Dirt bike accidents can happen at a variety of different locations. Whether they occur on public roads, private properties, or designated tracks, these crashes have the potential to cause catastrophic harm. Thankfully, victims may have the chance to recover compensation by filing claims against at-fault parties.
There are many types of damages that may be compensated through a dirt bike accident case. However, the process for recovering these damages can be highly complicated. Support from legal representation can be very beneficial to plaintiffs when building their claims and negotiating for payment.
After suffering a crash in Houston, seek support and guidance from our dirt bike accident and injury lawyers by calling The Queenan Law Firm today at (817) 476-1797.
How Rental Companies and Track Owners Cause Dirt Bike Accidents in Houston
Some dirt bike crashes happen because of negligent conduct exhibited by rental companies and track owners. Our dirt bike accidents and injury lawyers can investigate your accident to determine if it stems from any of the following:
Inadequate Maintenance by Rental Companies
Rental companies have a duty to ensure that the dirt bikes they provide are well-maintained and safe for use. Negligence may arise if a rental company fails to regularly inspect and maintain their fleet, leading to accidents caused by mechanical failures or other issues.
Lack of Safety Instructions Provided by Rental Companies
It is the responsibility of rental companies to provide comprehensive safety instructions to customers renting dirt bikes. Failure to do so may leave inexperienced riders ill-prepared to handle the vehicle properly. This can potentially lead to accidents that could have been prevented with proper guidance.
Renting to Inappropriate Riders
Negligently renting a dirt bike to individuals who are not fit to ride can also lead to serious accidents and injuries. Rental companies have a responsibility to assess the skills and experience of potential customers before allowing them to rent a dirt bike. Some riders may lack the necessary competence or may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, making them unfit to safely operate a dirt bike. Renting to such individuals can result in preventable accidents and make the rental company liable for resulting damages.
Unsafe Track Conditions
Track owners and operators are expected to maintain safe and well-designed tracks for dirt bike enthusiasts. Negligence may occur if a track owner fails to address hazardous conditions like uneven terrain, poorly marked tracks, or inadequate safety barriers, leading to accidents and injuries for riders.
Inadequate Supervision by Track Owners
Tracks that host dirt bike events must have adequate supervision to ensure that riders follow safety guidelines and avoid dangerous behaviors. Negligence may be evident if a track owner fails to monitor rider conduct, leading to collisions or other preventable accidents.
How Negligent Riders Cause Dirt Bike Accidents in Houston
On the other hand, some dirt bike accidents happen because of riders’ careless or reckless actions. If you were struck by a rider who exhibited any of the following forms of negligence, then you may be awarded financial compensation for the harm you endured:
Reckless Lane Changing
Negligent dirt bike riders may exhibit reckless behavior by rapidly changing lanes without signaling or checking for other vehicles. For instance, a dirt bike rider weaving in and out of traffic on a public street might suddenly change lanes without warning, causing a collision with a standard car that was unaware of the rider’s maneuver.
Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
Some dirt bike riders may disregard traffic signals, running red lights and stop signs, posing a significant danger to themselves and other motorists. For example, a negligent dirt bike rider might speed through an intersection with a red light, causing a collision with an unsuspecting driver who had the right-of-way.
Wrong-Way Riding
Negligent dirt bike riders may travel in the wrong direction on one-way streets or private property, risking collisions with oncoming traffic. For instance, a dirt bike rider may enter a parking lot through the exit lane and collide with another driver leaving the lot. The victim would have little chance to avoid the accident as they did not anticipate the rider approaching from the wrong direction.
Excessive Speeding
Some dirt bike riders may exceed the speed limit on public roads or on private properties, making it difficult for them to react to potential hazards in time. For instance, a negligent dirt bike rider racing at high speeds down a residential street may not be able to avoid colliding with a car backing out of a driveway.
Lack of Visibility
Negligent dirt bike riders may fail to make themselves visible to other motorists, especially during low-light conditions or by not using proper lighting and reflectors. For example, a dirt bike rider without working headlights or reflective gear might collide with a standard car in a dimly lit parking lot, where the driver could not see the rider until it was too late.
Riding Under the Influence
Operating a dirt bike while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious form of negligence that endangers both the rider and others on the road. A dirt bike rider who is impaired may lose control of the vehicle and crash into another motorist, causing severe injuries or even fatalities.
Ignoring Right of Way
Finally, negligent dirt bike riders may cause crashes by failing to yield the right of way to other vehicles. For instance, a dirt bike rider may cause an accident by attempting to make a left turn at an intersection without yielding to an approaching car. Thankfully, after such crashes, there are several different forms of evidence that may be utilized to prove the negligent rider is at fault.
Connect with Our Dirt Bike Accident and Injury Attorneys for Assistance with Your Claim in Houston
In the aftermath of your harmful collision, get help from our experienced dirt bike accident and injury lawyers at The Queenan Law Firm by calling (817) 476-1797 to assess your potential lawsuit for free.