Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident, part of the personal injury claims process will be determining the cause of your crash and who should be held responsible. The primary cause of motorcycle crashes is driver negligence. However, there are many other factors that should be considered, so it is crucial that you speak with a skilled Houston motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible about the details of your case.
At The Law Offices of Hilda Sibrian™, our experienced legal team will conduct an in-depth investigation into your crash to determine the cause, collect all the evidence, and demand maximum compensation for your losses. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can make a difference in your motorcycle accident injury claim.
Understanding the Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
As seasoned motorcycle accident attorneys, we have investigated all types of crashes to determine and demonstrate the underlying cause. Although no two cases are the same, some of the common causes of crashes that we see are:
- Dangerous lane changes: Drivers of cars or trucks often fail to look out for motorcyclists when making lane changes. They may cut a motorcycle off, overtake a rider in a lane, sideswipe a bike, or push a motorcyclist across a center lane into oncoming traffic. All of these actions can lead to devastating and possibly fatal injuries.
- Improper turns: Driving is all about making quick decisions, but many drivers can overlook a motorcycle when quickly assessing a turn. They may turn into the path of a motorcyclist, knocking the rider from the bike and potentially causing a double impact when the rider hits the road.
- Distracted driving: Although texting or talking on the phone is the most common example of distracted driving, there are many activities that can take a driver’s mind off the road, putting motorcyclists around them in danger. Eating, drinking, grooming, listening to music, interacting with passengers or pets, and checking a GPS are all examples of distracted driving.
- Drunk driving: There is never an excuse to get behind the wheel after drinking. Sadly, when a motorist makes this decision, it puts everyone on the road at risk, especially motorcyclists who have less physical protection when getting slammed by a reckless drunk driver.
- Aggressive driving: Drivers who speed, tailgate, cut off, or otherwise behave aggressively toward motorcyclists can cause serious crashes. Motorcyclists should do everything possible to avoid drivers who are behaving aggressively, including pulling off the road if that’s what is necessary.
- Hazardous road conditions: Bad weather, potholes, poor road design, and other dangerous road conditions are a common cause of motorcycle crashes. In some cases, crash victims may be able to file a personal injury claim against the government entity or contractor responsible for maintaining or repairing the dangerous roadway.
- Defective motorcycle parts: When brakes, tires, steering, or other motorcycle parts or systems malfunction, they can cause devastating accidents. Injured riders and passengers can fight to hold manufacturers accountable when defective parts are to blame for their injuries.
Protect Your Rights After a Motorcycle Accident
You may feel like your life is spinning out of control after a serious accident, with medical bills piling up while you struggle to cope with missed paychecks. Still, even when you feel like there is nothing you can do to change what has happened, there are some steps you can take to protect your future.
- Call law enforcement. Do not hesitate to call 911 after a crash. The responding officers will investigate the crash scene, document important information, and file a report detailing the crash. This can be helpful later as your attorney investigates what happened to cause your crash.
- Seek medical treatment. Your health should be your number one priority. Getting treatment right away will give you the best chance to recover from your injuries, and it will ensure your injuries are documented in full. Be sure to follow all doctor’s orders.
- Save any evidence from the scene. If you or someone else at the scene is able, take photos of the vehicles involved as well as your injuries. Also try to get the names and contact information of witnesses, as well as the name, contact information, and insurance details for the at-fault driver.
- Start a file to collect paperwork and receipts. Documentation is a crucial part of any personal injury claim. It can help to keep all your insurance paperwork, medical records, and receipts related to the crash in one place. It will be helpful to bring all this documentation with you to your initial consultation with an attorney.
Do not give a statement to the insurance company. An insurance adjuster representing the at-fault party may contact you to ask for your side of the story. Do not give a written or recorded statement. Do not discuss your injuries or release your medical records to them. And never accept payment before speaking to an attorney about your legal rights.
Talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer about your legal rights. You should speak to an attorney as soon as possible about your motorcycle accident case. A lawyer will want to start investigating your crash immediately before crucial evidence disappears or is lost.
Your attorney will also immediately begin managing communication with the insurance companies involved, so you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery.
Contact Our Texas Motorcycle Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle crash that was not your fault, please contact The Law Offices of Hilda Sibrian™ today to learn more about your legal rights. You should not be forced to pay for someone else’s mistake. Our dedicated Texas motorcycle accident lawyers can review your claim for free and explain all your options for pursing the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Call 713-714-1414 or contact us online to get started. We do not charge any fees upfront, and you only pay us if we win compensation in your case.
