There is no doubt that riding a motorcycle is a thrilling experience, with the open horizon ahead and the wind in your face. However, motorcyclists are fully aware of the dangers they face when on the road. One slick patch of oil, an unexpected pothole, or a careless driver can turn an exciting ride into a catastrophic accident. Unlike other motorists, bikers do not have steel frames that can absorb impact, airbags, or even seat belts. These are just a few reasons why motorcyclists are four times more likely to be hurt in an accident than occupants of passenger vehicles.
Many of the serious injuries caused by motorcycle accidents are entirely preventable. Below, our Baton Rouge motorcycle accident lawyer explains some of the most common hazards motorcyclists should watch for.
Uneven Pavement and Potholes
The intense heat and heavy rains in Louisiana cause significant wear and tear on the roads, resulting in cracks, potholes, and uneven pavement. These hazards can be disastrous for motorcyclists. When a biker hits any one of these at high speeds, it can throw the entire bike off balance. A large pothole can also interfere with the suspension on a bike, causing a biker to lose control while braking or making a turn.
Spilled Fuel or Oil
Fuel and oil spills are often hidden hazards in high-traffic areas, such as loading zones, intersections, and major trucking routes. These spills may appear as faint rainbow shimmers on the pavement, but they can quickly destroy traction. Even a small patch can cause a bike to slide during an emergency stop or a turn. When a spill is located on an on-ramp or curve, it can cause a biker to suffer serious injuries before they even know what caused the crash.
Gravel and Sand
Loose gravel and sand are seemingly innocent, but truthfully, these hazards are extremely dangerous. Sand and gravel tend to accumulate near construction zones, road shoulders, and sharp corners, and they can quickly catch a motorcyclist off guard. Sand and gravel can both reduce traction, causing a rider to slide out during a sudden stop, turn, or fast acceleration. These hazards are not always seen right away because they blend in with the pavement on the road.
Large Puddles
To occupants in a passenger vehicle, large puddles may seem fairly harmless, but to a motorcyclist, they pose a serious threat. Large puddles can cause a motorcycle to hydroplane, resulting in the bike traveling across the surface in an uncontrollable manner. Large puddles can also conceal large potholes.
Debris on the Road
Road debris such as shredded tires, fallen tree branches, and even cargo from a truck can appear on the road unexpectedly. Motorcyclists must make split-second decisions in these situations. Swerving too hard can cause them to lose control, and riding over debris can throw the motorcyclist and the bike off balance. Road debris becomes even more dangerous in heavy traffic conditions. If debris is noticed too late, the biker does not have time to react.
Negligent Drivers
Not all dangers motorcyclists face are on the surface of the road. Some of the biggest dangers are driving other vehicles. Other motorists are unpredictable. They may tailgate, make sudden lane changes, or drive while distracted. These and other negligent actions can be catastrophic for bikers.
Dooring
Dooring occurs when the occupants of a parked vehicle open their door into the path of an oncoming motorcyclist. Without enough time to slow down or stop, the motorcycle then crashes into the open door. Dooring most often happens to bicyclists, but many motorcyclists have also been hurt due to the negligent act. Dooring can cause some of the most serious injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and road rash. Dooring is also a negligent act, and anyone who engages in the behavior can be held liable.
Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Baton Rouge Can Help After Injury
Things like road debris, puddles, and uneven pavement may seem like minor inconveniences to occupants of passenger vehicles. For motorcyclists, though, they are catastrophic. At Big River Trial Attorneys, our Baton Rouge motorcycle accident lawyer can advise on your case and determine who is liable for paying compensation for your injuries. In many cases, road hazards are caused by negligent government entities, and these cases have shorter timelines and different rules that we can help you navigate. Call us now at (225) 963-9638 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can assist with your case.
