Motorcycle rider struck rear of GMC Sierra after truck turned from Lee Drive
November 14, 2025 | Gonzales, LA
A tragic two-vehicle crash claimed the life of Joshua Dunaway, a 40-year-old man from Prairieville, in Ascension Parish.
The incident occurred on LA 44 just north of Lee Drive, prompting a response from the Louisiana State Police.
Joshua Dunaway, 40, of Prairieville, was killed in motorcycle crash involving a 2024 Suzuki and a 2024 GMC Sierra on northbound Louisiana 44 near Lee Drive.
What Happened in the Crash?
The collision took place shortly after 9 p.m. when a 2024 GMC Sierra turned right from Lee Drive onto LA 44 northbound. At the same time, Dunaway was riding a 2024 Suzuki motorcycle northbound on LA 44. For reasons still under investigation, the motorcycle struck the rear of the Sierra.
- Date and Time: Nov. 14, 2025, around 9 p.m.
- Location: LA 44 northbound, just north of Lee Drive, Gonzales, LA
- Vehicles Involved: 2024 GMC Sierra truck and 2024 Suzuki motorcycle
- Victim: Joshua Dunaway, 40, of Prairieville; pronounced dead at the scene while wearing a DOT-approved helmet
- Other Driver: GMC Sierra driver was properly restrained and uninjured
- Investigation Status: Ongoing; impairment unknown, routine toxicology samples collected
Why Do Motorcycle Accidents Like This Occur?
Motorcycle crashes often highlight the vulnerability of riders on the road. Common factors include failure to yield, rear-end collisions, and visibility issues for other drivers.
Motorcycle Crash Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists face significantly higher risks than other motorists. In 2018, there were 4,985 motorcyclist fatalities in the U.S., occurring 28 times more frequently than passenger vehicle fatalities in multi-vehicle crashes.
Year |
Motorcyclist Fatalities |
Fatality Rate (per 100,000 registered vehicles) |
Source |
|---|
2018 |
4,985 |
59.17 |
NHTSA |
2022 |
5,576 |
65.06 |
NHTSA |
Data sourced from NHTSA's National Center for Statistics and Analysis. For the latest updates, visit NHTSA.
Legal Insights
Newsline's national legal analysts, provide expert perspectives on motorcycle accidents. Their insights emphasize the importance of thorough investigations in such cases.
“In cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent probe conducted to preserve evidence for a victim,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “In addition to a police report, an attorney will carefully review what may have contributed to the crash. Your lawyer has the resources to hire expert witnesses, conduct drivers’ background checks, locate witnesses to the crash, and review applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide the heartbroken family of a victim during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights and best interests, while ensuring that a driver is held accountable if they do not obey traffic laws.”
- Preserve evidence through independent investigations beyond official police reports.
- Hire experts to analyze crash contributions, including driver backgrounds and witnesses.
- Review insurance coverage to protect victims' families.
- Ensure accountability for traffic law violations.
Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal, adds:
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident. We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
Potential Wrongful Death Claims in Motorcycle Crashes
Families of victims in fatal accidents like this may pursue wrongful death claims for damages including loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Consulting a qualified attorney early is crucial to navigate the legal process.
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(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, is skilled in handling motorcycle accident cases. Contact her for a free consultation if you or a loved one needs legal guidance.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).