Representing Those With Motorcycle Accident Claims
People often view motorcycle riders as dangerous and reckless, but this is rarely the case.
Instead, the vast majority of motorcyclists are responsible and take precautions to keep themselves safe on the road, such as wearing the proper clothing, helmets, and protective eyewear and understanding the right way to operate a motorcycle.
Rather than being reckless, they enjoy riding their motorcycles, either as a way to relax or because they prefer a motorcycle to a car or truck.
But, even taking every safety measure, motorcyclists face danger every time they get on the road.
Motorcycle Statistics
Recent statistics show that motorcycles makeup only 3 percent of all registered vehicles in the United States but account for 15 percent of traffic fatalities.
Even more troubling: per vehicle, mile traveled, motorcyclists were more than 26 times as likely as car occupants to die in motor vehicle traffic crashes and five times more likely to be injured. This makes it imperative to have a New Orleans motorcycle accident lawyer.
What should you do After a Motorcycle Accident in New Orleans?
Motorcycle accidents can be frightening and may lead to life-altering consequences, especially if you sustain severe injuries. As such, it is imperative to take critical steps after a motorcycle accident to ensure that you avoid an even more terrible outcome.
Some of the critical steps you should take include:
Seeking Medical Attention Immediately
It is always critical to prioritize your health. Seek medical attention immediately after an accident. This applies even when you feel that the injuries are minor because even seemingly minor injuries can turn into much more severe issues down the road.
Contact the Police
You should always contact the police after an accident. This step is essential because it enables you to provide a detailed and accurate report of your accident. This makes sure that you can relay directly to the officer what happened in your accident. And more importantly, it confirms what the other party is going to say. Often, a driver may agree at the accident scene that they are responsible for an accident, but without a police report, they may try to change their story later completely.
Take Photos of the Scene and Contacts of Witnesses
You should take photos of the scene and the damage to your vehicle and the other vehicle. At the same time, obtain any contact information from the witnesses at the scene. Make sure you collect as much information as possible because it will be your only chance to get their phone numbers.
Speak with An Attorney
You may be inclined to contact the insurance company right away to start your claim. You can certainly do this but understand that the insurance company will take every step to gather the information that is helpful to their position and use your words against you at every turn.
This is why it is often best to speak with an attorney right after a motorcycle accident. An attorney will safeguard your interests against those of the insurance company. At the same time, they will ensure that you obtain the amount of compensation you deserve.
You must also be mindful of the quick statute of limitations that applies to motorcycle accidents in New Orleans. As a general rule, you have one year from when your motorcycle accident occurred to file a lawsuit, and failure to file within this time frame will render your claim time-barred.
As such, it is vital to have an attorney by your side who can help ensure you file within this time frame.
Determining Liability in a Motorcycle Accident in New Orleans
Although every case is unique, the question to be determined is always the same: who should be held responsible for the accident under Louisiana law?
Many times, these accidents aren’t caused by the rider but by the other drivers on the road. Car and truck drivers may refuse to share the road with motorcycle riders, don’t look for riders, or fail to yield to them.
Fortunately, the Louisiana motorcycle laws protect motorcycle riders. For example, motorcyclists are entitled to “full use of a lane, and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane” (La. Rev. Stat. 32:191.1).
Suppose a vehicle driver fails to give a motorcycle rider full use of the lane. In that case, there’s a strong argument that the driver was negligent and therefore responsible for any injuries that resulted.
An experienced New Orleans motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to present your care in the right way to prove who was negligent and should be held responsible.
When motorcycle accidents happen, it is essential to consult a motorcycle accident attorney and know your remedies to obtain compensation for your injuries.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in New Orleans and Around Louisiana
The number of motorcycle accidents in Louisiana is on the rise. Various factors are deemed to be the major contributors to these accidents. Put briefly, the leading causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Speeding
- Motorcycle defects
- Inexperienced drivers
- Lane splitting
- Driving under the influence
- Sudden stops
Types of Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents in New Orleans
Following a motorcycle accident, victims often sustain minor to severe injuries. These injuries include:
- Bone fractures
- Spinal cord injury
- Head, back, and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Cuts, bruises, and rashes
How Can a New Orleans Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help You Recover Compensation?
An attorney will help you through:
- Preparing all the legal documents
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Attend any legal proceedings to safeguard your interests
- Work with other professionals to help establish a valid claim.
An attorney from our law firm will ensure you receive proper compensation following a motorcycle accident or wrongful death lawsuit in New Orleans.
Louisiana Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you’ve sustained motorcycle accident injuries, call a New Orleans motorcycle accident attorney for a free case evaluation regarding your personal injury claim at (504) 564-7342 today. You will be able to talk through all of the issues in your motorcycle injury litigation case with an accident lawyer and start working on getting you compensated for your injuries.
Or, click here for answers to some questions commonly asked of New Orleans personal injury attorneys.
