In New Orleans, the bike scene takes on a life of its own, with groups such as the Big Easy Motorcycle Club New Orleans or the Ducati Owners Club of New Orleans, motorcyclists can be found riding the city streets at all times of the day.
Yet, even though riding remains a favorite activity for many in the city, it is not without its issues. In truth, all it takes is one motorcycle crash for a rider to experience devastating injuries, debilitating pain, and astronomical medical expenses that will forever change their lives.
Although not all accidents can be prevented, there are things you can do and actions you can take to stay safe on the road. That is why in this blog post, we will delve into the topic of motorcycle accidents—specifically, discussing the most common types of motorcycle crashes in New Orleans and how to avoid them.
This is one of the most common motorcycle accidents. It often involves a vehicle failing to see a motorcyclist or misjudges their speed and turns in front of them at an intersection. Although these accidents can occur for various reasons, some of the most common culprits include distracted driving, inattentiveness, and blind spots.
You need to stay prepared. As a motorcyclist, you need to develop almost a sixth sense, where you look for signs that could indicate someone may turn in front of you. For instance, when a car is at an intersection waiting to turn, or there is a gap in traffic near a driveway or an intersection, you need to slow down, cover your brakes and be ready to take evasive action.
Driving into neighboring traffic lanes can often increase the risk of a collision. This is because even if a motorist is paying close attention to the road and their surroundings, they may still not see another car, let alone a motorcyclist that may be tucked in their blind spot. Plus, in some cases, when drivers are looking for cars, they are not psychologically programmed to see motorcycles.
You need to be aware of where the blind spots lie on a vehicle and spend as little time in them as possible. Typically, if you can see a motorist’s eyes in their mirrors, they generally can see you, even though that does not mean they are always looking. It would also be helpful to recognize driver behavior that indicates they may make a lane change, such as checking their mirrors or checking over their shoulders.
A fender bender is a fairly common car accident that occurs when a vehicle comes to a halt, and the driver behind them does not see them stop or cannot slow down in time and smashes into their car. Although these accidents often result in minor bruises and scratches, it can be deadly when this type of crash involves a motorcycle.
Look for a crumple zone. For example, if a single car is stopped at a stoplight and there are more vehicles coming from behind, try to pull in front of the vehicle so you are cushioned from any subsequent impacts. You can also pull between a line of cars. However, if there are no such zones available, it is best to try to stop towards the side of the road rather than the center of a lane, rapidly flash your brake light, so vehicles can see you, and keep your bike in gear, ready to go. In addition, you should also pay attention to what is going on behind you and be prepared to get away if it appears someone’s about to smash into you.
Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous accidents on the road and account for the deadliest type of crash between motorcycles and other automobiles. Frequently, these accidents are caused because a driver is distracted, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, is tired, or there is poor visibility.
One of the best ways to avoid head-on collisions as a motorcyclist is to apply the National Safety Council’s four Rs:
Most people assume that car door accidents only involve bicyclists. However, these accidents can also affect motorcyclists. If a motor vehicle is parked and the driver or passenger opens their door into the path of an oncoming motorcycle, it can result in a devastating accident and serious injuries.
Even though there is no foolproof strategy to prevent a car door from opening in front of you, there are things you can do to reduce your own risk of getting injured from this incident, such as:
Following a serious motorcycle accident, no amount of money will entirely erase the losses and damages you experienced. However, obtaining the compensation you need for your injuries can help you rebuild your life after this devastating crash. What’s more, with an experienced New Orleans motorcycle accident lawyer on your side, you will not have to tackle this complex legal battle on your own.
Once retained, these lawyers can:
If you or a loved one has been harmed in a New Orleans motorcycle accident, do not wait any longer to seek the legal help you require. Instead, reach out to Charbonnet Law Firm, LLC today or call our office at (504) 294-5094 for a free case consultation and let our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers show you how we can fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
With over 50 years of legal experience serving families in the New Orleans area and surrounding Louisiana communities, our firm takes pride in providing clients with personalized legal services tailored to individual needs.
