Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Dallas
Although the number of motorcyclists killed and injured in traffic crashes has dropped slightly in recent years, the overall death and injury toll has generally been on the rise for more than a decade.
There are many different causes of motorcycle crashes, and many of them involve some type of negligence on the part of passenger vehicle drivers. If you have suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle accident in Texas that was someone else’s fault, the best thing to do is to consult with an experienced Dallas motorcycle accident lawyer, before you talk to insurance adjusters and before you sign anything.
At Kraft & Associates, P.C., we represent injured victims in motorcycle accidents, as well as the families of riders who have been killed. Our attorneys are compassionate, effective and dedicated to getting results for our clients. We are prepared to thoroughly investigate your accident to determine its true cause, and then aggressively pursue a claim for compensation against the responsible party.
Let the law offices of Kraft & Associates, P.C., advise you about your rights after a motorcycle accident. Please call us or contact us online.
Factors That Result in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles are less visible and less stable than passenger vehicles, which contributes to accidents in a number of ways, including the following:
- Drivers fail to see a motorcycle and turn left into its path at an intersection. More than 40 percent of all fatal motorcycle crashes happen when the other vehicle is turning left and the motorcycle is going straight, passing or overtaking another vehicle, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- Drivers fail to do a head check before changing lanes and crash into a motorcycle that was in the blind spot. This can happen more easily with motorcycles because they are smaller than passenger vehicles.
- Drivers follow too closely and cause rear-end collisions with motorcycles. This is particularly dangerous, as motorcycles are lightweight and have shorter stopping distances. There is no such thing as a fender-bender for a motorcycle. A rear-end collision could be fatal for a motorcyclist.
- Drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to motorcycles. Passenger vehicles frequently pull out in front of motorcycles because the drivers don’t see them.
- Dangerous roadways cause riders to wipe out. Potholes, cracked pavement, pooling water and other types of poor road surface conditions can cause accidents for any type of vehicle. Motorcycles are particularly susceptible because of their lightweight and instability as compared to passenger vehicles.
Certain driver factors cause motorcycle accidents, as well as other types of traffic crashes. These dangerous behaviors include:
- Distracted driving. Texting or talking on cell phones is a common source of distraction behind the wheel. NHTSA estimates that 421,000 people were injured in distracted driving accidents in one recent year.
- Drunk driving. Alcohol-impaired drivers cause accidents. As reported by NHTSA, 28 people a day die from alcohol-related accidents, for a total of more than 10,000 fatalities during a typical year.
- Drug-impaired driving. Not only controlled substances but also prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause driver impairment that leads to accidents.
- Drowsy driving. Driver fatigue can cause drivers to crash. In a survey reported by NHTSA, 37 percent of adult drivers surveyed admitted that they had fallen asleep at the wheel at least once during their lives.
- Aggressive driving. Speeding, tailgating and frequent, unnecessary lane changes can cause accidents and lead to road rage.
Professional Legal Advice for Motorcycle Accident Victims in Texas
At Kraft & Associates, P.C., we want to help with your motorcycle accident legal issues. We have the resources necessary to fully investigate the crash and determine its true cause. Our friendly, lawyers are easy to talk to and have decades of experience handling all types of motorcycle accidents.
Talk to us before you talk to an insurance adjuster or sign any paperwork from an insurance company. Please call Kraft & Associates, P.C. or complete our online form for a free assessment of your case.
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