4 Things to Know About Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are all too common, and most are avoidable. If you have been involved in an accident, you are not alone. Motorcycles represent only three percent of the total vehicles on the road, but 17 percent of all accident fatalities. Knowing how and why these accidents happen is key to avoiding them. Here are four things to know about motorcycle accidents.

1. The Injuries are Usually Severe

Because motorcycle riders' bodies are less protected than they are in cars, the injuries are far more severe. Motorcycle riders don't have doors, airbags, seat belts, and a ton of metal surrounding them. In addition, in accidents between motorcycles and cars, the motorcycle rider is most likely to suffer the most serious injuries. Riders who are involved in motorcycle accidents often suffer from:

-Traumatic brain injury

-Skin damage

-Hearing loss

-Spinal cord injuries

-Broken bones

-Paralysis (both temporary and permanent)

-Amputation

-Death

These injuries often require an extensive hospital stay, lengthy recovery time, and ongoing rehabilitation. These types of injuries also create intense financial hardships, leaving lasting scars, both physical and financial.

2. Wearing a Helmet Reduces Risk of Death

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Board, wearing a helmet reduces the likelihood of a brain injury by 67 percent. They are also reported as 37 percent more likely to prevent death. Contrary to popular belief, helmets don't significantly reduce your peripheral vision or decrease your hearing ability. The state of Louisiana requires that every motorcycle rider or passenger wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle, so it's not only a good idea, it's the law.

Helmet design has evolved over the last decade and today's helmets combine comfort with durability so they offer you the protection you need without feeling heavy and uncomfortable. Even going a short ride without a helmet can increase your risk of serious injury.

3. The Majority of Single-Person Accidents Involve Alcohol

There is no shortage of messages warning about the dangers of drinking and driving motor vehicles, but many overlook the dangers of drinking and riding. Most single-vehicle accidents are a result of a rider's impaired judgment or ability. Avoiding drinking and riding will cut your chance of an injury or fatality by nearly half.

Your reflexes are slowed when you are under the influence. If you do get into an accident, your insurance company is less likely to cover your damages. In addition, if you injure another rider, pedestrian, or car driver, you will be legally responsible for any damages caused.

4. Half of the Motorcycle Accidents Occur at Intersections

Intersections are dangerous for riders as they pose multiple hazards that make riding treacherous. Left turning cars, blind corners, red-light runners, large trucks turning and parked cars can all create dangerous situations for riders. Motorcyclists can avoid accidents by approaching intersections with caution, slowing down, and using signals to ensure that passenger car drivers, truckers, and pedestrians are aware of their presence. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident that another driver caused, you may be entitled to damages.

Getting hurt in a motorcycle accident is no minor event. If you have been hurt due to a driver's actions, the city's negligence, or another rider's behavior, you may be entitled to compensation. Typical compensation for motorcycle accidents covers medical bills, lost income, future lost income, hospital bills including those for ambulance services. You can also request compensation for non-monetary damages like emotional trauma, loss of quality of life, and loss of important relationships.

When you have been hurt in an accident, don't delay. There is limited time to file your claim. We have handled many cases in which riders have been injured by another motorist's actions or negligence on the part of the city. If you are living in or near LA state, a Lafayette motorcycle accident lawyer can fight for your rights and get you the cash you deserve.