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Motorcycle accidents often result in devastating injuries due to the inherent vulnerability of riders. The lack of protective barriers leaves motorcyclists exposed to the full impact of collisions, leading to severe trauma such as fractures, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. The consequences of these injuries can be long-lasting and may necessitate extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
If you suffered a motorcycle crash in Abilene, TX, then you may be able to bring a claim against the at-fault driver. There are several types of economic and non-economic damages that may be compensated. After reviewing your case, our legal professionals can determine which damages may be sought.
Get help from our motorcycle accident lawyers by calling The Queenan Law Firm at (817) 476-1797.
Sharing Fault for Motorcycle Crashes in Abilene, TX
There are situations where riders can share fault for their motorcycle accidents. For instance, a speeding rider may share fault for a collision with a motorist who committed an illegal lane change. Thankfully, even if you share fault for your accident, you may still be able to obtain compensation for the damages you incurred.
Courts in Texas will adhere to the rules of “modified comparative fault” when awarding damages in motorcycle accident cases. This means that the amount of damages to award is determined by each party’s percentage of blame. For example, if you are considered to be 30% to blame for your crash while another driver is 70% at fault, then they will be obligated to pay for 70% of your damages while you must account for the remaining 30%.
It is important to know that you will be unable to recover damages from another party if you are considered to be over 50% responsible for your crash. Support from our motorcycle accident attorneys can be very helpful when gathering evidence to build your claim and disprove alternative theories of fault.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Abilene, TX
There are several types of negligent conduct that can lead to motorcycle crashes. For instance, the following are all common causes of motorcycle accidents in Abilene:
Distracted Driving
Motorcycle accidents often occur because of distracted driving. Drivers using mobile phones, adjusting in-car entertainment systems, or engaging in other distractions contribute significantly to these incidents. Such diversions divert attention from the road, leading to a higher risk of collisions with motorcyclists.
Improper Left Turns
Improper left turns are another common cause of motorcycle accidents. When drivers fail to yield the right of way or misjudge the speed of an approaching motorcycle, it frequently results in collisions. These incidents often lead to serious injuries for motorcyclists because of the vulnerable nature of their mode of transportation.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is a pervasive issue contributing to motorcycle accidents in Texas. Impaired drivers have diminished judgment and coordination, increasing the likelihood of accidents involving motorcycles. The consequences of such collisions are often severe, causing significant harm to motorcyclists who share the road with intoxicated drivers.
Running Red Lights
Motorcycle accidents frequently occur when drivers run red lights. Failure to obey traffic signals poses a serious threat to motorcyclists crossing intersections. The impact of such collisions can be severe, causing injuries ranging from sprained ligaments to traumatic brain injuries.
Tailgating
Tailgating, or following too closely, is another prevalent cause of motorcycle accidents in Texas. When drivers do not maintain a safe following distance, it reduces the reaction time to sudden stops or maneuvers by motorcyclists. This lack of space can lead to rear-end collisions with severe consequences for the motorcyclists involved.
Poor Road Conditions
Poor road conditions, such as potholes, uneven surfaces, or debris, contribute to motorcycle accidents. These conditions make it challenging for motorcyclists to maintain control, leading to accidents. Road maintenance is crucial to ensuring the safety of motorcyclists and preventing accidents caused by infrastructure issues.
Illegal Lane Changes
Illegal lane changes by other vehicles on the road pose a significant risk to motorcyclists. When drivers fail to signal properly or check blind spots before changing lanes, it can result in collisions with motorcycles. These accidents often happen unexpectedly, causing serious injuries to motorcyclists who may not have sufficient time to react.
Speeding
Excessive speed is a significant contributor to motorcycle accidents. When drivers exceed the posted speed limits, they have less time to react to changing road conditions or unexpected movements by motorcyclists. Speeding amplifies the severity of collisions and increases the likelihood of serious injuries for motorcyclists involved.
Vehicle Door Collisions
Lastly, collisions with vehicle doors, often referred to as “dooring,” pose a specific threat to motorcyclists. When occupants of parked cars open doors without checking for oncoming motorcycles, it can lead to abrupt and hazardous situations. These incidents can result in collisions, causing harm to motorcyclists who may not have sufficient time to avoid the open door.
Common Locations Where Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Abilene, TX
Motorcycle accidents can happen on nearly any street, highway, or parking lot. Still, there are certain locations where crashes happen more often than others. Being aware of these locations can help you remain safe on the roads.
Intersections
Motorcycle accidents frequently occur at intersections, where the paths of different vehicles intersect. Collisions can happen when drivers fail to yield the right of way, make improper turns, or overlook motorcyclists when navigating through these complex traffic points. The vulnerability of motorcyclists at intersections makes them particularly prone to accidents.
Highways and Freeways
High-speed environments like highways and freeways pose significant risks for motorcycle accidents. The combination of high velocities and congested traffic can result in collisions, often because of sudden lane changes, tailgating, or drivers not effectively checking blind spots. The increased speed amplifies the severity of injuries sustained by motorcyclists in such accidents.
Urban Areas with Heavy Traffic
Motorcycle accidents are also common in densely populated urban areas with heavy traffic. The stop-and-go nature of city traffic, coupled with the proximity of vehicles, creates situations where motorcyclists may face challenges in maneuvering through congested streets. Factors like distracted driving and abrupt lane changes by other vehicles contribute to the elevated risk of accidents in these settings.
Curves and Bends
Accidents frequently occur on winding roads, curves, and bends, where visibility may be limited. Motorcyclists navigating through these areas face increased risks, especially if other drivers fail to anticipate their presence or misjudge their speed. Collisions in these locations often result from a combination of factors, including insufficient warning signs, poor road conditions, and inadequate adherence to speed limits.
Contact Our Attorneys for Assistance with Your Motorcycle Accident Case in Abilene, TX
Seek guidance from our motorcycle accident lawyers at The Queenan Law Firm by dialing (817) 476-1797.