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Email Us NowHelping Injured Motorcyclists Pursue Financial Recovery Following an Accident
For many motorcycle riders, their bike is not just a form of transportation; it’s a way of life. And to be sure, a motorcyclist does experience America’s roadways differently than most other motorists. Part of that experience, quite unfortunately, is the danger and risk. Compared to drivers of most motor vehicles, motorcyclists are relatively exposed to the elements and the dangers of the road in instances of wrecks or collisions. Though there are rules and recommendations for motorcycle riders to help ensure their safety, no helmet or protective gear is ever truly enough to save them from all harm. Many motorcycle accidents result in severe injuries, and a troubling number of such crashes result in death.
On average, there are approximately 2,000 motorcycle traffic accidents in Louisiana annually. Of those thousands of auto accidents, close to 100 result in wrongful death claims on behalf of the motorcycle rider’s families.
There is an unfair preconception among the public and insurance companies that motorcycle riders are inherently reckless and a danger to themselves and others. Despite that, statistics show that many motorcycle accident cases arise from instances of negligence on the part of the other drivers involved in the collision. Too often, the reputation of recklessness for motorcycle riders is unearned, but they are treated with disrespect and disbelief anyway. When filing an insurance claim, an injured motorcycle rider may find that the other driver’s insurance company is unwilling to offer a settlement satisfactory to the personal injury claim. That is why it is highly recommended to retain professional legal representation experienced in handling the complexities of a motorcycle accident case when pursuing justice and financial compensation.
Landgrave Garcia Injury Attorneys is a personal injury law firm located in Lafayette, Louisiana. We are dedicated to protecting the legal rights of injured community members who have been wronged in accidents caused by someone else’s negligence. Our personal injury law firm has years of experience representing clients in motor vehicle accident cases, including the sometimes more challenging motorcycle accident cases. We would be proud to represent your legal interests as you seek compensation for your injuries and other losses following your motorcycle accident. To learn more about our legal services, please schedule a free initial consultation with our Lafayette, LA, law office today.
What Should an Injured Motorcycle Rider Do After a Collision?
The very first thing you must do after being the victim of a motorcycle accident is to assess your injuries. If you are still in the middle of the road, attempt to move to the side of the road to safety. Check your body for all injuries, and do not attempt too much physical exertion while you are still badly jarred following the accident. If you were riding with a passenger, attempt to check on their injuries as well.
It is highly recommended to seek immediate medical attention following any auto accident, but especially after a motorcycle crash. Simply put, minor injuries are relatively rare in motorcycle accidents. And though you may feel that your injuries are nothing serious at the start, they may later worsen, and it is vital that you get the medical care you require to treat them. Not only that, but failure to get adequate medical treatment following your motorcycle collision could result in your personal injury lawsuit being dismissed by the other party’s insurance company.
Exchange insurance provider information and contact information with all others involved in the motorcycle accident. If the at-fault driver attempts to flee the scene of the accident, do not follow them. Instead, attempt to document the make and model of their vehicle and capture an image of their license plate.
While awaiting the arrival of law enforcement and paramedics, document the accident scene with photographs and video with your cell phone. Imagery of your motorcycle accident injuries, the state of your bike and the other vehicle that struck you, as well as debris and skid marks on the road could be valuable evidence for your case at a later date. When the police arrive, provide them with your accident report.
If an insurance adjuster arrives on the scene, you are under no obligation to speak with them. While insurance adjusters may seem sympathetic to your plight, they are only there to represent the interests of their insurance company providers. Anything you say to an insurance adjuster could result in the insurer limiting your total settlement.
Contact our law firm for legal guidance in your motorcycle accident case. Landgrave Garcia Injury Attorneys is a legal practice with extensive experience representing clients in traffic accidents, including the complexities of motorcycle accident cases. We would be proud to assist you through the legal process of your motorcycle accident claim. Schedule your free case review today.
What Are Common Causes of Accidents Involving Motorcycles?
Sometimes, motorcycle accident cases are caused by poor road conditions, which is unfortunately not uncommon in Louisiana. But more often, accidents are caused by negligent drivers.
Common causes for motorcycle wrecks in Louisiana include:
- Defective motorcycle parts.
- Distracted driving.
- Driving over the speed limit.
- Driving under the influence of marijuana, stimulants, or other drugs.
- Drunk driving.
- Failure to check blind spots.
- Failure to yield to the right of way.
- Inadequate guardrails.
- Inadequate lighting.
- Lane splitting.
- Missing or hidden traffic signs.
- Motorists following too closely behind a motorcycle.
- Pavement defects and road debris.
- Sudden stops.
- Texting while driving.
- Unsafe lane changes.
- And more.
What Types of Motorcycle Accident Cases Does Our Personal Injury Law Firm Represent?
Just as motorcycle accidents can happen in a variety of different ways, you need a personal injury lawyer who is experienced in representing all types of motorcycle accident cases.
Our motorcycle accident lawyers represent the following cases:
- Accidents involving commercial trucks.
- Distracted driving accidents.
- Drunk driving accidents.
- Involving defects caused by the motorcycle manufacturer.
- Head-on collisions.
- Highway accidents.
- Lane splitting accidents.
- Left turn accidents.
- Rear-end collisions.
- And more.
What Are Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
It is not uncommon for a motorcycle accident to result in catastrophic injury to the motorcycle rider or motorcycle passenger.
Common injuries seen in a motorcycle wreck include:
- Bone fractures.
- Disfigurement.
- Hearing loss.
- Internal bleeding.
- Loss of limbs.
- Loss of sight.
- Organ damage.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Road rash.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- Wrongful death.
Whether the injuries were severe or minor, motorcycle accident victims deserve the right to pursue compensation for their pain and suffering, especially when the cause of the accident was someone else’s negligent actions. We would be proud to assist you in your pursuit of financial recovery.
What Sort of Settlement Can an Injured Motorcyclist Hope to Recover?
With a strong personal injury claim, it is possible to recover financial compensation capable of compensating injured motorcyclists and their dependents following tragic motorcycle accidents. Your motorcycle accident lawsuit could recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages may include compensation for the following:
- Funeral, memorial, and burial expenses in the event of a wrongful death.
- Lost wages and lost income earning capacity
- Past medical bills and future medical expenses.
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation expenses.
- Property damage.
Non-economic damages can help compensate you for the following:
- Disfigurement, dismemberment, and disability.
- Emotional pain and mental anguish.
- Lost companionship or consortium.
- Lost quality of life or enjoyment of life.
- Pain and suffering.
- Wrongful death.
In certain unique motorcycle accident cases, it may be possible to pursue punitive damages. This typically only happens in cases of wanton neglect, intentional maliciousness, or abject recklessness as the cause of a motorcycle accident. To learn more about punitive damages, we encourage you to contact our law offices to schedule your free consultation today.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash or lost a loved one in a collision, you need an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to represent your interests in and out of the courtroom. With a strong personal injury claim, it is possible to recover financial compensation for your injuries and financial losses that resulted from the motorcycle accident.
Our personal injury law firm has years of experience providing compassionate and empathetic legal care to clients and their families following traumatic motor vehicle accidents. Whatever the facts and circumstances of your motorcycle accident case, we would be proud to represent your interests as you seek justice for harm done against you and your family.
Schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation today by calling us at 337-242-7604.