When a motorcycle is involved in a crash with a commercial truck — whether it’s a box truck, delivery van, or 18-wheeler — the odds are stacked against the rider. The size difference alone creates extreme risk. Add in limited visibility, wide turns, and the sheer force of impact, and it’s easy to see why these collisions are often catastrophic or fatal.
In Texas, where trucking traffic is heavy on interstates and major highways, motorcyclists frequently share the road with commercial vehicles. And in cities like Houston, trucks regularly weave through tight intersections and busy surface streets, increasing the chance of a dangerous encounter.
Common Scenarios: How These Accidents Happen
Motorcycle-truck collisions can happen in many ways, but a few crash patterns tend to appear again and again:
- Wide right turns: A truck swings wide and a motorcyclist gets caught in the “squeeze”
- Lane changes: A truck merges into a lane already occupied by a motorcycle in its blind spot
- Rear-end collisions: A truck fails to stop in time or a motorcycle is forced to stop suddenly
- Intersection crashes: A turning truck misjudges the speed or presence of a rider
- Underride incidents: A motorcycle gets trapped beneath the trailer during a side or rear impact
- Falling cargo or tire blowouts: Debris from a truck strikes the motorcycle or forces evasive action
Even at low speeds, these accidents often involve a high level of force due to the mass of the commercial vehicle.
Injuries in Motorcycle-Truck Collisions
Injuries from these accidents are frequently life-changing. The rider may be thrown from the motorcycle, crushed beneath the truck, or struck by flying debris. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Multiple fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Burns or road rash from contact with pavement or hot surfaces
Due to the force and weight involved, these crashes often require emergency surgery, extended hospitalization, and long-term rehabilitation.
Who’s at Fault in Motorcycle-Truck Accidents?
Liability in these cases may fall on multiple parties:
- The truck driver, for unsafe turns, speeding, distracted driving, or failure to check mirrors
- The trucking company, for poor training, negligent hiring, or overworked drivers
- A third party, such as a shipper or maintenance provider, for improperly loaded cargo or mechanical failure
- Another driver, if a chain reaction crash occurred
These accidents often involve more than one insurance policy and may require a thorough investigation to identify all sources of fault.
What Makes These Claims More Complex?
Several factors make motorcycle-truck accident claims more complicated than other types of crashes:
- Commercial carriers are backed by aggressive insurance defense teams
- Federal and state regulations apply to commercial trucking operations
- Black box data and logbooks may be crucial evidence — but can be lost or altered
- The injuries tend to be more severe, raising the stakes of the claim
- Witness statements and camera footage may be critical but time-sensitive
Early legal involvement can help ensure key evidence is preserved and the correct parties are held accountable.
Spagnoletti Law Firm Handles Serious Collision Claims
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a crash involving a commercial truck and a motorcycle, you may be facing medical bills, lost income, and a long road to recovery. You don’t have to go through the legal process alone. Call us today to discuss your ability to bring a personal injury or wrongful death claim after a motorcycle accident.
Spagnoletti Law Firm assists individuals throughout Texas in serious personal injury and wrongful death cases. We help clients pursue full compensation through careful investigation, strategic negotiation, and, when needed, litigation.
📞 Call 713-804-9306 to schedule a free consultation. There are no legal fees unless a recovery is made.