Motorcyclist Dies in Alleged Racing Accident in San Antonio
Last week, a 30-year-old motorcyclist was killed in an accident on Loop 410 after two motorcycles made contact with each other. The accident also led to a semi-truck rollover, road closure, and significant injuries to the other motorcyclist involved. Law enforcement states that at the time of the crash, the two motorcyclists were racing and that the surviving motorcyclist will be charged with the criminal offense of racing on the highway leading to death. An accident such as this highlights the potentially severe consequences of a motorcycle crash.
Factors that Contribute to Motorcycle Accidents and Injuries
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that excessive speed is an especially common factor in fatal motorcycle accidents when compared to accidents involving other types of motor vehicles. Certainly, not every speeding motorcyclist is explicitly engaged in street racing, but traveling above the posted speed limit or operating at a speed that is unsafe for the current road conditions can be plenty dangerous on their own.
While it is unclear if alcohol was involved in the recent Loop 410 accident, it is another common factor in motorcycle crashes throughout the U.S. According to the NHTSA, more than one-quarter of all motorcyclists involved in fatal accidents have a blood alcohol concentration above the typical legal limit of 0.08. Alcohol impairment is even more common in motorcycle crashes that occur at night.
Recovering Compensation for Texas Motorcycle Crash Injuries
It is important for Texas motorcyclists to take precautions to prevent accidents and injuries. Avoiding risky and illegal behavior like racing, speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol helps to promote the safety of both the motorcyclist and the public, and wearing a helmet can also reduce a motorcyclist’s risk of severe injury or death in a crash. Such precautions can not only make a motorcyclist more likely to survive a collision but can also help them avoid a situation in which their contributory negligence reduces the amount of compensation they can obtain from another negligent party.
As the recent accident demonstrates, both motorcyclists and others on the road can be at risk of injury from an accident involving a motorcycle, and it is important to work with an attorney as soon as possible after a crash to determine who was responsible and what evidence can be used to support a claim for compensation.
Contact a New Braunfels Motorcycle Accident Attorney
At The Bettersworth Law Firm, we represent injured motorcyclists and others who have been injured in an accident with a motorcyclist. We understand that the injuries in these cases are often severe, and we strive to help you recover full compensation. Contact a New Braunfels personal injury lawyer at 830-443-9193 for a free consultation today.
Sources:
https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2021/01/19/sapd-fatal-motorcycle-crash-involving-18-wheeler-closes-loop-410-eb-between-i-37-s-ww-white-road/
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/TN/htm/TN.545.htm
https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812785
