The warm weather in Louisiana affords motorcycle riders the luxury of riding year-around. However, more time on the road increases the chance of a dangerous or fatal motorcycle accident. The latest data from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that there were about 106,000 motorcycle crashes in 2009. Over 4,400 riders lost their lives in the accidents.
Take caution on the road when driving a motorcycle. Ride responsibly at safe speeds and be aware of road conditions at all times. Taking a motorcycle rider safety course, either for the first time or as a refresher course, would not hurt either.
Protective gear such as helmets, gloves and heavy jackets cannot protect a rider in a high-speed accident. The majority of injuries occur after the ejection from the bike. Gear can mitigate injuries, but an ejection from the motorcycle can result in a harsh impact. Emergency rooms commonly deal with head injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken limbs and internal organ damage.
Motorcycle accident injuries may require extended hospital stays, which means time away from work. In addition to lost wages, there are insurance claims and liability issues to handle. There are also long-term costs such as physical rehabilitation and therapy. Extreme injuries result in death and a subsequent wrongful death action.
Lastly, there will be damage to your motorcycle. The repair bills can run into the thousands of dollars, and there is the possibility that the motorcycle could be a total loss. You want to make sure that you and the other party has adequate insurance coverage.
Harrell & Nowak, L.L.C. – New Orleans injury lawyers