No sense of freedom compares to riding a motorcycle in Dallas, except for the risk of being involved in an accident. Bikers are more vulnerable compared to car drivers and a crash can be atrocious when it occurs. Learning about the most typical causes of motorcycle accidents and possible persons liable to them allows you to remain safe and defend your rights at the same time.. In case you're injured, then a skilled Dallas motorcycle accident lawyer will guide you on the best steps to take.
Most accidents are caused by driver error, poor road conditions, or failure to notice motorcycles at all. Here are the top causes:
Left-Turn Accidents
Among the most common is a vehicle that takes a left turn into the path of a passing motorcycle. Most occur at intersections when the driver either misjudges the biker or fails to see him at all.
The fault is to be blamed on the driver turning left as he did not yield the right of way. The shared liability, however, can be in cases where the motorcyclist was driving at a higher speed.
Changing Lanes Without Checking Blind Spots
The size of bikes is smaller as compared to that of other cars and hence drivers find it difficult to spot them in blind spots. Drivers do not double-check when they want to change lanes and have many times sideswiped motorcycle riders.
Who's liable? This is the fault of the driver that changes lanes not bothering whether it's safe or not.
Driving Under the Influence
The consumption of alcohol and drugs makes a driver reactive, less knowledgeable, and unable to coordinate when there is a motorcycle on the road.
Who's liable? Generally, a sober driver is held liable, and civil and criminal actions can be taken against the person.
Distractions
You lose focus when you text, use GPS, change music, or eat a snack while driving. This could lead to an accident. Motorcyclists around distracted drivers will be very noticeable.
Who's liable? Damages that one incurs as a direct result of the distracted driver can be placed on the inattentive driver.
Speeding or Aggressive Driving
Driving too fast lowers the responsiveness of a driver due to oncoming traffic or sudden variations in the road. Motorcyclists are also put at risk with aggressive behaviors such as tailgating and going between traffic.
Who's liable? The fault may be split between speeding drivers, although the motorcyclist should also share the speeding liability.
Bad Roads
Roads in poor conditions caused by potholes, bumps, or trash or the lack of signs undermine the safety of motorcycles as compared with cars. Even a minor flaw in the road may induce the loss of control of a motorcycle.
Who's liable? In case the poor maintenance of the road was the cause of the hazard, there's a possibility that a governmental body or contractor can be held liable, but an action against the governmental entity requires different steps and timelines.
Door Accidents
This occurs when the driver or a passenger opens the door to the side of an approaching motorcycle.
Who's liable? Liability usually goes to the person who opens the door but does not check traffic.
Cases regarding motorcycle accidents don't always go smoothly. Several parties may be responsible, and Texas has a modified comparative fault rule. If it's proven that you were more than 50% at fault, then you may be unable to get compensated.
Therefore, you should consider finding an experienced Dallas motorcycle accident attorney to work on your case and retrieve evidence to pursue the deserved compensation.
