The excitement of riding motorcycles ends in accidents, injury, and death far too often. Whether motorcycle wrecks happen on I-20, Hwy 167, or other busy roads in Ruston, LA, many are caused by preventable negligence. When that happens, victims can turn to Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers for honest answers and advocacy in the pursuit of justice.
Backed by more than two decades of experience, our Ruston motorcycle accident lawyers know how to win when it matters most. We handle all types of motorcycle accident cases and are ready to help 24/7.
Morris & Dewett has recovered millions for motorcycle accident survivors and victims' families.
What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents in Ruston, LA?
Careless, reckless, and negligent acts cause most motorcycle accidents. This can involve actions that occur right before a crash or long before it, and various parties can share the blame depending on how a motorcycle wreck occurs.
Motorist Negligence
Drivers, truckers, and motorcyclists may not be as careful as they should be when traveling on Ruston's roads. Impairment or distraction is often to blame. Common forms of motorist negligence that cause motorcycle accidents in Ruston include:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving or riding
- Motorist distraction
- Motorist fatigue
- Failing to check blind spots
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Running red lights
- Inexperience behind the wheel, on specific roads, or driving in adverse weather conditions
Equipment Defects and Failures
Vital parts and safety systems on motorcycles can fail for various reasons. Common factors include:
- Unsafe or flawed design
- Manufacturing failures
- Incorrect assembly or installation
- Failures to replace or repair aging, recalled, or broken equipment
- Safety testing failures
Determining when defective equipment caused a motorcycle crash requires intensive documentation analysis, expert witnesses, and experienced legal guidance.
Other Motorcycle Accident Causes
Whether or not drivers or vehicles contribute to motorcycle wrecks, other factors can also be involved:
- Dangerous roads by design or from poor maintenance, creating blind spots and high chances of tire blowouts
- Risky traffic conditions including congestion, work zones, and debris in the road
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
The latest statistics on motorcycle accidents show that far too many riders are getting hurt and killed in Ruston, Louisiana, and throughout the U.S.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Ruston, LA
If you are not incapacitated after a motorcycle wreck in Ruston, call 911 so that the Ruston Police or other authorities respond as quickly as possible. As you wait for help:
- Collect contact and insurance information from the other motorists. Take pictures and videos of the damage, the larger scene, and as many details as you can capture.
- Be careful about what you say. Do not apologize, and do not say anything other than the basic facts. This applies when talking to anyone at the accident scene.
- Seek medical care immediately. If you do not get checked out by EMTs at the scene, see a doctor as soon as you can. Do not stop getting the treatment you need. Stopping treatment could result in being blamed for worsening your own injuries.
- Report the motorcycle crash to your insurance company within a couple of days of the crash, if not sooner.
- Contact a Ruston motorcycle accident lawyer at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers and set up a free consultation.
Do I Have a Claim After a Ruston Motorcycle Accident?
You may have a claim against the negligent party or parties depending on when the accident occurred, who is at fault, and what you can prove. Louisiana law sets a one-year statute of limitations for motorcycle accident cases. The starting point for that one-year timeline can vary depending on when your injuries were diagnosed or when a loved one's injuries proved fatal.
How Can a Ruston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help Me?
Whatever it takes to build and resolve your case can be handled by a motorcycle accident attorney. That can mean investigating claims and gathering important evidence. It can also involve working with insurance companies, handling tough negotiations, and going to court when necessary.
What Does Motorcycle Accident Compensation Cover?
Recoveries for motorcycle accident claims compensate victims for their losses, injuries, pain, and suffering. Compensation amounts vary by case and depend on a careful calculation of the full breadth of losses suffered. Compensation can include damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and other losses.