Louisiana Motorcycle Accidents Overview
Motorcycle riders often talk about the feelings of joy and freedom that they feel when riding their bike on the open road. Not only are motorcycles fun to ride but they use less gas than cars, making them more attractive in times that consumers are feeling the pinch at the pump.
Unfortunately, there are certain risks associated with riding a motorcycle, and serious injuries—or even death—can occur because of a Louisiana motorcycle accident.
The Dangers of Louisiana Motorcycle Accidents
Some of the problems with motorcycles are directly related to the very things that make riding one so appealing. Unlike cars, motorcycles are not surrounded by protective metal and a shatter-resistant windshield. If you get into a Louisiana motorcycle accident, the only protection you will have is your helmet and the clothing that you are wearing. This can result in serious personal injuries, including:
- Head trauma
- Spinal cord injuries
- Skin abrasions
- Broken bones, including the legs or pelvis
- Paralysis
Common Causes of Louisiana Motorcycle Accidents
Some of the more common causes of Louisiana motorcycle accidents include:
- Driver error or inexperience
- Equipment malfunction or manufacturer error
- Weather conditions or road conditions such as potholes and rocks
A Louisiana motorcycle accident can also easily occur because of errors committed by the driver(s) of other types of motor vehicles. Listed below are some of the dangerous errors that can be made by another driver and would lead to a motorcycle crash:
- Failing to yield the right-of-way to a motorcycle
- Not properly checking for motorcycles before merging, turning or changing lanes
- Forcing a motorcycle off of the road or onto the shoulder
If another driver caused your Louisiana motorcycle accident while committing such an error, you should not have to pay for the expensive medical treatments that may be required to treat your serious accident injuries.
Louisiana Helmet Laws
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a person involved in a Louisiana motorcycle accident that is not wearing a helmet is 40% more likely to get a head injury that is fatal than a rider that is wearing a helmet.
If you were wearing a helmet at the time of your motorcycle crash, but you still suffered head injuries or other serious accident injuries, you may have questions about how to pay for your necessary medical treatment and long-term care. Your Louisiana personal injury attorney can also determine if your helmet was defective, which may allow you to seek further compensation from the manufacturer.
Contacting a Louisiana Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
After a serious motorcycle accident, while you are dealing with injuries, medical bills, vehicle repairs, and insurance companies, it’s important to have someone working on your side.
Speaking with an experienced Louisiana personal injury lawyer after a motorcycle accident can help you understand your legal rights and options, and if necessary, help you file a personal injury lawsuit to help you recover compensation for your losses.
