Motorcyclists face a number of hazards on the road, but many accidents happen around intersections. There are some simple reasons why we see so many intersection accidents. Probably the primary reason is that traffic becomes congested at intersections. Motorists must stop at red lights and wait for permission to continue on their way.
Unfortunately, many of the motorists on the road are dangerous. They fail to drive carefully, and motorcyclists end up paying the price. Call The Stano Law Firm today to speak with a Texas motorcycle accident lawyer. We can review if you have a right to compensation for your injuries.
Motorists Have Limited Visibility at Intersections
Many motorcycles are hit because they are smaller and hidden in blind spots behind other vehicles. A common accident is a left-turn accident where a motorist is waiting for traffic to come through the intersection before they throw a left-hand turn. The driver does not see a motorcyclist coming through at the end of a long line of sedans and SUVs. Consequently, the driver makes the turn too soon and crashes into the motorcycle.
Distracted Drivers Fail to Stop
Motorcyclists are vulnerable when stopped at a red light. Any vehicle coming up from behind could plow straight into them, especially when the driver is distracted by a cell phone. Motorcyclists have nowhere to go to prevent the rear-end crash. Instead, they usually suffer major injuries.
Some motorcyclists try to protect themselves by lane splitting at intersections. But this is an illegal maneuver in Texas, and you might be partially at fault if you lane split while waiting for a light to change.
Speeding Motorists Run Red Lights
Too many drivers are in a rush, and they might run a red light to get to their destination. An unsuspecting motorcyclist can be struck at high speeds, which causes life-threatening injuries.
Speeding is a major problem at intersections, and motorcyclists must exercise extreme caution. Even when a light turns green, it is prudent to double check before you enter the intersection.
Truck Drivers Can Make Wide Turns
Trucks can make wide turns at intersections, and a trucker can literally run head on and crash into a motorcyclist waiting at a red light. Any collision with a dump truck or 18-wheeler could prove fatal, even at low speeds.
Motorists Fail to Yield
At intersections without lights, motorists must follow the state’s right-of-way laws. Generally, the first driver to arrive at a four-way intersection has the right to pass through an intersection, but not all motorists observe the rules. A motorcyclist can be struck because another driver failed to yield, as required by law.
Motorcyclists Can Be Run Over After They Fall Off Their Bikes
Getting hit by a car or truck is one problem. But some motorcyclists are injured when other drivers run them over. This risk increases at intersections because of congestion. A motorist might not see a motorcyclist fall, and they run over them as a result.
Getting crushed in this way can lead to more serious injuries, including crush injuries, amputation, or severe brain injuries. The motorist might even fail to stop.
Pedestrians Cause Confusion
A lot is happening at intersections. Many motorcyclists become confused because of pedestrians darting into traffic, which might cause you to take sudden defensive action. A motorcyclist could fall if they must brake suddenly to avoid a pedestrian rushing across the street.
We Can Help Anyone Hurt in a Collision
If you were hurt in an intersection collision, The Stano Law Firm is ready to assist you. We can file an insurance claim on the at-fault driver’s liability coverage. Texas requires this insurance, which can pay benefits for medical care, lost income, and pain and suffering to injured motorcyclists.
Our firm knows the importance of evidence to these cases. For example, the driver might claim you failed to yield, so they blame you for the collision. We can speak to witnesses who will confirm the other driver failed to stop as required by law. This type of evidence is necessary to win an injury claim.
Speak with a Lawyer at Our Texas Office Today
Did you suffer a painful injury in a motorcycle crash? A Texas attorney with our firm can meet at a convenient time and location to go over details about your accident. We also want to know more about your injuries, including pain and mental distress. Based on the information you share, we can analyze the strength of a possible injury claim. Contact our office at 832-777-0390 to schedule your free consultation.