Euless Negligent Motorcycle Rider Accident Lawyer
Negligent motorcycle riders are involved in thousands of automobile accidents every year. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), many of these accidents prove fatal. Other 5100 motorcycle riders died in motorcycle crashes in 2017 alone. Many more are injured.
In a motorcycle accident involving a car or truck, the motorcycle rider usually bears the worst of the impact. Motorcycles are small and offer no protection to riders. Still, an accident involving a negligent motorcycle rider can still inflict damage to other vehicles. Some drivers cause accidents due to negligent motorcycle riders because the motorcycle rider forces them to stop or swerve suddenly.
After an accident involving a negligent motorcycle rider, there may be injuries, property damage, or even fatalities. Many accident survivors require surgery and years of rehabilitation. Some people become permanently disabled and cannot provide for their families. They may need long-term healthcare such as home aid.
If you or someone in your family was in an accident with a negligent motorcycle rider, you’re not alone. Our Euless, TX accident lawyers can help. We have worked with many people involved in negligent motorcycle rider accidents and helped them win compensation for damages. Call (469) 998-4069 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation today.
Motorcycle Accident Dangers
As mentioned, the worst injuries in a motorcycle accident usually happen to the motorcycle rider or their passenger. People in cars and trucks suffer much milder injuries or may walk away unharmed. In a crash, motorcycles have very little impact force compared to an automobile. The average motorcycle only weighs about 600 pounds. Its small size also limits the amount of damage it can do in a crash.
Meanwhile, motorcycle riders have no outward protection. Even riders who wear helmets and other safety gear can incur severe injuries in a minor collision. It’s also common for riders to be thrown from their motorcycle. When this happens, the rider may collide with other objects or land in the street and get hit by other vehicles.
Yet many car and truck drivers still suffer serious damage thanks to negligent motorcycle riders. Due to their nature, many motorcycle riders drive recklessly. This can force other vehicles to get into accidents. For example, a motorcyclist can cause an accident because their negligent driving forces another car to brake suddenly to avoid hitting them. This may result in a rear-end collision or a multi-car pileup.
Negligent motorcycle accidents also carry a high risk of psychological damage for anyone involved. Because these accidents are often so violent and fatal, people involved in a negligent motorcycle accident may suffer PTSD or other mental health issues. Even if the motorcycle rider is declared legally at-fault, many drivers carry immense guilt for their role in the collision.
Examples of Negligent Motorcycle Riding
While many motorcycle riders are responsible people who focus on safety, others are negligent or even reckless when they get on their bikes. Motorcycles often attract “adrenaline junkies” and other personality-types who disregard safety. Riders who are younger may feel invincible due to their age.
Negligent motorcycle riding can take many forms. However, the examples below are some of the most common causes of these accidents. By understanding what causes a negligent motorcycle accident, you can do your part to avoid them.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the most common causes of a negligent motorcycle rider accident. Motorcycles are built for speed. Thanks to their small size and powerful engines, motorcycles can accelerate rapidly and hit higher speeds more quickly than other vehicles. While this can help a motorcyclist maneuver quickly and escape a potential crash, it also causes crashes because it leads to riskier behavior.
Despite their responsive handling, a speeding motorcycle rider has less time to react to hazards than a motorcycle rider obeying the speed limit. The rider is more likely to cause a crash while speeding because he or she can’t avoid it in time.
Ignoring Traffic Laws
Negligent motorcycle riders are also more likely to ignore traffic laws. In addition to speeding, negligent motorcycle riders often run red lights, ignore stop signs, or fail to yield at intersections. They may also ignore warning signs about construction in work zones, reduced speeds for school zones, or other hazards. Unfortunately, this behavior contributes to their accident risk.
Tailgating
Motorcycles are also more likely to tailgate. Tailgating occurs when a vehicle follows the vehicle in front of them too closely. Although common, it’s a very dangerous driving behavior because it leads to accidents. Without proper following space, a motorcycle rider can’t stop in time and may cause a rear-end collision with the car or truck in front of them. This can be disastrous for a motorcycle rider who is unprotected. Often, the impact of this type of collision will throw the rider off their motorcycle.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is a driving technique that’s unique to motorcycles thanks to their small sizes. This occurs when the rider drives in between two lanes of traffic. Many motorcycle riders love lane splitting because it allows them to speed through heavy traffic.
However, lane splitting can be very dangerous. When lane splitting, the motorcycle rider is frequently in the blind spot of other cars and trucks. Accidents are common. For this reason, lane splitting is illegal in many states, including Texas. Unfortunately, negligent motorcycle riders often break the law.
Impaired Driving
Finally, many negligent motorcycle riders also drive while impaired. They may be distracted, tired, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Many motorcycle riders belong to social clubs where drinking or drug use is common. Unfortunately, this behavior leads to accidents.
What to Do After a Negligent Motorcycle Rider Accident
If you’re involved in a negligent motorcycle rider accident, contact a lawyer right away. Even if you’re not liable for the crash, accidents involving motorcyclists can become complicated if the rider is gravely injured. You need an accident lawyer on your side.
Contact our law office in Euless by dialing (469) 998-4069 or use our online contact form. Consultations are free and completely confidential. We’re here to help.