Motorcycles offer an exhilarating way to explore our beautiful state. It would be hard to beat hopping on your bike and hitting the open road, with the wind whipping in your face, as you make your journey through the great state of Louisiana. Many of the features that make motorcycles so appealing, though – the open air, the feeling of the road flying beneath your feet – also make motorcycle travel particularly dangerous for you and the other drivers on the road.

While Louisiana has some laws in place that help to protect motorcyclists, you cannot protect yourself from possible injury just by following them. There are many hazards that can cause severe injuries despite following all applicable safety laws for motorcyclists.

Motorcycle Safety Laws in Louisiana Are Inconsistent

Motorcycle laws are often less restrictive than laws regulating other kinds of motor vehicles, and Louisiana is no exception. Although motorcycle helmets are required by law in Louisiana, turn signals and passenger side wing mirrors are not.

Many motorcycle riders opt to invest in additional safety gear, accessories, and other items not required by law. This can allow them to better avoid potential collisions, ride more safely, and reduce the risk of serious injuries if there is a minor crash.

Even with all of the accessories to protect you and help you drive defensively, the roads are still dangerous for motorcyclists. There’s the simple issue of expectation: drivers are ready to spot other cars all over the road, but motorcycles can catch them by surprise. At night, drivers are conditioned to expect two side-by-side headlights. But a motorcycle, with only one headlight, can “jump out of nowhere” to the unsuspecting eye. Motorcyclists must be extra vigilant while on the road.

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Motorcycle Personal Injuries Can Be Severe

The risk of personal injury to motorcycle riders is also heightened. While someone driving a car is in some ways protected by the vehicle, motorcycle riders have no such luck. If you’re thrown from your bike, there’s little separating your body and the road other than whatever you happen to be wearing. There are no seatbelts, no airbags, and certainly no metal frames and crumple zones.

Motorcyclists often experience more than one impact in a collision, as well. This is because being ejected from the bike is very common. Not only do they hit the vehicle, but they may hit the ground, highway dividers, other vehicles, trees, or other items.

These impacts can cause catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and more. While a helmet and other safety gear can protect you to a point, many motorcyclists still suffer injuries such as:

Neck and back injuries
Head and face injuries
Internal injuries
Road rash and other skin damage
Fractures
Limb injuries, including amputations

The lasting scars, impairments, and limitations from these injuries could keep you from riding, in addition to making it difficult or impossible to return to your career or participate in other things you enjoy.

So, motorcycle riders, take heed: enjoy the wind in your face, but be careful out there. There are many dangers that can cause life-altering injuries. Following the safety laws is not enough. In fact, taking every precaution possible may not be enough to protect you when another driver acts carelessly.

Taking Action after a Motorcycle Collision in Louisiana

If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident in Louisiana, the state’s personal injury laws allow you to hold the at-fault driver legally responsible. You can demand money damages for your medical bills, lost income, future losses, pain and suffering, and more. You may be able to get a settlement without suing through the insurance negotiations process. Alternatively, your case could go to a jury trial.

This is even true if you are violating the Louisiana helmet law. You can still hold a negligent motorist responsible for your crash if you suffered injuries. You will likely want to work with a personal injury attorney who can protect your rights, develop a strong claim, and fight for the compensation you deserve based on the case’s facts.

Most personal injury attorneys work based on contingency. You should not have to pay upfront for the work they do, either. You will only pay attorney’s fees based on the settlement they recover or the court award they win for you.

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Speak to One of Our Attorneys If You Were Hurt in a Louisiana Motorcycle Crash

You can talk with an attorney from the Morris Bart law firm for free today. We will review your options and explain how we may be able to help you get compensation for the expenses and losses you experienced because of your accident. We have eight locations in Louisiana: New Orleans, Lafayette, Shreveport, Alexandria, Houma, Baton Rouge, Monroe, and Lake Charles.

Call now to discuss your case with one of our lawyers. We have someone available to take your call 24/7.

Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.