You can pursue financial compensation after a motorcycle crash by working with a Lake Charles motorcycle accident lawyer to cover your losses and assist you during your recovery. If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be dealing with costly property damage, lost wages, and painful physical injuries.
Recuperating from such an incident can be incredibly stressful and expensive. Fortunately, our team at Laborde Earles can help. Our personal injury lawyers in Lake Charles have over 350 years of combined experience, so you can rest assured that we have the knowledge and skill sets to assist with your case.
You can learn more by calling or completing our online contact form.
How a Lake Charles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You
A Lake Charles motorcycle accident attorney from our firm can provide the following legal services to make your claim as successful as possible:
Investigating Your Crash
We can quickly investigate the causes of your motorcycle accident to find the liable party. Depending on your needs, we may question witnesses, get a copy of your police report, and collect photos and videos showing the collision.
Fighting for Your Compensation
Your personal injury lawyer can work to maximize compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. Whether we seek damages through settlement negotiations with the at-fault driver’s insurer or by taking your case to trial, we work hard to recover fair compensation.
Helping with a Lawsuit
Filing a lawsuit can be difficult and time-consuming, even under the best circumstances. That said, you do not have to navigate the legal process alone. You can stay home, tend to your injuries, and spend time with your loved ones while we handle the entirety of your claim.
So, when should you get a lawyer for a motorcycle accident? The professionals recommend contacting an attorney immediately after a crash to take advantage of all the benefits of getting legal help.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientOur Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Identify the At-Fault Party
Determining who is responsible for a crash is not always easy. However, it is a vital step, as you must know who to sue before filing your lawsuit. Our highly experienced team of Lake Charles motorcycle accident attorneys can use evidence from the investigation to identify who is at fault.
Potentially liable parties in a motorcycle crash may include:
Other Drivers
Motorists can cause motorcycle accidents if they drive while distracted, tired, or impaired by alcohol or drugs. Some motorists cause crashes when they engage in reckless driving or ignore traffic laws.
An Auto Parts Manufacturer
Several things can go wrong when a car or truck has defective parts. If a tire blowout, brake malfunction, or another issue occurs due to a faulty part, our team can pursue compensation from the company that manufactured it.
A Mechanic
All vehicles require routine maintenance to run correctly and safely. Suppose a negligent mechanic fails to properly repair your bike or another vehicle involved in the crash. In that case, our Lake Charles motorcycle accident attorneys can work with an auto expert to determine if the ineffective repairs caused the crash.
If you have grounds for a claim, our legal team will happily help you figure out who to name in your lawsuit. Whether a negligent driver or a company is liable, we’ll ensure you get the payment you need to cover your financial losses and manage other effects caused by the incident.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientOur Attorneys Can Deal With the Insurance Company
If you choose to work with a motorcycle accident lawyer from our team in Lake Charles, we will likely advise you to file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance provider. While insurance policies can cover various economic and non-economic losses after a bike crash, insurance companies often hesitate to pay the damages that honest claimants deserve.
Insurers will do everything they can to reduce the money they have to pay you, even if it means suggesting that you are to blame for the incident. Our motorcycle accident attorneys are familiar with dishonest insurance tactics like this and are fully prepared to combat them.
Our team can present hard facts and evidence to insurance adjusters and argue why you deserve maximum compensation for your losses. We can negotiate a motorcycle accident settlement in many cases.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientA Lake Charles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can File a Lawsuit on Your Behalf
Insurance companies must only compensate you up to the highest limits of the policyholder’s claim. If your losses exceed the claim amount, you may need to recover the remaining amount in a motorcycle accident lawsuit. A civil suit may also be appropriate if the insurer repeatedly denies your claim.
If that’s the case for you, a motorcycle accident attorney from Lake Charles will gladly take your case to court and represent you in front of a jury. We can use witness testimony, sound legal theory, and undeniable evidence to obtain a verdict that works for you.
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientRecoverable Compensation in a Motorcycle Accident Case
When you work with a motorcycle accident lawyer from our law firm, we’ll meet to discuss the expenses, intangible losses, and other challenges you’ve faced due to the crash. This meeting will help us determine what damages you can collect for a motorcycle accident.
Whether you’ve suffered severe injuries, considerable damage to your vehicle, or a great deal of emotional distress from the collision, our team can work hard to recover the following damages on your behalf:
Medical Costs
You may qualify for compensation for any medical care you need after a crash, including:
- Emergency treatment
- Time in a hospital
- Medical diagnostic tests
- All medical procedures, including surgeries,
- Physical therapy and medications
We can track all of your current and long-term healthcare expenses.
Repair Bills
Economic damages can cover the bill if your motorcycle was damaged in the incident and needs to be repaired or replaced. You can also use compensation to pay for other property damage, like damage to your cell phone or other valuable items.
Loss of Income
Throughout your recovery period, you’ll probably have to take time off from work to go to medical appointments, rest, and attend to your injuries. These damages can replace any current or future income losses you incur on your journey to physical recovery.
Pain and Suffering
Our motorcycle accident lawyers have served numerous bike crash victims in the Lake Charles area. We’re closely familiar with how painful injuries can be for victims of serious motorcycle collisions. We’re committed to recovering the compensation you need to cope with your physical pain and discomfort.
Emotional Distress
The psychological impact of a traumatic event like a bike collision can be devastating. You may experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues due to the crash. Fortunately, we can seek payment to help you cope with the emotional distress and mental anguish you’re experiencing.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Sadly, some bike collision victims face long-term mental and physical impairments that significantly reduce their quality of life. If that’s the case for you, these damages can help you deal with the loss of enjoyment of life you’re dealing with.
We Can Help After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident
If your family member or spouse has passed away in a fatal accident, you might be unsure how to move forward. While it might not be your first instinct, filing a claim can help you get the support you need to cope with your loss, cover expenses related to your loved one’s passing, and stay strong during this trying time.
A Lake Charles wrongful death lawyer may help you file a claim after the loss of a loved one. If successful, your claim could yield the following damages:
Funeral and Burial Costs
These damages can cover expenses associated with your deceased loved one’s funeral and burial.
Pre-Death Medical Care
Wrongful death damages can cover medical expenses related to the treatment and care your loved one received right before they passed away. Our team can pursue payment for medication, medical equipment, and other necessary items. We will use all available medical records to document your losses.
Lost Financial Support
You may also access compensation for the financial support you would have received from the deceased had they not passed away. This support can include lost wages, benefits, pension plans, and other income the deceased would have provided to their family.
Loss of Companionship
Losing a loved one in a sudden motorcycle accident can result in emotional damage and feelings of loneliness, isolation, and sadness. These damages can help you cope with the emotions you’re experiencing due to your tragic loss.
Loss of Consortium
If you’ve lost a spouse or partner in a bike crash, you may experience a loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Lake Charles understand how hard this can be, so we focus on recovering these damages on your behalf.
If you have suffered the untimely death of a loved one, our experienced team can offer compassionate legal support. We will use all available evidence to prove the full extent of your loss and help you obtain the financial compensation you need to deal with the emotional impacts of this tragedy.
Louisiana Shared Fault Laws for Motorcycle Crashes
Whether you’re filing a claim for your motorcycle injuries or the loss of a loved one who was involved in a bike crash, Louisiana’s shared fault laws may impact your claim.
Louisiana Civil Code (CC) § 2323 establishes a pure comparative negligence system. Therefore, you can still get compensation for your damages, even if you or your loved one were partially responsible for the motorcycle collision.
When involved in a collision, motorcycle riders often share fault for the accident. For example, suppose a biker fails to wear proper safety equipment, such as a motorcycle helmet or other protective gear. In that case, they may be partially to blame for the injuries and losses caused by the incident.
How Shared Fault Impacts Your Award
Although you can still seek compensation if you were partially at fault for the crash, your injury settlement will be affected. You can expect your award to drop by your percentage of the blame. For example, if you were 25% at fault for the crash, you would only recover 75% of the settlement amount.
If you have questions or concerns about how shared liability may affect your motorcycle accident injury settlement, a motorcycle accident attorney from our legal team can provide clear and accurate answers.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
You could suffer from various physical injuries in a motorcycle crash. Since motorcyclists are at an increased risk of sustaining catastrophic injuries, your condition after a collision may be far worse than if you were involved in another type of motor vehicle accident.
What are the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents? The list includes the following injuries:
- Road rash
- Loss of limbs
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Concussions and other head injuries
- Broken bones and compound fractures
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Burns
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
You don’t need to suffer a life-threatening injury to be entitled to compensation. If you have sustained injuries that you might consider “minor,” contacting a motorcycle accident attorney in Lake Charles may still be worthwhile.
We can meet with you to discuss your legal options and determine how much compensation you need to cover current and future treatment costs.
How Long Do You Have To File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
The statute of limitations states that accident victims are only allowed two years to file a personal injury claim. However, under certain conditions, you might qualify for an extension. Consult our experienced attorneys to learn the deadline that applies to your case.
As long as two years have not passed from the date of your collision, you may qualify to sue for damages. However, after this deadline passes, your lawsuit may be dismissed, leaving you without the compensation you need to get your life back on track.
Our legal team urges you to reach out to a motorcycle accident attorney immediately after a bike crash. Doing so will allow your lawyer to file your motorcycle accident claim before the deadline.
The Timeframe to Get Compensation After a Crash
How long do motorcycle accident settlements take once you begin the legal process? Settlement negotiations may take only a few months in some cases. A lawsuit could take a year or more to resolve.
Contact our Lake Charles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer For Free
If you or a loved one are a motorcycle accident victim, a Lake Charles motorcycle accident lawyer from our team at Laborde Earles can help you seek damages to cover your medical expenses, cope with accident-related pain and emotional distress, and deal with other losses.
At Laborde Earles, we don’t believe in adding unnecessary financial pressure to an already stressful situation. That’s why we’re willing to represent you on a contingency-free basis. Instead of charging you out-of-pocket, we’ll take a portion of the money you receive from your claim in exchange for our services.
You can contact us today to schedule a free legal consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney. We’ll review the details of your case, explain your rights, and determine if you are eligible to pursue compensation.
