Motorcycle Accidents

Injured in a motorcycle accident? Protect your rights by calling us for a free consultation.

There are many misconceptions about people who ride motorcycles, but drivers need to remember motorcyclists have the same rights as other vehicle drivers. Because motorcycle riders don’t have much protection in the event of an accident, drivers need to exercise extreme caution and share the road safely.

While motorcycles account for only 8.4 million vehicles on the road, they make up nearly 15% of all traffic fatalities. If you or someone you love was injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, don’t let the other side minimize your claim or try to blame the rider or motorcycle itself. Protect your rights by reaching out to the experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Mejias Lindsay PLLC. We will fight your rights and help you obtain the compensation you rightfully deserve.

How Do Motorcycle Crashes Happen?

Collisions with motorcycles are most commonly caused by carelessness or negligence. Because many drivers have never ridden a motorcycle, they likely don’t understand how their driving can put motorcycles at risk. This is why motorists are encouraged to be extremely aware when sharing the road with motorcycles. Even if drivers don’t realize how they are putting riders at risk, sharing the road and using caution will prevent accidents.

Driving behaviors that can cause motorcycles accidents include:

• Passing too close – For cars and other motor vehicles that wish to pass motorcycles on the road, it is absolutely crucial to signal and give the motorcycle rider enough time to observe your intentions to pass. Additionally, when you pass by a motorcycle, you need to give them extra space. The gusts of wind generated by a passing vehicle can actually cause a rider to lose control of their motorcycle.
• Insufficient assured clear distance – When driving behind any vehicles, motorists should keep an assured clear distance. This means there is a sufficient amount of space for the vehicle traveling behind to see any hazards or braking vehicles and come to a complete stop. Drivers traveling behind motorcycles will need an even longer assured clear distance because motorcycles brake much more quickly than other vehicles. Failing to keep the appropriate assured clear distance can cause rear-end accidents, and these can prove to be fatal for motorcyclists.
• Not giving them enough space – Motorcycles are entitled to an entire lane, and they need this space. They are more susceptible to gusts of wind and other forces, so while they might not take up the entire lane, they might need it to respond to forces acting on them.
• Not looking for motorcycles when turning or lane changing – Drivers always need to be aware of their surroundings. Because motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, drivers who don’t look carefully when turning or lane changing could collide with motorcycles. These types of accidents are most often fatal for the motorcycle rider.
• Not observing turning motorcycles – Unlike cars, self-cancelling turn signals did not become standard in motorcycles until the 1970s. This means that older or restored motorcycles could have turn signals that stay on for a long time. This can cause confusion with other motorists, but if you see a motorcycle turn signal on for an unusually long period of time, exercise caution until the rider finally makes a turn or turns the signal off.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Because motorcycle riders have little to no protection, accidents can cause severe injuries. One of the most common injuries associated with motorcycle crashes is road rash, a skin injury caused by riders coming in contact with the road. Road rash is extremely painful and can cause excessive bleeding. Riders who suffer from road rash could have permanent scar tissue from the injury.

Motorcycle riders are also more likely to suffer injuries in their lower extremities. This can include broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and even paralysis. However, motorcycle riders are also vulnerable to suffering head injuries like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that can cause permanent brain damage or even death.

Overcoming the injuries associated with motorcycle crashes will be a long-term struggle for victims who may not ever completely recover. Victims will accumulate substantial medical bills for any emergency treatment including necessary surgeries, diagnostics, and medications. After expensive hospital stays, victims will often require regular physical therapy, specialty medical equipment, and more medications.

Why Hire A Motorcycle Wreck Attorney?

You may think you can negotiate with insurance companies on your own, but the reality is many people have an inherent bias toward motorcyclists. An insurance company might offer you a lowball settlement stating motorcyclists knowingly accept heightened risks when they choose to ride, but this is completely false. Motorcyclists are legally entitled to receive compensation from negligent drivers just like any other motorist.

Experienced Houston Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

The lawyers at Mejias Lindsay PLLC know how to fight the bias many people have toward motorcycle riders and pursue compensation from insurance companies trying to limit their payout. Our attorneys can protect your best interests and your rights so you can focus on getting better. Call us today for a free consultation. We can help you in English or Spanish.