You might have suffered serious injuries if you or a loved one were hurt in a motorcycle accident. With the help of a Metairie motorcycle accident lawyer, you can hold the negligent party responsible for any of your damages that resulted from the accident.
The Laborde Earles Metairie personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront or out-of-pocket charges. Therefore, you do not pay our law firm anything unless and until we obtain compensation for you.
Understanding Louisiana Motorcycle Laws
Louisiana imposes strict laws on motorcycle riders. According to the Louisiana Revised Statutes (RS) §32:198, those aged 15 and older can possess a valid motorcycle license. With that, they are not permitted to drive on sidewalks and highways. In other words, they should stick to riding on the main roads or taking back roads to reach their destination.
In addition, RS §32:190 requires all motorcyclists to wear a helmet with a chin strap, visor, lining, and padding. Failure to wear your helmet with these requirements results in a $50 fine.
Once you file a motorcycle accident claim with the other party’s insurance company, they will see if you follow these statutes. If you did not, they may try to blame you and not take any responsibility. After all, the Louisiana Civil Code (CC) §2323 says that your financial award may be reduced if you hold any fault for the accident. For example, if you are 20% to blame for the accident, you will only receive 80% of your settlement.
Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Metairie, LA
If you followed all these laws, the insurance company still might try to find inconsistencies in your side of the story. This is where a Metairie motorcycle accident lawyer can come in. They can stand up for your rights, demonstrate that you took all the necessary precautions, and follow all relevant laws accordingly.
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.
ClientYou Can Be Reimbursed for Your Accident-Related Losses
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident may have triggered your financial hardship. Should you decide to sue the negligent party, you can receive compensation to make up for the costs.
Medical Expenses and Damages
One of the most common types is medical damage. Once the accident happened, an emergency vehicle probably transported you to the hospital to receive necessary medical care. You may have had to stay overnight and undergo tests, such as X-rays, blood work, MRI and CT scans, and a physical examination.
After the doctor releases you from the hospital, you might need ongoing care, including follow-up doctor’s appointments, prescription medications, and chiropractic and physical therapy sessions.
Loss of Income
It is possible that the accident and its consequences affected your work life. In some cases, motorcycle accident victims cannot work because of treatment, permanent disabilities, or their motorcycle injuries simply will not allow them to go to work.
If they can return to work, they may have to work fewer hours or take a lower-paying, sedentary job. In that case, you can claim a loss of income when you file your case.
Property Damage
Your motorcycle could have gotten damaged or destroyed in the accident. Your main source of transportation is no longer available, and you have no choice but to get around via expensive, temporary transportation.
You might then have the option to claim property damages. This loss is not limited to your motorcycle, as your other damaged belongings may need to be repaired or replaced.
Non-Economic Damages
You might have noticed that all of the above damages have a monetary value. However, you are not just limited to claiming these types of losses. You can sue for damages that affect your physical and psychological well-being, like non-physical pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Your motorcycle accident injuries may keep you from doing things you once enjoyed, like exercising and social outings with friends and family. When this suddenly stops, it’s unfair, so keep these things in mind while pursuing justice.
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 | ClientMore About a Lawyer’s Services
A lawyer’s main priorities are to protect your rights and help you receive fair compensation. Many factors go into these goals. Some of these are listed below.
- Gathering evidence: Medical records and bills, pay stubs, photos of your injuries, photos of the accident scene, the accident or police report, video surveillance, eyewitness testimony
- Negotiating a settlement: Insurance companies often offer a low settlement initially. An experienced lawyer can negotiate with them to get you the fairest award. Remember that accepting the insurance company’s offer is up to you. However, a lawyer can advise you on what would be a suitable award for you.
- Organization: A lawyer can set up court dates, depositions, and other meetings and submit all the necessary paperwork on time.
- Informing you: You might have questions about your case throughout the legal process. A lawyer would be happy to address any of your questions and concerns. They can also continuously update you on the status of your case until the very end of the legal battle.
- Going to trial: Although this scenario is unusual, a lawyer can take your case to court and represent you to get the most favorable outcome.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientThe Statute of Limitations
If you want to file a lawsuit, act quickly. The CC §3492 permits victims and their family members to file generally two years after the day of the auto accident or the day of death. If they do not bring their lawsuit in time, the court will most likely reject it. In that case, the negligent party does not have to reimburse you for the damages they caused, leaving you to pay for them.
Given certain circumstances, however, a judge may extend the statute of limitations 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.
ClientContact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Metairie, LA
The consequences of a motorcycle accident can be devastating, forcing you to take on an inconvenient and difficult lifestyle. Justice can still be served. To find out how a Metairie motorcycle accident lawyer can help you, contact Laborde Earles personal injury attorneys now.
