There are many different types of vehicle on the road. Cars, trucks, sometimes bicycles, vans, and motorcycles all use the same streets and obey the same stoplights. What is not the same, however, is how each vehicle type is built. Tractor trailers are two vehicles joined in the middle and can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. A passenger vehicle can range dramatically from a small, compact car to a large SUV. Motorcycles lack the protective chassis that other vehicles have, putting their riders at an increased risk of injury in accidents.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you can potentially suffer significant injuries. This is true whether you were on the motorcycle or in another vehicle. If you are injured in this type of accident because of another party’s negligence, you could be entitled to receive monetary compensation for your damages through a personal injury claim.
Hazards Unique to Motorcycles
Because of their design, motorcycles are more sensitive to hazards in the roadway like potholes and sharp turns. If a motorcyclist takes a turn too quickly, rides through sand in the roadway or over uneven pavement, or even simply encounters wet pavement, he or she is at risk of falling from the motorcycle and causing an accident with other vehicles. With only two tires, motorcycles have less surface area touching the roadway, making them more susceptible to a crash or fall.
Another issue that motorcyclists face is visibility. Because motorcycles are small, it is easy to miss one as it weaves through traffic or drives down a poorly-lit roadway. It is easy for a driver to miss a motorcycle in his or her blind spot. If you are a motorcyclist, always wear bright, reflective clothing when riding and turn your lights on at night.
For all drivers, it is important to understand the different hazards that motorcycles face and how to safely share the road with motorcyclists. By giving them appropriate following and stopping distance, you can lower your chance of being involved in a motorcycle accident.
If you are Involved in a Motorcycle Accident
The first thing you need to do after any accident is seek medical attention for your injury. Do not concern yourself with the legal process of recovering compensation until you have been seen and treated by a doctor. Then, contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss the next steps with your claim. You will need to gather evidence to prove that the other driver’s negligence directly caused you to suffer your injury, which your lawyer can help you obtain.
Work with an Experienced Austin Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Every type of vehicle comes with its own unique risks. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, no matter whether you were on the motorcycle or in another type of vehicle and collided with a motorcyclist, you could be entitled to receive monetary compensation with the help of a personal injury lawyer in Austin. To learn more about your rights as a victim and to get started on your claim, contact our team of experienced Austin motorcycle accident lawyers at The Law Office Of Robert L. Buford today. Our legal professionals are some of the best personal injry lawyers Austin has to offer.