Baton Rouge motorcycle traffic laws exist to protect everyone on the road. Disregarding these rules could increase your risk of sustaining a severe injury in a motorcycle accident or could cause other motorists to get hurt. Violations of Louisiana’s motorcycle traffic laws may also establish a person’s liability for damages that another person sustained.
When you have been hurt due to another person’s negligence in not following the relevant motorcycle traffic laws, a seasoned motorcycle accident attorney could see if you may be eligible for compensation. Let our experienced lawyers from Tomeny | Best advocate for you today.
What Are Motorcycle Traffic Laws?
Motorcycle traffic laws are within Louisiana’s broader Motor Vehicle and Traffic Regulations in Title 32 of the Revised Statutes. In general, motorcycle riders have a right to operate their vehicles on Louisiana’s roadways. They are entitled to the full use of a lane as stated in Section 32:191.1, which also means motorcyclists are bound to the same rules as other drivers. Riders must follow posted speed limits, keep safe distances from other vehicles, and follow other common traffic signs.
However, Louisiana statutes also detail specific traffic rules for motorcyclists. Examples of traffic laws that apply to motorcycle riders in Baton Rouge include the following:
- Not passing another vehicle while in the same lane.
- Not operating a motorcycle in between lanes of traffic.
- Having no more than two motorcycles riding adjacent to each other in a single lane.
- Not operating a motorcycle with handlebars above the rider’s shoulder height when seated.
Safety requirements that apply to motorcycle riders are also different from those for passenger vehicle drivers. For example, motorcyclists must wear helmets with proper lining, padding, a visor, and a chin strap. Eye protective devices are another requirement for legally riding a motorcycle in Louisiana, as established under Section 32:190.1.
Establishing Liability
In Baton Rouge, when a personal injury results from a motorcycle accident, a skilled attorney could prove that another party is liable because they violated the relevant motorcycle traffic laws. Liability is assigned to a party whose conduct demonstrates neglect for the care of others or other reckless behavior, and a violation of Louisiana traffic laws often provides concrete evidence of this neglect.
For instance, if a motorcyclist weaves in between traffic, they may be responsible for a collision involving nearby drivers who were reacting to the motorcycle rider’s negligent and reckless behavior.
Available Damages After a Motorcycle Accident
In Louisiana, if a person was injured on or after July 1, 2024, they have two years from the date of the accident to bring a claim for compensation. If they were hurt before this time, they only have one year to file a claim for damages. People may be able to claim several types of damages that exist because of their motorcycle accident injury from a traffic law violation in Baton Rouge.
General damages are available to compensate a person for their pain and suffering from the motorcycle accident. Special damages are another typical example, and they provide compensation for certain costs attributable to the injury, such as costs for medical care, lost earnings, property damage, and other losses. In rare cases, a person may also have a right to claim punitive damages. For example, punitive damages could be sought for injuries from motorcycle accidents involving an intoxicated driver.
Consult With a Baton Rouge Attorney About Your Case Regarding Motorcycle Traffic Laws Today
Understanding how Baton Rouge motorcycle traffic laws apply to the cause of an accident is essential for evaluating claims and shaping a potential injury case. The attorneys at Tomeny | Best are here to help people who have been hurt in motorcycle accidents by informing them of their possible claims and asserting those rights in court.
You do not need to go through the legal process on your own. Instead, let our skilled team advocate for you. Call us to schedule a free consultation with our lawyers today at your convenience.
