Lafayette Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Lafayette Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycle crashes can cause deep pain. Many riders suffer serious injuries that change their lives. Legal help might seem far away. Guidance from a Lafayette motorcycle accident lawyer can make a real difference.

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Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC delivers strong results across the Gulf Coast. We have experience recovering damages for victims of personal injuries, including $17 million for a brain injury case. We have also recovered a $1 million settlement for a wrongful death crash in Georgia. We don’t back down from trucking companies or bad-faith insurers.

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What to Do After a Crash

Some of the most important moments after a crash are immediately after it. First, stay safe. Call for help. If you’re able, contact law enforcement and ask for an ambulance. Getting medical care early can protect your claim.

Next, try to gather what you can. Take photos of the crash scene and your bike. Get contact information from witnesses. Don’t talk about fault with the other driver. Their insurance may use that against you later.

Finally, see a doctor, even if you don’t feel hurt. Some injuries take time to show up. Keep all records. If an insurance adjuster calls, don’t accept a settlement without legal advice.

Who May Be at Fault

Fault in a motorcycle crash can fall on more than one person. The other driver is often the first target. They may have failed to yield or turned left across the rider’s path.

In some cases, a business may be liable. This can include trucking companies that hired the driver. Delivery services could also be liable if their driver caused the crash. They may have pushed drivers to work too fast.

Fault can also come from road design or maintenance. Broken pavement or debris can play a role. A defective motorcycle part can share the blame, too. Every crash should be reviewed in detail to find out who caused the harm.

Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle injuries are often severe. A lack of protection puts the rider at high risk. Even a slow crash can cause lasting damage. Common injuries include:

• Head injuries. Helmets reduce risk, but they don’t prevent all trauma. 60% of motorcycle fatalities in 2021 occurred when the cyclist was wearing a helmet. Concussions and brain bleeds are common. These injuries can affect balance and cognition. Some riders need long-term care.
• Road rash. Skin that scrapes across asphalt can get badly damaged. These wounds may need skin grafts. Infections are common if not treated fast. Protective gear can help, but it isn’t perfect.
• Broken bones. Limbs often take the hit after a motorcycle crash. Even fractures might need surgery. Some riders can’t return to their jobs or hobbies. Recovery may take months.
• Spinal injuries. Falls can damage the back or neck. These injuries can limit movement. They can also cause lasting pain. In the worst cases, the rider may lose the function of their limbs.
• Internal injuries. A crash can cause bleeding inside the body. Internal organs can get hurt. These are especially dangerous because they are often hidden at first but can be life-threatening.

There were 91 motorcycle-related deaths in Louisiana in 2022. Even if you only sustained injuries, they are still serious. No pain should be ignored.

What Makes Motorcycle Cases Different?

Motorcycle crash claims are not like car crash cases. Riders face more bias. Many people believe bikers take more risks. That view can hurt a claim unless it’s challenged with facts.

The injuries are usually worse. That makes the medical part of the claim more detailed. Long-term care or surgeries may be needed. That raises the stakes for everyone involved.

Insurance companies also treat these claims with more resistance. They may blame the rider even when the facts say otherwise. An experienced attorney can spot these tactics in order to fight back.

Why Do I Need an Attorney?

It can be risky to file a claim without a lawyer. Insurance companies know the law. They may offer less than what your case is worth. Or they may deny the claim outright.

An attorney can gather evidence and push the case toward a fair result. They can also handle calls from the other side. That gives the injured person more time to focus on healing.

If the case goes to court, legal skill matters even more. Trials have strict rules. The other rise will bring legal help. The injured rider should do the same.

FAQs

Can I Still Recover Damages If I Was Partially at Fault for a Motorcycle Accident?

You can still recover damages if you were partially at fault for a motorcycle accident. Louisiana follows a comparative fault rule. This means that a rider could recover compensation even if they shared some of the blame. The court or insurance company may reduce the amount based on fault percentage.

What If the At-Fault Driver Was Uninsured or Underinsured?

In Lafayette, if the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured, the injured person may still have options. Many riders carry this type of auto insurance coverage, often called UM or UIM. That policy can help pay for damages. If there is no UM coverage, the claim becomes harder. A lawyer can review every possible path for recovery.

How Are Pain and Suffering Calculated in a Motorcycle Accident Case?

Pain and suffering are calculated in a motorcycle accident case based on how the injury changed a person’s life. Pain and suffering are not fixed amounts. Insurance companies look at medical records and any permanent effects. Some use a formula to multiply medical costs. But these are normally only starting points.

How Long Does a Motorcycle Injury Case Usually Take to Resolve?

How long a motorcycle injury case usually takes to resolve varies depending on how serious the injury is. Some cases are resolved quickly, while others take a long time. The case moves faster if the facts are clear and there’s good insurance. If the case involves a dispute about fault or damages, it may take longer.

No Pressure, Only Facts

The death rate for motorcyclists has increased by 13% over the last 10 years. Even injured riders need strong representation. Someone must challenge the insurance companies and negligent drivers. Schedule a consultation with Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC, to talk through your case.