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June 19, 2024 by Greg Baumgartner
In Houston, Texas, motorcycle accidents are particularly concerning due to the city’s high traffic volumes and various road conditions. Understanding the primary causes of fatal motorcycle accidents can help you seek the compensation you deserve. This article will explore the major factors leading to death in motorcycle accidents.
Head-on crashes are among the deadliest motorcycle accidents. In these incidents, a motorcycle collides with another vehicle coming from the opposite direction. The impact force in head-on crashes is significantly higher due to the combined speeds of both vehicles. Motorcycles lack the protective barriers that cars have, making riders extremely vulnerable during such collisions.
Head-on collisions account for approximately 56% of all motorcycle accident fatalities in the US. This statistic highlights the severe risk these types of crashes pose to motorcyclists. The high fatality rate can be attributed to the direct impact, which often results in catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and severe internal damage.
In Houston, head-on crashes frequently occur on highways and rural roads where vehicles travel at higher speeds. To mitigate the risk, it is crucial for motorcyclists to remain vigilant and for other drivers to be more aware of motorcycles on the road. Defensive driving practices and improved road design, such as better signage and barriers, can help reduce the occurrence of these fatal accidents.
Approximately 42% of all motorcycle-car collisions occur when cars are making left-hand turns. Left-hand turn accidents typically happen when cars make left turns at intersections and collide with oncoming motorcycles. The car driver often fails to notice the motorcycle or misjudges its speed, leading to a collision.
The visibility and size of motorcycles contribute to this problem, as they are harder to spot and often fall into the driver’s blind spot. In urban areas like Houston, where intersections are plentiful and traffic is dense, the risk of left-hand turn accidents is even higher.
Lane splitting, the practice of riding a motorcycle between two lanes of traffic, is controversial. While it can help motorcyclists navigate congested traffic more efficiently, it poses significant risks. In Texas, lane splitting is not explicitly illegal, but it is not officially endorsed either, creating a gray area for riders.
The main danger of lane splitting comes from the reduced space between vehicles, which increases the likelihood of a collision. Drivers may not expect a motorcycle to pass between lanes and might change lanes or open car doors without warning.
Collisions with fixed objects, such as guardrails, light poles, and trees, are particularly deadly for motorcyclists. When a rider loses control and crashes into a fixed object, the impact is often direct and forceful, leading to fatal injuries. The lack of protective barriers on motorcycles exacerbates the severity of these accidents.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) states that about 25% of motorcycle fatalities involve collisions with fixed objects. The reasons for these accidents vary, including losing control due to excessive speed, mechanical failures, or swerving to avoid other vehicles or obstacles.
In Houston, urban infrastructure and road design play significant roles in these accidents. Poorly maintained roads, lack of adequate lighting, and insufficient signage can increase the likelihood of collisions with fixed objects. Improving road conditions and infrastructure and regular maintenance can help reduce these fatal accidents.
Road hazards, such as potholes, debris, and uneven pavement, pose a significant threat to motorcyclists. Unlike cars, motorcycles are more sensitive to road surface conditions due to their smaller size and two-wheeled nature. Hitting a pothole or loose gravel can easily cause a motorcyclist to lose control and crash.
In Houston, where road conditions vary greatly, motorcyclists must remain alert and cautious. Regular road maintenance and prompt debris removal are critical measures to ensure motorcyclists’ safety.
Motorcycle accidents in Houston, TX, are a serious concern. Head-on crashes, left-hand turns, lane splitting, collisions with fixed objects, and road hazards are the leading causes of fatalities. Consult a motorcycle accident lawyer to fight for your compensation.
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Featured Image Source: https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/motorcycle-accident-gm180720562-24272702?
Since founding the Baumgartner Law Firm in 1985, Greg Baumgartner has established himself as a leading personal injury attorney in Houston, Texas, with a focus on representing severely injured accident victims and families who have suffered the loss of a loved one. His commitment to excellence in legal advocacy has earned him recognition from prestigious organizations, including Super Lawyers and the Top 100 Trial Lawyers and others. With decades of experience, Greg is consistently peer-reviewed and holds a preeminent rating, reflecting his dedication to achieving justice for his clients.
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