Yes, failure to yield can cause motorcycle accidents. Because bikers have a lower profile than larger passenger cars, it can be difficult for other motorists to see them while driving. In other situations, drivers may believe that motorcyclists must yield to them no matter what. This incorrect assumption can lead to life-threatening accidents.
The plain fact is that motorcycle riders enjoy the same rights on the road as all other road users. This includes receiving the right of way in intersections and when other drivers merge into traffic. Sadly, a failure on the part of road users to recognize these facts is a leading cause of accidents.
Failing to yield can result in collisions that inflict life-altering physical injuries. Even if your accident was not caused by colliding with another vehicle, another motorist may have run you off the road, causing your injuries. If you suffered injuries and other financial losses due to a negligent motorist, an attorney can help you pursue compensation for your damages.
All Drivers Must Yield to Other Road Users When Required by Law
Every road user in Texas enjoys the same rights and protections on the road. These protections apply regardless of a person’s chosen mode of transportation. As a result, a driver of a passenger car, commercial truck, and even a motorcycle should expect that other drivers will follow the rules of the road. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
One common way that drivers violate the rights of others is by failing to yield. According to Texas Transportation Code §545.153, drivers must yield to oncoming traffic when faced with a stop sign or yield sign. When approaching a yield sign, drivers must slow to a reasonable speed under present traffic conditions. The statute continues to say that in the event of a collision, if a motorist failed to yield to the right of way, they could be held liable for a crash.
In many situations, yielding is a matter of common sense. When attempting to make a lane change on a highway or another multi-lane road, drivers must yield to vehicles already in a lane. A lawyer could perform a full analysis of how another driver’s failure to yield resulted in your injuries.
Many Motorists do Not Yield to Motorcyclists
Riding a motorcycle is a dangerous activity. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), failure to yield is the fourth leading cause of all motor vehicle crashes. When a motorist fails to yield to the right of way, their actions put all road users at risk of harm.
There are many reasons why motorcycle accidents happen. As noted, a motorcycle can be more difficult to see than a full-size car. Most motorcycles can easily fit into a driver’s blind spots. Yet, this does not preclude a motorist from liability if they strike a motorcyclist. All motorists must account for the presence of other road users before making certain driving maneuvers.
In other situations, a crash can be the product of aggressive driving or bullying. Although the law says that all motorists enjoy the same rights and protections while on the road, sadly, many drivers do not share this outlook. It is not uncommon for motorists to refuse to yield to bikers or believe that they are second-class travelers. This can lead to drivers believing that they have the right of way when the law says otherwise. A failure to acknowledge the rights of motorcyclists is another common reason why failing to yield can cause motorcycle accidents.
Get Started Protecting Your Legal Rights
The reasons why motorcycle accidents occur are almost as numerous as the accidents themselves. However, one thing is clear: failing to yield to the right of way is among the leading causes of motorcycle crashes. This is because many drivers do not give bikers the respect that they deserve while on the road or simply do not see them before making turns or merging into traffic.
The resulting damages from a motorcycle accident can be catastrophic. Motorcycle riders are far more likely to suffer severe injuries as the result of accidents than people in full-size cars. These injuries can require extensive medical care as well as impact one’s quality of life and ability to earn a living.
The legal team at Loncar Lyon Jenkins wants to help you. We can provide more information about the state’s laws regarding motorcycle accidents and pursue compensation for your losses. We may be able to help you recover payment for your lost income, pain and suffering, and medical bills.
Call in the Strong Arm today at (877) 239-4878 to learn more about how we can help you.
