Understanding the Legal Differences Between Motorcycle and Car Accident Cases in Louisiana
For more than 30 years, Baton Rouge personal injury attorney Christopher Shows has helped accident victims across southeastern Louisiana rebuild their lives. In this episode of Pearson Shows Personal Injury Postscript, he discusses how motorcycle accident cases differ from car accident cases and what riders should know to protect themselves legally and financially.
From Construction to Courtroom
Before becoming a lawyer, Christopher worked in construction. Over time, he realized he wanted a career that offered both challenge and purpose. After earning his undergraduate degree and attending law school, he found his passion in personal injury law—helping accident victims and their families recover from life-changing events. More than three decades later, he still enjoys trial work and the satisfaction of turning difficult situations around for his clients.
Key Differences Between Motorcycle and Car Accidents
Motorcycle accidents differ greatly from car accidents due to physics, visibility, and environmental factors. Motorcycles rely on a small contact patch—the tiny area of rubber connecting the tire to the pavement. This makes them highly sensitive to oil, water, or road debris.
“Even a small oil spill or surface imperfection can cause a crash,” Christopher explained. Louisiana’s poor road maintenance—potholes, rain ruts, and heavy truck wear—adds to the risk for motorcyclists.
Visibility is another major issue. Motorcycles have less visual mass, making them easier for drivers to overlook. “Drivers often turn left in front of motorcycles because they don’t see them or underestimate their speed,” he said. The lack of noise from modern bikes also reduces the warning other drivers get.
Why Motorcycle Injuries Are Often More Severe
Without the protective structure of a car, motorcyclists are far more exposed. “Even a low-speed crash can cause serious injuries or death,” Christopher said. Riders are often thrown from their bikes, which leads to greater injury severity and higher medical costs.
He stressed the importance of proper insurance coverage. Louisiana’s minimum liability limit is only $15,000—barely enough for a minor fender bender, let alone a motorcycle collision. He encourages riders to carry strong uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage to protect themselves if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.
Understanding Comparative Fault in Louisiana
Louisiana follows a comparative fault system, meaning fault can be divided among all parties involved. “Even if a motorcyclist was partially at fault—say speeding slightly—they can still pursue compensation,” Christopher explained. “The court may just reduce their award by the percentage of fault assigned to them.”
For example, a jury could find a turning motorist 85% responsible and the motorcyclist 10% responsible, with the remaining 5% attributed to poor road conditions. The key takeaway: even partial fault doesn’t eliminate your right to file a claim.
Overcoming Bias and Misconceptions
Historically, some juries and insurance companies viewed motorcyclists negatively due to old stereotypes. However, Christopher believes attitudes are changing. “We have more diverse riders today—young people, veterans, professionals—and that’s helping shift perceptions,” he said.
Still, he notes that biases can influence how claims are handled, which makes strong legal representation essential in these cases.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
One of the biggest mistakes riders make, according to Christopher, is failing to preserve evidence. “If witnesses stop to help, get their names and contact info. Take photos of the scene, the vehicles, and license plates. Don’t let that evidence disappear,” he said.
He also cautions against saying too much to police or insurance adjusters at the scene. “Be honest, but brief,” he advised. “You don’t know how your words might later be interpreted.”
Final Thoughts
Motorcycle accident cases require a unique legal approach because of their complexity, higher injury risks, and potential biases. With decades of trial experience and a personal understanding of motorcycle culture, Christopher Shows is committed to helping riders navigate these challenges and secure fair compensation.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle or car accident in Louisiana, visit pierceandshows.com to connect with Christopher and his team for legal guidance.