The Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that motorcyclists account for 17% of all traffic fatalities. This figure is quite high considering that motorcycles make up only 3% of all vehicles on the road. The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be very costly. The injuries sustained are often catastrophic and require advanced treatment interventions.
You and your family should not incur the accident-related costs from a motorcycle crash caused by someone else. If another person’s negligence causes your motorcycle accident, you can file for compensation. A Port Barre motorcycle accident lawyer can help you take legal action against the liable party.
Recoverable Damages After a Motorcycle Accident
The three categories of damages you can receive are special, general, and punitive damages. Special damages compensate you for ascertainable economic losses that you have suffered as a result of the accident. These damages may include:
- Repair bills for property damaged in the crash
- Replacement costs for property lost or too damaged
- Future and current medical expenses
- Reduced earning capacity
- Wages you have lost and may lose during the recovery period
Ascertaining the full value of your special damages is a difficult task to handle on your own. A motorcycle accident lawyer will work with financial experts who can determine how much economic losses you have suffered. General damages compensate you for non-economic losses that you have suffered. These are damages that take into account your pain and suffering. The court may also factor in:
- Disfigurement
- Loss of companionship if the injured party dies
- Reduced quality of life
Louisiana law does not normally allow for the awarding of punitive damages. But you may be eligible to recover punitive damages if the motorcycle accident was due to intoxication. Louisiana Art. 2315.4. states that punitive damages can get awarded if the liable party acted in reckless disregard for the injured party’s safety.
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.
ClientCauses of Motorcycle Accidents in Port Barre
Motorcycle accidents are often caused by other motorists. Motorcycles are smaller in size and motorists often claim that they did not see them on the road. But this is no defense and you should not get deterred from pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party. Motorcycle accidents occur due to:
- Distracted driving i.e., using a phone while at the wheel
- Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs
- Speeding and failing to stop at a red light
- Following other vehicles too closely
- Refusing to yield the right of way
A Port Barre motorcycle accident lawyer will investigate your case to determine what caused the accident. Determining what caused a motorcycle accident is key to proving that the liable party’s negligence resulted in your injuries.
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 | ClientSteps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
Seeking medical attention should be the first thing you do after a motorcycle accident. If you feel fine, assess the condition of other parties involved in the accident but remember to get a medical check-up even if you are not visibly injured. You may have internal injuries that are being masked by your body’s shock response so you are initially unaware of them. There are injuries with delayed symptoms that may get worse without medical intervention.
The second step you should take if you are able, is to gather the contact and insurance information of the other party involved in the accident. Do not leave the scene of the accident without first speaking with the police, the police will likely want to record your statement.
You should contact your insurance company and report the accident. This is a necessary step in cases where the liable party has fled the scene of the accident. Informing your insurance company of the accident may be a requirement to qualify for underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage.
You should also contact a personal injury lawyer as quickly as possible after the accident. Before beginning any negotiations with the liable party’s insurer, it’s best to reach out to a lawyer to find out what legal options are available to you.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientHow a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
A Port Barre motorcycle accident lawyer will first review your case. They will likely develop a course of action that mainly involves gathering evidence to support your claim for damages. Motorcyclists are often viewed negatively after an accident by other motorists. Having someone on your side means your interests and rights will be protected.
A motorcycle accident lawyer will likely want to gather statements from witnesses. The witness statements may help collaborate your own account of the accident. If the accident occurred in an area under surveillance, a lawyer may be able to acquire video footage of the accident. Depending on your case, a lawyer may decide to find out the other party’s driving history.
A lawyer has many resources and well-established networks that can act as great sources of information. This can help you gather more evidence as you plan to take legal action to recover damages. If your claim goes to trial, a motorcycle accident lawyer may decide to work with several different experts such as reconstruction experts in order to build a strong case.
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.
ClientWhen Should You File a Claim?
The best time to file a claim against the liable party is immediately after the accident. You do not need to handle the claims process alone while still recovering from your injuries. A motorcycle accident lawyer can initiate the claims process as soon as they have accepted your case.
A Port Barre motorcycle accident lawyer can represent you in court and during negotiations, if you are physically unable due to the injuries sustained. A lawyer will help walk you through the claims process before the statute of limitations lapses.
Consult a Port Barre Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Injured parties are often apprehensive of hiring personal injury attorneys due to the associated costs. Our Port Barre motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not have to worry about hiring costs or upfront fees. Don’t hesitate to contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. Our full focus is on helping you pursue the available options to recover damages.
