COMMON REASONS FOR MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS IN SHREVEPORT

Shreveport, Louisiana’s often neglected stretches of highway and inner city roadways are challenging to traverse in problematic weather conditions, and due to recent construction efforts across the area, even some major roadways are currently dangerous to navigate in some fair weather scenarios. 

Motorcyclists are often ignored by other drivers on the road, and if drivers fail to see the motorcyclist with enough time to make a proper adjustment, there is a likelihood of a collision that will result in a very serious injury for the motorcyclist.

The increase in size of sport utility vehicles, trucks, and other automobiles have made it more difficult to see other drivers on roadways where visibility is low and more time is necessary than may be possible to properly screen road lanes for motorcyclists in Shreveport or Bossier City.

TIPS FOR MOTORCYCLE HIGHWAY SAFETY

1. Follow the S.E.E. system from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation
   • Search for potential hazards 
   • Evaluate potential hazards, such as merging traffic, and 
   • Execute appropriate maneuvers to avoid hazards.
2. Follow “ATGATT,” which stands for: “all the gear, all the time.” Each time you ride your motorcycle, be sure to wear all of the safety equipment that you can to reduce potential impact and injuries in the event of a collision.
3. Check the weather before you ride. Know what to expect when you are traveling to and from your destination in order to avoid dangerous roadway conditions or take appropriate measures to avoid them.
4. Check your motorcycle every time before you ride. Any faulty or loose equipment could cause a potential distraction or malfunction which may result in an accident.
5. Ride within the law, always obeying speed limits, traffic signals, and all other rules of the road.
6. Ride within your limits. Know what your capabilities are as a motorcyclist and ride within the boundaries that you can create to keep yourself safe among other drivers.
7. Look where you want to go before you make a change in direction or maneuver on the roadway among other vehicles.
8. Look out for debris and other accidents ahead of and around you in order to make appropriate adjustments to avoid a motorcycle collision.
9. Avoid signs of danger on the roadway. It is never a good idea to take a risk while riding your motorcycle if you see other drivers behaving strangely or aggressively. Move away from them and drive defensively in order to avoid potential accidents or other situations which could cause increased danger and possible injury.
10. Avoid confrontations with other drivers. If another driver is behaving aggressively toward you on the highway, try not to engage them at all except to let them pass you and avoid any further road rage which would lead to a dangerous situation for you as a motorcyclist.

Even if you follow all of these safety guidelines when driving your motorcycle in the Shreveport / Bossier City area, there is still a potential for personal injury due to accidents on the roadway. More importantly, even if you don’t follow all of these safety precautions that does not necessarily exempt you from making a personal injury claim with your motorcycle insurance company. You should always contact the experienced motorcycle accident attorney Josh Clayton so that he can sort out the intricacies of your case and evaluate the best course of action to receive your settlement in court.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT DAMAGES CAN I RECOVER IN A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT CLAIM?

The amount of compensation you might get in a motorcycle accident lawsuit will depend on your particular circumstances. This may include medical expenses, both past and present, lost wages, emotional suffering, property damage, and, on rare occasions, punitive damages. It's important to see a skilled motorcycle crash attorney since they can evaluate your case and walk you through the potential compensation you may be entitled to.

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO FILE A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT CLAIM IN LOUISIANA?

The statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident claim in LA is generally one year from the date of the accident. However, it's important to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to ensure you meet all the necessary deadlines and gather the required evidence for your claim. Waiting too long to file a claim may result in the loss of your right to seek compensation.

DO I NEED A LAWYER FOR A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT CLAIM?

Although you are not mandated by law to engage an attorney for a motorcycle accident lawsuit, it's strongly advised. The legal processes and interactions with insurance companies can be daunting and intricate, more so when you're recuperating from physical harm. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer can safeguard your rights, acquire proof, bargain with insurers, and fight for the recompense you're entitled to. They can offer indispensable counsel and assistance from start to finish.

CAN I STILL PURSUE A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT CLAIM IF I WAS PARTIALLY AT FAULT?

Indeed, even if you bear some responsibility for the motorcycle accident, it might still be possible to file a claim. In Louisiana, the principle of comparative negligence applies. This implies that your compensation could be lessened by the degree to which you were at fault. Provided that your fault doesn't exceed 50% of the accident, you might still qualify for damage recovery. Engaging a seasoned motorcycle accident attorney is crucial as they can scrutinize the specifics of your situation and provide appropriate advice.