Leave a safe stopping distance. The small size of motorcycles makes it easy to get too close to one without realizing it. In fact, most motorcyclists prefer drivers to leave two to three times more space between the motorcyclist and the car than the driver would between himself and another car. The extra space allows motorcyclists to see behind them more easily and gives both them and the driver more time to stop safely. When in doubt, it’s always better to leave too much room between yourself and a biker than not enough.

Pay attention at railroad crossings. In order to cross railroad tracks safely, motorcycles should cross with the wheels at a right angle to the track. To set up this angle, a motorcyclist may swing to one side or the other before crossing the track. Pay especially close attention to motorcyclists at railroad tracks so that you do not accidentally hit one while he or she is attempting to cross the track.

Staying safe on a motorcycle requires a joint effort between the motorcyclist and motorists. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents can and do occur. An experienced Dallas motorcycle accident attorney can help injured motorcyclists understand their rights after an accident and seek help.

These figures are particularly significant for the simple fact that, prior to the 18% decrease, fatality rates had steadily risen on an annual basis since the year 2000, posting an average overall increase of 31%. Researchers at Texas A&M University’s Texas Transportation Institute speculate that new traffic laws and increased driver awareness have both contributed towards lowering the fatality rate. However, there are still far too many instances of motorcycle accidents leading to death in the state of Texas each and every year.

Motorcyclists are not protected by the confines of a steel-framed vehicle. While helmet use certainly decreases the likelihood of traumatic brain injury or death, there is not much more protection a motorcyclist can rely on in the event of an accident. Generally speaking, Texas motorcycle accidents can take place for a variety of reasons, with negligence of some kind usually at the root of the incident. Such negligence can sometimes take the form of driver inattention, a faulty motorcycle part failing, or uneven pavement creating an unnecessary hazard in the road. Regardless of the cause of an accident though, those responsible for negligent behavior leading up to and causing the accident can be held liable for their actions in a court of law.

Under Texas state law, those who are injured at the hands of another are allowed to seek compensatory damages from those who caused them harm, whether directly or otherwise. Reckless motorists, careless motorcycle manufacturers, and local municipalities who fail to maintain safe roads and highways have all been known to commit actions that contribute to Texas motorcycle crashes. Fortunately, Texas motorcycle accident victims and their families do have rights in a court of law.

According to a chron.com AP Texas News report, the accident took place near Cultus Lake in Oregon and involved a motorcycle being driven by the Texas business owner and another vehicle. The motorcyclist’s wife was riding on the back of the motorcycle when the two Texas residents were struck by the vehicle, which reportedly was swerving out of control on Forest Service Road 40. The man’s wife sustained serious injury and was taken to a local hospital, while the driver of the car sustained minor injuries.

Unfortunately, a large number of motorcyclists are killed or seriously injured each year in Texas. While the majority of motorists exhibit careful driving practices whenever they are on the road, there are still far too many drivers who, unfortunately, choose to drive recklessly.

Careless driving practices can include traveling at speeds in excess of posted limits, failing to yield to traffic signage, and operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Reckless driving practices represent negligence, and those individuals who are determined to have negligently caused a Texas motorcycle accident may be held liable for their actions in a Texas court of law.

Our condolences go out to the families of those injured and who have lost a loved one in this tragic accident.

According to a recent safety recall issued by the CPSC on August 5, 2010, Kawasaki Motors Corp. has voluntarily recalled its Kawasaki 2010 KLX110 Off-Road Motorcycle due to an issue with the unit’s ignition switch housing in which water can seep in and possibly activate the vehicle’s electric starter unintentionally. If this occurs and a rider is unprepared for the bike to set itself into motion, the likelihood of personal injury befalling the rider is greatly increased.

The two models specifically cited in the recall are 2010 model year KLX110CAF and KLX110DAF, which account for about 4,000 total units. To date, no injuries related to this recall have been reported. If you purchased one of the above Kawasaki motorcycles between August 2009 and February 2010, please contact a local Kawasaki Motorcycle dealer for a free repair, or call (866) 802-9381 for more information.

Motorcycle accidents in Texas can often result in grave personal injury, and can occur for a number of reasons, including defective parts and motorist negligence. Oftentimes, motorcyclists are not afforded the same respect that motorists of larger vehicles receive, and as consequence sustain injuries during Texas motorcycle accidents. However, regardless of whom negligence is attributed to, whether it’s another motorist or a vehicle manufacturer, negligent parties can be held liable for their actions in causing personal injury in the state of Texas.

Suzuki Hayabusa is said to be one of the fastest motorcycles available on the market, being able to reach top speeds of 200 miles. Motorcyclists are 21 times more likely to lose their life in an accident than someone driving a car. Moreover, they are four times more likely to be seriously injured. This is because motorcyclists do not have the same level of protection as a car.

In 2006, nearly 5,000 people were killed in motorcycle accidents. In a study conducted by the University of Southern California and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the prevailing cause of motorcycle accidents is due to a failure to see or recognize motorcycles in traffic. Often times, drivers do not see a motorcyclist until it is too late to avoid collision. This is commonly considered negligence.

Victims in Dallas motorcycle accidents where a driver is deemed negligent are entitled to recover compensations for any financial losses sustained as a result of the accidents. In more serious cases, wrongful death suits may be filed against negligent drivers.

The above case demonstrates the risk that some helmets may be defective due to inaccurate design or an overlooked flaw from the manufacturing process. In addition, even when a motorcyclist correctly wears a helmet that is approved by the Department of Transportation, he or she may endure serious brain injury or even death, depending on vehicle speed and the surrounding elements. Nevertheless, wearing a helmet (and protective clothing and gear) greatly decreases the chance of injury and death for motorcyclists.

Riding a motorcycle can be an enjoyable experience; however, many risks are involved, especially when considering the lack of protection one has against surrounding vehicles and the surfaces of a roadway in the event of a motorcycle collision in Dallas, Texas. The importance of knowing how to operate a motorcycle efficiently and safely cannot be emphasized enough. However, other motorists must remember that they have the responsibility of sharing the road with motorcyclists.