When you are on the road as a motorcyclist, you are already at a serious disadvantage. Motorists in passenger cars have all the protections of seatbelts, airbags, a windshield, cushions, and impact-resistant materials built in to the vehicle. You, as the motorcycle rider or passenger, have little to nothing to protect you in the event of a crash. Therefore, all drivers have a duty to keep a close watch out for motorcycles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and anyone else on the road who may be particularly vulnerable in a collision.
At Burch Law Firm, we want you to be safe on the road, and this means being aware of some of the most common dangers. Here are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents and what you should do if ever involved in one:
- Speeding and Reckless Driving. So many drivers these days are in a rush. Maybe they are running late to pick up their kid from school, maybe they are late for work, or maybe they just don’t want to miss their favorite television show. Whatever the reasons, drivers who speed are already putting the public at risk. If you have ever seen those drivers weaving in and out of traffic, swerving abruptly, or tailgating people, then you know this type of behavior serves no purpose but to harass, intimidate, and potentially endanger others.
- Aggressive Driving. Sometimes reckless or careless driving can go to the next level and become outright aggressive. These drivers intentionally drive in a manner that disrespects the rights of others. Maybe these drivers are angry about something at home or at work or maybe another driver upset them a few moments earlier, but when people allow road rage and anger to control their vehicle, deadly accidents can happen.
- Distracted Driving. We all know that drivers should focus on the task of driving and not allow distractions to keep their mind or eyes away from the road. But regardless of all the anti-texting laws and rules about handheld devices, some drivers are still going to text and drive, surf the Web behind the wheel, or allow themselves to be otherwise distracted.
- Making Unsafe Lane Changes. Changing lanes abruptly can lead to terrible accidents, too. Motorcyclists, in particular, are in danger when vehicles change lanes because other drivers don’t always watch out for those on two wheels.
- Driving Under the Influence. This is one of the biggest causes of motorcycle crashes. When drivers are intoxicated by alcohol, illegal drugs, or even some prescription medications, their judgment may be impaired, and they may have extremely slow reaction time to avoid hitting a motorcyclist.
- Sharing Lanes. It is perfectly fine for two motorcycles to share a lane. In fact, it is safer in many situations. It allows the motorcycles to take up a bigger footprint in the lane, keeping other vehicles out. It is not, however, OK for a car or truck to attempt to share a lane with a motorcycle. When drivers disregard the rights of motorcycle riders by attempting to pass within the same lane or treat motorcycles like bicycles, “shoving” them to the shoulder, serious crashes can happen.
Motorcycle Safety Tips
The biggest tips for riding a motorcycle safely have very little to do with other drivers on the road. After all, you really can’t control them. Motorcyclists also have little protection against injuries if they decide to drive carelessly. That said, there are some things you can do to protect yourself as a motorcycle rider. These include:
- Always wear a helmet and the right gear. The better you “suit-up” with a proper helmet and proper riding attire, the better your chances of surviving a crash. Never wear materials that are combustible or made of synthetic fabric that can stick to your skin in a road rash accident.
- Try to ride in pairs or groups when possible.
- Avoid riding in heavy stop-and-go traffic.
- Slow down and avoid drivers who behave erratically or aggressively.
- Always ride sober. You can’t control others, but if you are sober, you are safer.
- Never attempt to talk or text while riding.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Perhaps the most common motorcycle injury is a road rash. This happens when a motorcycle rider must lay down the bike to avoid a crash. However, there are many other injuries that a rider or passenger can suffer, including:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Burns
- Amputated fingers and toes
- Dislocated joints
- Internal organ damage
- Torn ligaments
- Crushing injuries
- Muscle tissue damage
Of course, some of these injuries can ultimately prove fatal. The sad truth is that all of these painful and unsightly injuries can be largely avoided if drivers would just respect the rights of motorcyclists on the road.
How Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Help You After a Crash
If you or a family member has been hurt in a motorcycle crash, whether as the rider or as a passenger, please call the experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Burch Law Firm today.
- We will immediately get to work investigating the collision in order to help you prove liability.
- We will also make sure you are getting the medical treatment you need and help you obtain all the evidence needed to support your claim.
- You should never have to deal with insurance adjusters or complex settlement negotiations. We can handle all of these things, as well as working to resolve any medical bills, liens, or government claims against your settlement.
- If the insurance company won’t work with you to resolve your motorcycle accident injury claim, we can file a lawsuit to demand the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our New Braunfels Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
There are many causes of fatalities and injuries from motorcycle accidents. If you have been seriously injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash near New Braunfels, TX, contact the dedicated motorcycle accident lawyers at Burch Law Firm today. We will determine the cause of your crash and help you pursue the full and fair compensation you need to recover.
Please call or contact us online today to set up a free consultation so we can discuss your personal injury claim.
