Motorcycle Accidents

Most experienced motorcycle riders are responsible and take the proper precautions, including using a helmet. If you don’t wear a helmet, though, you should know that laws in many states require riders to wear one. In Louisiana, all motorcycle riders — including those riding low-powered cycles — must wear helmets. When purchasing a helmet, look for one with a U.S. Department of Transportation label, which indicates adherence to federal safety guidelines.

In addition, motorcyclists should be aware of the following common causes of accidents involving motorcycles:

• Hazards on the road, including potholes, debris and uneven pavement.
• The tendency of the front end of motorcycles to become unstable and shake at high speeds. Poor tire alignment can play a role, but a motorcycle manufacturer also may bear responsibility for injuries that result from the problem.
• Inexperienced riders.
• The difficulty of seeing motorcycles for other drivers. The view of motorcycles can be blocked by other vehicles, weather conditions and other factors. About 70 percent of collisions involving cars and motorcycles happen in intersections, where visibility can be especially poor.
• Cars making left turns, which account for more than 40 percent of accidents between a car and motorcycle.