Woman Killed After Falling From Motorcycle; Driver Flees Scene

A woman died after falling from the back of a motorcycle just after midnight on the Far Northwest Side, according to a report from News4SanAntonio.¹

Police say the crash happened shortly after midnight on Thursday, February 19th, in the 9400 block of Culebra Road near Tezel Road.

Authorities reported that the woman fell from the back of the motorcycle for reasons that are still unknown. She was critically injured and transported to the hospital, where she later died.

Police also stated that the motorcycle’s driver fled the scene. As of the time of the report, no arrests had been made. The investigation remains ongoing.

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Did You Know?

Fleeing the scene of a fatal accident is a second-degree felony in Texas, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 under Texas Penal Code §550.021.²

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Motorcycle Passenger Safety and Legal Rights in Texas

Riding as a passenger on a motorcycle requires complete trust. Unlike a car passenger, a motorcycle passenger has no seat belt, no airbags, and no metal frame surrounding them. Their safety depends entirely on the driver’s control of the bike.

When something goes wrong, passengers often suffer the most serious injuries.

Why Falling From a Motorcycle Is Often Fatal

Even at moderate speeds, falling from a motorcycle can cause catastrophic injuries. The passenger may strike the pavement directly or slide across the roadway.

Common injuries in these types of crashes include:

• Traumatic brain injuries

• Spinal cord injuries

• Broken bones

• Internal bleeding

• Severe road rash

Because there is little protection, the body absorbs the full force of the impact. At highway speeds, survival becomes far less likely.

A Motorcycle Driver’s Responsibility to a Passenger

Motorcycle drivers owe a duty of reasonable care to their passengers. That includes operating the bike safely and taking steps to reduce the risk of a fall.

Safe operation includes:

• Ensuring the passenger is seated properly

• Accelerating and braking smoothly

• Avoiding sudden, sharp maneuvers

• Following traffic laws and speed limits

If careless operation contributed to the fall, the driver may be held financially responsible in a civil claim.

When the Driver Flees the Scene

Leaving the scene of a fatal crash is a serious crime in Texas. However, criminal charges are separate from civil liability.

Even if a driver flees:

• Law enforcement may still identify and arrest them

• Insurance coverage may still apply

• The victim’s family may still have legal options

Fleeing does not eliminate a family’s right to pursue answers or compensation.

Can the Family File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Under Texas law, certain family members may pursue a wrongful death claim if the death was caused by another person’s negligence or wrongful conduct.

That means a claim would depend on whether the investigation shows that the driver (or the driver of another vehicle, if involved) failed to use reasonable care and that failure contributed to the fatal fall.

When negligence is involved, compensation may help cover:

• Funeral and burial expenses

• Medical expenses incurred before death

• Emotional pain and mental anguish

• Loss of companionship and financial support

Each case depends on the specific facts uncovered during the investigation.

What Families Should Do After a Fatal Motorcycle Crash

In the days after a tragic accident, families are understandably overwhelmed. While grief comes first, certain steps can help preserve important information:

• Request a copy of the police report

• Preserve any communications, photos, or witness information

• Avoid speaking with insurance companies without guidance

• Seek legal advice before important deadlines pass

Early legal guidance helps ensure that evidence is protected and deadlines are not missed.

Lost a Loved One in a Motorcycle Accident? Call Shaw.

Losing a loved one in a sudden motorcycle accident is devastating—especially when unanswered questions remain. If your family lost someone in a motorcycle crash in San Antonio, you may be entitled to compensation for things like:

• Funeral and burial expenses

• Medical bills incurred before death

• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress

• Loss of financial support and companionship

We’ll help you find out for free.

Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Texas. There are no fees, no obligations, and no pressure—just clear, compassionate legal guidance when you need it most.

We look forward to serving you.

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¹News4SanAntonio report

²Texas Penal Code §550.021.