Motorcycle accidents are on the rise. In 2021, 6,084 motorcyclists died in Motorcycle crashes, the highest number on record. With motorcycles lacking the stability and protection of a car, motorcyclists are bound to suffer more fatalities than other drivers.
At TK Injury Lawyers, our priority is to keep you safe. Keep reading to find out the common causes of motorcycle accidents and what steps should be taken after a crash.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
In examining motorcycle crashes, the common causes that have been found are:
1. Unsafe Lane Changes
A passenger car or truck driver may not see a motorcycle if it is in their blind spot.
If a motorist decides to change lanes and does not see the motorcyclist, then the motorcyclist could be hit or have to maneuver quickly to avoid a collision. In either scenario, the motorcyclist is in danger of losing control of the bike.
2. Hazardous Road Conditions
Inclement weather, rough terrain, and construction zones all put motorcyclists at risk of having an accident. When having to drive over debris, gravel, slippery, or uneven surfaces, the motorcyclist must navigate in the safest way possible.
If other motorists are not remaining attentive, a motorcyclist may make maneuvers that catch them off guard.
3. Left Turns
Making a left turn at an intersection is particularly dangerous for motorcyclists. In 41% of accidents involving two vehicles, motorists failed to yield the right-of-way to riders, resulting in catastrophic injuries.
Motorcyclists must always drive defensively, developing swift responses to dangerous situations. Motorcyclists should always assume that other drivers do not see them.
4. Distracted Driving
Motorcycles are harder to spot than other vehicles on the road. Anything that diverts another motorist’s attention from the road is dangerous for other road users, especially motorcyclists. Any time another driver is not fully focused on the road, a motorcyclist will be at risk of being hit.
5. Sudden Stops
Drivers must remember that a motorcyclist is balancing on two wheels. A sudden stop can cause a motorcycle to flip over or wipe out. Other drivers need to stay alert on the road to prevent injuries to motorcyclists.
Steps to Take Following a Motorcycle Accident
In some situations, a motorcycle accident may be inevitable. In the aftermath of a crash, people are frenzied and may be unable to think clearly. Keeping this in mind, we have compiled a list of steps you should take at the scene:
- Stay calm
- Assess yourself and others for injuries; if people are hurt, tend to them
- If anyone is hurt, call 911
- If you can drive your vehicle, the law requires that you move it out of the flow of traffic
- Exchange names, phone numbers, vehicle information, license plate numbers, and insurance information with the other drivers involved in the accident
- Call an Austin motorcycle accident lawyer
- Call the police in the following circumstances:
- Anyone is injured or dies
- The vehicles cannot be moved
- You suspect one of the drivers is intoxicated
- One of the drivers is uninsured
- One of the drivers leaves the scene
- There is more than $1,000 in vehicle or property damage
Liability for a Motorcycle Accident
You will have to file an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s carrier. If liability is shared between you and another driver, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
However, in Texas, you will still be able to receive compensation as long as you are 50% or less responsible for the collision. The compensation you receive will be reduced by the percentage of fault that is attributed to you.
In cases where hazardous road conditions (i.e., potholes) caused the accident, the municipality may be held liable. This can be challenging since you must prove that the city knew of the dangerous road conditions, but failed to repair them. You must also show that the accident was solely due to poor road conditions, not bad driving choices.
Contact an Austin Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Knowing the common causes of a motorcycle accident can help you in avoiding a crash. Even so, a motorcyclist must always be prepared in case of a crash. That begins with knowing what steps to take immediately following an accident.
If you have been in a motorcycle accident, you need the assistance of the legal team at TK Injury Lawyers. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
The post What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Texas? first appeared on TK Injury Lawyers.
