Motorcycles can be a thrilling, convenient way to get around, but they lack the physical protections offered by cars and other traditional vehicles. Motorcyclists are thus more likely to sustain serious injuries in a collision.
When you are injured in a motorcycle accident that was not your fault, you should not have to worry about how you will cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. At Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys, we empower our clients by providing the aggressive advocacy they need to seek compensation from negligent parties. Driven by our strong Christian values, our Gonzales personal injury lawyers have recovered billions of dollars for thousands of clients. We know how to strategically approach these cases and will always work to deliver the maximum available recovery.
We are available 24/7, so schedule a free, no-risk consultation by contacting us online or calling (225) 999-1111 today.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are no doubt aware of their inherent vulnerability and are thus especially cautious when on the road. Unfortunately, many motorcycle accidents occur due to the recklessness and misbehavior of other drivers.
Motorcycle accidents are frequently caused by:
- Excessive speeding
- Running stop lights and red lights
- Turning, merging, or changing lanes without signaling
- Distracted driving
- Driving while intoxicated
- Vehicles failing to maintain a safe distance from motorcycles
- Open car doors
Many motorcycle accidents occur due to reckless or negligent driving by other motorists. If your accident involved a negligent driver in a car, our Gonzales car accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Because motorcyclists are so exposed, they are more prone to sustaining catastrophic injuries in a collision. A catastrophic injury tends to be life-changing and confers some level of disability.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys in Gonzales are prepared to represent you if you suffered any of the following injuries:
- Abrasions
- Amputations
- Back or neck injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Internal organ damage
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal injuries
How Louisiana’s Motorcycle Laws Affect Liability
Louisiana treats a motorcycle like any other vehicle. This means it has a full right to the road, and motorcyclists must follow the traffic rules that apply to other drivers.
Motorcyclists are required to wear a helmet with sufficient padding, interior lining, a chin strap, and a visor whenever they operate their vehicles. Passengers must also wear a helmet and can only ride a motorcycle if they have a dedicated seat with footrests. Children are never allowed to ride motorcycles as a driver or passenger.
In Louisiana, motorcyclists are not allowed to “lane split,” the practice of passing vehicles by riding between lanes. Motorcyclists also cannot attempt to pass a vehicle while staying within the same lane.
Motorcycles share the road with a variety of vehicles, including large commercial trucks, which pose a significant danger in collisions due to their size and weight. If your accident involved an 18-wheeler or other large vehicle, our Gonzales truck accident attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of your claim.
If you were breaking one or more of these rules at the time of your accident, you could be found partially responsible for your injuries. This does not mean you cannot recover damages. Louisiana operates under comparative negligence rules, meaning you can still get some compensation if the court decides you share some of the blame. Not wearing a helmet or lane splitting could limit what you can recover, but you should still discuss your case with our team at Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys. We will evaluate the circumstances and advise how a rule violation might affect your claim.
What to Do After a Louisiana Motorcycle Accident
Call 9-1-1 and go to the hospital if you are seriously injured. If you can stay at the scene, call the police. Louisiana drivers are required to wait for law enforcement when any accident causes injuries.
While you wait for the police, take photos of your injuries, any damage to your motorcycle, the other vehicle, and any other conditions that may have contributed to the collision. Get contact information (including the name, address, phone number, license information, and insurance information) from the other driver. If you can, flag any witnesses and get their contact information.
It is smart to stay as silent as possible while you are at the crash scene. Do not be afraid to ask for contact information or to speak to the police when they arrive, but avoid small talk or saying anything that could imply fault. Remember that anything you say can (and probably will) be used against you.
After you leave the scene of an accident, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as you can and request a full medical evaluation. Some injuries may not be obvious and could have delayed symptoms, and you must receive prompt treatment.
Then, speak to a Gonzales motorcycle accident lawyer about your case. Do not talk to the other driver’s insurance company or representatives before you get legal advice. Our firm can provide swift, comprehensive support and walk you through your legal options.
How a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help You Recover Damages
You deserve to recover the compensation you need to cover all of your losses after a motorcycle accident. Insurance companies will not act in your best interest and generally look to pay out as little as possible. You need a legal advocate in your corner who will fight to put you back on top.
When you choose our firm, we will investigate your accident, determine liability, calculate the value of your claim, and build a robust case. We handle the legal process so that you do not miss any crucial deadlines and can focus on getting better. Our team also endeavors to negotiate a settlement whenever possible, avoiding a drawn-out court battle and allowing you to get the money you need faster. If a trial becomes necessary, we are well-equipped to represent you in court and will always seek to maximize your recovery.
Our Gonzales motorcycle accident lawyers will work to get you compensation for all applicable damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Contact a Gonzales Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
If you are already struggling to manage hospital bills and the financial consequences of missed work, you may be wondering how you can afford a motorcycle accident lawyer in Gonzales. The good news is Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys typically takes motorcycle accident cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and owe us nothing unless we win. This allows you to access the legal representation you need, no matter your financial circumstances.
You only have one year from the date of a motorcycle accident to take legal action in Louisiana, so do not wait to call a Gonzales motorcycle accident lawyer today at (225) 999-1111 or contact us online.