According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2015 approximately 88,000 motorcyclists were injured. An additional 4,976 fatal crashes occurred among motorcyclists. In Texas, fatal auto accidents occur nearly every two and a half hours. In 2017, 501 of these fatal accidents occured on motorcycles. According to Texas A&M Transportation Institute, motorcycle accidents with injury happen at a rate five times higher than those of cars. Given the inherent dangerous nature of motorcycles, it is important to have the proper legal resources if one gets into a severe accident. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help in serious cases.
Houston is not exempt from the tragedies of motorcycle / auto collisions. There are numerous instances of fatal motorcycle crashes in 2018. Some of these
auto accidents include:
- 1 dead and 1 injured in collision with a semi-truck
- A Houston Police Officer injured by negligent driver
- 1 passenger killed after a highway crash
In order to have a fair settlement, it is important to be aware of
experienced motorcycle accident lawyers who serve in the Houston area, such as those at Carabin Shaw. If you are someone you know has been in a motorcycle accident, be sure to contact us today.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
Left-turns by cars
A car turning left in front of a motorcycle can result in an accident if the driver of the car is unaware of the motorcyclist. About 40% of motorcycle crashes occur from left-hand turns.
Lane Changing
A crash could occur if the driver of a car fails to look in their blind spot, leading to a collision between car and motorcycle.
Car Doors
The opening of a car door in front of a motorcycle is another common cause of crashes. Again, this can occur if the driver of a car is unaware of the incoming motorcycle.
Driving under the influence
Drunk driving is another major reason for crashes. This can be avoided by always having a designated driver, or by utilizing taxi and car-ride services.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is when a motorcycle drive between two lanes of cars, typically in traffic jams. The close proximity to cars and unpredictability of drivers’ habits can result in a collision.
These are just a handful of types of accidents which can occur while riding a motorcycle. The majority of collisions come from a car drivers’ lack of awareness or failure to check blind spots. A second of negligence can lead to a severe or fatal accident with the consequences falling on the motorcyclist. These types of accidents are common all across the country, including Houston. If you or anyone you know has been involved in an accident, don’t hesitate. Call a motorcycle accident lawyer in Houston today.
Motorcycle Safety
Although motorcycle accidents seem common, there are ways to mitigate the potential of an accident. Here are some tips as adapted from the National Traffic Safety Association to follow that will decrease chance of injury:
Wear Proper Protection
Wearing a helmet is the single most important protection one should wear while riding a motorcycle. A helmet can prevent severe injury or death. Double check that your helmet is up to the Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. Wear your helmet even on short trips! Additionally, wearing long sleeves and pants will protect you from debris.
Double check motorcycle before riding
Make sure your motorcycle is functionally running. Double check tire pressure and tread of the tires. Look for signs of oil leakage. If you are riding with a passenger, make sure they are sitting forward and close to the driver. The passenger should be holding onto the driver by the hips, waist, or belt.
Avoid driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
If you are intoxicated, do not ride. Call a friend or a cab instead. Drunk driving is not only dangerous to others, but it is dangerous to yourself.
