Houston is one of many cities in the United States that is somewhat infamous for its heavy car and truck traffic, and unfortunately, more vehicles on the road means more chances for traffic collisions to occur. Even worse, if you are on a motorcycle when you end up involved in a high-speed crash, you are at an especially high risk of suffering life-altering or even life-threatening injuries when compared to being in an enclosed vehicle.
However, if you can prove that this reckless or careless act by a specific person was the primary cause of your accident, you could hold that person financially liable for your expenses and personal losses. Here are some examples of common causes of motorcycle accidents in Houston. Our motorcycle collision attorneys at KGS Law PLLC may be able to help you construct a strong civil claim for your case.
Distracted Driving
Drivers who are looking at their phones, scanning a map, or being distracted by something cause hundreds to potentially thousands of preventable motorcycle accidents in the state every year. However, distracted driving qualifies as a breach of the duty of care all drivers have to act lawfully and responsibly on public roads. This common cause of motorcycle wrecks in Houston is also a frequently used cause of action for personal injury litigation.
Moving Violations and Other Illegal Acts
Anyone who violates traffic laws—and in particular, anyone who speeds, runs a stop sign or red light, or fails to yield the right-of-way properly—is at risk of colliding with and severely injuring someone else nearby who was obeying the rules. Similarly, drunk driving is both against the law under Texas Penal Code § 49.04 and a frustratingly common culprit for serious wrecks involving motorcyclists in Houston.
Blind-Spot Collisions
All motor vehicles have blind spots that their drivers cannot see into from their natural position in the driver’s seat. These blind spots are usually located right in front of the front bumper, right behind the back bumper, and in roughly diagonal shapes along and out from each of the vehicle’s sides.
Drivers who fail to turn their heads and use their mirrors while changing lanes or turning at intersections can end up striking a nearby motorcyclist, causing a crash on Houston roads. They could also drive into the path of an oncoming rider without ever seeing them beforehand.
What Else May Cause Motorcycle Crashes?
Many common causes of Houston motorcycle crashes have nothing to do with traffic violations or any other kind of misconduct while driving. If necessary, skilled legal counsel could help you construct a motorcycle injury lawsuit around specific issues, such as a mechanical malfunction in your motorcycle or in someone else’s car, a product defect that made your motorcycle unsafe to ride, or even a local government body that failed to keep public roads in good condition.
Call Us for Help With Claims Involving Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in Houston
Riding a motorcycle is an inherently risky endeavor, both because of your own actions and the actions of other people around you. That said, just because you are at a comparatively greater risk of injury while on a motorcycle does not mean you cannot file suit against a motorist who irresponsibly causes you harm. In fact, under state law, exactly the opposite is true.
If you were hurt due to these or any other common causes of motorcycle accidents in Houston, the team at KGS Law PLLC could help you understand and enforce your right to civil restitution. Call our office today to learn more.