and Texas motorcycle accidents from the team here at Villalobos Law Firm auto accident injury lawyers.
The Deadly Motorcycle Accident
An 83-year-old La Feria man was killed on Sunday after he drove off the road in Harlingen at around 8:20 a.m. A 32-year-old woman has since been arrested in connection with his death.
The reason the motorcyclist drove off the road was not initially known. It was initially reported that a 2006 Honda tri-motorcycle was traveling eastbound on Business 83 west of Bass Boulevard when it veered off the road for “unknown reasons.” The motorcycle drove through a parking lot and collided with a tree.
The driver of the motorcycle died on the scene.
Investigations later revealed surveillance footage showing an explanation for the crash. A Nissan Rogue is shown traveling westbound on Business 83 before it attempts a left turn, driving into the eastbound lanes. The motorcycle driver is shown evading the Nissan and driving into the parking lot.
The driver of the Nissan didn’t stop to help the motorcyclist following the accident. She has since been charged with failure to stop and render aid in an accident causing death and criminal neglect homicide.
How Common Are Texas Motorcycle Accidents?
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reports statistics on the number and characteristics of auto accidents in Texas. In 2022, there were a total of 8,577 non-police motorcycles involved in Texas auto accidents. That means there was an average of one motorcycle accident roughly every hour in Texas last year.
Still, motorcycle accidents aren’t so common in the context of other types of collisions. In total, there were 555,229 auto accidents in Texas in 2022, which is roughly one accident every minute.
While motorcycle accidents might make up only a small portion of all accidents, they make up more than their fair share of auto accident deaths. In 2022, there were 562 fatal motorcycle crashes in Texas, which saw an 8% increase over the previous year.
Whether you’re a motorcyclist or just another driver on the road, you can take steps to prevent motorcycle accidents. For drivers, watch your blind spots and avoid driving while distracted. For motorcyclists, make sure you and your bike are properly equipped, and make sure to avoid driving in blind spots.
