Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Louisiana

Name: Motorcycle Accidents
Brand: Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers
Rating: 4.9 (1946 reviews)

Crash Tested, Client-Focused

Under Louisiana law, motorcyclists injured by another party’s negligence may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and long-term harm, but severe injuries, disputed liability, and rider bias make early legal protection essential. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers represents injured motorcyclists and families across Louisiana, including Lafayette, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Alexandria, Lake Charles, Marksville, New Iberia, and surrounding communities, and with more than 350 years of combined experience and over $1 billion recovered, our firm is equipped to handle complex motorcycle accident claims statewide.

David Laborde & Digger Earles

Founding Partners

$1 Billion+

Recovered for Louisianians

25+ Attorneys

Collaboration on every case

350+ Years

Combined years of experience

1,700+ Reviews

4.9 Google Rating

Motorcycle Accident Case Results Proven Results for Injured Louisianians

Motorcycle crashes frequently result in catastrophic injuries and high-value claims. Our attorneys have secured substantial verdicts and settlements for riders harmed by negligent drivers, unsafe road conditions, and defective vehicles throughout Louisiana.

Motorcycle Accidents $1.2 Million

Trial verdict for motorcycle accident victim

Motorcycle Accidents $120,000

Motorcycle accident with broken leg and surgery

Thousands of clients have trusted us and won.

See Our Case Results

Finding An Attorney Why Choose Laborde Earles for Your Motorcycle Accident Case?

Motorcycle accident cases demand focused advocacy, and a clear understanding of the unique risks riders face on Louisiana roads, especially when insurers rely on unfair stereotypes or attempt to shift blame to the motorcyclist. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers brings decades of experience protecting injured riders statewide and countering these tactics with thorough investigation and strategic case development.

Our firm has represented thousands of injured Louisianans and recovered more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements, including significant results for motorcycle accident victims facing permanent injuries and long-term disability. Recognized for trial excellence and leadership within Louisiana’s legal community, we approach every case with expert support and a litigation-first mindset—never pressuring clients into quick settlements that fail to account for future medical needs, lost earning capacity, or lasting harm.

About Us

Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

Michelle Brouillette is always so pleasant whenever I call or stop by the office. She always has a smile on her face.

Christine G.

I highly recommend Derek Hebert to anyone in need of a skilled and trustworthy attorney. From the very beginning, Derek was professional, honest, and ...

Brylan Cormier

Lafayette

Courtney Marsh is professional and passionate about her clients! Her communication skills are top notch and she has been amazing to work with! She is ...

Tori E.

Michelle Brouillette is a wonderful addition to the Laborde Earles team.

Melanie B.

I had an amazing experience working with my paralegal, Wesley Guillory, at Laborde Earles Law Firm. Wesley went above and beyond for me throughout the...

Jaine Fisher

Lafayette

I highly recommend Alexis Davis and this lawfirm. She is the true definition of professionalism, respect, understanding, patient, and many other thing...

R.S.

Lafayette

Toni is the absolute BEST!!!! Not only is she the best paralegal but she’s also the best person I know. She is so intelligent, knowledgeable, ca...

Sarah Jorden

Marksville

Bridgette is absolutely phenomenal! She's one of the most professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated paralegals I've ever had the pleasure of working ...

Brittany Johnson

Alexandria

They have good to keep me updated on the case but so far the settlement has not been reached.

Lisa S.

Over 1,700 5-Star Reviews

See What Our Clients Are Saying

Client SuccessStories That Define Laborde Earles

“If it wasn’t for that settlement, we wouldn’t have our home, my company or probably even the leg that I have now.”

Jude Herbert Motorcycle Accident Victim

Client SuccessStories That Define Laborde Earles

“I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t been for them. I’ve never had that much expertise and professionalism in my life.”

Rick Smith Truck Accident Victim

Jude Rick

Types of Motorcycle Accident Cases We Handle

Protecting Riders Across Every Type of Motorcycle Accident

We handle a wide range of motorcycle accident claims across Louisiana, including:

Vehicle–Motorcycle Collisions

Crashes caused by passenger vehicle drivers failing to notice motorcycles

Intersection & Left-Turns

One of the most common causes of severe rider injuries

Distracted Driving Accidents

Phone use and inattention leading to devastating, life-altering motorcycle impacts

Rear-End Collisions Accidents

High risk of ejection and spinal injury during rear-end impacts

Failure-to-Yield Accidents

Drivers misjudging speed or ignoring right-of-way causing serious motorcycle crashes

Road Hazard & Maintenance

Potholes, debris, and unsafe roadway conditions creating dangerous riding environments

Uninsured Motorist Claims

Accidents involving at-fault drivers without insurance coverage available for victims

Underinsured Motorist Claims

Limited insurance coverage complicating full recovery for seriously injured motorcyclists

Understanding Motorcycle Accidents in Louisiana Important Factors Louisiana Motorcyclists Should Know

Learn the causes of motorcycle accidents, typical injuries, and high-risk driving areas across Louisiana.

Common Causes Common Injuries High-Risk Areas

What are the
Common Causes?

Motorcycle accidents often happen because other drivers fail to notice riders or respect their right to share the road. Even a brief lapse in attention can result in catastrophic consequences.

Distracted Driving

Phones, navigation systems, and in-vehicle distractions divert attention from motorcycles
Failure to Check Blind Spots

Drivers overlook motorcycles during lane changes causing severe, preventable crashes
Impaired Driving

Alcohol or drugs impair time and judgment, increasing motorcycle crashes
Unsafe Turns

Left-turn accidents at intersections frequently cause catastrophic motorcycle injuries
Failure to Yield

Ignoring right-of-way rules leads to dangerous, often fatal motorcycle collisions
Poor Road Conditions

Potholes, gravel, and uneven pavement create unstable, hazardous riding conditions

Were You Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?

What are the
Common Injuries?

Without the protection of a vehicle frame, motorcyclists face a high risk of serious, permanent injuries.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Serious brain damage can occur despite helmet use during motorcycle crashes
Spinal Cord & Back Injuries

Often cause permanent paralysis, chronic pain, and lifelong mobility limitations
Fractures & Crush Injuries

Broken bones to arms, legs, and pelvis frequently requiring extensive surgery
Road Rash & Soft Tissue Damage

Severe skin abrasions causing nerve damage, infection risk, and permanent scarring
Internal Injuries

Hidden organ damage and internal bleeding requiring immediate emergency treatment
Psychological Trauma

PTSD, anxiety, and emotional distress affecting recovery and daily functioning

Were You Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?

Where They
Commonly Occur

Certain environments pose elevated risks for riders due to traffic patterns and visibility issues.

Interstate Highways

High-speed travel increases severity of multi-vehicle and commercial truck crashes
Busy Intersections

Failure-to-yield and red-light violations commonly cause dangerous side-impact collisions
Urban Corridors

Heavy congestion and distracted driving raise accident frequency and injury risk
Rural Roads

Limited lighting and delayed emergency response increase injury severity
Construction Zones

Lane shifts, reduced visibility, and driver confusion contribute to preventable crashes
School Zones

Increased pedestrian activity and congestion elevate collision risk during peak hours

Were You Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?

Next Steps What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Louisiana

Taking the right steps after a motorcycle crash can protect both your health and your claim:

Get Medical Care

Seek medical attention immediately, even if symptoms seem minor at first. Prompt evaluation protects your health, creates critical documentation, and helps identify injuries that may worsen over time.

Report the Crash

Contact law enforcement to report the accident and ensure an official crash report is completed. This record plays a key role in establishing fault and supporting your insurance claim.

Document the Scene

Take photos of vehicles, road conditions, injuries, and surrounding details when possible. Preserving visual evidence early can help clarify how the crash occurred.

Collect Witness Information

Obtain names and contact details from anyone who saw the crash. Independent witness statements can strengthen your claim and support disputed versions of events.

Avoid Insurance Statements

Refrain from giving recorded statements or accepting quick offers from insurers. Early statements may be used to limit or deny rightful compensation.

Contact Laborde Earles

Our experienced legal team can protect your rights, manage communication with the insurance company, and guide your case forward while you focus on recovery.

Early legal involvement often leads to stronger outcomes.

Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers on the phone at (337) 777-7777 Call Us 24/7

Motorcycle Accident Trends Data That Demands Safer Roads for Riders

Motorcycle riders represent a disproportionate share of serious and fatal roadway injuries in Louisiana.

Motorcyclists Are Far More Likely to Suffer Fatal Injuries

Riders face significantly higher fatality rates than occupants of passenger vehicles
High Injury Severity in Motorcycle Crashes

A large percentage of motorcycle accidents result in hospitalization or long-term disability
Intersections Account for Many Crashes

Failure-to-yield and left-turn accidents are a leading cause of rider injuries

Our Legal Team We fight for our own

Meet Our Team

Digger Earles

Founding Partner

Hunter, fisherman, and aggressive trial attorney, most recently securing a historic $5 million bad faith excess verdict.

Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyers
Acadiana Profile Top Lawyer
Top 100 National Trial Lawyers

David Laborde

Founding Partner

In addition to owning a ranch and hunting on the weekends, David is recognized as a top trial lawyer in Louisiana, most recently winning a $7.2 million settlement.

Top 100 Trial Lawyers
Acadiana Profile Top Lawyer
Multi–Million Dollar Advocates Forum

Alexis Davis

Attorney

Personal injury attorney at Laborde Earles, Alexis combines award-winning legal writing with diligent advocacy, focusing on protecting clients’ interests throughout Louisiana.

Best Case Note
Law Review award winner

Aaron Bergeron

Attorney

Personal injury attorney Aaron Bergeron brings a client-first approach shaped by courtroom and judicial experience.

Law Clerk, 27th Judicial District Court
Graduated cum laude, Southern University Law Center

Ben Alexander

Attorney

Litigation attorney Ben leverages years of experience defending catastrophic, maritime, and insurance cases, including those involving the Deepwater Horizon incident.

Deepwater Horizon MDL
Rising Star 2013–2018
Top 100 honoree

Cade Melancon

Attorney

Cade brings judicial and court experience, as well as catastrophic injury litigation skills developed from pre-suit preparation through trial support and appeals.

Federal court internship
District staff attorney

Carolina De La Pena Rogers

Attorney

Carolina represents motor-vehicle crash victims, applying nationwide immigration litigation experience with a proactive strategy, clear communication, and client-focused guidance.

Spanish speaker
Immigration courts admitted
Louisiana Association for Justice

Daniel Snellings

Attorney

With more than 30 years in complex litigation, Daniel represents injured victims in auto, maritime, product liability, toxic tort, and class matters.

Martindale-Hubbell rated
Best Maritime Attorneys 2022
NITA skills certificate

David Charles Laborde Jr.

Attorney

DC handles diverse injury matters, using prior insurance-defense and entertainment-law experience to anticipate tactics, strengthen claims, and guide clients through every step.

Former defense attorney
Louisiana Bar admitted
Tulane football letterman

Derek B. Hebert

Attorney

Personal injury attorney Derek Hebert takes a proactive, detail-driven approach, building cases early to apply pressure and pursue strong results.

Full-Tuition Merit Scholarship Recipient
Certificate in Civil Law Studies

Frances Gossen O'Neal

Attorney

Fran is an experienced litigator with strong research roots, clerkship experience, and broad court admissions, providing thoughtful, steady representation for injured clients.

23rd JDC clerkships
LSU Law J.D.

Jeanne Laborde

Attorney

Personal injury attorney Jeanne has spent decades guiding clients through treatment, billing, and insurance issues with diligence, clarity, and compassion.

Bilingual English/Spanish
20+ years serving clients

Jennifer Coussan

Attorney

Lafayette native Jennifer brings sharp judicial perspective from federal and appellate clerkships, strengthening litigation strategy, motion practice, and outcomes for clients.

Federal law clerk
Third Circuit attorney

Jonathan Chatwin

Attorney

Jonathan focuses on workers’ compensation and personal injury, combining accounting training and Army service with practical, disciplined advocacy for Louisiana clients daily.

U.S. Army veteran
Fifth Circuit admitted

Kade Stutes

Attorney

Storm claim attorney Kade serves Acadiana homeowners with local roots, judicial-clerkship experience, and a steady, responsive approach to complex insurance disputes.

27th JDC judicial clerk
Society VP
Louisiana Bar 2023

Kelby Rasmussen

Attorney

Kelby practices personal injury law, drawing on courtroom insight from district-judge clerkships, to provide clear answers and steady guidance to clients following serious accidents.

36th JDC law clerk
LAJ member

Kristen Broussard Guidry

Attorney

Kristen brings more than 25 years of experience and deep insurance-defense insight, now using industry knowledge to zealously advocate for injury clients.

Top 15% LSU
Outstanding Young Lawyer
Past YLA President

Mary Cryar

Attorney

Mary turns two decades of insurance and injury defense experience into advocacy for people facing serious injuries or denied insurance claims today.

NITA instructor
Taught LSU trial advocacy
Multi-state bar admissions

Nicholas R. Rockforte

Attorney

Nicholas represents clients in injury, complex litigation, and class actions, bringing a first-in-class mindset and underdog focus to every case for clients.

Top 40 Under 40
Levee counsel

Paul Laborde

Attorney

Personal injury attorney Paul Laborde brings a thorough, disciplined approach shaped by strong legal training and a deep respect for the profession.

LSU Law Graduate
Judicial & Legislative Experience

Robert (“Rob”) Marionneaux Jr

Attorney

Trial lawyer Rob focuses on catastrophic injury and wrongful death, delivering proven courtroom results while supporting families through life-changing tragedies today.

$20.6M verdict
Million Dollar Advocates
Hall of Fame inductee

Ryan Saunders

Attorney

Ryan brings first-responder experience and trial-driven precision to complex matters, dedicated to helping clients who need a prepared, strategic advocate always today.

First responder 10+ years
Felony defense
Patent bar passed

Scott Higgins

Attorney

Scott is a seasoned injury litigator handling wrongful death, maritime, and complex multi-party cases, valuing client relationships as much as results always.

AV Preeminent rated
Licensed in Louisiana/Texas

Shawn Bordelon

Attorney

Shawn is a personal injury litigator with defense-side insight, representing clients through trial and appeals, including matters that reach the Louisiana Supreme Court level.

Former defense counsel
Louisiana Supreme Court experience

Victor Rushing

Attorney

Victor is a pre-litigation attorney who guides injured clients through early case strategy, providing clear communication and responsive, detail-oriented representation.

Western District admitted
Knights of Columbus

Wesley Elmer

Attorney

Wesley evaluates claims from both sides, helping clients understand strengths and risks while pursuing fair outcomes in personal injury matters statewide fully.

Dual-perspective counsel
Fifth Circuit admitted
Former parish bar president

Will Casanova

Attorney

Will devotes his practice to Louisiana workers’ compensation, providing injured workers with steady, informed guidance to navigate benefits, treatment, and claims.

Past Acadia Bar President
Southern graduate

Amit Gulati

Attorney

Attorney Amit Gulati brings courtroom-tested advocacy and a trial-first mindset to personal injury and criminal defense cases.

Former Orleans Public Defenders Attorney
Extensive Felony Trial Experience

Injury Lawyers Louisiana Trusts When things go wrong, we're Louisiana Strong

Laborde Earles

Motorcycle Accident Claim What to Expect After Filing a Louisiana Motorcycle Accident Claim

Motorcycle accident claims move through several important stages. Knowing what to expect helps riders avoid missteps and insurer pressure.

Claim Initiation & Investigation

We secure crash reports, analyze vehicle damage, preserve scene evidence, and identify all contributing factors to build a strong foundation for your motorcycle accident claim.

Ongoing Medical Documentation

Our team tracks treatment progress, medical records, and long-term limitations to accurately reflect how your injuries affect your health, livelihood, and future care needs.

Settlement Negotiation

We challenge biased evaluations and insurer tactics, negotiating aggressively for compensation that accounts for both immediate losses and long-term consequences.

Litigation & Trial Preparation

If full compensation is denied, we prepare every case for trial, leveraging expert testimony and detailed strategy to hold responsible parties accountable.

Taking these steps early helps preserve evidence, strengthen your claim, and avoid preventable setbacks

Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers on the phone at (337) 777-7777 Call Us 24/7

Determining Compensation What Is My Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?

Determining compensation after an accident requires a careful evaluation of your injuries, financial losses, and long-term impact on your life. Understanding how damages are calculated helps ensure you pursue recovery that fully reflects both immediate costs and future needs.

Compensation can include:

Emergency and ongoing medical care
Lost wages and reduced earning ability
Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
Permanent disability or impairment
Scarring and disfigurement
Motorcycle repair or replacement

Ask One of Our Attorneys

Case Value Factors How Motorcycle Accident Case Value Is Evaluated

Case value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, permanent impairment, disfigurement, emotional trauma, and the impact on quality of life.

Evaluation Factor

What It Represents

Injury Severity

Whether injuries are temporary, long-term, or permanent

Medical Expenses

Current care costs and projected future treatment

Lost Income

Wages lost during recovery and missed work time

Reduced Earning Capacity

Impact on your ability to earn in the future

Pain and Suffering

Physical pain and emotional distress

Quality of Life Impact

Limits on daily activities and independence

Property Damage

Repair or replacement of your vehicle

Permanent Impairment

Lasting disability or physical limitations

Aggravating Factors

Reckless or impaired conduct increasing damages

Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

Get a Free Case Evaluation

(337) 777-7777 Call Us 24/7

Timeline Expectations How Long Does It Take to Receive Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident?

The timeline depends on injury severity and insurance cooperation. We move cases forward efficiently without sacrificing long-term financial security.

Shorter Timelines

Cases involving clear liability and limited injuries may resolve more quickly once medical treatment stabilizes and insurers cooperate during negotiations.

Longer Timelines

Claims involving serious injuries, disputed fault, or biased insurer defenses often take longer due to investigation, medical evaluation, and complex negotiations.

Our Approach

We move cases forward efficiently while protecting long-term recovery, never rushing resolutions that fail to reflect your full damages.

Early legal involvement often leads to stronger outcomes

Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers on the phone at (337) 777-7777 Call Us 24/7

Determining Responsibility Who is Liable for a Motorcycle Accident?

Determining liability after a motorcycle accident can be complex, especially when insurers attempt to shift blame onto the rider. Identifying all responsible parties is essential to protecting your claim and pursuing full compensation for your injuries.

Liability may include:

Negligent passenger vehicle drivers
Commercial drivers or employers
Government entities responsible for unsafe roads
Vehicle or parts manufacturers
Alcohol-serving establishments (when applicable)

Find Out What Your Case Might Be Worth

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Guidance you can trust, from people who actually know.

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Motorcycle Accident FAQs Clear Answers to Important Questions

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Louisiana?

In most cases, Louisiana law allows one year from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline can permanently bar recovery, so acting quickly is critical.

Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

Yes. While helmet use may be raised by insurers, it does not automatically bar recovery. Louisiana follows comparative fault, meaning compensation may still be available depending on the circumstances.

Why are motorcycle accident claims treated differently by insurance companies?

Insurers often rely on unfair bias, arguing riders were reckless or at fault. These tactics can undervalue serious injuries unless challenged with evidence and strong legal advocacy.

What compensation is available after a motorcycle accident in Louisiana?

You may recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, long-term disability, and, in fatal crashes, wrongful death losses for surviving family members.