Motorcycle Season in Louisiana is in Full Swing
Motorcycle riding is an activity that has both functional and emotional appeal. While many use their motorcycle as their primary mode of transportation, others are recreational motorcyclists, riding their motorcycles as a hobby or for pleasure. Whether a person rides for functional or pleasure purposes, he or she is at risk of being seriously injured in a Louisiana motorcycle accident.
Most Traffic Accidents Involving Motorcycles Result in Death
Motorcycle enthusiasts may claim that they began riding motorcycles because gas was cheaper and traffic conditions were terrible, but along with cheaper gas and more maneuverability comes a high risk of fatal injury. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the federal government estimates that per mile traveled in 2015, the year in which data is most recently available, the number of deaths on motorcycles was nearly 29 times the number for cars.
Helmets and Antilock Brakes Make Riding Less Dangerous
Serious head trauma is the most common injury reported from fatally injured cyclists. Other injuries reported by victims of motorcycle accidents include road rash, facial fractures, facial disfigurement, fractures and broken bones, concussions, and burns. Serious injuries involve limb amputations, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and traumatic brain injuries.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents
Broadside collisions, lane splitting, and sideswipe accidents are the most common types of motorcycle accidents. The leading cause of death for motorcyclists is broadside collisions. A broadside collision occurs when the side of one vehicle is impacted by the front or rear of another vehicle.
Other motorcycle accidents occur due to dangerous practice of lane splitting. Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle moves between roadway lanes of vehicles that are proceeding in the same direction. Under Louisiana law, lane splitting is illegal. Lane splitters have the tendency to be involved in sideswipe accidents. Sideswipe accidents happen when two vehicles are driving next to one another in the same direction and one driver makes a lane change directly into the other.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Call Louisiana’s Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident that was someone else’s fault, you may be entitled to compensation. Motorcycle accident injuries tend to be severe because the motorcyclist is out in the open while cars and truck drivers are protected with the metal frames of their vehicles. On impact, catastrophic injuries and even death are common for motorcyclists.
The Louisiana law firm of Mansfield, Melancon, Cranmer & Dick LLC has successfully represented victims of sideswipe motorcycle collisions, lane splitting motorcycle collisions, and broadside motorcycle collisions in Louisiana. We also represent victims of auto accidents, boating accidents, and nursing home or adult care facilities abuse. Call today to schedule an immediate appointment. We have offices in New Orleans 888-601-0127, Baton Rouge 225-612-0800, or Lafayette 337-409-0003. You can also request an appointment via email at [email protected] or book an online appointment here.