Unfortunately, the open-air design of a motorcycle also leaves a motorcyclist vulnerable to severe injuries in a crash. Motorcyclists must avoid traffic violations and take all reasonable measures to ride safely, especially in high-traffic situations. Unfortunately, even the most careful motorcyclist cannot control the actions of drivers who share the roadway in vehicles weighing an average of 4,000 pounds. Car drivers have the protection of seatbelts and metal frames, while a motorcyclist faces direct impact in a collision. Knowing the risks and the causes of most motorcycle accidents in Texas and elsewhere can help a motorcyclist avoid a devastating crash. If you’ve been injured due to another driver’s negligence, contact Road Justice to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident injury lawyer in Texas about your legal options.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycles have a slim profile compared to cars and trucks, making them more challenging to see in traffic and for drivers to accurately judge their speed. Still, drivers have a duty of care to share the road safely with motorcyclists, including following traffic laws, maintaining a safe distance, and double-checking blind spots. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to suffer injuries in motorcycle accidents than drivers, despite drivers being a major cause of motorcycle accidents by doing the following:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Tailgating, or following too closely behind a motorcycle
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Failing to yield the right of way at an intersection
- Improperly merging into the pathway of a motorcycle
- Causing left-turn accidents (a driver making a left turn focuses on traffic approaching from the right and drives into the pathway of a motorcycle approaching from the left)
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Causing a “car-dooring” accident by opening the door of a parked car into the path of a motorcycle
- Driving while fatigued or drowsy
- Improperly passing a motorcycle
When a driver’s careless or reckless actions cause an accident, they can be held liable for the damages the motorcyclist incurs in the crash. This typically includes property damage to the motorcycle, injury-related medical expenses, lost earnings, and compensation for pain and suffering. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Road Justice to speak with an esteemed motorcycle accident injury attorney in Texas about pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Proving Liability When a Driver’s Negligence Causes a Motorcycle Accident
A driver’s error, reckless action behind the wheel, or wrongdoing, like driving while intoxicated, leaves them liable for an injury victim’s damages if their actions cause a motorcycle accident. In fault-based car accident states like Texas, an injury victim seeking damages must prove that the cause of the accident was the driver’s negligence. Evidence such as the police report, eyewitness testimony, and any photos and videos capturing the accident must make a compelling case showing that the responsible driver’s actions meet the standard of legal negligence. This requires evidence that the driver owed a duty of care to the injury victim, that they violated this duty of care, and the violation of duty directly caused the motorcycle accident and injury to the rider.
What If Something Else Caused or Contributed to the Motorcycle Accident?
Driver negligence is the most common cause of motorcycle accidents, but sometimes other circumstances cause or contribute to accidents. For instance, if a road construction contractor leaves dangerous debris or obstacles behind or a road maintenance agency fails to repair a dangerous pothole, they could be held liable for their percentage of fault for the accident under the state’s modified comparative negligence system. Depending on the details of the accident, the other entity may be 100% at fault, or they may share fault with a negligent driver. For example, if a driver swerves to avoid a dangerous pothole and hits an oncoming motorcycle, both the driver and the road maintenance agency could share liability. A successful motorcycle accident claim holds all those who cause or contribute to the accident liable for their percentage of fault to maximize the amount of compensation the motorcyclist recovers for their injury-related damages. If you’ve been injured in a crash, contact Road Justice to speak with a trusted Texas motorcycle accident injury attorney about protecting your rights and pursuing full compensation.