Most Common New Orleans Motorcycle Accidents

Most Common New Orleans Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can result in serious injury or death, and they are quite common in New Orleans. If you ride motorcycles in the city, it’s important to be aware of the risks motorcyclists face every day to protect themselves from getting hurt in an accident.

There are several types of motorcycle accidents that are relatively common, and you can avoid getting into these situations or at least take extra precautions to protect yourself from such consequences if you face one. We will discuss here are some of the most common types of motorcycle accidents and how to avoid them.

7 Most Common Motorcycle Road Accidents in New Orleans

Head-On Collisions

One of the most common types of motorcycle accidents, head-on collisions, is usually caused by a motorist not seeing a motorcycle coming from the opposite direction. Additionally, most head-on crashes can be attributed to motorists turning left when they don’t see a motorcyclist approaching from behind—this can be caused when failing to check the blind spots.

Therefore, keeping your eyes on other vehicles (and their drivers) is critical; it doesn’t matter how many lights they go through or how slowly they are driving—it only matters that you get where you’re going safely.

Rear-End Collisions

Another most common type of motorcycle accident is a rear-end collision. In such a crash, another vehicle behind a motorcyclist suddenly stops or brakes for an object or another vehicle.

One-third of all accidents involving a motorcycle and a vehicle often happen when a car rear-ends a motorcycle. There are several reasons why drivers fail to see motorcycles when they’re behind them:

● cars have blind spots, especially where motorcycles are concerned;

● drivers looking at their GPS devices or chatting on their cell phones and not paying attention to their surroundings;

● road conditions such as rain or fog making it difficult for drivers to see motorcyclists;

● and sometimes, other vehicles simply don’t see bikers at all.

Unfortunately, collisions with big trucks – which can weigh thousands of pounds more than a motorcycle – can easily result in death or serious injury.

Hit From Behind

A rider may not realize that another vehicle is approaching the motorcycle from behind because motorcycles are smaller than cars and harder to spot. This makes them vulnerable to what’s known as a hit-from-behind accident. On average, one out of every five motorcycle accidents results from another driver hitting a rider from behind.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a motor vehicle accident involving a hit-and-run driver, speak with an experienced attorney about your rights under Louisiana law. Hit & Run Lawyer Louis Hill can help you get compensated for your injuries and losses after an accident involving hit-and-run drivers. And for the motorcycle damage, you can speak to a New Orleans motorcycle lawyer to assist with the settlement of the accident.

Wrecks While Turning

Turning-related wrecks are yet another common motorcycle accident in New Orleans.

Always be mindful when making turns and do it slowly. Speed is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents and deaths, so slow down and make safe turns whenever possible. Focus on keeping your lean angle low when making turns so that you don’t wind up falling off or hitting another car or object that might be standing next to or crossing their path while you are turning.

If it seems like the turn is too sharp, slow down a little before turning. You could end up avoiding an accident if you do not try to make hairpin turns at high speeds.

Loss of Control

This is perhaps one of the most common types of motorcycle accidents in Louisiana, especially on wet roads or poorly-maintained highways. Because it can be so easy for motorcycles to lose traction and slide on slick surfaces, knowing how to regain control is critical for riders who want to avoid injury.

Loss-of-control crashes can happen for various reasons. Some riders may not have enough experience to anticipate certain road conditions and react accordingly, while others may be caught off guard by aggressive drivers; despite it being illegal in almost every state, distracted driving is a common cause of motorbike accidents. Another possibility? Riders may simply lose control due to mechanical issues such as faulty brakes or tires that aren’t properly inflated.

Lane Splitting

This is another of the most common motorcycle accidents in New Orleans, and it’s caused by a car or truck that enters your lane. You might be splitting lanes on a highway or freeway. Typically, there is space between cars for you to drive; however, if a driver enters your lane and hits you, that person can be held responsible for the accident.

This could have been prevented with just a bit more awareness from both drivers. All kinds of motorcycles are generally quite small compared to other vehicles on the road, so even a momentary glance could have made all the difference.

A Vehicle Unknowingly Opening Its Door In Front of Your Bike

The majority of people who ride a motorcycle know that they are more likely to be involved in an accident than those who ride in a car. This is due to many factors, but one major reason is drivers failing to see them or not giving them enough room when passing.

When drivers pull out of driveways and side streets, they neglect to check their blind spots before opening their doors. However, if you’re riding behind a vehicle, they could open their door right into your path—and cause a devastating accident.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re an experienced motorcyclist or just getting into the sport, you may already know that riding motorcycles can be very dangerous if you aren’t careful.

It is impossible to eliminate motorcycle accidents from happening, but awareness and education can help both riders and drivers stay safe on Louisiana’s roadways. Ride smart, be aware, wear proper protective gear and always ride with a valid motorcycle endorsement.

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