Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Austin TX

Austin Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

A motorcycle accident can change your life forever in an instant. When other people hear about car accidents involving a motorcycle, they immediately assume the motorcyclist is to blame. They mistakenly believe that all motorcycle riders are careless, reckless, and frequently speed. According to statistics, approximately 75% of all motorcycle accidents involve collisions with passenger automobiles in which the car driver is at fault.

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Austin TX

Motorcycle riding has increased dramatically in Austin in recent years. Over 1,000,000 motorcycles were sold in the United States in 2016. There were 5.8 million motorcycles on the road in the United States in 2014. More accidents occur as the number of riders increases. According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, motorcycle fatalities reached their highest level since 1981 in 2006, and over 500,000 people are treated in emergency rooms in the United States each year (NCIPC). Bicycles, another low-profile, single-track vehicle, are also involved in accidents.

Bikers are frequently among the safest drivers on the road. Motorcycle accidents are almost always the fault of another driver. Car drivers’ failure to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is by far the most dangerous hazard for bikers. According to statistics, approximately 75% of all motorcycle accidents involve collisions with passenger automobiles in which the car driver is at fault. In more than two-thirds of all multiple vehicle accidents, the driver of the other vehicle violates the biker’s right-of-way. If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident, our Austin motorcycle accident lawyer team is here to assist you. Motorcycle accident victims are entitled to a competitive advantage. Finding a law firm that understands motorcycle riders is one way to gain that advantage. This is exactly what our knowledgeable Austin motorcycle accident attorneys do.

Types of Motorcycle Accidents

Bicycles and motorcycles are both single-track vehicles that are difficult to see. Riders of both should be aware of the various types of accidents. The following are examples of common motorcycle accidents. However, each can include a bicycle:

  • Crashes involving cars and trucks: Other vehicles are involved in the most dangerous accidents. Because the driver does not see you riding, the other vehicle will frequently change lanes or turn into your path.
  • Single-bike accidents: In many cases, the police report will blame the motorcycle operator for a single-bike accident. However, road debris is frequently the root cause. The high-slide, low-slide, and “endo” are examples of such accidents (flipping the bike by hard breaking braking of the front brake).
  • Chains and ropes across trails: Off-road motorcycles and mountain bikers should be aware of chains and ropes installed by property owners to keep bikers at bay. Property owners may be held liable for any accidents that occur as a result of a chain or rope strung across a trail.
  • Rear-end collisions: Heavy vehicles are unable to stop as quickly as motorcycles or bicycles.
    When making a u-turn, some drivers do not look for oncoming traffic and, even if they do, they may not see a motorcycle or bicycle.
  • Road debris: Grease, motor oil, loose pavement, uneven concrete or blacktop surfaces, tire treads, and potholes are all things that can’t always be avoided.
  • Car doors opening unexpectedly: Many people exit their vehicles without looking for oncoming traffic.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Austin

Motorcycle and bike accidents have a variety of causes. Every year since motorcycles became popular, more cyclists have died in collisions than in automobiles. The number of these accidents has risen alarmingly in recent years. So, before you hit the road, keep these common causes of accidents and tips for avoiding them in mind. Remember to always wear a helmet!

  1. Correction
    The most common motorcyclist accident is over-correcting or failing to straighten your wheels on a turn. The best way to prevent this is to calmly take your turn. Many new motorcyclists will instinctively swerve out of the way, and this can lead to toppling over on the inherently unstable two-wheeled vehicle.
  2. Tailgating
    A motorcycle needs a greater distance to break and stop effectively than most automobiles. Give yourself more distance in traffic to allow your brakes to fully close. If you are unable to stop, try driving slightly off of the road and going around the obstacle.
  3. Invisibility
    Riders can easily slip into an automobile’s blind spot; can be missed in oncoming traffic due to their small size. Drive more towards the middle of the curb and give extra clearance to drivers. Avoid hugging the curb, as this can make it harder for passing cars to see you. Always be sure to keep your bike well lit, with reflectors, working headlights, tail lights. Seventy percent of accidents can be avoided by making yourself easy to see, especially at night.
  4. Under The Influence
    Balance and coordination are essential to all forms of driving, but they are all the more important when on a motorcycle. If you cannot resist the urge to ride while drunk, you should not own a motorcycle.
  5. Bad Road Conditions
    Uneven road conditions, such as potholes or bumps can be more detrimental to cyclists. General high speed can play a large factor into this as well. Speed can displace the balance of the front tire, thus causing it to wobble. This causes the motorcycle to collide with nearby moving and stationary objects. Slick road conditions also play a large factor into this, as well as undivided roadways. Weather can also play into this, but comparatively its bearing is small.
  6. Driving Habits
    Speeding, aggressive driving, and inattention are still the number one cause of accidents. Not being aware of your surrounding and do not forget to signal. Improper braking, acceleration, or turning can also lead to accidents.
  7. Improper Training
    Many more accidents can be avoided with appropriate training. The ability to stabilize, hug turns effectively, and balance your bike is learned much faster with proper training and licensing. More than ninety-percent of motorcycle accidents are caused by riders with little or no formal training.
  8. Animals
    While comparatively low on the scale, animal accidents can be the most dangerous for motorcyclists. Often a bike cannot stop quickly enough to avoid them, and the small size of the bike can be detrimental.

Texas Motorcycle Laws

Our experienced biker injury attorneys will answer all of your questions and concerns, including:

    • Which insurance company is responsible for paying your no-fault insurance benefits?
    • What forms do you need to file to start your insurance claims?
    • Who must pay your medical expenses and hospital bills?
    • How much money can you claim in lost wages while you are recovering from the accident?
    • What are the time deadlines and procedures for filing your insurance claims?
    • Can you make a property damage claim for the damage to your motorcycle?
    • Are you entitled to make a claim for pain and suffering for injuries suffered in the motorcycle accident?
    • What is a fair settlement amount for your case?
    • How much does it cost to hire an attorney to represent you after your accident?
    • Who is the best Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer to handle your case?

An accident involving a motorcycle almost always results in a severe injury and sometimes even death. Our attorneys have represented thousands of families who’s loved ones have suffered traumatic brain injuries, loss of limbs, serious burns, fractures and even death. For those reasons, it is important that if you or a loved one were seriously injured in a motorcycle accident that you seek medical attention immediately and experienced legal representation as soon as possible. Time is not always on your side and ensuring that you have the right medical attention, and then the right attorneys to represent your legal rights should be your first priority.

Looking For Help After an Austin Motorcycle Accident?

Personal injury cases require immediate attention. It is critical to act quickly in order to preserve evidence, investigate the cause of the accident, and file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires. Contact an attorney if you or a loved one has been in a motorcycle accident.

Search for an Austin Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Now.

A bike or motorcycle accident can result in serious injuries. We understand that being injured while riding a bike or motorcycle can necessitate extensive rehabilitation, physical therapy, and medical expenses. Motorcycle and bike accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including negligent behavior. Motorcycle accident attorneys have the knowledge and experience to investigate the case and provide a reliable outcome.