A recent motorcycle accident outside of Baton Rouge reveals how devastating these accidents can truly be. A 35-year-old motorcyclist was killed while riding on Airline Highway in Prairieville, Louisiana this past December. While riding, he was struck by another driver in a Ford truck as the truck made a left turn onto the southbound lanes. Despite wearing a DOT-approved helmet, he died at the scene.
This tragic loss of life illustrates the danger that motorcyclists face. The Louisiana State Police and Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office are investigating why the driver of the Ford Truck failed to yield to oncoming traffic.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victim. Our firm, Pierce & Shows, offers services to accident victims throughout the Baton Rouge area. Our job is to help you get what you need to move forward.
Preventing Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcycle accidents are notoriously severe. Our Baton Rouge personal injury attorneys have seen the injuries and loss of life that can accompany a motorcycle crash and how these accidents upend the lives of families throughout Louisiana. Since motorcycle accident injuries tend to be more severe—and may lead to a lifetime of disability—it is important to take every precaution necessary to prevent them from happening at all.
Preventing motorcycle accidents begins with using sound judgement. It’s never a good idea to mix alcohol or drugs with riding a motorcycle. Whenever possible, it’s best to avoid driving in hazardous conditions such as thunderstorms, fog, and very windy conditions. Riding during peak traffic hours—as in the tragedy cited above — is also precarious.
It’s not just populated areas that present danger to motorcyclists. Running into deer, for example, is a serious concern. Rural riding at nighttime can be especially dangerous, so it’s important to exercise caution in those conditions.
After riding a motorcycle for a while, it may be tempting to ride without safety gear. However, failing to use the proper safety equipment, such as helmets, can cause serious injury or even death in the event of an accident. Making a commitment to wearing necessary safety gear at all times is a great way to reduce your risks in a motorcycle accident.
The Aftermath of a Motorcycle Accident
A motorcycle accident can be very overwhelming for the victim and for the victim’s family. Knowing what to do in the event of an accident can help make your road to recovery and your potential battle with an insurance company much easier.
Here are 5 helpful tips for responding to motorcycle accidents:
- Get to safety. If you’re able to move, it is important to get away from oncoming traffic and anything else that may threaten your safety.
- Do not remove your helmet. After a motorcycle accident, you might not feel much pain. This is because your adrenaline is rushing. You might think you are unharmed, but you could have serious injuries. It’s best to wait to remove your helmet until paramedics arrive in case you have endured head or spinal trauma.
- Gather evidence. You have a right to gather evidence after a motorcycle accident. It’s important to take photos of yourself, your bike, and your surroundings. Be sure to get the contact and insurance information from anyone else involved in the accident. You will also need to obtain a police report and the contact information of any witnesses.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, it is wise to visit a hospital or an urgent care clinic. You may develop problems in the coming days that do not produce immediate symptoms.
- Contact a personal injury attorney and your insurance company. Seeking legal help after a Baton Rouge motorcycle accident can help you understand your rights and make informed decisions. Your insurance company also needs to be aware of your accident and your condition. Avoid signing any paperwork from your insurance agency until you’ve consulted with a motorcycle accident lawyer.
Pierce & Shows Motorcycle Accident Attorneys are here to help
Pierce and Shows provides compassionate representation to motorcycle accident victims in and around Baton Rouge. If you or a loved one have suffered a serious injury or death, contact our practice to learn more about your rights to compensation.
