Motorcycle Accidents in Texas: Common Causes & How to Prove Liability
Motorcycle accidents in Texas can have devastating consequences, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. Due to the vulnerability of motorcyclists compared to drivers in enclosed vehicles, it is critical to understand the common causes of these accidents and how to establish liability. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, knowing how to prove negligence is essential to securing compensation.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Texas
1. Distracted Driving
One of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents is distracted driving. Drivers who text, eat, adjust their GPS, or engage in other distractions fail to notice motorcyclists, leading to devastating collisions.
2. Speeding
Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of an accident. Many crashes occur when drivers fail to slow down for motorcyclists at intersections or while merging onto highways.
3. Failing to Yield Right of Way
Many accidents happen when drivers do not yield the right of way to motorcyclists at intersections, lane changes, or stop signs. Failure to recognize a motorcyclist’s presence can lead to serious collisions.
4. Drunk or Impaired Driving
Alcohol and drug impairment significantly impact a driver’s ability to react and make safe driving decisions. Impaired drivers are a major threat to motorcyclists, often leading to fatal crashes.
5. Left-Turn Accidents
A large percentage of motorcycle accidents happen when a vehicle makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Drivers frequently misjudge the speed of motorcycles or fail to see them entirely.
6. Road Hazards and Poor Conditions
Uneven pavement, potholes, loose gravel, and slick roadways pose serious threats to motorcyclists. Unlike cars, motorcycles lack the stability to absorb shocks from poor road conditions.
7. Lane Splitting
Although lane splitting is illegal in Texas, some motorcyclists attempt to navigate between vehicles in heavy traffic. This increases the risk of accidents as other drivers may not anticipate a motorcycle passing between lanes.
How to Prove Liability in a Motorcycle Accident
To hold a negligent party accountable for a motorcycle accident, it is necessary to establish liability using clear and compelling evidence. Here’s how to prove fault:
1. Gather Police Reports
A police report is one of the most crucial pieces of evidence in a motorcycle accident case. Officers document the scene, witness statements, and any citations issued, which can help determine fault.
2. Collect Witness Statements
Eyewitness accounts provide critical details about how the accident occurred. Witnesses can confirm if the other driver was speeding, distracted, or failed to yield.
3. Secure Traffic Camera or Dashcam Footage
Many intersections and highways have cameras that may have recorded the accident. Dashcam footage from nearby vehicles can also serve as crucial evidence.
4. Take Photos and Videos of the Scene
Photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions can help reconstruct the events leading up to the crash.
5. Review Medical Records
Medical documentation proves the extent of injuries sustained and links them to the accident. Keeping detailed medical records can support claims for compensation.
6. Analyze Vehicle Damage
Examining the damage on both vehicles can indicate the point of impact and help establish how the accident occurred.
7. Consult an Expert Witness
Accident reconstruction experts can analyze evidence, recreate the accident, and provide testimony on who was at fault.
What Compensation Can Motorcycle Accident Victims Receive?
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: Covers hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical treatment.
- Lost Wages: If the accident caused time off work, victims can recover lost income and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for damage to the motorcycle and other personal belongings.
- Wrongful Death Damages: If a loved one died in a motorcycle accident, the family can pursue a wrongful death claim.
Why Choose McGilberry & Shirer for Your Motorcycle Accident Case?
At McGilberry & Shirer, we understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face on Texas roads. Our legal team has over 60 years of combined experience fighting for accident victims. We provide aggressive representation to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t face the insurance companies alone. Call McGilberry & Shirer today for a free consultation. We fight for motorcyclists’ rights and ensure negligent drivers are held accountable.
