Motorcyclists in Louisiana can face many dangers on the road. Because their vulnerability is inherent, even the highest level of vigilance sometimes cannot protect them from motorcycle and car accidents. Injuries and fatalities are common for motorcyclists. Since that is the case, the governor dedicated the entire month of May to motorcycle safety in the state. With Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month, the goal is to help drivers and motorcyclists share the road and be as safe as possible.
Understanding the steps the state is taking and the dangers riders face is crucial to improving safety. Safety instructors are offering tips and information as to how motorcyclists can improve their safety with better mental and physical skills. This is important because of the statistical reality of motorcycle accidents. In Louisiana, there were 86 fatalities and almost 1,200 people hurt in motorcycle accidents in the state in 2018. While these numbers are significant, it was an improvement from 2017. In 2019, there have been 20 deaths and 300 injuries in motorcycle crashes so far.
Motorcyclists can take steps to improve their chances of being safe by having reflective clothing, wearing protective gear, implementing safe-riding tactics and knowing their own motorcycle. While these steps are beneficial, it will not protect them in all cases, especially when there are drivers of passenger vehicles and trucks who are indifferent to riders or are committing other infractions, such as texting and driving, driving under the influence, behaving recklessly or simply not watching for motorcycles.
A motorcyclist can suffer broken bones, spinal cord injuries, brain trauma, cuts, abrasions and more in a motorcycle or car accident. Regardless of the circumstances of the crash itself, motorcyclists and their families must think about the future. Lost income, medical costs and much more stem from these crashes. After car accidents, it is crucial to determine the next step to potentially pursue compensation in a legal filing.
