Motorcycle accidents are unique from other more common forms of motor vehicle accidents for a number of reasons.  Primarily, they are more likely to result in traumatic injury and death than the occupant of an automobile or truck colliding with them.  Also, a larger share of injuries involve head trauma, because of the unique dynamics of a motorcycle collision.  Weather, visibility, and road conditions are also important features of the investigation and prosecution of motorcycle accident cases.  Automobile and truck drivers do not treat motorcycle drivers the same way on the road, and are more likely to be ignorant or at least some of the traffic laws and rules of the road as they pertain to motorcycles.  In Louisiana as elsewhere, motorcycles represent a small fraction of registrations and miles driven on the roads, but a greatly disproportionate number of deaths and serious injuries.

These factors which make motorcycle accidents unique each have their own legal implications and complications.  Traumatic bodily injury often results in a long period of rehabilitation and a substantial loss of work which needs to be documented accurately and comprehensively if recovery from a negligent party is being sought.  A motorcycle accident victim who is unable to testify due to death or extensive injury cannot offer evidence, so accident reconstruction experts and engineers trained in collision dynamics must be available.  Skilled attorneys in the liability regime and evidence laws of Louisiana must cultivate the expert and lay witnesses necessary to build a case on behalf of a motorcycle operator.  When law enforcement cites a motorcycle operator involved in an accident, the issues surrounding those charges need to be dealt with as well.  Finding an attorney who is prepared and experienced in the unique factors surrounding the motorcycle accident case is critical, to get compensation for mental or physical injuries, damage, loss of earnings, medical expenses, and any other damages resulting from the motorcycle accident.

In Louisiana , registration, liability coverage, and equipment laws are in place to help reduce accidents and provide compensation, but little is in place to educate other drivers as to their obligations.  Louisiana law requires motorcycles to be registered and insured, and requires protective headgear and eyewear for all operators and passengers.  An experienced attorney has to deal with a growing sentiment among judges, juries, regulators, law enforcement, and medical experts that motorcycle riding is inherently risky and that the injuries negligently inflicted upon them by other drivers are actually caused by their decision to ride a motorcycle.

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