Why Are Motorcycle Accidents So Common?
Motorcyclists stand a 35% higher chance of being involved in a crash than passenger vehicles. This is an alarming statistic that speaks to the dangers motorcycles face every day on the road. While this is a common sentiment, most are surprised to learn that many motorcycle accidents are not caused by the motorcyclist, but by the driver in a neighboring passenger vehicle. When drivers are distracted or negligent, motorcyclists often pay the price.
Motorcyclists are trained and licensed specifically to note and avoid the perils they face, but many drivers are not trained to look out for motorcycles.
Many Drivers Do Not Consider Motorcyclists on the Road
A psychological phenomenon known as “scotoma” can be to blame for many motorcycle accidents in Louisiana and nationwide. This concept states that many people literally do not see what they are not looking for. As drivers of passenger vehicles, most are looking out for other passenger vehicles instead of motorcycles.
Because many drivers are not practiced in looking out for them, motorcyclists are often hit by drivers negligently merging into them. If passengers in vehicles played a game designed around spotting or counting motorcycles instead of other types of vehicles, drivers and passengers alike would have trained themselves to see motorcyclists more effectively, which would prevent accidents. Regardless of the phenomenon, you as a motorcyclist have a right to safe travel and protection from negligent harm done unto you. If you have been injured in a Louisiana motorcycle accident, contact an attorney from Arnold & Itkin and tell us about your case. We help riders and their families across the country.
Potential Causes of Louisiana Motorcycle Accidents
A motorcycle accident may have one or more causes; or factors that contributed to its occurrence. These factors may be related to human behavior, dangerous roads, or defective auto or bike parts. Determining cause is one of the most important parts of handling a Louisiana motorcycle accident claim, as it helps determine legal accountability.
The following are potential causes of motorcycle accidents:
- Other Motorists: By driving while distracted (such as texting while driving), driving drunk, speeding, or simply not paying enough attention, a motorist can cause a serious crash that leaves a rider with catastrophic injuries.
- Dangerous Roadways: The condition of a road is far more likely to affect a motorcycle and its rider than any other vehicle. A large pothole, crack, or object in the road could cause a devastating motorcycle accident.
- Defective Products: A poorly designed product or one with a manufacturing defect can cause a motorcycle or other motor vehicle to malfunction, which can cause an accident. Manufacturers must be held accountable.
If you have concerns about what caused your accident and how you will recover the compensation you need, our Baton Rouge motorcycle injury lawyers are standing by to help.
Injuries in Baton Rouge, LA Motorcycle Accidents
Even when a motorcyclist is wearing a DOT-approved helmet and proper safety gear, such as boots, pants, and a jacket, they may experience catastrophic injuries in a collision. Even a “minor” motorcycle accident can cause serious injury to a rider, particularly if another vehicle is involved. These injuries may impact every part of a rider's life.
The following are examples of injuries that may be sustained in a motorcycle collision:
You cannot control the driving practices of others but you can implement preventative measures. Here are some quick tips for minimizing injury:
- Cover as much skin as you can with protective fabrics when riding a motorcycle.
- Wear a helmet each time you ride your motorcycle, whether it is required or not.
- Make sure you are properly trained to operate the motorcycle.
- Drive defensively, and never assume that a motorist can see you.
Even if you take every measure to protect yourself and prevent a collision, an accident may be caused by factors completely out of your control. When this happens, having a skilled Louisiana motorcycle accident law firm to protect your interests can make all the difference. With a thorough investigation and the use of expert witnesses and accident reconstruction specialists, it is possible to determine and prove the cause of your crash and who should be held accountable. At Arnold & Itkin, we are highly skilled in protecting riders' rights in Louisiana and across the U.S.
About Baton Rouge, LA
With a population of 222,185 as of July 2021, Baton Rouge is the capital city of Louisiana and the seat of East Baton Rouge Parish. It is located on the Mississippi River and is known for its rich culture and historical significance. The area was first settled by the French in 1699 and was incorporated on January 16, 1817.
Three interstate highways run through the Baton Rouge area: I-10, I-12 (Republic of West Florida Parkway), and I-110 (Martin Luther King Jr. Expressway). Two US highways run through the area as well: US 61 (Airline Highway) and US 190. Traffic has been an issue in Baton Rouge for some time, as the area grew without the infrastructure to support the number of commuters driving through. The city has been working to widen certain roads and clear up particularly dangerous bottlenecks, such as the I-12 at O’Neal Lane and the I-10 West at Bluebonnet Road. According to a 2016 survey by the U.S. Census Bureau, 81% of the workforce in Baton Rouge commuted alone.
Baton Rouge Links & Resources
Arrange Your Free Consultation with Baton Rouge Motorcycle Crash Lawyers
Not only has our team recovered billions in compensation for our clients over the past five years, but we tailor our treatment of your case to your individual needs. We believe that you have been severely wronged and we want to help in any way that we can to make it right. From providing highly qualified medical referrals to being available at all hours for your questions or concerns, our Baton Rouge injury attorneys at Arnold & Itkin have your back.
Call our Louisiana motorcycle accident law firm at (888) 493-1629. From there, we will schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your case, at no risk or obligation to you.
