A Range Of Factors Can Contribute To A Motorcycle Collision

Similar to car crashes, motorcycle wrecks happen for a variety of reasons, including reckless driving and speeding. Operators who are under the influence can also be a factor. While car collisions can result in severe injuries, the likelihood of life-threatening injuries can be even higher when a person is riding a motorcycle because the operators and their passengers do not have the protection of a car frame and auto safety features.

Broken bones, major skin burns, and back and spine injuries are possible. Some motorcycle wrecks even result in fatalities. If you and your family are coping with collision injuries, discuss the details of your situation with a Shreveport injury lawyer to determine a path forward.

Risky Situations for Motorcycles and Those Sharing the Road with Bikes

Collisions are more likely when any of the following situations are present:

• A motorcycle operator is passing another vehicle;
• Turning motorcycles are not recognized; and
• A driver fails to see a motorcycle as it is moving through an intersection.

According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a motorcycle making a left-hand turn is statistically the most dangerous moment for a collision. Indeed, approximately 40 percent of all collisions between motorcycles and other vehicles happen when a rider is making a left-hand turn. Highway safety experts emphasize that the drivers (not motorcyclists) are disproportionately responsible for these crashes. In far too many cases, drivers simply fail to recognize the presence of a turning motorcycle.

Motorcycles are also often involved in rear-end collisions. And motorcycle operators and their passengers have also been injured when parked cars open their doors, creating dangerous situations in high traffic areas. Narrow streets, hazardous weather, and reduced visibility are all dangers that need to be navigated cautiously.

Wet Roads and Construction Debris and Waste

Not all motorcycle accidents are caused by negligent drivers. Road hazards also pose a significant risk to motorcyclists. Some of the most common road hazards include wet pavement from inclement weather and construction debris that falls from trucks or is otherwise left on the roadway.  A party responsible for creating a road hazard could be held liable for a motorcycle accident.

While an insurance claim may be the only option after a crash caused solely by bad weather, a construction company or other party at-fault for a road hazard may be responsible for an accident. As these are complicated cases, it is crucial that consult with a skilled Shreveport motorcycle accident attorney.

A lawyer will be able to review the motorcycle crash, answer your question, initiate an investigation to gather relevant evidence, and represent you in settlement negotiations. In some motorcycle accident claims, your Louisiana motorcycle accident attorney may consult with an independent expert who can help prove fault.

Comparative Negligence May Be an Issue in Some Motorcycle Accidents

Of course, there are times when a motorcycle collision is, at least in part, attributed to a motorcycle operator’s behavior. Traveling at unsafe speeds, for instance, can be incredibly dangerous. Driving a bike under the influence of drugs or alcohol has also resulted in crashes, property damage, and serious wreck injuries. If you are found partially at fault for your own motorcycle crash, your compensation will be reduced under Louisiana’s comparative negligence laws. An attorney will protect you from an unfair finding of partial liability.

Get Justice, Recovery, and Peace of Mind After a Motorcycle Accident

After a motorcycle crash, it is important to speak to an experienced Shreveport injury lawyer. An attorney will help you determine the best course of action—with a focus on getting you and your family justice, accountability, peace of mind, and financial support you need to pay your bills. Depending on your situation, there could be a path to obtaining a settlement amount for medical fees, emotional distress, and lost wages. Each situation is unique. Unfortunately, insurance companies are not going to look out for your best interests. It is often a serious mistake to agree to the initial settlement proposed by an insurance company without talking to your own legal professional.

Call Our Shreveport, LA Motorcycle Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation.

Did you sustain an injury in a Louisiana motorcycle crash? The personal injury lawyers at Rice & Kendig can negotiate with an insurance company for you. We truly care about our clients and devote our knowledge, skills and resources toward securing a great result every time. You do not need to navigate complicated negotiations on your own. Together, we can achieve success. Contact us today at 318-222-2772 to schedule your free consultation.

Source: crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813112