The Road Less Safe: How Motorcycle Accidents Differ from Car Crashes

Although they account for a relatively small percentage of all registered cars on the road, motorcycles are involved in a disproportionately high number of accidents. Motorcycle accidents vary significantly from auto accidents for several reasons.

Of course, motorcyclists are more likely than passenger vehicle drivers to be involved in collisions that result in injuries or fatalities, as well as more likely to suffer injuries or pass away in wrecks caused by drunk driving. Tragically, per the latest data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were just under 5,600 motorcycle fatalities, accounting for nearly 15% of all traffic fatalities reported in the last year alone.

Additionally, there are a number of other distinct differences between the causes and effects of motorcycle accidents and auto accidents. If you've been involved in a motorcycle wreck in Texas, it's important to contact an accident attorney as soon as possible. In the meantime, read on to learn more about how motorcycle accidents differ from motor vehicle crashes.

Causes of Motorcycle and Vehicle Crashes in Texas

Car and motorcycle accidents are often caused by drunk driving, distracted driving, speeding, or a combination of these factors. Motorcycle accidents, like other forms of traffic collisions, are often caused by the negligence of one or more drivers. However, motorcycle accidents in Texas often have catastrophic results and are generally the result of a few common (yet reckless) maneuvers. Regardless, every type of accident has a unique set of causes or circumstances. That said, the following are the most common causes of motorcycle crashes:

• Drivers turning left without looking to see whether a motorcyclist is approaching or overtaking the lane
• Speeding and/or alcohol consumption (which account for over half of all motorcycle accidents)
• Motorcyclists riding between two lanes of traffic, a practice known as lane splitting, which is illegal in Texas
• Potholes, debris from other cars, uneven or west roadways, and other hazardous road conditions
• Collisions with stationary objects, which account for over a quarter of fatal motorcycle accidents

Most auto accidents are caused by driver error (by either motorist involved in a crash). Other less frequent reasons for auto accidents include inclement weather, roadway hazards, maintenance issues, and vehicle part failures.

Among the most frequent causes of negligence-based auto accidents are:

• Drunk driving or DUI (driving under the influence)
• Operating a vehicle too fast for conditions (which accounts for about half of all auto accidents)
• Driving when distracted, particularly texting and driving
• Aggressive driving in general, such as speeding, tailgating, not yielding the right of way, and quickly changing lanes
• Driver fatigue

A larger percentage of vehicle and motorcycle accidents include speeding and/or alcohol usage. Motorcycle accidents may sometimes be caused by aggressive driving, driver weariness, and distracted driving, although these variables more often cause auto accidents.

However, according to the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI), the leading cause of death for motorcyclists is left-hand turns by motorists who fail to account for the bike's size and speed.

Tragically, nearly a third of all motorcyclist deaths in Texas last year were caused by or connected to an intersection. In fact, traffic experts say most motorcycle accidents at intersections involve left turns (52%), whereas just about 5% involve right turns.

Steps to Take After a Texas Motorcycle Crash

Your health and safety should be your main focus after an accident. Verify that you and the other parties involved in a wreck have not suffered serious injuries. If you've been hurt, consult a medical professional right away. Always request a copy of your medical files after seeing a doctor. Your attorney may utilize these documents as evidence in case you end up in court or need to file an insurance claim.

1. Call the Police: Having law enforcement present at the site of the collision may also assist with any legal claims that may arise as a result of the incident. Get a copy of the police report so that your motorcycle accident attorney can use this document for evidence.
2. Document the Crash: Motorcycle accident scenes should be photographed, with all other details recorded, as soon as possible. In order to prove fault, your attorney will need you to provide photographs of the accident site.
3. Exchange Contact Details and Driver Information: Jot down everyone's names, phone numbers, insurance information, and license plate numbers. Your lawyer will require the contact details of all individuals involved and their respective insurance providers. And, if possible, get any witness statements from anybody who saw what happened or was involved in the collision. These testimonies may assist in confirming a neutral narrative of the events.

Of course, securing evidence from many sources helps strengthen your case. Likewise, it's important that you never provide a recorded statement to an insurance company or accept any fault at the scene of an accident (in other words, don't apologize, even if you're sure about who is at fault). Let your motorcycle accident lawyer in Dallas do the talking for you.

Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Dallas

Fear of legal fees should not prevent you from obtaining the representation you need to win your case. At the Rasansky Law Firm, our team has more than three decades of experience assisting victims of accidents caused by negligent and irresponsible drivers. What's more, in the event of a personal injury or unlawful death resulting from a motorcycle accident, you pay nothing unless we obtain a settlement on your behalf. Our fee will be deducted from the finalized settlement proceedings, so you'll never have to stress about paying out of pocket in advance.

Victims of motorcycle accidents whose injuries were caused by the carelessness of others must act swiftly to protect their legal rights. Waiting can put your chances of receiving a settlement award at risk.

As soon as you're ready to get started on your case, we're here to help you and yours evaluate your legal options and discuss the details of your accident. Call our attorneys at 214-617-1816 for a free case evaluation, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Dallas will stop at nothing to safeguard your legal rights at this frustrating time in your life.