Motorcycles offer freedom and excitement on the open road, but they also come with serious risks. Many motor vehicle drivers simply do not look out for motorcyclists, treating them as invisible until it’s too late. When this negligence leads to a wreck, our Baton Rouge motorcycle accident attorneys can help you pursue compensation.
Whether you are an experienced rider or new to two wheels, knowing what causes most motorcycle crashes can help you stay safer and recognize when someone else’s negligence has put you in harm’s way.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the major causes of motorcycle accidents across Louisiana and the nation. When drivers text, adjust their GPS, eat, or engage in other distracting activities, they often fail to notice motorcyclists sharing the road. Because motorcycles have a smaller profile than cars and trucks, distracted drivers may look right past them, especially at intersections or when changing lanes.
Failure to Yield
Many motorcycle accidents occur when other drivers do not give motorcyclists the right of way when required. This happens frequently at stop signs, traffic lights, and highway merges. Drivers may misjudge a motorcycle’s speed or distance, or they may not see the motorcycle at all. Whatever the case, drivers who fail to yield to motorcyclists and cause a crash can be held liable for their careless behavior.
Left-Turn Accidents
Left-turn collisions are particularly dangerous for motorcyclists. These accidents typically happen when a vehicle turns left across an intersection while a motorcycle is going straight through or passing. The turning driver may not notice the motorcycle, may miscalculate its speed, or may assume they have time to complete the turn. Left-turn accidents often result in serious injuries because the motorcycle has little time to react or avoid the collision.
Speeding
Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of crashes. When drivers speed, they have less time to notice motorcycles and respond to changing road conditions. Speed-related accidents are especially common on highways and rural roads where drivers may feel emboldened to exceed posted limits. A crash can happen in seconds under these conditions.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Motorcycles are small enough to disappear into a vehicle’s blind spot, making unsafe lane changes a frequent cause of accidents. When drivers change lanes without properly checking their mirrors or signaling their intentions, they can sideswipe or cut off motorcyclists. These collisions can force riders off the road or into other traffic, often with catastrophic results.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs dramatically increases accident risk. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, poor judgment, and reduced coordination, all of which make them dangerous to motorcyclists. Louisiana takes impaired driving seriously, and if an intoxicated driver caused your crash, you have the right to pursue a civil lawsuit against them while the state files criminal charges.
Pursue Compensation for Your Louisiana Motorcycle Accident
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Louisiana, understanding the cause is only the first step toward recovery. When someone causes a collision, they must pay for the damages you suffered, including medical bills, vehicle repairs, and the pain and suffering you have endured.
A Louisiana motorcycle accident lawyer can investigate the circumstances of your crash and build a compelling case on your behalf. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers, an attorney will fight for your right to compensation every step of the way. Contact an attorney today to discuss your legal options and take the first step toward the justice you deserve.