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A motorcycle accident can turn deadly in an instant when riders are struck by careless drivers or thrown from their bikes. High speeds, unsafe road conditions, and reckless maneuvers by other motorists often contribute to fatal crashes.
Identifying the most common causes of motorcycle fatalities can help riders recognize risks and take steps to stay safe on the road.
However, even the most cautious motorcyclists can fall victim to reckless drivers or hazardous conditions. When a crash occurs, an Austin motorcycle accident lawyer at Bonilla Law Firm can provide the legal support needed to hold negligent parties accountable and pursue fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
When you are riding a motorcycle, speed can mean the difference between avoiding a crash and suffering a fatal one. The faster you go, the less time you have to react, and even a minor miscalculation can lead to devastating consequences.
If another driver’s reckless behavior forced you into a dangerous situation, you may have the right to hold them accountable for the harm they caused.
Speeding reduces your control over your motorcycle, making it harder to steer, brake, or recover from sudden shifts in the road. If you hit a pothole, gravel, or an unexpected obstacle, the high velocity can cause your bike to wobble, slide out, or send you flying.
Motorcycles do not have the stability of four-wheeled vehicles, so even small hazards can turn deadly at high speeds.
When traffic conditions change unexpectedly, a fast-moving motorcycle does not have much room for error. If a car suddenly pulls out in front of you, merges into your lane, or stops short, you may have only seconds to react. The faster you are traveling, the harder it is to make a safe maneuver without losing control.
Intersections are one of the most common locations for fatal motorcycle crashes, particularly when drivers fail to yield to oncoming riders. Many of these car accidents occur when a driver misjudges your speed or simply does not see you. Texas law requires drivers to yield before turning left, but many motorists do not follow this rule, putting motorcyclists at risk.
Under Texas Transportation Code § 545.152, drivers must yield to oncoming traffic when making a left turn. If a driver turned in front of you and caused a crash, they may be held liable for your injuries. Additionally, Texas Transportation Code § 545.256 requires drivers to stop and yield at stop signs and uncontrolled intersections. If a driver ignores these laws, their negligence may be used as evidence in your case.
Intersections can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists, as they involve multiple lanes of traffic, turning vehicles, and unpredictable movements. These factors often play a role in serious or fatal crashes, including:
Many drivers fail to check their blind spots before switching lanes, which puts motorcyclists in danger of being sideswiped or forced off the road. Lane splitting (riding between lanes of slow-moving traffic) is illegal in Texas per Texas Transportation Code § 545.0605(a)(3)(B), but it also increases the risk of blind spot crashes. It should be noted that lane splitting is different from lane sharing, which is permitted under Texas Transportation Code § 545.0605(a)(2).
If a driver changes lanes suddenly without looking, they may push you into another vehicle or onto the pavement. Blind spot accidents often happen at high speeds, where even a minor impact can cause catastrophic injuries. If a driver did not check for motorcycles before merging, they may be responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.