Motorcycle crashes • Louisiana
Motorcyclists have the same right to a safe roadway.
A driver’s failure to see a motorcycle does not excuse an unsafe turn, lane change, rear-end impact, or failure to yield. We investigate the collision and document its full consequences.
Common collision patterns
Unsafe left turns, side-road entries, lane changes, following too closely, dooring incidents, roadway defects, and defective components may require scene, visibility, and reconstruction evidence.
Lane rights and lane rules
Louisiana law grants motorcycles full use of a lane and generally prohibits another vehicle from depriving a rider of that use. It also generally prohibits riding between traffic lanes.
Helmet and equipment issues
Louisiana generally requires compliant helmets. Any argument that equipment affected an injury should distinguish statutory compliance, causation of the particular harm, and comparative fault.
Preserve motorcycle-specific evidence
Preserve the motorcycle, helmet, clothing, camera footage, phone data, maintenance records, photographs, and removed components. Video and roadway marks may disappear quickly.
Documenting serious injury
Fractures, burns, brain injury, spinal injury, chronic pain, and psychological harm may require rehabilitation, future procedures, assistive equipment, and work restrictions.
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers to common questions.
What if the driver says the motorcycle came out of nowhere?
That does not resolve visibility, speed, lookout, yielding, or reaction time. Physical and witness evidence must be evaluated.
Does a helmet issue automatically defeat a claim?
No automatic conclusion follows. Compliance, causation of the specific injury, and comparative fault are separate questions.
Is lane splitting legal in Louisiana?
Louisiana law generally prohibits operating a motorcycle between traffic lanes or adjacent rows of vehicles.
What if road debris caused the crash?
A public entity, contractor, repair facility, seller, or manufacturer may be relevant depending on control, notice, defect, and causation.