This morning, as I was stopped in traffic on I-10, I noticed something out of my passenger-side mirror: a motorcycle rider was speeding through stopped traffic in the median between an entrance ramp and the right lane. He kept right on going; however, I thought about what would happen to him if someone entered the highway at just the right (or, in his case, the wrong) time and caused a serious motorcycle accident injury.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries and Comparative Fault
In Louisiana, we have something called “comparative fault.” What that means is, even if the driver that hit the motorcycle rider did something wrong, the rider could have been assigned 50%, or more, of fault for the accident. If that happened, he would have to pay 50% of his own medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs and any other losses incurred by others caused by this motorcycle accident injury due to his ignorance of traffic laws.
Although most motorcycle riders I have seen take motorcycle safety seriously and abide by the rules of the road, I am sure we have all seen those riders weaving in and out of vehicles and performing other dangerous maneuvers.
I thought I would just gently remind the motorcycle enthusiasts in our community of two laws directed toward them, specifically:
- Pursuant to LA. R.S. 32.191.1(B), the operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken. In other words, just because there is room within a lane to pass a vehicle, it does not mean that it is legal to do so.
- Similarly, under LA. R.S. 32.191.1(C), it is against the law to drive your motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. Just because a motorcycle is narrow enough to fit between vehicles, lanes, etc. does not mean it is safe or legal to do so.
It is important to remember these rules not only for the safety of you and other drivers, but for your financial well-being as well.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Contact Us about Your Motorcycle Accident Injury
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident injury, please contact the personal injury attorneys at Morris Bart, LLC Attorneys at Law today. Our firm offers a free case evaluation with our personal injury attorneys, who will review the details of your case and help you get the compensation you deserve for your motorcycle accident injury.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
