Switch to ADA Accessible Theme
Close Menu
Shreveport Personal Injury Lawyer
Free Consultation
Call Today!
Shreveport Injury Lawyer > Blog > Motorcycle Accident > Determining Motorcycle Crash Liability in Louisiana

Determining Motorcycle Crash Liability in Louisiana

Motorbike,On,The,Road,Riding.,Having,Fun,Driving,The,Empty

If you were recently injured in a motorcycle crash in the Shreveport area, you should be trying to determine: who is responsible for paying for my losses? Determining liability for a motorcycle injury can allow the injury victim to file a claim in order to seek compensation for medical care, lost wages, and more. Similar to other types of traffic collisions, liability in many motorcycle crashes will be based on how and why the wreck occurred. In many circumstances, a negligent motorist will be responsible. Yet other parties can also be liable for different reasons. You should always discuss the specific facts of your case with a personal injury lawyer in Shreveport who can help you to determine liability and to move forward with a claim. In the meantime, we can provide you with more information about parties that are commonly liable for motorcycle crashes.

Most Commonly, Negligent Car or Truck Drivers Are Liable 

Most often, negligent car or truck drivers are the parties who are liable for a motorcycle crash. Causes like distracted driving, aggressive driving, fatigue, and intoxication can all play roles in causing a collision, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Sometimes Negligent Property Owners May Be Liable 

In some instances, motorcycle crashes happen because of hazards on property, such as debris that remains uncleared from a roadway or faulty road lighting, for example. When these conditions cause or contribute to a motorcycle crash, the property owner may be liable for the motorcyclist’s injuries.

Motorcycle Maker or Auto Maker Can Be Liable 

When design, manufacturing, or marketing defects cause or contribute to a motorcycle wreck, it is important for the injured motorcyclist to find out about filing a product liability claim.

Injured Motorcyclists Themselves Can Bear Some Responsibility 

Some motorcycle crashes are single-vehicle wrecks in which the motorcyclist may be solely responsible for the crash (yet you should not assume that a single-vehicle crash means you are responsible for your own injuries — other parties like property owners and motorcycle makers or retailers can also be liable, as discussed above). Even in multi-vehicle crashes, a motorcyclist may be partially responsible for their own injuries. Is recovery still possible? Since Louisiana is what is known as a “pure comparative fault state,” a partially liable motorcyclist can still recover damages from another at-fault party. However, the motorcyclist’s damages will be reduced by their own percentage of negligence.

Contact Our Shreveport Motorcycle Injury Attorneys Today 

Were you recently injured in a motorcycle crash in Shreveport or elsewhere in Louisiana? You could be eligible to file a claim to seek financial compensation for your losses. One of the experienced Shreveport motorcycle injury lawyers at Rice & Kendig, LLC can talk with you today to learn more about your case and to develop a plan of action for seeking financial compensation. Often, a negligent motorist will be liable for a motorcycle crash in Louisiana, but it is critical to discuss liability with an attorney since more than one party may bear financial responsibility for your injuries. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you.

Sources:

one.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/motorcycle/safebike/anatomy.html

legis.la.gov/legis/law.aspx?d=109387#:~:text=In%20any%20action%20for%20damages,of%20the%20person’s%20insolvency%2C%20ability

Share This Page:
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
1030 Kings Highway
Shreveport, Louisiana 71104
Office: 318-222-2772
Shreveport-Bossier City

© 2020 - 2024 Rice & Kendig, LLC. All rights reserved. This law firm
website and legal marketing are managed by MileMark Media.