Choosing to ride a riskier vehicle does not mean that any and every accident is your fault. Yet, our Dallas Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at the Law Office of Dorothy Hyde hear it all the time from insurance companies and authorities: the motorcyclist was to blame. We know that isn’t true. We know that motorcyclists are one of the most careful drivers because they have to watch out for drivers who don’t see them continually. Motorcyclists truly take their lives in their own hands every time they hit the road. A regular car driver isn’t trained to see motorcyclists. Other vehicle drivers do not judge the distance of motorcyclists either. Thus, forcing the motorcyclist to be more watchful and careful when on the roadway.
Motorcycle Statistics
Our Dallas Motorcycle Accident Attorneys represent clients who are suffering from severe injuries due to a motorcycle accident. A motorcyclist is likely to experience a severe injury when hit by another motor vehicle. Whether he or she is wearing a helmet doesn’t matter because it is not unlawful if you over the age of 21. Even though helmets do improve safety from a head injury, helmets do not prevent injuries like a body rash, broken bones, lacerations, or knee and leg injury.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Dallas was considered one of the top counties for motorcycle fatalities from 2012 to 2016 with 973 deaths. Of those deaths, 25% of motorcyclists were found at fault for accidents whereas 49% of the vehicle driver was at fault. Even though insurance companies are quick to consider motorcyclists at fault, the statistics prove that vehicle drivers are more at fault than motorcyclists. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are trending up and not down. Regardless of who is at fault motorcyclists are dying at a higher rate than years before.
Motorcycle Accident Causes and Injuries
Motorcycles are two-wheel vehicles that allow for speed and quick maneuvering. If a motorcyclist is rear-ended or sideswiped, the rider is likely to be ejected. The injuries resulting from ejection can be catastrophic:
- Severe head trauma
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord injury
- Internal bleeding
- Death
The top five reasons for motorcycle accidents are
- Speeding
- Making left turns
- Distracted driving
- Failing to yield
- Failing to stop
Motorcyclists and other vehicles have to share the road. Just because a two-wheel bike doesn’t take up as much space as an SUV, does not mean they are less deserving to be on the road; nor does it mean that injured motorcyclists are less worthy of compensation for his or her injuries.
What To Do
If you or someone you love is suffering from a motorcycle accident, our Dallas Motorcycle Accident Attorneys are here for you. We will make sure that all your medical bills are paid, you receive loss of wages from work, compensation for pain and suffering, and any other support related to your injury. Don’t hesitate to reach out. Call 214-883-1700 or click here to start your journey to success with our attorneys at the Law Firm of Dorothy Hyde in Dallas today.