Safety Tips for New Motorcycle Riders

Are you thinking about buying your first motorcycle? If so, it is important as a new motorcycle rider that you wear the proper safety gear and understand Louisiana’s motorcycle laws. Our New Orleans motorcycle accident attorneys have outlined a few safety tips below to help reduce the odds of experiencing a devastating injury from a crash.

However, if you do endure an accident, please feel free to contact our 24/7 personal injury attorneys for assistance. We’ll help navigate the legal maze on your behalf so that you can focus on recovering from any injuries. Our legal team will also look for ways to maximize your odds of receiving just compensation for your injuries, subsequent medical care, lost wages, and other damages.

Safety Gear for New Motorcycle Riders

In addition to wearing a universal state mandated helmet, new motorcycle riders should also always wear protective gear such as:

• Motorcycle-specific gloves 
• A motorcycle jacket (textile or leather) 
• Motorcycle pants (textile, leather, denim, kevlar, or a blend) 
• Motorcycle-specific boots 
• Body armor
• Elbow/shin/knee guards
• Eye protection

Practice Safe and Responsible Operator Behavior

According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, 98 motorcyclists lost their lives and were involved in 1,589 crashes on Louisiana’s roads in 2019. Both motorists and motorcyclists need to be aware of each other on the road to help prevent these types of catastrophic accidents. 

Motorcyclists, specifically, need to be extra alert to their surroundings as vulnerable road users. They also need to know how to properly care for and operate their bike. Failure to do so could result in being held liable in the event of a wreck.

Operator Tips

• Take a LA motorcycle operator safety course
• Obey speed limits
• Be alert to current weather conditions
• Know how to hard brake and swerve safely
• Learn how to ride safely with a passenger 
• Know hand signals
• Never ride behind a loaded truck

Motorcycle Care Tips

• Store motorcycle appropriately
• Use the right fuel
• Get in the habit of checking chain tension
• Routinely check tire pressure
• Regularly change oil and check fluids
• Become familiar with motorcycle components
• Have basic tools for maintenance

In addition to being safe, careful, and getting their required motorcycle endorsement added onto their Louisiana driver’s license before operating their motorcycle, new motorcycle riders should also check their motorcycle insurance policy to make sure they are properly covered.

When signing up for insurance, make sure that you not only have basic liability, but that you also get comprehensive and personal injury protection (PIP) if it’s an option. That way your bike and you are covered in case of an accident.

Injured? Contact Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

No matter what precautions you may take as a new motorcycle rider, there’s still a chance that you may be involved in an accident. If you do get hit by another vehicle while riding your motorcycle—immediately seek medical attention. Then, reach out to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney, as you may be eligible for financial compensation. 

At Mike Brandner Law, our Louisiana personal injury team represents injury victims in New Orleans, Hammond, Metairie, Shreveport, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, and Lafayette. We know how to negotiate and litigate to obtain the compensation you rightfully deserve for your injuries, medical treatment, loss of wages, and more.

Contact us 24/7 for a free consultation. We take no fee unless you win—so, you have nothing to lose by calling, chatting, or connecting with us through an online form today.