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Top 3 Construction Hazards Affecting Motorcyclists in San Antonio

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Sudden changes in road grade and quality affect even the most skilled motorcyclists.

 

Continued Construction Across San Antonio Affecting Motorcyclists, Causing Injuries.

San Antonio is experiencing major road construction projects across the city, and motorcyclists are paying a high price.

KSAT News interviewed multiple motorcyclists across San Antonio who have been affected by the constant construction projects, some of whom crashed and suffered injuries as a result. Major highways such as I-35 and Loop 1604 have become a hazard to these riders as the pavement is torn up and repaved. One rider who was interviewed said she crashed and nearly tore off her pinky finger after suddenly encountering loose gravel on Walzem road. She reported feeling anxious about getting back on her bike after the accident, which showed her that you can do everything right and still crash your bike due to construction hazards.

Top 3 Construction Hazards Faced by Motorcyclists in San Antonio

The road hazards caused by construction are often little more than an inconvenience for motorists. However, to a motorcycle, something as simple as loose gravel can cause a life-threatening accident.

It can be difficult to know what kinds of hazards can cause you to crash your motorcycle. Here are the top 3 most dangerous hazards to watch for when on a ride through a construction zone:

Debris in the Road

Loose gravel, nails, staples, and sticks can be dropped into the roadway by construction workers without them even noticing. It’s no big deal to them or passing vehicles, but it can put you in a dangerous situation.

Loose nails can become trapped in your tire and cause it to blow miles away from where it first became stuck. Larger debris like tree branches, rocks, and equipment can not only cause an accident but also hurt the motorcyclist after they have fallen from the bike, making them extremely dangerous.

Sudden Lane Changes/Unmarked Lanes

Marking lanes is usually a final step in the construction process, meaning you may have to ride on unmarked or confusing temporary lanes. Other motorists will also be confused and distracted looking for the lane, adding an additional hazard. Be extra vigilant in these areas to watch the road and the cars around you carefully.

Shifting Road Grades

Before a lane can be repaved, it has to be prepped. This in-between phase of rough pavement is incredibly dangerous for motorcyclists. Repaving efforts across multiple lanes also increase the likelihood of “edge brakes,” which is when one lane is slightly higher than another. Getting your tire trapped between the lanes can cause you to lose control of your bike and crash.

Construction projects are necessary to repair old, dilapidated roads (which are also not safe for motorcycles) and to make room for the increasing population. But that doesn’t mean you should pay the price for it.

Can I Sue for a Motorcycle Injury in a Construction Zone in San Antonio?

Construction companies and government agencies may be held responsible if you were injured in unsafe road conditions caused by construction projects. If you were injured in a construction zone in San Antonio, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Ambulance costs,
  • Medical Bills,
  • Surgeries,
  • Disfigurement,
  • Property Damage,
  • Lost Work,
  • Loss of Earning Capacity,
  • And more.

You can find out if your injury qualifies for free with Carabin Shaw.

Call our team today at 800-862-1260 to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation, where you will speak with one of our attorneys and find out your best course of legal action. We put our clients first because we care. We look forward to serving you.

Contacting a Carabin Shaw attorney is free and does not obligate you to work with the firm.


¹KSAT Report

²National General on Motorcycle Safety (Construction Zones)

 

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