Allen Negligent Motorcycle Rider Accident Lawyer
Negligence is a common cause of motorcycle rider accidents. Although many motorcycle riders are very responsible, some are reckless. Negligent motorcycle riders may speed, weave in and out of traffic, and tailgate other vehicles. This behavior contributes to accidents.
Negligent motorcycle rider accidents also happen when riders aren’t aware of safe driving protocols. For example, some motorcycle riders may drive in a car’s blind spot. A negligent motorcycle rider can cause accidents that affect multiple vehicles on the road around them.
Often, negligent motorcycle riders suffer severe injuries in accidents. Unlike drivers in a car, motorcyclists do not have a vehicle to protect them in a collision. While many riders wear helmets and other protective gear, this isn’t equivalent to a car with a sturdy metal frame and airbags. Negligent motorcycle riders can also be thrown from their vehicle.
Although motorcycle riders may receive more severe injuries than drivers and passengers in a car, they will still be held liable if it’s determined that their negligence caused the accident. You could be eligible for an accident lawsuit settlement if you are involved in a crash with a negligent motorcycle rider.
To discuss your rights in a negligent motorcycle accident, call (469) 998-4069 today. You can also schedule an appointment with a lawyer online. Our Allen, TX accident attorneys are eager to help you. Consultations are always free, confidential, and there’s zero obligation.
Negligent Motorcycle Rider Accident Statistics
The fatality rate for negligent motorcycle riders is alarming. Motorcycle riders account for a significant percentage of traffic accident fatalities each year. It’s estimated that 14% of people who die in traffic accidents are riding motorcycles.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 4,900 motorcycles died in crashes in 2018. In Texas alone, there were 505 negligent motorcycle rider accident deaths in 2017. Motorcycle riders are approximately 28 times more likely to be killed in an accident compared to people in cars.
Motorcyclists are also more vulnerable to serious accident injuries. Approximately 93,000 motorcycle riders are injured in collisions every year. Motorcycle accidents can occur almost anywhere in Allen, TX and the surrounding Dallas-Fort Worth area. Rider negligence is a factor in almost all collisions.
Causes of Negligent Motorcycle Rider Accidents
When driven responsibly, motorcycles can be a fun, exciting way to get around. Unfortunately, negligent motorcycle riders cause accidents. They may injure themselves as well as other people on the road. In residential areas, negligent motorcycle riders may hurt pedestrians and bicyclists. They can also cause damage to property.
Some of the most common causes of negligent motorcycle accidents include:
Illegal Street Racing
Illegal racing on highways is a class B misdemeanor in Texas. Motorcycle riders who are caught street racing can be fined or imprisoned. Street racing is prohibited because it presents a safety risk to everyone on the road.
A speeding vehicle cannot react to hazards in the road. If a negligent motorcyclist encounters a stalled car, a fallen tree branch, a pedestrian, or anything else while racing illegally, they may not be able to safely avoid hitting it. Illegal motorcycle racers also cause accidents by forcing other drivers to slam on their brakes or swerve around them.
Lane Splitting
Have you sat in heavy traffic and noticed a motorcycle zoom past your window? If so, you’ve observed a behavior known as lane splitting. When lane splitting, motorcyclists drive in between two lanes of slower traffic.
Although lane splitting is legal in Texas, it’s risky behavior that can cause an accident. Even experienced motorcycle riders can be involved in accidents due to negligence while lane splitting.
Often, cars aren’t expecting a motorcyclist to appear so close beside their vehicle. Motorcyclists may also be in a car or truck’s blind spot. The other driver could crash into the motorcyclist because they don’t see them.
Turning Left
It’s estimated that 42% of motorcycle accidents happen when the motorcycle rider is making a left turn. Cars, trucks, and other vehicles may hit the motorcycle as it crosses the center lane. In these accidents, the motorcycle rider may not be liable.
However, a negligent rider may exhibit additional behavior that places them at fault. For example, they may be speeding through a yellow light that’s just changed to red. The rider may also be tailgating another vehicle. These factors can affect liability.
Tailgating
Tailgating occurs whenever a driver fails to maintain adequate following distance from another vehicle. Negligent motorcycle riders are often guilty of this behavior. It’s common to see a motorcycle rider tailgate a car, then speed up to pass it.
Tailgating leads to rear-end collisions when the driver in front stops suddenly. The driver who is tailgating doesn’t have enough time to prevent a crash. When the tailgater is riding a motorcycle, the results can be fatal. The force of the impact may throw them off their motorcycle and into oncoming traffic.
Driving Under the Influence
Finally, driving under the influence is one of the most negligent behaviors any motorcycle rider can do. Motorcycles and intoxication don’t mix. When a motorcycle rider is using illegal drugs or drinking and driving, they can cause serious accidents.
Common Injuries in Negligent Motorcycle Rider Accidents
In the aftermath of an accident involving a negligent motorcycle rider, you may experience any of the following injuries:
- Neck injuries, including whiplash and fractured vertebrae
- Spinal cord injuries, including temporary or permanent paralysis
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
- Cuts, burns, and broken bones
- PTSD and other mental health issues
What to Do After a Negligent Motorcycle Rider Accident
If you or someone you love gets into an accident involving a negligent motorcycle rider, don’t wait. Discuss your legal rights with an Allen, TX accident lawyer. Consultations are 100% confidential and free. If we take your case, you won’t pay us a dime unless we win.
Book your free call by dialing (469) 998-4069 or use our online contact form.