Who is at Fault in a Motorcycle Accident?

In most motorcycle accidents, the other driver is at fault, meaning that in the majority of cases, the motorcyclist is struck or forced off the road by another vehicle. However, it is important to note that determining who exactly is at fault for a wreck can be affected by a variety of circumstances. 

When involved in a motorcycle crash, the victim usually experiences much higher rates of property loss, major injury, and even death than the at-fault party. The most common cause of motorcycle accidents is negligence or reckless behavior on the part of the passenger vehicle driver including:

• Brake checking
• Distracted driving
• Failure to notice a motorcycle
• Failure to yield
• Left-turn crashes
• Opening a door into the lane of travel
• Reckless lane changes

Of these, left-turn accidents are by far the most common, accounting for nearly half of all motorcycle accidents. They’re caused when motorcyclists try to pass a car taking a left-hand turn that fails to see them because of their smaller size. If you’re riding a motorcycle, drive defensively and be aware of your surroundings—and if you’re driving a car, look out for motorcycles sharing the roadway.

If you find yourself the victim of a Louisiana motorcycle accident, call Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys at 888.501.7888 for a free consultation today.