In the past, people rode motorcycles as symbols of freedom. But as motorcycle ridership has continued to increase, it's clear more and more Louisianans are riding motorcycles to save money as well.
This increase in ridership has also resulted in more motorcycle accidents. The state has one of the highest accident rates in the nation. Can anything be done to curb the fatality rate? What should riders involved in crashes do to avoid legal problems? As an attorney who sees far too many accident victims, these are questions we try to answer in this blog:
While overall traffic deaths in Louisiana declined from 2021 to 2023, motorcyclist deaths increased by about 13%, according to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission (LHSC). A 2023 review showed 1,229 motorcycle crashes causing injury and 97 fatal crashes in the state.
Motorcyclists are vulnerable because they lack the protection of a car frame and airbags. Riders should always wear DOT‑approved helmets, use reflective gear and complete advanced rider courses. When a motorcycle crash involves another driver’s negligence, legal claims may address medical costs, lost wages and pain and suffering.
State laws have tried to curb the casualty rate. Since 2004, motorcyclists have had to wear a helmet, with the goal of protecting riders from fatal head injuries in the case of an accident. But this only helps reduce fatal accidents; what is being done to prevent motorcycle accidents in the first place?
Louisiana State Police are leading the charge to prevent motorcycle accidents through an ongoing road safety program. Known as the Louisiana Motorcycle Safety, Awareness and Operator Training Program, this initiative has helped over 200,000 motorcycle riders gain knowledge of how to protect themselves and others on the roads. Students learn how to maneuver a vehicle in all types of situations and weather conditions and they receive advice on the proper clothes to wear to avoid getting hurt. Class sizes are relatively small (about a dozen students) which means no one should feel intimidated about attending.
Students can expect to spend a total of almost 16 hours in class and on the driving range in the Basic Course. The Intermediate Course is eight hours. Last, Advanced students receive five hours of motorcycle education.
Louisiana residents involved in motorcycle accidents should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Injured parties might be able to receive a court-ordered damage award to help cover such things as medical bills and lost wages. Contact Tramontana Law, a Louisiana personal injury firm, for more information on how a motorcycle attorney can help accident victims.
In February of 2017, Jamie Lynn Spears’ 8-year-old daughter was in a traumatic ATV accident on her family’s Kentwood, Louisiana property. The child, Maddie, suffered critical wounds when she swerved her off-road vehicle in order to avoid a drainage ditch, reported TMZ, citing the Sheriff’s Department of Tangipahoa Parish. Louisiana’s state laws regarding ATVs currently […]
