Cherokee Co., TX (March 30, 2025) – Late Saturday night, a hit-and-run crash took the life of a motorcyclist just northeast of New Summerfield.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the crash happened around 10:30 p.m. on March 29 near the intersection of County Road 4701 and FM 856. Troopers arrived to find a motorcycle down and the rider deceased at the scene. Authorities are now searching for the driver of a GMC Sierra pickup truck believed to have been involved in the crash. Officials say the truck had crashed but its driver fled the area before law enforcement arrived. The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement continues working to identify and locate the responsible driver.
We hope the family and friends of the victim find comfort and support during this difficult time. Our sincere sympathies go out to them.
Motorcycle Accidents in Texas
Motorcycle crashes in Texas account for a significant portion of traffic fatalities each year. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, more than 500 motorcyclists lose their lives annually across the state. These accidents often occur on rural roads or at night, where visibility and reaction times become critical factors. In 2023, over 8,000 motorcycle crashes were reported in Texas, with many involving serious or fatal injuries.
When families lose loved ones in such tragedies, understanding what comes next can be overwhelming. Here are several common causes of motorcycle accidents in Texas:
- Left-Turn Collisions: One of the most dangerous situations for motorcyclists occurs when a vehicle turns left across the path of an oncoming motorcycle. These crashes are often due to a driver’s failure to see or properly gauge the speed of the motorcycle, leading to direct impact.
- Lane Changes Without Checking Blind Spots: Motorcycles are smaller and can be harder to spot in a vehicle’s blind spot. When drivers change lanes without thoroughly checking, they can easily collide with a motorcyclist. These types of crashes often throw the rider from the bike, causing severe injuries.
- Rear-End Collisions: Even at lower speeds, a car striking a motorcycle from behind can lead to catastrophic injuries. Riders are often ejected or crushed in these scenarios, making even minor traffic stops potentially life-threatening.
- Distracted or Impaired Driving: When drivers are under the influence or distracted by phones or other factors, their ability to notice motorcycles and respond in time is drastically reduced. Impaired reaction times are especially dangerous on dark or rural roads like FM 856.
- Unsafe Road Conditions: Potholes, loose gravel, or debris that may not affect larger vehicles can pose a serious risk to motorcyclists. Poorly maintained rural roads can lead to a loss of control and subsequent crashes.
If you’ve lost someone in a motorcycle crash, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights. Call our motorcycle accident attorneys at The McGuire Firm to begin the process. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better positioned you’ll be to secure key evidence, identify at-fault parties, and protect your family’s future. Insurance companies begin investigating immediately, and you should have someone doing the same for you. We know the questions to ask and the steps to take.
At The McGuire Firm, we offer free consultations to families throughout East Texas. You can call our team at (903) 630-7154 to get started. We’ve helped thousands of accident victims and their families move from chaos to clarity. Whether you’re dealing with funeral expenses, loss of income, or emotional trauma, we’ll walk with you every step of the way. Our firm has recovered millions for Texas families, and we’re ready to fight for you. Your call is confidential, and there’s no fee unless we win for you.
