Riding a motorcycle differs from driving a car, truck, or SUV. Motorcyclists must drive defensively at all times to avoid accidents caused by other drivers’ mistakes.
Most of the collisions between motorcycles and other vehicles are the other driver’s fault. When an automobile driver hits a motorcycle due to negligence, the driver bears liability for the losses created by the motorcyclist’s injuries in Lafayette, LA.
Motorcyclists often suffer injuries to their limbs, even in minor accidents. These injuries happen when the motorcycle tips over and slides or if another vehicle crashes into the bike head-on. The motorcycle can crush the limbs in the initial fall, and the rider can suffer road rash, burns, and soft tissue injuries in the ensuing slide.
Contact Kenny Habetz Injury Law to schedule a free consultation with a Lafayette motorcycle accident lawyer at (337) 399-9000 to learn more about your legal options in Lafayette, Louisiana. Our Lafayette motorcycle accident attorney can help you every step of the way.
Kenny Habetz Injury Law Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident in Lafayette
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Lafayette, LA, the Lafayette personal injury attorney at Kenny Habetz Injury Law can help make this difficult time more manageable.
Our Lafayette personal injury lawyer can help by doing the following:
- Investigating your claim
- Discuss your legal options
- Gathering evidence
- Assess your damages
- Combat claims that you’re at fault
- Communicating with insurance companies
- Comply with filing deadlines
- Negotiating for a fair settlement
- Representing you at trial
Contact us today for a free consultation with a Lafayette motorcycle accident attorney.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents In Lafayette, Louisiana?
Motorcycles make up about 3% of all registered vehicles in the U.S. But according to the Crash Facts report, motorcyclists account for nearly 9% of Louisiana traffic fatalities. While motorcycle accidents tend to occur with the expected frequency in Lafayette, motorcycle deaths happen more frequently than they should.
With these facts in mind, here are some motorcycle safety tips for riders to consider in Lafayette, Louisiana.
Wear a Helmet
Louisiana requires all motorcyclists and passengers to wear motorcycle helmets.
Wearing a helmet will keep you from getting a citation, but it will also reduce your chances of suffering a head injury or dying in a motorcycle crash. According to the CDC, strapping on a helmet reduces your chances of dying in a crash by around 37% and lowers your chances of suffering a head injury by 69% or more.
Navigate Intersections Carefully
According to the Crash Facts report, 35% of fatal motorcycle collisions occur at intersections.
Automobile drivers often cause these accidents by:
- Failing to yield the right of way to motorcyclists
- Running a red light or stop sign into a motorcyclist
- Turning left across a motorcyclist’s path
- Turning right into a motorcyclist’s path
When you approach an intersection, make sure you have an avenue of escape if a car pulls into your path. Slowing down and covering your brake might help reduce the severity of a crash if one occurs.
Drive Sober
According to the NHTSA, in 2020, motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes had higher percentages of alcohol impairment than drivers of any other motor vehicle type (27% for motorcycles, 23% for passenger cars, 19% for light trucks, and 3% for large trucks).
Ensuring you are drinking responsibly and avoiding the use of motorcycles or automotives when impaired is critical. Other options such as public transportation and rideshare are much safer for all drivers on the road.
Consult Our Lafayette Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Kenny Habetz Injury Law was founded in 2010. Over the following 12 years, the firm recovered millions for accident victims in Lafayette, LA. The firm’s Lafayette motorcycle accident lawyer has over a decade of experience. In that time, the firm has seen many significant case outcomes involving traffic accidents.
A motorcycle crash can cause significant injuries even if you exercise caution. As a result, victims can face growing medical bills, property repairs, and lack the ability to work.
Even if you ride safely and follow the rules of the road, other motorists can still pose a threat to your safety and cause major accidents that lead to catastrophic injuries. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Kenny Habetz Injury Law to schedule a free consultation and discuss the compensation you can seek for your injuries. Our Lafayette motorcycle accident attorney is standing by to help you in the aftermath of a motorcycle crash.