How Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen In Austin?

January 30, 2024 | Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are, unfortunately, relatively common in Texas. Each year, hundreds of people lose their lives, and thousands sustain serious injuries as a result of motorcycle collisions on Texas roadways.

These incidents occur due to a wide variety of reasons, including negligent actions of drivers on the roadway. Additionally, motorcyclists are more susceptible to hazardous roadway conditions. Here, we want to examine some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Texas.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Texas

During the most recent reporting year of data we have on file from the Texas Department of Transportation, we can see that there were 562 total motorcyclist fatalities during the most recent reporting year. During that same year, motorcyclists also sustained more than 2,400 suspected serious injuries as well as more than 7,000 total suspected minor injury or possible injury claims.

These incidents occur in various different ways, but some of the most common causes of motorcycle collisions in Texas include:

1. Negligent driving. One of the main causes of motorcycle incidents is negligent driving by other motorists. This includes drivers who fail to yield the right of way, those who are distracted by their phones, or drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to such negligent behavior due to their relatively smaller size and less visible profile on the road.
2. Speeding and reckless driving. Speeding is a major contributor to motorcycle accidents. High speeds reduce the reaction time of both the motorcyclist and other drivers, increasing the likelihood of a crash. Reckless driving behaviors, such as making unsafe lane changes or tailgating, also contribute to the risk of accidents involving motorcyclists.
3. Hazardous road conditions. Motorcyclists are especially susceptible to accidents caused by poor road conditions. Potholes, uneven road surfaces, loose gravel, and other hazards can cause a motorcyclist to lose control of their bike. Inadequate road maintenance and lack of proper signage can also contribute to these accidents.
4. Weather conditions. Harsh weather conditions, such as rain, fog, or high winds (or even snow and ice), can significantly impact a motorcyclist’s ability to control their vehicle and maintain visibility. Wet or icy roads can be particularly dangerous for motorcyclists.
5. Lack of proper training or experience. Inexperience or lack of training can lead to errors in judgment by motorcyclists, increasing the risk of accidents. This includes not understanding how to handle a bike in different traffic situations or failing to recognize and react to hazards on the road.
6. Equipment failure. Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, can be catastrophic for motorcyclists. Regular maintenance and repairs are important to ensuring the safety and reliability of motorcycles.
7. Limited visibility. Motorcycles are less visible compared to cars and trucks, which can lead to accidents, especially at intersections or when other drivers are not paying attention.

In many cases, motorcycle accident victims are able to recover compensation if the crash was caused by the negligent actions of someone else on the roadway. However, motorcycle accident claims can be incredibly challenging. We encourage you to reach out to a Austin motorcycle accident lawyer who has experience handling these types of cases.