Motorcycle Accidents in the Rio Grande Valley: Fighting Rider Bias

Car Accidents · Liz Valdez Garza · 2026-10-28

Riding in the Rio Grande Valley means year-round weather and open roads. It also means sharing those roads with drivers who too often don't look for motorcycles. When a crash happens, riders face two battles: recovering from serious injuries, and fighting the assumption that bikers are reckless.

The most common causes of motorcycle crashes

• Left-turning cars that pull across a motorcycle's path at intersections
• Unsafe lane changes by drivers who don't check blind spots
• Rear-end collisions in stop-and-go traffic
• Car doors opening into a rider's path
• Road hazards like potholes and debris

The phrase riders hear most after a crash — "I never saw them" — isn't an excuse. Drivers have a duty to look.

What "rider bias" looks like

Insurance adjusters and even jurors may assume a motorcyclist was speeding, weaving or showing off. Insurers use that bias to shift fault, because under Texas law your recovery is reduced by your share of fault — and barred if you're found more than 50% responsible.

Fighting that bias takes evidence: witness statements, photos, crash reconstruction, damage patterns and video from nearby businesses or dash cams.

Does it matter if I wasn't wearing a helmet?

Texas doesn't require every adult rider to wear a helmet. Riders 21 and older can ride without one if they've completed an approved safety course or carry qualifying health insurance. Not wearing a helmet doesn't mean you caused the crash — though insurers may argue it made certain injuries worse. Every case is different.

Injuries are often severe

Riders have little protection in a collision. Common injuries include fractures, road rash, head and spinal injuries, and injuries that require surgery and long recovery. That makes it important to document your treatment and the full impact on your work and daily life.

What to do after a motorcycle crash

1. Get medical care right away.
2. Call the police and get the crash report.
3. Photograph your bike, gear, the scene and your injuries.
4. Don't repair the motorcycle until it has been documented.
5. Keep your helmet and gear — they can be evidence.
6. Don't give the other insurer a recorded statement.

If you were hurt and have questions, Attorney Liz Valdez Garza can help. Call 866-LA-LEONA for a free consultation, or use the case review form on this page. Hablamos español.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still recover if the insurer says I was speeding?

An accusation isn't proof. Evidence like witness statements, video and crash data can show what really happened. Even if you share some fault, you may still recover in Texas.

Should I keep my damaged helmet?

Yes. Your helmet, jacket and other gear can help show the force of the impact and how you were injured.

Valdez Garza Law Firm, P.C. · 1105 East 6th Street, Brownsville, TX 78520 · 866-LA-LEONA (866) 525-3662