Personal Injury Law – Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle riding has become increasingly popular within the last ten years. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, more than 400,000 motorcycles were registered in Texas in 2018. With this increase in the number of riders on our roads and highways also comes a rise in the rate of accidents involving motorcycles.
Motorcyclists have the same rights to the road as any other car, truck or motor vehicle. However, because of their smaller size and limited protection, motorcycle riders, as well as other drivers, must take extra precautions to protect themselves and others. When driving on the roads and highways, there are things that you can do to protect yourself as a motorcycle rider or motor vehicle driver.
Here are some useful tips and reminders that can make our roads and highways safer.
Be aware of your surroundings on the road by routinely checking your mirrors and glancing over your shoulder. Motorcycles are far less visible than other motor vehicles so it is important that both the rider and other drivers make an extra effort to be attentive to who is driving around them.
Motorcycles are more affected by road and weather conditions than other vehicles. For example, a sudden gust of wind may force the motorcyclist to lose position.
It may be difficult to gauge the distance and the speed of an approaching motorcycle.
Never follow too closely as a rider or a driver. The stopping distance of a motorcycle is increased and it is imperative that the rider has enough time to maneuver away from a potential hazard.
A motorcycle should not travel between two vehicles in adjacent lanes, although some riders will. Be sure to watch for riders that abuse this when you are changing lanes.
Texas motorcycle helmet law requires that all motorcycle riders under 21 years of age must wear a helmet. For riders older than 21, they are not required to wear a helmet if: They have successfully completed a motorcycle operator training and safety course, or provide proof of health insurance.
By taking the necessary precautions on the road, you are creating a safer driving environment for yourself and the other drivers on the road. It may save your life and the life of another rider or driver on the road.
If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another driver, motorcycle product defect or unsafe roadways or hazards, you need to hire an experienced motorcycle injury attorney to protect your rights.
Over 418 motorcyclists were killed in traffic accidents in Texas in 2018. More than 80 percent of all motorcycle accidents result in injury or death.
When involved in traffic accidents, motorcyclists are at an increased risk of serious injury and death because of the limited protection that a motorcycle provides. Motorcycles are also less visible on the road because of their smaller size, making it difficult for other drivers to estimate their distance from and the speed of the motorcycle.
Many motorcyclists are urged to take training courses to learn safety strategies to prevent a collision, such as wearing a helmet and how to maneuver quickly to avoid a hazard, but unfortunately, when an accident is caused by a negligent driver, dangerous road condition, or a defective motorcycle product, the motorcyclist has little control over the outcome.
If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another driver, motorcycle product defect or unsafe roadways or hazards, you need to hire an experienced motorcycle injury attorney to protect your rights.
At our firm, we are experienced and accomplished personal injury lawyers handling motorcycle injury accident cases for clients in Texas. Call our accident lawyer today for your free consultation with one of the trusted attorneys.
