There is limited data for motorcycle crashes, injury rates, and fatalities from 2019, but this blog gathers up the latest facts and figures to provide a picture of motorcycle safety in 2020. The 2020 statistics outlined below combine figures gathered from the Insurance Information Institute, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development (LADTD), and LSU.
Here’s what motorcycle owners in Louisiana are facing in a snapshot:
Louisiana Motorcycle Injuries & Fatalities 2020
In 2019, 1,193 people were injured or killed in motorcycle-related crashes. The vast majority of these accidents were injuries caused to the motorcycle rider, as motorcycles provide no protection or shielding in a crash with a passenger or commercial vehicle.
Of the total occupants involved with motorcycle crashes, Louisiana motorcycle accidents had an injury/fatality rate of 69%. While helmet usage helps drive down the fatality rate—there were 87 total motorcycle fatalities in Louisiana in 2019—the helmet usage rate was 85% for motorcycle accidents. Helmet use may prevent fatalities, but helmet-wearers will still be left with serious and costly injuries following a crash.
That said, to prevent death or head injury, riders need to wear a helmet at all times. Helmets lower the risk of head injury by 69% and the risk of death by nearly 50%.
Motorcycle Injury Trends in 2020
Obviously, the coronavirus has completely thrown off any predictions or projections about motorcycle accidents in Louisiana. However, the five-year average figures have been steadily decreasing, even before the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of people killed in motorcycle crashes has lowered by 16% over the last five years, and the number of people injured has dropped by 25% over the same period.
While things have improved, Louisiana has historically been one of the most dangerous states for drivers and motorcycle riders, and the rate at which motorcycle accidents have dropped off in our state is slower than in other states.
The Leading Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
While the numbers change every year, the causes of motorcycle accidents remain largely the same every year. Part of that is rooted in bad habits, which aren’t governed by statistics and are unlikely to change without serious cultural shifts. Part of it is that there are few consequences for drivers who endanger motorcyclists.
The leading causes of motorcycle accidents are:
- Driver’s inability to accurately judge motorcycle’s distance or speed
- Driver’s unwillingness to yield right-of-way to motorcycle rider
- Driver’s failure to check blindspots for motorcycles
- Fatigue
- Alcohol impairment
- Distracted driving
What to Do If You’re Hurt in a Motorcycle Accident in Louisiana
One thing that never changes: Clayton, Frugé & Ward continues to be the leading advocate for injured motorcycle riders who have been hurt or wronged by motorists, commercial shipping companies, and insurers. Our firm has been fighting for the injured and wronged in Louisiana for decades. In that time, we’ve won hundreds of millions for our clients, including the largest single-injury verdict in Louisiana history!
Speak with our Louisiana motorcycle accident lawyer today to learn your legal options and discuss steps toward financial recovery. Our team is available at all hours to discuss what happened to you and what we can do to help.
Call (225) 209-9943 or use our short online form to get started.