Houston Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Distracted Drivers

Distracted driving is the act of engaging in any other activity that takes your full attention away from the road. In just a split second, that distraction can lead to life-changing outcomes. Understanding the frequency and ways in which distracted drivers cause Houston motorcycle accidents could help you better understand what your rights are in these matters.

If you are hurt in an accident caused by a distracted driver, seek the help of a Houston motorcycle accident lawyer to both prove your case and hold them accountable.

Consider the Frequency of Risks

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shares that, in 2023, 3,275 people lost their lives on US roadways due to distracted driving. Many thousands of others suffered serious injuries. More so, the National Safety Council reports that about 14.6% of all traffic fatalities occur on motorcycles. You can see that the risk of being injured in a motorcycle accident could very well be related to the distraction of the driver.

Types of Distracted Drivers That Cause Motorcycle Accidents

Distraction does not have to last very long to take a life. Many times, these accidents are fully preventable if a driver had kept their focus on the roadway in front of them. Some examples of what others do that distract them include:

• Texting or answering emails
• Using navigational devices
• Adjusting the heating and cooling
• Talking to someone in the car in a heated conversation
• Trying to manage pets in the front seat
• Eating or drinking
• Daydreaming
• Applying makeup

In each of these situations, a person’s eyes or mind drift from the driving process. In those split seconds, a fast-moving, often hard-to-see motorcycle can be struck, causing catastrophic losses to the rider. Often, distracted drivers do not have enough time to slow down, so they strike victims head-on at full speed.

Distractions can be manual distractions, such as those that take their hands off the wheel. They can also be visual distractions that cause the driver to look away from the roadway, even for a short amount of time. Distractions can also be cognitive, in which the mind is not in the driving process. Any of these types of distractions can cause serious injuries and losses for the rider struck by a distracted driver. Our experienced motor vehicle accident attorney in Houston has the experience and knowledge to assist if you’ve been harmed due to a distracted driver.

Serious Injuries from Distracted Drivers

Motorcycle accident injuries range based on the location, force, and the type of vehicle impacting them. Some of the most common serious injuries in these cases include:

• Head injuries resulting in traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken and shattered bones
• Burns and road rash
• Disfigurement and amputation
• Internal organ injuries and internal bleeding
• Soft tissue injuries
• Loss of mobility
• Permanent disability
• Emotional trauma and mental anguish

These injuries can sometimes result in fatalities. They often are catastrophic, requiring long-term recovery. Without the protection of a vehicle around them, riders take the brunt of the impact to their bodies. It can be challenging to get back to life the way you knew it after such an accident.

Victims of such accidents may benefit from working with a motorcycle accident lawyer who has experience with distracted driving. Your attorney will help you find evidence to support your claim of distraction and demonstrate how your injuries may be the result of another person’s actions. Contact the Doan Law Firm today to schedule your free, no obligation consultation with our experienced lawyer.