Factors That Most Frequently Cause Texas Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents in Texas are never minor. Unlike a car accident, where the driver and occupants of the vehicle are balanced on four wheels and guarded by a substantial metal framework, motorcycle riders hit the ground with very little protection. Even when wearing a helmet, motorcycle riders frequently suffer traumatic brain injuries and other catastrophic injuries that permanently impact their bodies and their lives.

Therefore, it is essential for motorcyclists in Texas to understand the most common causes of accidents so that they can take extra precautions. There are several factors, such as wearing a helmet and other appropriate protective gear, that can potentially reduce the risk of injuries from motorcycle accidents. But the goal is to avoid an accident in the first place.

Inattention While Motorists Are Making Turns and Lane Changes

The narrow profile of a motorcycle is easily missed when drivers of other vehicles aren’t paying attention. Either due to haste to get somewhere or inattention because they’re more focused on something other than safe driving, many drivers don’t look closely before changing lanes or turning left. Sometimes, they take a fleeting glance, and other times, they don’t look at all but rely on the warning systems in their car or truck to tell them if another vehicle is in the way.

Drivers who aren’t paying appropriate attention to the road frequently hit motorcyclists when they are turning left or switching lanes. The collision may cause little or no harm to the driver of a car or truck, but it can be deadly for a motorcyclist, particularly on a high-speed road.  

Impaired Driving

Motorcyclists have a reputation for breaking the rules and being crazed with alcohol or drugs, but the fact is that most riders are extremely responsible because they know how dangerous riding a motorcycle can be. It is often the drivers of ordinary, innocuous vehicles that drive erratically because they’re impaired by alcohol or drugs. And motorcyclists, because of their vulnerability, are the ones who suffer because of a driver’s reckless conduct.

Excessive Speed

This is another area where motorcyclists have a reputation for violating rules, but often it is the operators of other vehicles who are the ones acting irresponsibly. Riders know their bikes, and they know the safe speeds to operate them under various conditions. They are conscious of the dangers. 

Drivers of other vehicles, by contrast, treat their operation as ordinary and mundane. For that reason, they don’t give proper consideration to the dangers of speeding, and may not even pay attention to speed at all. Most car and truck drivers would be more worried about the risk of getting a traffic ticket for speeding than the risk of causing an accident.

When these drivers are speeding, they have even less time to notice and react to the presence of motorcyclists on the road. Speeding in combination with inattention is a recipe for a motorcycle accident.

Road Conditions

Cars and trucks can be affected by hazardous road conditions, such as ice or debris, but the dangers are far greater for motorcyclists. Conditions on the road that pose little to no risk for heavy vehicles with four or more wheels can cause a bike to slide or tip, resulting in the rider losing control and potentially hitting an obstacle or crashing to the ground.

Hazards on the road can lead to single-vehicle accidents for motorcycles as well as collisions with other vehicles. Either type of accident can lead to devastating injuries. In many cases, debris was left on the road due to the negligence of an adjacent property owner or the driver of an overloaded vehicle. When that happens, those parties can be held liable.

Weather Conditions

Because road conditions can pose risks to motorcyclists, poor weather conditions can increase the likelihood of accidents. For instance, rain can make roads slick and cause a bike to skid or slide, so riders need to take extra precautions when the weather is bad. However, even when bikers exercise care, there is no guarantee that other motorists will slow down or take extra precautions in poor weather conditions. In fog or rain, it becomes harder to see anything on the road, and motorcycles are even more likely to be overlooked when drivers are not paying attention. Bad weather frequently plays a role in motorcycle accidents, even when it is not the primary cause.

How Motorcyclists Can Protect Themselves from Risks

Knowing the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Texas can help bikers understand when they need to be cautious around motorists, as most of the time, motorists aren’t watching for them. For instance, when a rider needs to change lanes or make a turn, allowing extra space and time for maneuvers can potentially prevent collisions. Wearing bright colors on rainy or foggy days could potentially help increase visibility. Strategically placed reflective strips can also help make a motorcyclist more visible, and it’s a good idea to keep headlights on for the same reason. 

Additionally, it can be helpful to watch for drivers who appear to be driving erratically or inattentively, and maintain extra distance from them. However, there are many times when problem drivers come up suddenly from behind a biker, and there is nothing a biker can do to stay safe.

When a Negligent Driver Causes a Motorcycle Accident, DeKeyzer Law is Ready to Help

When you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, you need to focus on getting the best medical care and making a physical, mental, and emotional recovery that is as complete as possible. At the same time, you need to be taking steps to protect yourself legally and financially. Those are tasks where DeKeyzer Law is ready to assist.

We know how to fight insurance companies to get the compensation you deserve after a motorcycle accident. We can work to collect evidence right after the accident, and we can handle the questioning from investigators so that you don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing. Contact us online or call us at 713-904-4004 for a complimentary case evaluation and consultation to learn more about how we can assist you after your accident.