Austin Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Austin, TX
As of 2020, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in an accident than those who are in passenger vehicles. Although motorcyclists tend to be seen as rash and dangerous by the general public, most of the dangers motorcyclists face are from other vehicles on the road. In most cases, motorcycle accident injuries are caused by the negligent actions of another motorist. Compared to other car and truck accidents in Texas, motorcycles are small and very exposed. Consequently, motorcycle accidents are often much more severe than car accidents, and in Texas, the number of fatalities caused by motorcycle accidents each year is one of the highest in the nation.
After a motorcycle crash, it’s critical to work with a legal team that understands how to assess your damages so you can recover what is owed to you. Without a motorcycle accident lawyer guiding you throughout the process, there are many mistakes that can ultimately void or significantly lessen your personal injury claim. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, it’s recommended that you speak with an experienced Austin motorcycle accident attorney right away to help you navigate the legal process.
Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents
Although motorcyclists themselves can sometimes cause accidents, a new study conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) found that a vast majority of motorcycle accidents are caused when negligent drivers of motor vehicles violate the rights of motorcycle riders on roadways, particularly at busy intersections. Intersection accidents most frequently occur when a driver turns left into an oncoming motorcycle because they failed to see it. Studies have shown that motorists fail to identify the smaller-profile motorcycles in traffic due to a lack of caution and awareness on the part of the driver. Although this is common among drivers, it’s still fully their responsibility to be alert and aware when sharing the roadways with motorcyclists. Another common cause of motorcycle accidents is public road hazards. Due to the smaller size and less stable nature of motorcycles, there is a much higher chance of danger when contacting potholes, animals in the road, slick road conditions, gravel, debris, uneven pavement, and other road irregularities. Although these are some of the more common causes of motorcycle accidents, there are plenty of others that can cause a motorcycle crash. If the reason for a motorcycle crash is caused by another party, then speaking with an Austin motorcycle accident lawyer should be one of the first things you do following the accident.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents
Bicycles and motorcycles are similar in that they are two-wheeled vehicles that can sometimes be hard to see. Riders of both of these should be aware of several different types of accidents. Below you’ll find some of the more common types of motorcycle accidents.
Accidents Involving Cars and Trucks
The most dangerous accidents involve other vehicles, especially those that are much larger in size. Most of the time the other vehicle will change lanes or turn into the path of a motorcycle because the driver simply is not aware of the motorcycle and can cause serious damage.
Single-Bike Accidents
Many times a police report can indicate the motorcyclist is at fault for single-bike accidents. However, it’s common that road debris or other roadway hazards can be the real cause. Such accidents include the high-slide, the low-slide, and the “endo”.
Rear-End Collisions
Heavier vehicles cannot stop as fast as motorcycles or bicycles. There are many instances of a driver not paying attention until it’s too late and colliding with unsuspecting motorcyclists from behind. Rear-end collisions can be especially dangerous and an Austin motorcycle accident lawyer commonly represents such cases.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Obviously, motorcyclists are much more vulnerable in accidents than passengers in traditional vehicles who have the protection of a full-sized vehicle. Even when a motorcycle rider is wearing a helmet, it is very common for a motorcycle accident victim to sustain one or more of the following injuries.
- Spinal cord and back trauma (possible paralysis)
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Internal organ damage or internal bleeding
- Broken, fractured, or dislocated bones
- Severe lacerations or road rash
- Severe disfigurement
- Whiplash
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All too often, motorcycle accidents happen due to the careless or negligent actions of another driver. When drivers fail to give motorcyclists space they are entitled to on the roadways, accidents become very frequent, especially on the busy Texas highways. Motorcycle riders are also much more vulnerable to being injured by the actions of intoxicated or distracted drivers because those driver’s alertness is decreased even more. Luckily an Austin motorcycle accident lawyer is available to speak with you about your accident and determine the next best steps to take to seek the compensation you deserve.
Contact The Top Austin Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
Personal injury matters are extremely time-sensitive and must be acted in order to preserve the true conditions of the accident. It is crucial to act promptly to keep all evidence fresh, investigate the cause of the motorcycle crash, and file a lawsuit prior to the deadline imposed by the statute of limitations. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact ATX legal and our Austin motorcycle accident attorney to help you get back what is owed to you.