Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Dallas—and Who Can Be Held Liable

Motorcycle accidents can result from a variety of causes. If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, determining the cause (or causes) of the accident will be essential for determining who can be held liable. This will involve hiring an experienced Dallas motorcycle collision lawyer to conduct a comprehensive investigation, and it should take place as soon after the accident as possible.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

While there is a common perception that motorcycle riders are reckless, the reality is that most motorcycle riders prioritize their safety on the road. As a result, the biggest risk most riders face isn’t themselves, but instead the drivers and conditions around them. This is made clear when you look at some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Dallas, which include:

Careless Driving

Careless driving is an extremely common factor in motorcycle accidents. Far too often, drivers hit motorcycle riders simply because they aren’t paying attention to their surroundings. Failure to check blind spots is a major issue, as are common mistakes such as overlooking stop signs and turning into the path of oncoming motorcycles.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is an extremely common factor in motorcycle accidents as well. Even though texting while driving is against the law in Texas, it is clear that far too many people still choose to use their phones behind the wheel. From eating and drinking behind the wheel to rubbernecking, other types of common driving distractions can (and do) lead to motorcycle collisions as well.

Impaired Driving

Impaired driving is another major issue. Each year, drunk drivers injure and kill thousands of innocent victims in Texas. When drunk drivers cause motorcycle accidents, they can (and should) be held fully accountable; and, in some cases, bars and other establishments can also be held liable for serving drivers prior to serious and fatal accidents.

Reckless and Aggressive Driving

Speeding, tailgating, running red lights and stop signs, weaving through traffic, and passing in high-risk situations are all common forms of reckless and aggressive driving that frequently have catastrophic consequences. When reckless or aggressive driving is to blame for a motorcycle accident, this can provide clear grounds for the injured rider to seek just compensation.

Hazardous Road Conditions

Along with driver-related factors, road-related factors also play a role in many motorcycle accidents. Issues ranging from hazardous road surfaces to poorly timed stoplights and obscured stop signs can all put motorcycle riders at risk of suffering serious injuries due to circumstances that are beyond their control.

To be clear, while these are all common causes of motorcycle accidents in Dallas, these are far from the only factors that can put motorcycle riders’ safety at risk. From motorcycle and vehicle defects to negligent hiring and entrustment, many other factors can (and do) cause serious motorcycle accidents as well. If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, determining the specific cause of the accident will be a key first step toward seeking the financial compensation you deserve.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Motorcycle Accident?

Determining the specific cause of your motorcycle accident is important because this will determine who (or what company) can be held liable. Just as motorcycle accidents can have several different causes, several different parties can potentially be held liable.

Depending on the cause (or causes) of your collision, you could potentially have a claim against:

The Driver Who Hit You

Careless driving, distracted driving, impaired driving, reckless driving, and aggressive driving can all serve as grounds to file a claim against the driver who hit you. These are all forms of negligence, and drivers can be held fully accountable for the consequences under Texas law. Most likely, filing a liability claim based on driver negligence will involve dealing with the driver’s insurance company.

The At-Fault Driver’s Employer or Rideshare Company

If the driver who hit you was working at the time of the collision, his or her employer or rideshare company could also be liable. Employers can be held liable for their employees’ negligence within the scope of their employment, and the major rideshare companies carry liability insurance that covers their drivers’ accidents. Your Dallas motorcycle collision lawyer should be able to determine if filing a claim against one of these companies is an option in your case.

A Vehicle Manufacturer

While less common, motorcycle accidents can also result from vehicle defects. If your accident was the result of a defect (either a defect in your motorcycle or a defect in another vehicle involved in the collision), you may have a claim against the manufacturer. These are complex cases that require experienced legal representation.

A Vehicle Dealership or Repair Shop

Along with defects, negligent maintenance and repairs can also contribute to serious motorcycle accidents. If a dealership or repair shop performed negligent service on your motorcycle or another vehicle involved in the collision, you could have a liability claim against the dealership or repair shop under Texas law.

A Government Agency or Contractor

If your motorcycle accident was the result of hazardous road conditions, the government agency that is responsible for building and maintaining the road could be liable for your accident-related losses. Alternatively, if this government agency hired a contractor to build or maintain the road, that contractor could be liable instead.

These, too, are just examples. Determining liability for a motorcycle accident is a complex process—and it is important to work with an experienced lawyer who has your best interests in mind. If you need more information about seeking just compensation after a motorcycle accident in Dallas, we encourage you to contact us promptly for a free consultation.

Hire an Experienced Dallas Motorcycle Collision Lawyer Today

Do you need help asserting your legal rights after a motorcycle accident? If so, contact us today. Call 469-209-4242 or request a free consultation online to put an experienced Dallas motorcycle collision lawyer on your side.