Drivers are supposed to be on the lookout for other vehicles, including those that might be more difficult to see, such as motorcycles. This requires Louisiana drivers to pay close attention to their surroundings and to make sure that they do not become distracted. Otherwise, someone on a motorcycle could suffer catastrophic injuries if an accident occurs, while the occupants of a passenger vehicle might not even be hurt.
At approximately 2:30 p.m. on a recent Saturday afternoon, two motorcycles and an SUV were involved in an accident. Officials report that the SUV was heading southbound when it initiated a left-hand turn. Sadly, the driver of the SUV failed to yield to two motorcycles heading northbound.
The SUV struck both motorcycles. There were three people riding the two motorcycles, and despite the fact that they were wearing helmets, all of them suffered injuries. One of the riders died at around 3:45 p.m. the following day. The current conditions of the other two were not reported. The SUV driver was not injured and was cited for failure to yield.
The two surviving motorcycle riders may exercise their rights to file personal injury claims against the driver of the SUV, and the family of the victim who suffered catastrophic injuries could file a wrongful death claim. Before a Louisiana court will consider awarding damages, negligence must be established first. A successfully litigated claim could provide the victims and their families with the restitution they need in order to relieve at least some of the financial burdens that arise in the aftermath of car accidents.
Source: kplctv.com, “SUV strikes two motorcycles killing one, injuring two in Moss Bluff“, Jan. 30, 2016