Irving Negligent Motorcycle Rider Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle accidents are often fatal. In a collision with a car, motorcycle riders are 27 times more likely to die. The Insurance Information Institute (III) found that over 5100 motorcyclists died in accidents in 2017.

It’s easy to see why. Even with personal safety equipment, motorcycle riders don’t have much protection. They don’t have seatbelts, either. In an accident, motorcyclists are often thrown off their bikes.

Unfortunately, they aren’t the only ones risking their lives. Negligent motorcycle riders pose a threat to everyone on the road. They trigger many car crashes involving other drivers. Negligent motorcycle rider accidents may also injure pedestrians.

After an accident, the motorcyclist may suffer more severe injuries than other drivers. However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t liable. You still have rights in an accident caused by a negligent motorcycle rider.

You may be eligible for compensation to cover damages to your car. Call (469) 998-4069 to speak to a lawyer about your negligent motorcycle rider accident. Our Irving law office is ready to serve you. Consultations are always free, and there is zero obligation.

What Causes a Negligent Motorcycle Rider Accident?

A negligent motorcycle rider accident occurs any time the rider directly or indirectly causes a crash. Often, motorcyclists trigger accidents through risky driving behavior.

Depending on the circumstances, they may be fully or partially liable for the accident. Your motorcycle accident lawyer can help you determine who’s at fault.

Common causes of negligent motorcycle rider accidents include:

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting is a technique where motorcyclists drive between lanes during heavy traffic. In many states, lane splitting is illegal because it’s so dangerous. Unfortunately, Texas is not one of them. Motorcyclists in the Lone Star State are allowed to lane split.

Lane splitting causes accidents when other drivers change lanes without seeing the motorcyclist. In other scenarios, the motorcycle rider causes damage by driving poorly. They may hit another vehicle because they misjudge the space between lanes.

Erratic Driving

Similarly, negligent motorcycle riders cause collisions because of the way they drive. Motorcyclists often speed. They also weave in and out of traffic, often without using a turn signal. They may also speed up and slow down without notice, or tailgate.

Many motorcyclists are younger. Unfortunately, they may not realize how their driving can affect others. It’s common to see motorcycle riders taking unnecessary risks or showing off. This dangerous behavior causes accidents when other drivers stop or swerve to avoid hitting the motorcyclist.

In some cases, the motorcyclist may trigger a collision among multiple vehicles, yet drive away unharmed. These negligent rider accidents can become very complicated. If you’re in a car crash caused by a motorcycle rider driving erratically, seek legal help right away.

Bad Weather

Most car accident rates increase during bad weather. For motorcycle riders, bad weather can spell disaster. Motorcyclists are often involved in accidents because other drivers don’t see them. When there’s rain, fog, or snow, their visibility becomes even worse.

Additionally, bad weather can affect the road surface. Riders may lose control of their motorcycle if streets are icy or flooded. They may skid, crash, or flip over. An out of control motorcycle can also cause other drivers to crash.

Blind Spots

Many motorcycle crashes happen because the rider is in a car’s blind spot. Because motorcycles are so much smaller than cars, they aren’t easy to see. They may be hidden by a vehicle’s blind spot.

In other words, drivers may hit a motorcycle rider because they don’t see them. This often occurs as a result of lane splitting. When a motorcycle “sneaks” in between lanes, the car driver won’t be expecting them. They may hit the motorcycle rider as they change lanes, merge, or exit traffic.

Poor Road Conditions

Due to their engineering, motorcycles are more sensitive to the road. Poor road conditions can cause a motorcycle to skid, tilt, roll over, or crash. Potholes, ruts, and other damage to pavement can result in severe motorcycle accidents.

Additionally, motorcycle riders are at a greater risk of crashing when there’s loose gravel, ice, water, or fallen objects in the road. A motorcycle rider isn’t responsible for poor road conditions. However, if they lose control of their motorcycle because of poor road conditions, it may cause other drivers to crash.

Driving Under the Influence

When a motorcycle rider is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, accidents are more likely to occur. Drugs and alcohol impair driving ability. Motorcycle riders may be unable to control their vehicle when they’re using drugs or alcohol. They may experience loss of motor control, impaired vision, and poor judgment.

Driving under the influence is always negligent behavior. Motorcyclists may believe that they can’t cause as much damage as a car or truck, but this is incorrect. Motorcycle riders driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol may injure many people.

Driving While Fatigued or Distracted

Negligent motorcyclists also cause accidents when they are fatigued or distracted. Did you know that driving without enough sleep is just as dangerous as drunk driving? Fatigued motorcyclists may cause severe crashes due to exhaustion.

Distracted motorcycle riders are also prone to accidents. In 2016, 23% of fatal motorcycle accidents involved fixed, stationary objects. Drivers who are paying attention are able to avoid crashing into stationary objects. This statistic indicates that negligent motorcyclists may often be more distracted than other drivers.

If you notice a motorcyclist talking on a phone, adjusting a GPS device, or otherwise distracted, give them a wide berth. This caution might help you avoid an accident.

Negligent Motorcycle Rider Accident Lawyers

If you’ve been involved in an accident with a negligent motorcycle rider, legal help is available. Use our online contact form or call (469) 998-4069 to schedule a free consultation. Our Irving accident lawyers will be happy to hear your case.

Remember, there’s no charge for a consultation. If we don’t help you win your negligent motorcycle accident case, you won’t pay for our services. Why wait? Fight for your rights today.