Have You Been In A Louisiana Motorcycle Crash?
Summertime brings many Louisiana residents out to enjoy the weather, and a common way for many to do so is on motorcycles. While Louisiana does not have as many registered motorcycles as some other states, collisions still happen with relative regularity in our state. In addition, collisions involving motorcycles cause a disproportionate amount of road fatalities. In 2021, motorcycle wrecks caused around 5.5% of all the state’s traffic deaths, despite motorcycles only being around 1% of the total vehicles on Louisiana roads.
If you have been injured in a collision where you were on your motorcycle, you likely have serious injuries and a host of concerns to manage. A Shreveport motorcycle crash attorney may be able to assist you in seeking monetary compensation for the harm you have suffered, and logistics of the legal process while you focus on healing.
Danger While Riding
Because of their relative lack of protection compared to drivers and passengers in automobiles, motorcyclists are approximately 28 times more likely to die in a crash according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Riders in automobiles have many safety features including the plastic or metal of their vehicle’s frame to protect them; motorcyclists usually have only a helmet, eye gear (assuming they are complying with the law), and their clothing.
It is a fact that many of the reasons that motorcycle crashes happen have to do with larger vehicles simply not sharing the road appropriately. For example, one of the most common reasons for motorcycle crashes are automobile drivers changing lanes without checking behind them. Another is failing to maintain a safe distance between themselves and the motorcyclist, who may need more time to slow down than the average passenger vehicle.
File Suit Without Delay
If you have been struck by a vehicle while on your motorcycle, and you believe that your injuries were caused by a driver’s negligence, you have the right to file suit against them to try and recover financially. While the statute of limitations to do so is fleeting – Louisiana proscribes “delictual actions” after 1 year from the date of the crash – you can seek damages for expenses like medical bills and also for more intangible harm like pain and suffering.
Keep in mind that Louisiana is what is known as a comparative negligence state. This means that if your own negligence or recklessness played a role in your injuries, you may not recover for your own percentage of fault – if a court rules that you were 30% responsible for your own injuries, you would only be able to recover up to 70% of the amount you sought. Unlike in other states, Louisiana law allows you to recover even if you were up to 90% liable.
Call A Shreveport Motorcycle Collision Attorney
Motorcycle crashes can be deadly, and your primary focus following a crash will be on physical recovery. Let a Shreveport motorcycle collision attorney help with potential financial recovery while you heal. The law offices of Rice & Kendig will do the work for you, obtaining the relevant records and helping to answer any questions you might have about how to proceed. Contact our office today at 318-222-2772 for your free consultation.
Source:
datareports.lsu.edu/Reports.aspx?yr=2022&rpt=A4B&p=ci
