Motorcycle accidents are on the rise. 6,084 motorcyclists died in motorcycle accidents in 2021, the highest number on record. Because motorcycles lack the stability and protection of a car, motorcyclists are more likely to die than other drivers.
Yes TK Injury Attorneys, our priority is to keep you safe. Read on to learn the common causes of motorcycle accidents and what to do after a crash.
Common causes of motorcycle accidents
The following common causes have been identified in the investigation of motorcycle accidents:
1. Changing the dangerous lane
A car or truck driver may not see a motorcycle if it is in their blind spot.
If the driver decides to change lanes and does not see the motorcyclist, then the motorcyclist will have to maneuver quickly to avoid being hit or hit. In both scenarios, the motorcyclist is at risk of losing control of the bike.
2. Dangerous road conditions
Inclement weather, rough terrain, and construction zones put motorcyclists at risk for accidents. When a motorcyclist must ride on dirt, gravel, slippery or uneven surfaces, the motorcyclist must ride in the safest manner possible.
If other drivers are not careful, the motorcyclist can make maneuvers that cause them to be careless.
3. Left turns
Turning left at an intersection is especially dangerous for motorcyclists. In 41 percent of two-vehicle accidents, motorists failed to yield the right of way, resulting in fatal injuries.
Motorcyclists must always react quickly to dangerous situations and ride defensively. Motorcyclists should always assume that other drivers cannot see them.
4. Distracted driving
Motorcycles are harder to spot than other vehicles on the road. Anything that distracts another motorist from the road is dangerous to other road users, especially motorcyclists. Anytime another driver fails to pay full attention to the road, a motorcyclist is at risk of being hit.
5. Sudden stops
Drivers must remember that a motorcyclist balances on two wheels. A sudden stop can cause the motorcycle to overturn or roll over. Other drivers must stay alert on the road to prevent injuries to motorcyclists.
Steps to take after a motorcycle accident
In some cases, a motorcycle accident may be unavoidable. After a disaster, people may become angry and unable to think clearly. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of steps you should take at the scene:
- Keeping calm
- Assess yourself and others for injuries; if people are upset, pay attention to them
- If someone is injured, call 911
- If you can drive your car, the law requires you to drive it out of traffic
- Sharing names, phone numbers, vehicle information, license plate numbers, and insurance information with other drivers involved in accidents.
- Call an Austin motorcycle accident attorney
- Call the police if:
- Anyone can get hurt or die
- Cars cannot be moved
- You suspect that one of the drivers is drunk
- One of the drivers was uninsured
- One of the drivers leaves the scene
- More than $1,000 worth of damage to a vehicle or property
Motorcycle accident liability
You will need to file an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s carrier. If liability is shared between you and the other driver, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
However, in Texas, you may still be able to receive compensation if you were 50% or less responsible for the collision. The compensation you receive will be reduced by the percentage of fault you are responsible for.
In cases where dangerous road conditions (ie, potholes) caused the accident, the municipality may be held liable. This can be difficult because you must prove that the city knew of the dangerous road conditions but failed to repair them. You also need to show that the accident was caused solely by bad road conditions, not bad driving choices.
Contact an Austin motorcycle accident attorney
Knowing the common causes of motorcycle accidents can help you avoid accidents. Nevertheless, a motorcyclist should always be prepared for a crash. This starts with knowing what steps to take immediately after an incident occurs.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you need the help of the legal team at TK Injury Lawyers. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Trent Kelly
Trent Kelly received his law degree from the University of Arkansas in 2007. He is licensed to practice law in Texas and regularly assists clients with their legal matters. Trent’s practice focuses primarily on personal injury, particularly involving motor vehicles (such as cars, commercial trucks, 18-wheelers, and motorcycles) and wrongful death, but he also handles a variety of business litigation matters. comes out. Click here to review some of the complex cases Trent has handled.
Years of experience: +15 years
Address: Austin, TX