Top Five Causes of Motorcycle Crashes

Sylvester H. Roper, the inventor of the first motorcycle in 1869, also died in the first motorcycle crash, which was in 1896. Today’s motorcycles are almost infinitely faster and more powerful than Roper’s velocipede, which was basically a steam-driven bicycle. However, today’s motorcycles also have the same basic design as Roper’s velocipede (a frame, two wheels, and an engine). The most common fatal motorcycle accidents haven’t changed much either. More on that below.

Since motorcycle wrecks cause such serious injuries, a Sugar Land motorcycle accident lawyer can obtain substantial compensation in these matters. This compensation usually includes money for economic losses, such as medical bills, and noneconomic losses, such as pain and suffering. Almost all personal injury claims settle out of court. These resolutions benefit victim-plaintiffs in several ways. They give victims more control over the outcome. Additionally, and more importantly, settlements are final resolutions. Insurance companies that settle cases write checks instead of tying up cases in appeals courts.

Right-Turn Wrecks

When they turn right at intersections, most drivers look to the left. If a motorcyclist is to the right of the vehicle and proceeding straight through the intersection, the tortfeasor (negligent driver) probably won’t see the victim.

Frequently, tortfeasors say things like “I never even saw you” or “You came out of nowhere” following right-turn wrecks. These tortfeasors think these statements shift blame onto the riders. But these statements are admissions that the tortfeasors weren’t maintaining a proper lookout.

Left-Turn Wrecks

Motorcycles account for less than 10 percent of vehicle traffic. Because they don’t see many motorcycles, in addition to not looking out for them, many drivers misjudge their speed.

As a result, if a tortfeasor attempts an unprotected left turn against traffic, the tortfeasor often does not see an oncoming motorcycle, or the tortfeasor misjudges speed and distance.

These accidents may cause the most serious injuries. Usually, the tortfeasor is traveling at or near top speed at the moment of impact in these situations.

Intersection Collisions

These accidents often occur on residential side streets with stop signs or on “who had the light” major intersection wrecks.

Even if a motorcyclist “runs” a stop sign or red light and hits a car, the victim could still be entitled to compensation, since Texas is a comparative fault state. In most cases, the judge simply reduces the victim’s compensation in accordance with the percentage of fault.

Right-Side Passing

Passing on the right is always risky. In some cases, it’s illegal. In all cases, passing on the right significantly decreases visibility, which as repeatedly mentioned, is a critical factor in these collisions.

These wrecks also illustrate the two basic types of negligence claims available to a Missouri City personal injury lawyer. Ordinary negligence is a failure to drive defensively and avoid accidents when possible. Dangerous passing on the right is clearly negligent. Negligence per se is a violation of a safety law. Tortfeasors who break safety laws and cause injuries may be liable for damages as a matter of law.

“Doored”

The aforementioned legal responsibilities don’t end when a car moves off the road and stops. Motorists, who are now pedestrians, still have a duty of care. Yet many people, mostly because they’re distracted, open their doors directly in front of oncoming motorcycles, causing a crash much like a left-turn crash.

Reach Out to a Dedicated Fort Bend County Attorney

Injury victims are entitled to significant compensation. For a confidential consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney in Missouri City, contact the Henrietta Ezeoke Law Firm. Virtual, home, and hospital visits are available.

Source:

americanhistory.si.edu/collections/nmah_1339960