Louisiana Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you're in a motorcycle accident, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer protecting your interests. Our attorneys are skilled in helping you understand your rights after a motorcycle accident.
What to do after a motorcycle accident
If you've been in a motorcycle accident, it's important to take the following steps:
- Always call 911 if anyone has been injured in the accident to make sure you and others involved receive timely medical care
- Take down information on the make, model, and license plates of all the vehicles as well as contact information for other drivers or pedestrians involved in the motorcycle accident
- Make sure your insurance company reviews the damages to your motorcycle before you make any repairs
- Consult with a Louisiana motorcycle injury attorney to see what rights you have and if compensation is an option for you
According to the Wall Street Journal, twelve people die every day in the United States due to injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles offer no protection in a crash and so it is important to always check your motorcycle's condition before hitting the road. Like all other motor vehicles in Louisiana, motorcycles are required to be inspected periodically. The inspection, which is required by Louisiana Revised Statute 32:1304, covers the mechanisms, brakes, and equipment on the motorcycle.
Under Louisiana Revised Statues 32:190, it is unlawful to operate or ride on a motorcycle without wearing a safety helmet that's properly secured by a chin strap. This is critical to preventing serious injury in a motorcycle accident. When driving a car or truck, it's also important to be alert to motorcycles, especially with many older riders returning to motorcycle use, sometimes after not riding for several decades.
The O'Pry Law Firm has successfully handled many motorcycle collision cases. If you have suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, call the O'Pry Law Firm today or click here to complete our simple questionnaire.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accident injuries range in severity from abrasions and cuts to amputations and decapitations. Even the severity of injuries among hospitalized motorcyclists can vary based on the accident itself, whether the motorcyclist wore a helmet and the other cars involved in the motorcycle crash. Some possible motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Amputations
- Head injuries
- Road rash
- Traumatic brain injury
- Neck injuries
- Death
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Motorcycle crashes are responsible for around 5,000 deaths in the United States each year. While the majority of motorcycle riders wear helmets, around 35% or more motorcycle riders do not. Motorcycles do not provide much protection on their own during auto accidents, as much of the rider's body is exposed to the impact of the other vehicle.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents?
Fatal motorcycle accidents are 28 times more common than other types of fatal crashes. When a motorcycle is involved in an auto accident, it is the motorcyclist that is more likely to get hurt over other drivers. Since motorcycles are physically smaller than other vehicles, sometimes motorcyclists can be more difficult to see. This can contribute to an increase in the overall number of motorcycle accidents.
Call the O'Pry Law Firm today (337) 415-0007
Tips to Avoid a Motorcycle Accident
There are many steps that motorcyclists can take to avoid being involved in a motorcycle accident. First, motorcyclists should aim to be visible. This means not riding a motorcycle in heavy rain, fog, or other conditions that would make it very difficult for other drivers to see the motorcyclist. Wearing bright colors or reflective strips can help to improve visibility.
Second, aggressive driving can lead to an increased risk of a motorcycle crash. This includes speeding, racing, or weaving between cars. Other vehicles aren't as capable or agile as motorcycles. Avoiding such behaviors can go a long way toward reducing your risk of a serious motorcycle crash.
For drivers of other vehicles, it is important that all drivers look both ways and double-check that a motorcyclist isn't nearby. Many motorcycles can be difficult to see and move quickly down the road. Taking a few extra seconds to check traffic can do a lot to keep all drivers and pedestrians safe on the road. Most motorcycle accidents aren't malicious, but take place because someone wasn't paying attention.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys are ready to help you
Depending on the specific facts of your case, you may be entitled to recover benefits for lost wages, medical bills, future medical bills, and pain and suffering.
Our highly experienced Louisiana motorcycle accident lawyers are here to fight for your rights as an injured person, and we will do everything to make sure that the liable party's insurance company pays you the maximum compensation for injuries incurred during an accident. Our lawyers are available for in-home or video conference consults if you are unable to travel. In every accident situation, it is important to move quickly in order to protect your rights and preserve evidence that may be lost with the passage of time. If you have suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, call the O'Pry Law Firm at (337) 415-0007 or click here to request a Free Case Evaluation.
