Shreveport Injury Lawyer > Blog > Motorcycle Accident > How to Avoid Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes

How to Avoid Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes

Motorcycling is a popular form of transportation and pastime in the U.S. Although there are not nearly as many motorcyclists in Louisiana as in some other coastal and southern states, there are nonetheless more than 100,000 registered motorcycles in Louisiana, based on data from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). While motorcycling is common and enjoyable for most who ride, it also poses a serious risk of injury. In fact, according to the National Safety Council (NSC), motorcycles make up only about 3 percent of all registered vehicles in America, but they account for about 15 percent of all traffic deaths and nearly 4 percent of all injuries. Below, our legal team breaks down the most common causes of motorcycle collisions and what steps you can take to avoid them.

When a motorcycle crash happens, it is critical for the injured rider or their surviving family members to work with a Shreveport motorcycle accident attorney at Rice & Kendig to determine causation and liability. Call us today at 318-222-2772 to schedule a free consultation and get started on your motorcycle accident claim.

Alcohol-Impaired Driving

Alcohol use, among car and truck drivers as well as motorcyclists, is a common cause of severe and deadly motorcycle crashes. Always avoid drinking before riding your motorcycle and be aware of intoxicated motorists on the roads around you.

Speeding

Both motorcyclists and other motor vehicle drivers who speed can cause single-vehicle and multi-vehicle crashes. If you are riding a motorcycle, obey the speed limit, and allow speeding vehicles to pass you with more than enough room.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a common cause of motorcycle collisions, especially those where a driver fails to see a motorcyclist in a blind spot or fails to stop in time before striking a motorcyclist at a stoplight from behind. As best as you can, be aware of your surroundings, maintain an appropriate following distance, and wear clothing that makes you visible to other motorists.

Road Conditions

Slick or rough roads can result in devastating single-vehicle motorcycle crashes. If you see any hazardous road conditions, slow down and ride carefully.

Inclement Weather

Many different types of weather conditions that may not pose a serious risk of a car or truck collision can be more dangerous for motorcyclists. Even a relatively light rain that makes roads slick can be hazardous, depending on the surface of the road. In more dangerous weather, including significant storms and fog, motorcycle crashes can be even more common. If you can, avoid riding your motorcycle during inclement weather. And if you cannot avoid riding altogether, slow down and ride safely based on the conditions.

Finally, always wear appropriate safety gear and a DOT-approved helmet in the event a collision does occur — you may be able to avoid life-threatening or fatal injuries.

Contact Our Shreveport Motorcycle Injury Attorneys Today

If you were recently injured in a motorcycle crash, or if a loved one suffered devastating fatal injuries in a collision, one of the experienced Shreveport motorcycle injury lawyers at Rice & Kendig can help. We are here to speak with you today to learn more about the details of the case, and from there, we can assist you in identifying the liable party or parties and moving forward with a claim for financial compensation. Contact us today at 318-222-2772 for more information.

Sources:

highways.dot.gov/research/safety/motorcycle-crash-causation-study/motorcycle-crash-causation-study

injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/motorcycles/

By Rice & Kendig, LLC | Posted on September 25, 2024

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Recent Results

$5,100,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client’s motorcycle was hit by a car leaving him in the ICU with facial injuries, arm injuries, and amputation of one leg.

$1,996,460

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was rear-ended while sitting at a stop sign. Neck and back injuries resulting in headaches and disability. Neck injury required surgery.

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Motor Vehicle Collision

Defendant driver’s failure to stop at a stop sign caused a collision injuring the client’s leg and ankle (required surgery), knee, hip, back, and chest. The airbags deployed, causing airbag injuries.

$1,800,000

Medical Malpractice

Inadequate life-saving staffing at emergency C-section resulted in child with cerebral palsy, spastic quadriplegia, and developmental delays.

$1,500,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was hit head-on by a delivery truck sustaining injuries to the knee, hand, neck, and back. Neck injury required surgery.

$1,400,000

Workplace Injury

A piece of loading equipment fell on client causing spinal injuries resulting in partial disability.

$1,375,000

Pedestrian/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client sustained injuries to head, leg and wrist. Client’s broken leg required surgery. In addition, client sought treatment with a neurologist for his head injury and cognitive issues.

$1,151,000

Pedestrian/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was struck by a vehicle in a gas station parking lot. Client suffered head and brain damage resulting in memory loss.

$1,000,000

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was rear-ended by a drunk driver of an 18-wheeler causing client to suffer short-term memory loss and injuries to the head, neck, shoulders, and back.

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Insurance Bad Faith

Insurance company refused to pay for hail damage to a commercial property.

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Fall at a hotel convention center caused hand, neck, and low back injuries resulting in a 7-year recovery period.

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Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was hit by a commercial vehicle that ran a stop sign. Injuries to the knee, neck, and back requiring interventional pain management.

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18-Wheeler Collision

Client was rear-ended multiple times by a big rig causing PTSD, spinal injuries requiring spinal fusion surgery, physical therapy, and counseling.

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18-Wheeler Collision

Logging truck’s failure to yield caused client to suffer fractures in the arm and leg, amputation of 3 toes, and shoulder injuries.

$950,000

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was hit by a delivery truck and the vehicle rolled over. Client’s injuries included six broken ribs and a neck injury requiring extensive medical treatment.

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18-Wheeler Collision

18-wheeler driver turned left, without the protection of a green arrow, in front of client. The collision caused injuries to the hand, neck, shoulder, low back, hip, foot, ankle, and eye.

$800,606.26

Motor Vehicle Collision

A defendant driver turned left, without the protection of a green arrow, into client’s vehicle causing a collision that resulted in a severely broken leg that required immediate surgery, post-traumatic stress disorder, loss of independence, and loss of job.

$800,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Head-on collision that left client with back and neck injuries as well as seat belt injuries. Client’s recovery was lengthy and included physical therapy and injections.

$750,000

Wrongful Death/Medical Malpractice

Child suffered fatal injuries due to complications with anesthesia.

$685,000

Premises Liability

Client sustained two broken legs from a fall over an unreasonably dangerous tripping hazard.

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Motor Vehicle Collision/Wrongful Death

Client went to the aid of a vehicle accident victim and was struck and killed by a passing vehicle.

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Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was backed into while on the job at an oil field site. Collision resulted in numerous back and neck injuries requiring surgeries.

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18-Wheeler Collision

18-wheeler driver was rear-ended by another 18-wheeler causing headaches and neck injury.

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Motor Vehicle Collision

Head-on collision led to wrist and hand injuries that required surgery, seat belt injuries, pain in the neck, sternum, pelvis, abdomen, shoulder, and back, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

$550,000

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was rear-ended by a big rig causing low back and neck pain; physical recovery and treatment included injections, physical therapy, and counseling.