Gonzales / Ascension Parish Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

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 also 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.

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 it is important that you receive prompt treatment. 

Then, speak to a 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 Ascension Parish motorcycle accident lawyers will work to get you compensation for all applicable damages, including:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LOUISIANA MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

HOW MUCH DOES A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER COST?

If you are already struggling to manage hospital bills and the financial consequences of missed work, you may understandably be wondering how you can afford a personal injury lawyer. The good news is our firm 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 motorcycle accident lawyer today at (225) 230-3110 or contact us online.