Loose Gravel, Road Debris & Potholes: Overlooked Causes of Austin Motorcycle Crashes

Austin motorcyclists have plenty of scenic routes, such as the Twisted Sisters and the Luckenbach BBQ Loop. Unfortunately, freezing winters followed by scorching summers can also lead to subpar road conditions on these loops, from cracked asphalt to loose gravel. Hazardous road conditions can be deadly for bikers in Texas who have little protection in the event of a crash.

If a motorcycle accident leaves you in pain and unable to function, the Austin motorcycle accident lawyers at Carabin Shaw can help. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you pay nothing until we win your case. Call our law firm today toll-free to schedule a free case review in English or Spanish at 1-800-862-1260 or contact us online.

Even experienced bikers can suffer a serious crash when they encounter unexpected road hazards. Common dangers in Austin include:

• Pavement cracks and potholes
• Debris or loose gravel on streets
• Broken or missing guard rails
• Unmarked construction zones
• Inadequate lighting or signage
• Uneven lanes or grading changes

An average of 1.3 motorcyclists die daily on Texas roads and dozens more are injured. While many of these bikers are involved in crashes with other vehicles, a significant number are also caused by poor road conditions.

It can be challenging for an attorney to identify at-fault parties in motorcycle accidents caused by hazardous road conditions. When roadway maintenance is in question, the responsibility may lie with government entities, such as:

• The Texas Department of Transportation (state highways)
• Local municipalities or counties (city and county roads)
• Federal agencies (interstates)

Although one of these entities may be held liable for your injuries after a motorcycle crash, filing a personal injury claim against a government entity is more complex and subject to strict requirements and deadlines. Texas law also includes damage caps when seeking compensation from a government entity, which include:

• $250.000 per person
• $500,000 per incident (if multiple injured parties)

When a government entity is involved, it is critical to enlist the services of a Travis County motorcycle accident lawyer immediately following your crash. Your legal team will determine the cause of your crash and ensure all paperwork is filed within the appropriate timeframe to ensure you receive the damages you are entitled to.

Private property owners may also be responsible for your accident if it occurs on a private driveway, road, or parking lot. These parties might include:

• Construction contractors
• Commercial property owners
• Homeowner associations

Other private parties that might contribute to your accident include:

• Trucking companies, if an unsecured load falls from a vehicle
• Construction companies that leave hazardous conditions without proper warning
• Contractors who design or build a road incorrectly

In some cases, multiple parties may be responsible for your accident. For example, the city may be responsible for hazardous roads, while the construction company hired to repair them fails to warn of road hazards. Under Texas’s proportionate responsibility rule, your lawyer can hold all responsible parties liable according to their portion of fault for your accident.

Once you seek medical treatment after a motorcycle crash, your next step should be to contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Your legal team will immediately launch an investigation of your accident, gathering evidence such as:

• Accident reports
• Photos and videos of the accident scene
• Eyewitness accounts of the accident
• Road maintenance records
• Construction schedules and permits
• Professional analysis of road design and safety

Your lawyers can search for prior complaints about the road where your accident occurred. If other complaints had been filed and the municipality failed to address the hazard, your legal team can build a stronger case on your behalf.

A motorcycle accident can leave you in severe pain and unable to work and support your family. Don’t try to navigate the complexities of a personal injury claim while you are struggling in the aftermath of your accident. Our experienced team has successfully handled many cases like yours, as our law firm’s client reviews demonstrate. Call us toll-free today or contact us online for legal assistance.

For more information:

• Texas Open Data Portal
• TORT CLAIMS
• PROPORTIONATE RESPONSIBILITY