Comprehensive Information and Legal Options for Plano, TX Motorcycle Accident Victims

Texas and Plano have a significantly higher number of motorcycle accidents and fatalities

As reported by the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2016 there were 497 fatal motorcycle crashes across the state, and 5,290 injury motorcycle crashes statewide. Texas has the third highest number of registered motorcycles in the nation.

What are some common causes of Plano motorcycle injuries and fatalities?

The climate of Plano makes it a perfect place for motorcycling year round. Whereas other regions have weather patterns that discourage motorcycling, the residents of Plano enjoy more opportunities to ride motorcycles, and with these opportunities comes an increased risk of accidents and injuries. And since motorcycles get better gas mileage than most passenger vehicles, more and more Texans are turning to motorcycles as the main form of transportation.

Some other causes of Plano motorcycle accidents and injuries include:

• 75% of accidents were found to involve a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle, while the remaining 25% of accidents were single motorcycle accidents.
• In the single vehicle accidents, motorcycle rider error was present as the accident precipitating factor in about two-thirds of the cases, with the typical error being a slide-out and fall due to overbraking or running wide on a curve due to excess speed or lack of side bite.
• Almost half of the fatal accidents show alcohol involvement.
• Injury severity increases with speed, alcohol involvement and motorcycle size.
• In the multiple vehicle accidents, the driver of the other vehicle violated the motorcycle right-of-way and caused the accident in two-thirds of those accidents.
• The report's additional findings show that the wearing of appropriate gear, specifically, helmets and durable garment, mitigates crash injuries substantially.
• Vehicle failure accounted for less than 3% of these motorcycle accidents, and most of those were single vehicle accidents where control was lost due to a puncture flat.

Learn more about Plano motorcycle accidents here.

What is being done to improve motorcycle safety in Plano?

A rise in the number of motorcycle deaths in Texas last year inspired the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to kick off the new “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” awareness campaign. This campaign urges drivers to:

• Look twice for motorcycles, especially at intersections.
• Use your turn signals.
• Don’t follow a motorcycle too closely.
• Check your mirrors before changing lanes.
• Always assume motorcycles are closer than they appear to be.
• Give motorcyclists a full lane.

Where can a motorcyclist get safety training in Plano?

The Texas Department of Public Safety has a list of Plano safety training courses for motorcyclists. Also, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers online safety courses.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle collision, you will need a great Plano accident attorney to help

No matter how much we improve safety for motorcyclists around Plano, motorcycle accidents will continue to happen. When a less serious crash happens, often someone can manage the insurance claim without help. When a serious injury motorcycle accident happens, or when a fatality occurs, it is crucial to get help from an experienced Mullen & Mullen lawyer. A good personal injury attorney will be able to answer questions about an insurance claim, and provide information about an injured motorcyclist's rights and options.