Motorcyclists have a higher risk of being hurt or killed in traffic accidents. Motorcycle fatalities in 2016 were 28 times higher than those of all other vehicle types, per data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The exact number of injured cyclists is unknown, but 2015 data suggests it may be higher than 88,000.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident in Austin, Texas, don’t hesitate to call Bonilla Law Firm. Your motorcycle accident injuries may be covered by insurance, and our Austin personal injury attorneys can help you pursue a claim.
The Most Frequent Reasons for Motorcycle Crashes
A disproportionate number of motorcycle accidents are attributable to car and truck drivers who fail to pay attention to motorcyclists on the road. This may be due to irresponsible behaviour or improper mirror technique. In addition to breaking the law, speeding, aggressive driving, being distracted, driving while intoxicated, and failing to yield to motorcycles all contribute to accidents.
The following common driving behaviours can hold motorists liable for the harm they cause to motorcyclists:
- Cross the street ahead of motorcycles.
- Left-turning while a motorcyclist has the right-of-way and into their path, colliding with a motorcycle.
- Too close proximity or tailgating
- Not checking blind spots prior to lane changes, driving too quickly for the conditions, or both
- Driving while inattentive, such as when texting, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal.
- If you or a family member were injured in such an incident, you may be eligible for compensation. Drivers of cars and trucks who cause serious injuries to motorcyclists must be held accountable.
Types of motorcycle collisions that occur most frequently
When riding a bicycle on the road, you are confronted with more than just driver conduct. Depending on the type of collision, you may sustain injuries that alter your life if you are involved in an accident. The most frequent types of motorcycle accidents are the following:
- A distracted driver may veer into the path of oncoming traffic and strike a motorcyclist in a head-on collision. In head-on collisions, which are typically fatal, motorcyclists and their passengers frequently sustain severe injuries or die.
- Dooring is the act of opening a car door after parking on the side of the road without checking for oncoming motorcycles first.
- T-bone collision: This occurs when a motorist fails to yield the right-of-way and collides with the side of a motorcyclist navigating an intersection.
- Backing out of a driveway or parking spot – Before backing out of a driveway or parking spot, drivers should always check their rear window, side mirrors, and rear-view mirrors for bicyclists approaching from behind. It is possible that a collision will occur if you do not do that.
- When two cars rear-end a motorcyclist, particularly if they are moving quickly, the motorcyclist may sustain severe injuries. They could lose control of their bicycle, fall and die, or sustain fatal injuries.
In numerous other types of motorcycle collisions, riders may sustain injuries.
Common Injuries Involved in Motorcycle Crashes
If you’ve never been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s difficult to imagine the severity of the injuries. Motorcycles are not adequately protected in collisions with other vehicles. If a car or truck is involved, the collision could be especially hazardous.
After being thrown from the motorcycle, the rider’s body could be injured if they land on the pavement. They could also be struck by a vehicle or pierced by flying objects.
These are the most common types of injuries sustained by motorcyclists:
- Road burns or rashes
- Disfigurement
- Broken bones
- Crush injuries resulting in amputation
- back problems paralysis neck and head trauma brain damage
- Internal puncture wounds causing internal haemorrhage
Frequently, motorcycle accidents result in rider fatalities. Depending on the severity of their injuries, those who survive may experience chronic pain or become disabled.
Legal Initial Expenses for a Motorcycle Crash:
The legal team is one of many motorcycle accident attorneys who accept cases on contingency. When an attorney works on contingency, he or she is only compensated if the client recovers money. Therefore, if your attorney is successful in obtaining a settlement or award on your behalf, he or she will retain a portion of the settlement or award as compensation.
If the motorcycle accident attorney loses your case, no payment is required. This means that there are no upfront costs to worry about. Additionally, it ensures that your attorney will always have your best interests in mind, as their success is contingent upon yours.
Application of the Conditional Payment
Typically, the settlement payment is made directly to your motorcycle accident attorney. Before sending you the remaining amount, they will deduct their legal fees from the settlement. This ensures that you receive your settlement expeditiously and that your attorney is compensated.
Additional Fees and Costs That Might Apply
In addition to the attorney’s fee, a motorcycle accident case may incur additional expenses. During the course of handling your case, your attorney may incur expenses for the following:
- a police report copy, medical expenses, expert witness fees, and filing fees
- Postal Service Transcripts
- Court reporting costs
- Investigators
- The majority of motorcycle accident attorneys will cover these costs as they arise. The fees will then be deducted from your settlement or award before you receive the remainder. Some attorneys may pay these fees in advance, but this is uncommon.
Again, you should discuss any of these fees with your lawyer during the consultation. Determine how they handle these fees and when you are expected to pay. Also determine if their legal fees reduced the net settlement amount after fees and costs.
FAQS
Which motorcycle is the most secure?
Ans. Standard motorcycles, touring motorcycles, cruisers, and sport-touring motorcycles have the lowest rate of fatal accidents, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute. Most motorcycle collisions involve sport and super-sport motorcycles.
What is the typical speed at which motorcycle accidents occur?
Ans. It can be challenging to locate recent data on accidents caused by speeding. According to a 1980s study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the median pre-crash speed for the 900 motorcycle accidents examined was 29.8 mph. This indicates that most motorcycle collisions occur at speeds below 30 mph.
What is the typical velocity of a motorcycle?
Ans. The average speed at which the worst motorcycle accidents occur is 29.8 mph, although they can occur at any speed. This slower-than-usual pace may surprise many individuals. In addition, motorcyclists seldom exceed the posted speed limit, and the average impact speed is only 21.5 mph.