If you or a loved one was hurt in a motorcycle accident, you might have suffered serious injuries. 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. For more information, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (337) 777-7777.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront or out-of-pocket charges. Therefore, you do not pay us anything unless and until we obtain compensation for you.
You 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.
One of the most common types is medical damages. Once the accident happened, an emergency vehicle probably transported you to the hospital. Maybe you had to stay overnight and undergo tests, such as X-rays, blood work, MRI and CT scans, and a physical examination. After the doctor released you from the hospital, you might need ongoing care, including follow-up doctor’s appointments, prescription medications, and chiropractic and physical therapy sessions.
It is possible that the accident and its consequences affected your work life. In some cases, motorcycle accident victims cannot go to work because of treatment, or their injuries will not permit. If they can go back to work, maybe they 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.
Your motorcycle could have gotten damaged or completely 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 just limited to your motorcycle, as your other belongings that were damaged may also need to be repaired or replaced.
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 pain and suffering and disfigurement. Your 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 during your pursuit of justice.
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Louisiana Motorcycle Laws
Louisiana imposes strict laws on motorcyclists. According to the Louisiana Revised Statutes (RS) §32:198, those aged 15 and older are allowed to 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 get to 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 claim with the other party’s insurance company, they are going to see if you followed all of these statutes. If you did not, then they may try to pin the blame on you and not take the majority of or any responsibility. After all, the Louisiana Civil Code (CC) §2323 says that if you hold any fault for the accident, your financial award may be reduced. For example, if you are 20% to blame for the accident, you will only receive 80 percent of your settlement.
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 followed all relevant laws accordingly. Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers at (337) 777-7777 today for a free consultation.
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More About a Lawyer’s Services
A lawyer’s main priorities are to ensure your rights are protected and help you receive compensation. Many factors go into these goals. Some of which are listed below.
- Gathering evidence: Medical records and bills, pay stubs, photos of your injuries, photos of the accident scene, the accident report, video surveillance, eyewitness testimony
- Negotiating a settlement: Insurance companies often offer a low settlement initially. A lawyer can negotiate with them to get you the fairest award. Keep in mind that it is up to you to accept the insurance company’s offer. 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 in addition to submitting all the necessary paperwork on time.
- Informing you: You might have a lot of questions about your case throughout the whole 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.
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The Statute of Limitations
If you want to file a lawsuit, act quickly. The CC §3492 permits victims and their family members to file generally one year after the day of the accident or the day of death. If they do not bring their lawsuit in time, the court will most likely reject their lawsuit. 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.
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Take Legal Action Today
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, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers now. Our number is (337) 777-7777.
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