Motorcycle Accidents Lawyer to Fight For Your Rights in Louisiana
Motorcycles represent, to some extent, the last frontier on U.S. highways. The call of the open road is irresistible to true bikers, many of whom fashion their entire existence around their motorcycle trips. Law-abiding motorcycle clubs are commonplace and growing in number.
However, the downside of motorcycles is that they can be very dangerous. Other motorists often do not account for motorcyclists and fail to be watchful and diligent. Without the cocoon of metal for protection found on typical four-wheeled vehicles, motorcycle riders are particularly susceptible to catastrophic injuries or even death. Motorcycles present a minimal traffic profile, and vehicle drivers are not always looking out for them as they should be.
If you or your loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Louisiana, our motorcycle accident attorneys will fight for the recovery of all of the compensation you will need to pay your medical bills and property damage.
The Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle vs. car is the most common type of motorcycle accident and is also among the most dangerous motorcycle accidents. The more common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Limits of visibility and dangerous road conditions caused by severe weather
- Road defects like potholes, construction zones, or sharp turns create dangerous driving situations
- Impaired riding
- A defective part on the motorcycle fails while in use
- Being struck by flying objects, such as trash people throw out of windows
- Debris on the roadways
- Speeding vehicles
- Another driver failing to see a motorcyclist and moving into its right of way
- Another driver suddenly stopping when traveling at a high rate of speed on the highway
These various causes all increase the risk of catastrophic injury or death. Without an exterior frame of a vehicle to shield them from hazards on the road, motorcyclists face many severe injuries that do not impact automobile drivers.
Tips for Preventing Motorcycle Accidents
- Get Properly Licensed. All states require a motorcycle license along with your automobile driver’s license, although the specific requirements vary from state to state.
- Practice. If you have never ridden before, it will take time to learn how to handle your bike, which is nothing like driving a car. The more skilled you are at handling a motorcycle the better your chances to avoid serious accidents.
- Prepare Your Bike. Check your fluid levels, tread depth, tire pressure, hand and foot brakes, headlights, and signal indicators every time you are about to ride. Cargo should be secured and balanced, and it’s a good idea to adjust the suspension and tire pressure to accommodate any extra weight.
- Educate Your Passengers. Passengers should mount the bike after the engine has started, should sit as far forward as possible and directly behind you.
- Wear Proper Protection. Always wear a DOT-approved (U.S. Department of Transportation) helmet. Arms and legs should be covered entirely, ideally by wearing bright-colored leather or heavy denim.
- Ride Sober. No drugs or alcohol whatsoever before or during your ride. It is simply too dangerous and is against the law.
- Drive Defensively. Assume automobile drivers do not see you.
- Constantly Scan the Road Ahead. Scan ahead for hazards that may cause you to fall, like rocks, potholes, storm drains, and railroad tracks.
- Use Your Headlights. This is the law in some states, and it makes your bike much easier to see.
Contact the Law Offices of Street & Street for More Information Regarding Motorcycles In Louisiana
Contact the Law Offices of Street & Street if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Louisiana, even before contacting your insurance company. We will fight for all of the financial compensation you deserve. We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis. Contact us today.