Shreveport Injury Lawyer > Blog > Injury > A Range Of Factors Can Contribute To A Motorcycle Collision

A Range Of Factors Can Contribute To A Motorcycle Collision

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

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

By Rice & Kendig, LLC | Posted on October 5, 2021

« Replacing Child Car Seats After A Car Collision

Things to Know When Talking To An Insurance Claim Adjuster »

What our Clients Are Saying About Us

"I was hesitant about hiring an attorney and filing a lawsuit, however Mr. Rice made me feel comfortable about my decision from day one, assuring me that I was doing..." Read More

Christy S.

"Outstanding service and extremely good at what they do. Everyone on their staff was extremely helpful and helped with whatever I needed. Would encourage anyone in need of a personal..." Read More

Cody A.

"They are fantastic! They took great care of me and made sure that they kept me updated through the entire process. They worked extremely hard, and did everything that they..." Read More

Emily K.

"Rice & Kendig are the best! I love the professionalism and how they do all the work in a timely manner. I love the outstanding team they have and how..." Read More

Shawn S.

Recent Results

$5,100,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client’s motorcycle was hit by a car leaving him in the ICU with facial injuries, arm injuries, and amputation of one leg.

$1,996,460

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was rear-ended while sitting at a stop sign. Neck and back injuries resulting in headaches and disability. Neck injury required surgery.

$1,855,500.80

Motor Vehicle Collision

Defendant driver’s failure to stop at a stop sign caused a collision injuring the client’s leg and ankle (required surgery), knee, hip, back, and chest. The airbags deployed, causing airbag injuries.

$1,800,000

Medical Malpractice

Inadequate life-saving staffing at emergency C-section resulted in child with cerebral palsy, spastic quadriplegia, and developmental delays.

$1,500,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was hit head-on by a delivery truck sustaining injuries to the knee, hand, neck, and back. Neck injury required surgery.

$1,400,000

Workplace Injury

A piece of loading equipment fell on client causing spinal injuries resulting in partial disability.

$1,375,000

Pedestrian/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client sustained injuries to head, leg and wrist. Client’s broken leg required surgery. In addition, client sought treatment with a neurologist for his head injury and cognitive issues.

$1,151,000

Pedestrian/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was struck by a vehicle in a gas station parking lot. Client suffered head and brain damage resulting in memory loss.

$1,000,000

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was rear-ended by a drunk driver of an 18-wheeler causing client to suffer short-term memory loss and injuries to the head, neck, shoulders, and back.

$1,000,000

Insurance Bad Faith

Insurance company refused to pay for hail damage to a commercial property.

$1,000,000

Premises Liability

Fall at a hotel convention center caused hand, neck, and low back injuries resulting in a 7-year recovery period.

$1,000,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was hit by a commercial vehicle that ran a stop sign. Injuries to the knee, neck, and back requiring interventional pain management.

$987,610.32

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was rear-ended multiple times by a big rig causing PTSD, spinal injuries requiring spinal fusion surgery, physical therapy, and counseling.

$987,525.93

18-Wheeler Collision

Logging truck’s failure to yield caused client to suffer fractures in the arm and leg, amputation of 3 toes, and shoulder injuries.

$950,000

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was hit by a delivery truck and the vehicle rolled over. Client’s injuries included six broken ribs and a neck injury requiring extensive medical treatment.

$950,000

18-Wheeler Collision

18-wheeler driver turned left, without the protection of a green arrow, in front of client. The collision caused injuries to the hand, neck, shoulder, low back, hip, foot, ankle, and eye.

$800,606.26

Motor Vehicle Collision

A defendant driver turned left, without the protection of a green arrow, into client’s vehicle causing a collision that resulted in a severely broken leg that required immediate surgery, post-traumatic stress disorder, loss of independence, and loss of job.

$800,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Head-on collision that left client with back and neck injuries as well as seat belt injuries. Client’s recovery was lengthy and included physical therapy and injections.

$750,000

Wrongful Death/Medical Malpractice

Child suffered fatal injuries due to complications with anesthesia.

$685,000

Premises Liability

Client sustained two broken legs from a fall over an unreasonably dangerous tripping hazard.

$665,000

Motor Vehicle Collision/Wrongful Death

Client went to the aid of a vehicle accident victim and was struck and killed by a passing vehicle.

$663,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was backed into while on the job at an oil field site. Collision resulted in numerous back and neck injuries requiring surgeries.

$650,000

18-Wheeler Collision

18-wheeler driver was rear-ended by another 18-wheeler causing headaches and neck injury.

$625,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Head-on collision led to wrist and hand injuries that required surgery, seat belt injuries, pain in the neck, sternum, pelvis, abdomen, shoulder, and back, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

$550,000

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was rear-ended by a big rig causing low back and neck pain; physical recovery and treatment included injections, physical therapy, and counseling.