We help people with their motorcycle accident injuries. Call The Sloan Firm today.Motorcycle riding can be highly rewarding – but also very risky. Consider the following:

  • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the rate of motorcyclist deaths in the U.S. per vehicle mile traveled is 27 times higher than the rate among people who ride in passenger cars, while the injury rate is five times higher.
  • A recent Texas A&M Transportation Institute study found that 28 percent of motorcycle accidents in Texas involve fatal or incapacitating injuries compared to 4 percent of non-motorcycle accidents.

Many different factors heighten the accident and injury risks that motorcyclists face in Longview and other areas of East Texas. Motor vehicle driver negligence, unfortunately, serves as one of the leading factors. All too often, drivers fail to recognize the presence of motorcycles in traffic or to respect the rights of motorcyclists.

If you have suffered serious injury in a motorcycle accident that was a motor vehicle driver’s fault, you should consult with a Longview motorcycle accident attorney to learn about your legal rights and options. Contact The Sloan Firm today.

Our law firm has extensive experience with representing people injured in motorcycle accidents as well as those who have lost family members in crashes. We always pay close personal attention to our clients and focus on what is important to them. What matters to you, matters to us. We can discuss your case today in a free consultation.

How Do Motor Vehicle Drivers Cause Collisions with Motorcyclists?

Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than other vehicles on the road, which can make it challenging for car and truck drivers to share the road with motorcyclists. Still, if they follow the rules of the road and act reasonably, motor vehicle drivers should be able to avoid collisions with motorcyclists. Too often, they fail to do so, which leads to crashes.

Some of the ways in which motor vehicle drivers cause collisions with motorcyclists in East Texas are:

  • Failing to yield the right of way at intersections – According to the Texas A&M study of motorcycle accidents, the most common factor in crashes is the failure of drivers to yield the right of way to motorcyclists when they make left turn at intersections. In many cases, the motor vehicle driver may simply fail to see the motorcyclist.
  • Failing to signal when turning or changing lanes – Car drivers often fail to check their mirrors or blind spots for motorcycles. As a result, they may turn right or switch into another lane in the motorcyclist’s path.
  • Following too closely – Motorcyclists often need to make sudden stops or make quick maneuvers in order to avoid hazards in the road such as puddles, rocks or potholes. If a motorist follows the motorcyclist too closely, or “tailgates,” a collision can easily occur.
  • Trying to share a lane with a motorcyclist – Although they are smaller than cars or trucks, motorcycles have the right to the entire lane. Serious crashes happen when motor vehicle drivers fail to respect this right and try to share a lane with a motorcyclist.
  • Opening doors without looking – “Dooring” accidents occur when a driver opens the door of a parked car in the path of an approaching motorcycle, moped or scooter.

In many cases, a driver engages in the above actions because the driver is distracted by texting or talking on a cell phone, impaired by alcohol or drugs or driving while overly fatigued. Additionally, if a motor vehicle driver is speeding, the driver may be unable to avoid colliding with a motorcyclist.

When our motorcycle accident attorneys take on your case, we will conduct a thorough investigation in order to determine whether a motor vehicle driver’s negligence served as the cause of your accident. If so, you may be entitled to file a claim for compensation through that driver’s auto insurance liability coverage and pursue other options.

What Other Factors Contribute to Motorcycle Crashes in Texas?

Many other factors besides driver negligence lead to motorcycle accidents. Two other leading factors are:

  • Dangerous road conditions – Poorly designed or maintained roads create major safety problems for motorcyclists. Potholes, pooling water, open bridge joints and cracked, crumbling or uneven pavement can all present hazards. A federal, state or local government agency could potentially be held liable if bad road conditions cause a crash.
  • Defective motorcycles or motorcycle parts – Serious motorcycle accidents can occur if the motorcycle has defective tires or wheels, brakes, handlebars or other parts. In some cases, fires and explosions happen due to defective fuel tanks. The manufacturer or distributor of the part could be held responsible in a product liability lawsuit.

The Sloan Firm has the resources that it takes to investigate all potential causes of motorcycle crashes. We will work tirelessly to identify the cause of your crash and to hold all responsible parties accountable for the harm you have suffered.

Motorcycle Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can result in catastrophic, or life-changing, injuries. Some of the most common injuries that motorcyclists suffer in crashes are:

  • Traumatic brain injury (even when a rider wears a helmet)
  • Back and spine injury
  • Broken bones (including arms, legs, hips, ribs and facial fractures)
  • Burns (including friction burns)
  • Soft tissue damage
  • Loss of limbs
  • Scarring and disfigurement.

These motorcycle accident injuries can require expensive medical treatment, including emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, assistive devices, medication and physical therapy. They can also keep a person from being able to work for a prolonged period of time or prevent the person from returning to the same line of work.

For this reason, you should seek help from an experienced Longview motorcycle accident lawyer who will know how to identify the cause of your crash and identify all sources of compensation available to you.

Get Help Today from Our Longview Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

At The Sloan Firm, what matters to you, matters to us. If you were seriously injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash, we will be in your corner to fight for you and help you through the aftermath. Throughout your case, we will listen closely to you and tailor our legal strategy towards reaching your goals. We always see the person behind the injury.

Don’t wait to get help. Learn more about your legal rights and options after a motorcycle accident. Contact our lawyers today and receive a free legal consultation about your case. We serve clients in Longview and throughout East Texas. We also feature offices in Houston and Santa Fe, New Mexico.