Craig Burns Killed in Ascension Parish Motorcycle Crash on LA 30

Editorial & Legal Accuracy Notice (Louisiana) This blog contains general legal and safety information and is not legal advice. Laws and deadlines change, and outcomes depend on specific facts. Reviewed, updated, or authored on February 22, 2026 by: Stephen Babcock, Louisiana trial lawyer

Facts our law firm has been able to confirm about this accident:

Summary

Louisiana State Police say a two-vehicle crash on LA Hwy 30 east of LA Hwy 73 in Ascension Parish occurred shortly before 5:45 a.m. on February 6, 2026, involving a 2015 Toyota Corolla and a 2025 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle.^{[^1]} LSP reported the motorcyclist, 28-year-old Craig Burns of Carville, died at the scene, and the investigation is ongoing.^{[^1]}

What we know so far

• Date/time: February 6, 2026, shortly before 5:45 a.m.^{[^1]}
• Location: LA Hwy 30 east of LA Hwy 73 in Ascension Parish, Louisiana.^{[^1]}
• Agency: Louisiana State Police Troop A investigated and issued the initial public release.^{[^1]}
• Vehicles: A 2015 Toyota Corolla and a 2025 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle were listed in the initial release.^{[^1]}
• Identity and outcome: LSP identified the motorcyclist as 28-year-old Craig Burns of Carville and reported he died at the scene.^{[^1]}
• Preliminary sequence: LSP reported the Corolla was stopped on a private road preparing to turn onto LA 30, and the motorcycle was traveling eastbound on LA 30.^{[^1]}
• Collision description (preliminary): LSP reported the Corolla entered LA 30 and attempted to turn westbound, and the motorcycle struck the driver-side front fender/door area.^{[^1]}
• Safety details reported: LSP stated Burns was wearing a DOT-approved helmet and the Corolla driver was not properly restrained and uninjured.^{[^1]}
• Impairment/toxicology: LSP stated impairment was not suspected at the time and that toxicology samples were obtained from both drivers.^{[^1]}

What’s still being investigated / not confirmed

• LSP has described its findings as preliminary and has stated the crash remains under investigation, so details may change as the investigation continues.^{[^1]}
• Any contributing factors (for example, roadway conditions, visibility, speed, distraction, or other issues) have not been stated in the initial LSP release.^{[^1]}
• LSP reported toxicology samples were obtained, but results were not included in the initial public release.^{[^1]}
• As of February 22, 2026, the Corolla driver’s name has not been publicly released in the sources reviewed by our firm.^{[^1]}

Where this happened

Louisiana State Police reported the crash occurred on LA Hwy 30 east of LA Hwy 73 in Ascension Parish.^{[^1]}

Official agencies involved & how crash reports typically work in Louisiana

Louisiana State Police Troop A investigated and issued the initial public information release for this crash.^{[^1]}

In Louisiana, the investigating law enforcement agency prepares the crash report, and reports are generally available through the agency that worked the crash (for example, state police, a sheriff’s office, or a municipal department, depending on where the crash occurred). Louisiana law also addresses when agencies must provide copies of crash reports and permits fees for copies.^{[^6]}

For crashes worked by Louisiana State Police, LSP explains that reports may be purchased online, and it asks the public to allow about 15 working days after the crash before submitting a request; it also notes that fatal crash reports can only be purchased in person at a local Troop office (not online). This timing and availability guidance can change, so we treat it as current as of February 22, 2026.^{[^4]}

The statewide LSP crash report portal similarly states that reports are typically available about 10–15 business days after the crash (or once approved), and that fatal crash reports are not available online. This portal information is current as of February 22, 2026 and may be updated by the state over time.^{[^5]}

Background about these types of accidents

Motorcyclists are more exposed than people inside passenger vehicles, which is one reason motorcycle crashes can cause severe injuries. NHTSA notes that motorcyclists are overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes and publishes ongoing national safety information encouraging drivers and riders to share the road and stay alert.^{[^13]}

Helmet use is one of the most consistently supported safety measures. CDC materials summarizing research report that motorcycle helmets are highly effective in preventing deaths and reducing head injury risk, and they cite estimates including around 37% effectiveness for preventing deaths for riders and a substantial reduction in head-injury risk; these are population-level estimates and do not predict outcomes in any single crash.^{[^14]}

For people riding in passenger vehicles, seat belt use remains a key safety factor. NHTSA summarizes that buckling up in the front seat of a passenger car can reduce the risk of fatal injury and moderate-to-critical injury by large margins (for example, NHTSA cites a 45% reduction in fatal-injury risk for front-seat passenger car occupants).^{[^15]}

Steps that can help after a suspected hit-and-run

• Get to a safe location if you can do so without creating additional risk, and call 911 to request law enforcement and medical assistance when needed.
• Write down what you can remember right away (vehicle description, direction of travel, partial plate, and the time and exact location), and save any photos or video you safely captured.
• Look for potential witnesses and nearby cameras (homes, businesses, traffic cameras), and note where they may be located so the investigating agency or your attorney can follow up.
• Notify your auto insurer promptly and keep copies of what you submit and receive. Louisiana’s Department of Insurance provides consumer guidance about auto insurance issues and claim concerns after a crash (this is general information and not policy-specific advice).^{[^12]}
• If you feel unwell or notice new symptoms later, seek medical evaluation and follow your clinician’s instructions; documentation can matter for both health and insurance purposes.

Legal information after a crash in Louisiana

This section is general information about Louisiana law and common claim issues. It is not legal advice, and the right approach depends on the specific facts, insurance policies, and evolving investigation.

Deadlines that may matter

Louisiana changed its general deadline for many “delictual actions” (a category that commonly includes personal injury claims). As of February 22, 2026, Louisiana Civil Code art. 3493.1 provides a two-year prescriptive period running from the day the injury or damage is sustained, with special rules in certain circumstances. This reflects the version enacted by Acts 2024, No. 423 (effective July 1, 2024), so older incidents may be governed by different rules depending on timing and specific legal exceptions.^{[^7]}

When a crash results in death, Louisiana law recognizes “survival” and “wrongful death” actions and specifies time limits for those claims. As of February 22, 2026, Civil Code arts. 2315.1 and 2315.2 reflect a one-year period from the date of death or two years from the day of injury/damage (whichever is longer), with additional details and exceptions in the statutes. These provisions reflect amendments effective August 1, 2025, so earlier deaths may be treated differently under prior versions of the law.^{[^9][^10]}

Comparative fault in Louisiana

Louisiana uses comparative fault rules that can reduce (and in some cases bar) recovery depending on each party’s share of fault. As of February 22, 2026, Civil Code art. 2323 reflects a modified comparative fault approach under which a person who is 51% or more at fault may be barred from recovering damages, while a person less than 51% at fault may recover reduced damages. This reflects the statute as amended effective January 1, 2026, so older crashes may be governed by prior versions of the law.^{[^8]}

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can be important when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough coverage to fully pay damages. Louisiana’s UM statute includes detailed rules about how UM coverage is offered, selected, rejected, and applied (including specialized rules for some policy types). Because policy language and selection forms matter, it’s usually wise to review the actual policy documents before drawing conclusions about coverage.^{[^11]}

How these rules may apply here (based on what’s confirmed so far)

• Because Louisiana State Police has stated this crash remains under investigation, early public information may be updated later. Families and witnesses often benefit from preserving what they know (photos, names of witnesses, and any available video sources) while memories are fresh.^{[^1]}
• LSP reported a fatality in this crash. In fatal crashes, families commonly have questions about who can bring claims and how deadlines work; the applicable time limits can depend on the specific claim type and the date the law applied. (For example, Louisiana’s general two-year delictual prescription and the survival/wrongful death time limits described above have both been amended in recent years.)^{[^1][^7][^9][^10]}
• LSP has not publicly identified the Corolla driver in the initial release and has not included all investigative details. In situations where facts are still developing, claim decisions (including insurance positions) can shift as more information becomes available, which is one reason documentation and careful communication often matter early on.^{[^1]}
• If you need the official crash report for insurance or legal reasons, Louisiana State Police explains that fatal crash reports are not available online and must be purchased in person at the local Troop office. This is procedural guidance as published by LSP and can change over time.^{[^4][^5]}

How we can help

If you or your family was impacted by the February 6, 2026 crash on LA Hwy 30 in Ascension Parish, Babcock Injury Lawyers can help you understand what information is available, what documents are typically important, and what questions to ask as the investigation continues. We do not promise outcomes, and we won’t speculate about fault before evidence supports it.^{[^1]}

Depending on your situation, our team can help by gathering available public information, helping you request the appropriate crash report through the proper agency, identifying potential evidence sources (such as witnesses or video), and communicating with insurance carriers so you can focus on your family and recovery.

About the author

Stephen Babcock is a Louisiana trial lawyer with Babcock Injury Lawyers. He represents people and families facing serious injuries and wrongful death matters, including motor vehicle and motorcycle crash claims. (No part of this article is legal advice, and results depend on the facts of each case.)

How this article was prepared

• Date of research: February 22, 2026.
• Incident reporting reviewed: Louisiana State Police public release(s) and local news coverage available as of the research date.^{[^1][^2][^3]}
• Legal/procedure sources reviewed: Louisiana statutes and official Louisiana State Police crash report guidance, plus national safety resources (NHTSA/CDC) for general background.^{[^4][^5][^7][^8][^9][^10][^11][^13][^14]}
• We will update this page if additional official information is released or if credible reporting clarifies key facts.

Sources & further reading

Primary/Official

• Louisiana State Police — “Motorcyclist Killed in Early Morning Crash in Ascension Parish” (Feb. 6, 2026)
• Louisiana State Police — Traffic Records Unit (crash report guidance) (accessed Feb. 22, 2026)
• Louisiana State Police Crash Reports Portal (accessed Feb. 22, 2026)
• La. R.S. 32:398 (Crash reports) (accessed Feb. 22, 2026)
• La. Civ. Code art. 3493.1 (Two-year prescription for delictual actions) (accessed Feb. 22, 2026)
• La. Civ. Code art. 2323 (Comparative fault) (accessed Feb. 22, 2026)
• La. Civ. Code art. 2315.1 (Survival action) (accessed Feb. 22, 2026)
• La. Civ. Code art. 2315.2 (Wrongful death action) (accessed Feb. 22, 2026)
• La. R.S. 22:1295 (Uninsured motorist coverage) (accessed Feb. 22, 2026)
• NHTSA — Motorcycle Safety (accessed Feb. 22, 2026)
• NHTSA — Seat Belts (accessed Feb. 22, 2026)
• CDC (archived) — Motorcycle Injury Prevention (HI-5) (accessed Feb. 22, 2026)
• Louisiana Department of Insurance — Auto (consumer information) (accessed Feb. 22, 2026)

News coverage

• WAFB — “Motorcyclist dies following crash in Ascension Parish” (Feb. 7, 2026)
• WBRZ — “Motorcyclist killed in early morning crash on La. 30 in Ascension Parish” (Feb. 7, 2026)

Corrections

If you believe something is inaccurate, contact pnc@stephenbabcock.com and we’ll review and update.

Footnotes

1. Louisiana State Police, “Motorcyclist Killed in Early Morning Crash in Ascension Parish” (news release), February 6, 2026.
   https://www.lsp.org/articles/motorcyclist-killed-in-early-morning-crash-in-ascension-parish/
2. WAFB, “Motorcyclist dies following crash in Ascension Parish,” February 7, 2026.
   https://www.wafb.com/2026/02/07/motorcyclist-dies-following-crash-ascension-parish/
3. WBRZ, “Motorcyclist killed in early morning crash on La. 30 in Ascension Parish,” February 7, 2026.
   https://www.wbrz.com/news/motorcyclist-killed-in-early-morning-crash-on-la-30-in-ascension-parish/
4. Louisiana State Police, “Traffic Records Unit” (crash report guidance), accessed February 22, 2026.
   https://lsp.org/about/leadershipsections/support/bcii/traffic-records-unit/
5. Louisiana State Police / Louisiana Department of Public Safety, “LSP Crash Reports (Non-Toll Road Report Number Requests)” (FAQ page), accessed February 22, 2026.
   https://crashreports.dps.la.gov/
6. Louisiana State Legislature, La. R.S. 32:398 (Crash reports; when and to whom made; fees), accessed February 22, 2026.
   https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=88361
7. Louisiana State Legislature, La. Civ. Code art. 3493.1 (Delictual actions; two-year prescription; Acts 2024, No. 423, effective July 1, 2024), accessed February 22, 2026.
   https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=1386443
8. Louisiana State Legislature, La. Civ. Code art. 2323 (Comparative fault; amended effective January 1, 2026), accessed February 22, 2026.
   https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/law.aspx?d=109387
9. Louisiana State Legislature, La. Civ. Code art. 2315.1 (Survival action; prescription; amended effective August 1, 2025), accessed February 22, 2026.
   https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=109370
10. Louisiana State Legislature, La. Civ. Code art. 2315.2 (Wrongful death action; prescription; amended effective August 1, 2025), accessed February 22, 2026.
    https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=109371
11. Louisiana State Legislature, La. R.S. 22:1295 (Uninsured motorist coverage), accessed February 22, 2026.
    https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=508161
12. Louisiana Department of Insurance, “Auto” (consumer information), accessed February 22, 2026.
    https://ldi.la.gov/consumers/insurance-type/auto
13. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “Motorcycle Safety,” accessed February 22, 2026.
    https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycles
14. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Motorcycle Injury Prevention | Health Impact in 5 Years” (archived page), accessed February 22, 2026.
    https://archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/policy/hi5/motorcycleinjury/index.html
15. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “Seat Belt Safety: Buckle Up America,” accessed February 22, 2026.
    https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/seat-belts
16. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), “Simple steps could reduce motorcyclist deaths — if only we’d take them,” August 24, 2023.
    https://www.iihs.org/news/detail/simple-steps-could-reduce-motorcyclist-deaths–if-only-wed-take-them