San Antonio Motorcycle Accidents Often Prove Fatal
In recent weeks, one San Antonio motorcyclist was killed in a hit-and-run accident involving erratic driving, and another died after laying his bike down in an attempt to avoid a collision. These deaths are part of a larger pattern in Texas, where over 400 motorcyclists lost their lives and over 1,800 were seriously injured in crashes in 2019. It is important for motorcyclists throughout the state to take all reasonable safety precautions to avoid injury or death and to know where to find help if they have been injured.
Reducing Risk of Motorcycle Injuries
Motorcyclists can take their safety into their own hands by taking important precautions. Some of the best ways to reduce injury risk include:
- Wearing a helmet: While helmets are not always effective at preventing injuries or saving lives, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that they saved more than 1,800 lives in 2017.
- Wearing visible clothing: Many motorcycle accidents happen at night or because another driver fails to see the motorcycle. Bright or reflective clothing can make you more noticeable.
- Following traffic laws: Driving defensively and at safe speeds can help you avoid a crash, as can making sure that you never drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
- Practicing in safe conditions: Riding a motorcycle is a skill that takes time to acquire. You should make sure you are fully confident in your abilities before driving in high traffic environments or adverse road conditions.
What to Do After an Accident
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, prompt medical attention can help to save your life and create a record of your injuries, and an attorney can help you gather evidence of another driver’s negligence to start building your case for compensation. Speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving on the part of other drivers are all common causes of accidents involving motorcyclists, and all of these can justify a personal injury lawsuit.
Because so many motorcycle accidents are fatal, it is also important for surviving family members to know that they can pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim. An attorney can help you understand the damages you can recover, including the victim’s medical expenses and funeral expenses, and pain and suffering related to the loss of your loved one.
Contact a New Braunfels Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
At The Bettersworth Law Firm, we understand that motorcyclists can be especially vulnerable to injuries in a crash, and we are committed to helping you recover by fighting for full and fair compensation. For a free consultation, contact an experienced New Braunfels personal injury attorney today at 830-443-9193.
Sources:
https://news4sanantonio.com/news/local/street-racing-leads-to-deadly-motorcycle-crash-police-say
https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/austin-crash-fatal-northeast-austin-oct-22-vfw-road/269-1b937552-d3fa-4901-a22f-b0a38fe79e08
https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/statewide-news/008-2020.html
https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycle-safety
