Reports show that an average of one motorcyclist dies daily on Texas roads. Unfortunately, El Paso is one of those cities with the deadliest motorcyclist accidents in Texas. Such accidents often cause serious injuries and, in some cases, death. Motorcycles have blind spots, which can cause some of the most dangerous crashes. Sometimes, accidents may result if other drivers neglect to monitor their blind spots.
The El Paso motorcycle accident attorneys at Cesar Ornelas Injury Law would like motorcyclists to remain safe and avoid injuries associated with blind spot accidents. However, if you have been injured in a blind spot motorcycle accident, we can help you recover compensation from the negligent party. We can determine liability and file insurance claims or a personal injury lawsuit for compensation.
What Injuries Are Caused by Motorcycle Blind Spots?
Blind spots are a known hazard for all vehicles on the road, but they pose particularly significant risks to motorcyclists. This heightened danger comes from the smaller size of motorcycles and the reduced protection they offer compared to other vehicles on the road.
Some of the injuries that can result from blind spot accidents for motorcycles include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal injuries
- Burns
- Amputations
- Dislocations
- Contusions and abrasions
- Whiplash
- Nerve damage
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Eye injuries
- Dental injuries
- Psychological trauma
In Texas, you have the duty to mitigate damages resulting from motorcycle accidents caused by blind spots. You are required to take reasonable actions to minimize the harm or losses resulting from an injury. For example, a motorcycle rider should be vigilant in traffic and try to stay out of other driver’s blind spots, even though they cannot control the actions of other motorists. This concept can influence the amount of compensation you may ultimately receive.
Determining Liability In Blind Spot Motorcycle Accidents
Determining liability in blind spot motorcycle accidents helps hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence. Even if drivers didn’t see a motorcycle rider, it may not absolve them from liability in a blind spot crash.
Several reasons for holding drivers of other vehicles liable for blindspot motorcycle accidents include:
- Failure to check blind spots: One of the most common reasons for driver liability in motorcycle accidents is their failure to check their blind spots adequately. All motorists have a responsibility to check these areas before making lane changes or turns. When a driver fails to do so and collides with a motorcycle, they can be liable for negligence.
- Unsafe lane changes: When a driver makes an unsafe lane change, such as merging into the path of a motorcycle and causing an accident, they can be deemed at fault. They should ensure the lane is clear before changing lanes.
- Failure to yield the right of way: If a driver fails to yield the right of way to an approaching motorcycle, leading to a collision, they can be held liable. This is especially relevant at intersections and during left-hand turns.
- Speeding: Driving at excessive speeds can limit a driver’s ability to react to unexpected situations, including the presence of motorcycles in their blind spots.
- Driving while intoxicated: If someone is driving while intoxicated (DWI) and fails to see a motorcycle due to impaired perception and reaction times, they can be held liable for negligence.
To determine negligence, Texas adopts the proportionate responsibility statute. This means each party involved in the accident may be assigned a percentage of responsibility based on their actions leading to the incident.
Recovering damages in a personal injury case requires you not to be more than 50% responsible for the accident. If found to be 51% or more at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering damages.
However, if the injured motorcyclist is 20% responsible for the accident, their compensation will be reduced accordingly. We recommend having a motorcycle accident attorney by your side to help prove that you are not responsible for the accident and hold the negligent parties liable.
Tips for Riding Safely to Avoid Blind Spots
Riding a motorcycle safely has been found to reduce blind spot accidents. For example, wearing protective gear is 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries associated with motorbike accidents.
We recommend several tips to help riders stay safe on the roads:
- Ride in a position within your lane that maximizes your visibility to other drivers
- Wear brightly colored, reflective gear to increase your visibility
- Be mindful of your own blind spots and check them frequently
- Keep enough safety zone from the vehicle in front of you to allow for reaction time in case of sudden stops
- Use your motorcycle’s turn signals well in advance of making any maneuvers or lane changes
- Quickly pass through a vehicle’s blind spot to minimize the time spent there
- Anticipate the movements of other drivers. Look for signs they might change lanes or turn
- Assume that other drivers may not see you and be prepared to take evasive action if needed
- Large trucks and buses have larger blind spots; try to pass them quickly or stay well behind
- Approach intersections cautiously and be aware of turning vehicles.
- Avoid riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, as it increases the chances of being in a blind spot
- Ensure your motorcycle’s lights and indicators are in working order.
- Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as impairment can affect your judgment and reactions
- Adjust your riding style to suit the weather conditions
Contact an El Paso Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
Adopting safe riding habits on the road can minimize the risk of blindspot motorcycle accidents. However, we have observed that accidents can still happen to even the most experienced motorcyclists.
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of a blind spot motorcycle accident, our lawyers at Cesar Ornelas Injury Law can represent you and ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses. An El Paso motorcycle accident lawyer will build your case to ensure you receive favorable compensation for your losses. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free case review and guidance on your legal options.
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