Road hazards contribute to motorcycle accidents because motorcycles are much smaller and less stable than cars and trucks. When a motorcycle comes into contact with roadway debris or a pothole, it can cause the rider to spin out of control and into another vehicle. Also, because a motorcyclist’s bike does not offer much protection, when he/she encounters a road hazard, they are more likely to suffer an accident that leaves them severely or fatally injured.
THE TYPES OF ROAD HAZARDS MOTORCYCLISTS ENCOUNTER
Natural occurrences do not only cause road hazards (e.g., rain, snow, and heavy moisture), but they also exist because the needs of motorcyclists are often put second. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “roadway design, maintenance, and construction are generally directed toward the needs of multi-wheel vehicles,” not motorcyclists.
Here are a few examples of some road hazards that are especially dangerous to motorcyclists in Dallas.
POOR ROAD MAINTENANCE
NHTSA says that poorly maintained roads cause motorcycle crashes, which result in injuries and fatalities. Consider potholes. Although a pothole can cause a car operator to lose control of their vehicle or even deflate a tire, these road hazards can have even more devastating effects on motorcyclists. However, if cities are not maintaining their roadways with motorcyclists’ needs in mind, they are more likely to encounter a road hazard caused by the city’s lack of attention and action.
POOR ROAD DESIGN
According to NHTSA, “1.5 inches without tapering” is a significant thickness of the road on some segments of the road. If the body in charge of creating the roadways does not ensure that they are following all regulations, they might be liable for your accident.
SLICK AND SLIPPERY SURFACES
Spilled fluids and other materials that can cause the roadway to become slick are just another road hazard contributing to motorcycle accidents. Fluid spills can cause a motorcycle to lose traction. In turn, this can cause a collision. Water, rain, and even leaves also create slippery roadways, which can pose a hazard to a motorcyclist.
ROADWAY DEBRIS
Roadway debris includes items that have fallen from the vehicles of other drivers, garbage, sticks, gravel, or rocks. While roadway debris can be dangerous to anyone who comes in contact with it, these items or objects can become lodged in a rider’s wheel, causing him/her to lose control of their vehicle.
WAYS A MOTORCYCLE RIDER COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT IN THE PRESENCE OF ROAD HAZARDS
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), at least one motorcyclist dies on Texas roads each day. If you lost a loved one to a motorcycle accident, we would fight to prove how such a crash occurred. The accident may have happened due in part to road hazards and because a motorcycle operator did not do the following:
RIDE WITH CAUTION
Like drivers, motorcyclists can also become distracted while driving, which only heightens their chances of engaging in an accident. The liable vehicle operator should have given their full attention to the road.
SLOW DOWN
Motorcyclists must operate their vehicles based on roadway conditions and weather. If the roads are wet and slippery, a rider should have slowed their speed to reduce the chances of having their bike spin out of control.
CONSIDER THE WEATHER
Inclement weather serves as a factor in many motorcycle accidents that transpire. Suppose the forecast showed rain, fog, or any type of weather condition that might have interfered with a motorcycle operator’s ability to ride safely. In that case, they should have considered riding at a later time.
LIABLE PARTIES IN A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident in Dallas caused by a road hazard, you might be entitled to compensation to make up for the injuries you suffered. Generally, if the accident was caused by natural occurrences or your own behavior, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries by filing a claim with your insurance company.
However, if another party was responsible for causing the accident, you may have a case against them. For example, if a driver failed to secure objects in the bed of their truck and those items fell into the road, causing you to crash, the at-fault driver could be held liable for compensating you.
If you would like more information about why road hazards cause motorcycle accidents or hold someone liable for an accident that stems from a road hazard, consider speaking with a Dallas, TX motorcycle accident attorney.
CALL US IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE SUFFERED INJURIES IN A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT IN DALLAS
Motorcycle collisions are among some of the worst types of accidents to transpire on U.S. roadways. Riders who are lucky enough to have survived a motorcycle accident often suffer severe or debilitating injuries that impact them for the rest of their lives. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Dallas or a loved one was killed, Loncar Lyon Jenkins can determine whether you have a valid case that warrants compensation.
If another party is responsible for causing your accident, contact us now at (877) 239-4878 to receive a case evaluation.
