What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Baton Rouge?

Each year, almost 2,000 people are involved in motorcycle accidents. For many bikers, these collisions result in wrongful death. Although there are many causes of these accidents, the vast majority of them are caused by another driver’s negligence. Below, our Baton Rouge motorcycle accident lawyer explains the most common causes of these crashes.

Left Turns

The most dangerous place for a motorcycle to be is in the vicinity of another driver who is turning left. Left turns made by other drivers make up more than 40% of all accidents involving motorcyclists. Drivers who are distracted or not paying attention may not see a motorcyclist approaching them in an oncoming lane. Drivers also sometimes misjudge the speed of a biker and think they have enough time until it is too late.

Inexperienced Bikers

The HURT Report is the most comprehensive study ever conducted on motorcycle safety and according to it, half of motorcyclists have fewer than five months of experience with their bike. The report also found that more than half of bikers have approximately just three years of experience riding motorcycles. This is cause for concern as well. Motorcycles are vastly different to operate than other vehicles and when a biker makes a mistake, the results can be catastrophic.

The most common errors made by bikers are turning corners too narrowly, making turns that are too wide, braking too hard, and speeding. To prevent these types of crashes from occurring, the Louisiana State Police has created the Louisiana Motorcycle Safety Program. This program trains bikers how to handle their vehicles safely so they can avoid becoming involved in a crash.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is extremely dangerous behavior. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, so they may not be able to stop before hitting someone on a motorcycle. Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs also exhibit very poor judgment, so they may not make the best decisions while on the road. It is critical that all drivers and bikers avoid drinking when they are operating their vehicles.

Reckless Driving

Tailgating, speeding, aggressive driving, and improper merging are all common examples of reckless driving, and they can all cause an accident. Reckless driving may not cause a major accident when two passenger vehicles are involved. For motorcyclists, though, it can have tragic results. Bikers do not have the same types of protections as other drivers. They do not have a large metal frame around them, airbags that can deploy in the case of a crash, or even seatbelts. As a result, even a small crash, such as being hit from behind, can result in serious injuries for motorcyclists.

Time of Day

The time of day can greatly predict whether or not a crash is more likely to occur. The vast majority of motorcycle accidents happen between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. During these times, other drivers may be very tired after a day of work, or the sun may be setting, making it difficult for drivers to see. The safest time of day to operate a motorcycle is in the early hours of the morning.

Unsafe Lane Changes

Drivers often check their blind spots before making a lane change to ensure that no vehicles are in them. Unfortunately, they often fail to make sure there are no motorcyclists in their blind spots. Motorcycles are much smaller than other vehicles, making them easier to miss. Still, drivers are expected to fully check their blind spots to ensure everyone’s safety.

Dooring

Dooring occurs when an occupant of a parked vehicle opens their door into the path of a motorcyclist. The motorcyclist then crashes into the open door. While this may not sound as though it causes serious injuries, it does. Dooring accidents are more likely to happen in areas that have parallel parking. Negligent drivers and other occupants of vehicles can be held liable for failing to make sure the way was clear before opening their doors.

Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Baton Rouge Can Help After a Crash

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you are likely suffering from very serious injuries. At Big River Trial Attorneys, our Baton Rouge motorcycle accident lawyers know how to prove someone else is liable for paying compensation for your injuries so you obtain the maximum damages you are entitled to. Call us now at (225) 963-9638 or contact us online to request a free consultation and to get the legal help you need.