Spring seems to bring a lot of rain to Louisiana, but on the days when the sun is shining and the weather is mild, people in Louisiana will begin to head outdoors. Some choose to relax during these times. They may be gardening, riding a bike or simply having some sweet tea on their front porch. Others will look to partake in more adventurous activities. They may go hiking, boating and some will head out on their motorcycles. In fact, motorcyclists are a common sight on Louisiana roads in the springtime.
Of course, motorcyclists must take care to handle their bikes responsibly and ride in a safe manner. However, other motorists on the road have a legal duty of care too. They must drive in a manner that is reasonable under the circumstances. This includes not just maintaining an awareness of other automobiles on the road, but also smaller vehicles such as motorcycles. Unfortunately, motorcycle unawareness is a very real thing, and it is not uncommon for the driver of an automobile to hit a motorcyclist.
It is a sad fact that a motorcycle accident can be catastrophic. Motorcycles do not have seat belts, air bags or crumple zones, all things motorists in automobiles have to keep them safe. For these reasons, a motorcycle accident has the potential to be fatal to the motorcyclist. Even motorcyclists lucky enough to survive a crash are likely to be left with severe and long-lasting physical injuries and emotional distress.
When a motorcyclist is injured in an accident caused by another motorist, they may first be simply concerned with regaining their health. However, doing so can be a very expensive process. There will be medical expenses, of course, but also expenses associated with missed time at work, emotional distress and pain and suffering. As these expenses add up, they may wonder if they have any options for compensation. One option that some may choose to pursue is a personal injury lawsuit.
Of course, most people do not have extensive experience with the civil litigation process, and they may not have a deep understanding of the laws of negligence or wrongful death in their state. For these reasons, many people interested in pursuing a lawsuit will seek legal advice. The following overview of motorcycle accidents may be of help to those who want to learn more about seeking compensation for the damages they suffered.