Understanding Motorcycle Accident Risks
Taking steps to avoid motorcycle accidents is key to staying safe, and raising awareness among auto drivers and promoting safety among motorcycle operators benefits everyone using Louisiana roadways. If you are committed to motorcycle safety but were still involved in a motorcycle accident, talk to a New Orleans personal injury lawyer about your recovery options.
Distracted Drivers, Speeding, and Unsafe Lane Shifts
A leading cause of motorcycle accidents across the country is distracted driving. When vehicular motorists engage in distracted driving activities such as texting, eating, talking on the phone while behind the wheel they are less likely to notice motorcycles when sharing the road with two-wheeled riders. This lack of attention can result in dangerous collisions.
Excessive speed is another main contributor to motorcycle accidents. Speeding vehicles are spotted in a range of places, including on Louisiana highways and busy streets, and when a motorcyclist encounters a speeding vehicle, it can be incredibly rattling. After all, the motorcycle has less time to react to sudden changes in traffic, and the likelihood of an accident is increased.
Lane issues can also escalade accident risks. For example, lane splitting, where motorcyclists ride between lanes of traffic, is a driving behavior that is illegal in Louisiana, but some riders still attempt this maneuver. Lane splitting is dangerous because motorists often aren’t expecting it, and a driver may make a lane change without noticing a motorcycle.
Car and truck drivers also need to safely navigate lane changes, because when drivers fail to check their blind spots or do not use their turn signals properly, collisions with others in adjacent lanes are possible, motorcycles and motor vehicles alike. Because of their smaller size, motorcyclists can be particularly vulnerable in these situations.
Poor Road Conditions and Inexperienced Riders
Potholes, uneven surfaces, and other road hazards can be especially treacherous for motorcyclists, because sudden bumps or obstacles can lead to a loss of control and a subsequent accident. This can be exacerbated if a rider is inexperienced. It takes training and practice to handle a motorcycle effectively. Without experience, a motorcycle operator may struggle to navigate traffic and have trouble safely responding to challenging situations, increasing their accident risk.
Motorcycle accidents in New Orleans have and do occur for a large range of reasons, including distracted driving, speeding, unsafe lane changes, and inexperienced drivers operating motor-driven vehicles. Motorcyclists need to prioritize safety before they take to Louisiana roadways, including wearing protective gear, undergoing training, and obeying traffic laws, and vehicular drivers need to do their part too, from checking blind spots to acknowledging they need to share road safety responsibilities with their two-wheeled counterparts.
To learn about legal protections following a Louisiana motorcycle accident, discuss your case with a New Orleans personal injury lawyer. Attorneys can negotiate with insurance adjusters for you and take your claim to court, if necessary.
Should you talk to a legal expert about your motorcycle accident recovery process? Share your New Orleans, Metairie or Gretna accident details with the compassionate legal team at Palazzo Law Firm. Call 504-433-1442 for a fee-free consultation.
