Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in New Braunfels

Other drivers cause most motorcycle accidents, though sometimes third parties or biker negligence factors in as well. Understanding these common causes can help motorcyclists avoid them—potentially decreasing the number of accidents.

Unfortunately, being aware of these factors does not guarantee a biker will be accident-free. Seeking legal assistance can often help a biker get compensation after an accident. You may be eligible for compensation, even if you share some responsibility for the wreck. A skilled lawyer who understands the common causes of motorcycle accidents in New Braunfels can help you explore your potential rights and remedies.

Lack of Visibility Is a Common Cause of Motorcycle Wrecks

Many drivers seem to overlook bikers on the road, often forgetting to check for them, significantly when changing lanes or turning. Improving driver training could help address this issue by reinforcing the need for drivers to look for motorcyclists vigilantly.

Unfortunately, this issue is beyond a biker’s control. While motorcyclists should be mindful of blind spots and take steps to avoid them, they cannot force other drivers to see them.

Bikers and Other Drivers Speeding Increases the Risk of Wrecks

Speeding is a factor in many New Braunfels motorcycle collisions. Excessive speed—by bikers or other motorists—significantly raises the likelihood of serious injuries or fatalities. It not only heightens the risk of collisions with other vehicles but also frequently leads to single-vehicle motorcycle crashes. Speeding impairs the rider’s ability to control the bike, making it harder to navigate obstacles—including debris, potholes, or damage to the road.

Distracted Driving Leads to Many Accidents

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents in New Braunfels, including motorcycle wrecks. It is as risky as driving while intoxicated or under the influence. Distractions fall into three categories—visual, manual, and cognitive—and many distractions involve two or more categories. Common examples of distractions include texting, using a cell phone, eating, drinking, and personal grooming.

When motorcyclists become distracted, the risk is even greater. They must exercise more control over their bikes even under suitable circumstances. Ensuring biker safety requires staying highly alert to their surroundings, allowing them to respond to any changes in the environment quickly. Just like other drivers, motorcyclists should avoid multitasking. In addition, if they choose to listen to music, they should only use a single headphone so that they can hear surrounding sounds.

Left Hand Turns Contribute to Motorcycle Accidents

Accurately judging motorcycle speeds challenges other drivers. That can contribute to collisions with a motorcycle in New Braunfels—especially during left turns. A driver might wrongly estimate the distance and turn in front of an approaching motorcycle. Although the biker may see the vehicle and try to avoid a collision, they might not have enough time to stop safely. Even if they manage to avoid a direct impact, they could end up running off the road, losing control of their bike.

Driving While Intoxicated Plays a Role in Motorcycle Wrecks

Intoxication is another leading factor in motorcycle wrecks in New Braunfels. Whether the impairment affects the biker or other drivers, substances can significantly affect driving abilities. Even if a driver is below the legal limit, alcohol can still slow reaction times and reduce coordination, increasing the risk of an accident with just a few drinks—drugs, whether legal or illegal, prescription or over-the-counter, can also impair a driver’s capabilities.

While bikers have no control over whether other drivers are sober, they can avoid riding after consuming any intoxicants. Biker intoxication is responsible for more than one-third of all multi-vehicle motorcycle wrecks and almost half of all single-vehicle ones. In addition to not driving while intoxicated, bikers should look for signs of intoxicated drivers around them.

Find Out More About the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in New Braunfels

Understanding the causes of motorcycle accidents helps riders to stay safe through defensive driving. However, it is not always possible to prevent every accident, as bikers cannot control the behavior of other drivers.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, identifying the cause is essential. A lawyer will generally start by looking at the common causes of motorcycle accidents in New Braunfels. Consulting with an attorney can provide you with more information about your rights and options following an accident. Call now to learn more about filing a lawsuit.