Garland, Texas Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcyclists share the roads in Garland and the greater Dallas area with thousands of other drivers, but they face a higher level of risk than people in cars and trucks. Without the protection of an enclosed vehicle, a motorcyclist who is involved in a collision will be directly exposed to the full force of the impact. The injuries that can occur in these collisions can be severe.

When another driver's negligence is responsible for a crash in which a motorcyclist is injured, the victim can take steps to hold that driver responsible for their losses. The lawyer at Jerry D. Andrews, P.C. fights for the rights of motorcycle accident victims. He can help address unfair assumptions about motorcycle riders, highlight the ways drivers put motorcyclists at risk, and take action to obtain full compensation for the damages a victim has suffered.

The Challenges Motorcycle Accident Victims Face

Recovering full and fair compensation after a motorcycle accident can sometimes be difficult. Insurance companies will often attempt to shift blame onto the motorcyclist rather than a negligent driver. Motorcyclists may be portrayed as reckless risk-takers, even when they acted safely and suffered harm because of the actions taken by others.

Our attorney understands these challenges, and he knows how to meet them head-on. Our team will gather evidence such as police reports, eyewitness statements, and traffic camera footage to build a clear picture of how a motorcycle accident occurred. He will present that evidence in a way that demonstrates that a negligent driver was responsible for a collision, and he will work to ensure that a victim will be fully compensated for their damages.

Why Motorcycle Accidents Cause Serious Injuries

A motorcyclist who is involved in a collision will have almost no protection against injury. Even with a helmet and protective gear such as a jacket, gloves, and boots, a rider's body will be directly affected by the impact of a collision. When a motorcycle is struck by a vehicle, the rider may be thrown from the bike entirely, and they may suffer additional injuries when they hit the ground.

The injuries that can occur in motorcycle accidents can be devastating. Road rash can strip away multiple layers of skin, cause permanent scarring, and create a serious risk of infection. Traumatic brain injuries can occur even when a person was wearing a helmet. Broken bones can occur in the arms, legs, pelvis, or other parts of the body. Spinal cord injuries, internal bleeding, and soft tissue injuries can also occur, and they may leave victims with permanent disabilities that will require lifelong medical care.

Negligent Driver Behaviors That Put Motorcyclists at Risk

There are multiple types of dangerous behaviors by drivers that can lead to motorcycle accidents, including:

• Failure to Yield the Right of Way: Serious motorcycle accidents often occur when drivers turn in front of oncoming motorcyclists. A person may not see a motorcycle that is approaching, or they may not realize how fast the motorcycle is traveling before they make a turn. When a vehicle blocks the path of a motorcycle, the biker may have no way to avoid a crash, and they may strike the vehicle at a high speed and suffer serious injuries.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers who change lanes without looking at their mirrors and checking their blind spots may not see motorcyclists in adjacent lanes. A motorcycle can easily be lost within a vehicle's blind spot, and a driver who drifts out of their lane, changes lanes suddenly, or moves without making sure the lane is clear can force a rider off the road or into other traffic.
• Distracted Driving: Activities such as texting, adjusting a navigation system, eating, grooming, or reaching to pick up objects on the floor of a car may cause a driver to fail to notice a motorcyclist in time to avoid a collision. A driver may not be able to react in time to slow down before striking a motorcycle, or they may take other actions that could result in a motorcycle crash.
• Speeding and Aggressive Driving: Drivers who violate speed limits or take dangerous actions like weaving across lanes of traffic or making sudden turns may not give motorcyclists enough time to respond. A driver who is speeding may rear-end or side-swipe a motorcycle with little to no warning.
• Driving Under the Influence: When a driver is impaired by drugs or alcohol, they may not be able to see hazards, react appropriately, or maintain control of their vehicle. Motorcyclists are already more vulnerable than others, and the risk of injury can increase significantly when other drivers are intoxicated.