Motorcycle Accidents on Gravel Roads
Motorcyclists face many hazards that other drivers don’t. The structure of a motorcycle requires skills and balance to control, which increases the risk of an accident. Additionally, the lack of a protective frame and other safety features means that a motorcyclist is more likely to suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries.
External factors can also heighten inherent motorcycle dangers. One particular risk is gravel roads. Many motorcycle accidents occur on gravel roads, which can throw a bike off balance. The compassionate motorcycle accident lawyers at the Reed & Terry Law Firm can help injury victims in Sugar Land, TX, Katy, TX, Richmond, TX, and surrounding areas determine liability for these types of accidents.
Dangers of Gravel Roads
For drivers of passenger vehicles, trucks, or SUVs, driving on a gravel road is not that different from driving on any other road. Drivers may worry about the road putting some extra wear and tear on their tires, but there aren’t really any safety concerns.
For motorcyclists, gravel roads pose significant hazards. Gravel roads tend to have features that can make it more difficult for a motorcyclist to safely maintain control of their bike. Motorcyclists should be aware of these gravel road hazards:
Loose Rocks or Sand
Gravel roads have loose rocks and/or sand that create an uneven road surface that can be difficult for motorcyclists to maneuver without losing balance. On top of that, loose rocks can be spit out from a motorcycle tire and cause the bike to slip, tip, or slide.
Edge Breaks
Gravel roads are not smooth and even like paved roads. Many have edge breaks, or a division where one part of the road sits slightly higher than the other. Edge breaks can easily throw a motorcycle off balance.
Sharp Turns
Any road can have sharp turns, which require skill for motorcyclists to maneuver safely. However, sharp turns are especially common on gravel roads, and they are even more difficult to manage without a smooth and even surface.
What Types of Accidents Take Place on Gravel Roads?
Just as with any other road, there is a wide range of accidents that can take place on gravel roads. But because gravel roads are usually in isolated areas with just a single lane of traffic, many of the accidents that occur on gravel roads are single-vehicle accidents. A single-vehicle accident occurs when one driver (or motorcyclist) loses control of their vehicle and runs off the road or collides into a stationary object.
Determining Accident Liability
If a motorcyclist is injured in a single-vehicle accident on a gravel road, they may assume that they have to accept accident liability, but that is often not the case. Even if no other drivers were involved in the accident, there are other parties that may be liable for accident damages.
Gravel roads are frequently maintained by the state, city, or county. If poor road maintenance, a failure to provide appropriate safety measures, or a lack of road or traffic signs contributed to the accident, responsible officials should be held accountable. Our motorcycle accident lawyers can collect the evidence necessary to prove liability so that our clients receive the financial compensation they are due for accident damages.
Schedule a Case Review
If you have been injured in an accident and would like to make sure that liable parties are held accountable, the lawyers at the Reed & Terry Law Firm can help. Send us a message anytime or call (281) 201-0988 to schedule a free case review.
