If you or a loved one was involved in a motorcycle accident in New Orleans, you may be eligible for compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. Protect your right to compensation by contacting a New Orleans motorcycle accident lawyer from Wright Gray Law Firm today.
New Orleans Motorcycle Accident Guide
Motorcycle Accident Attorney in New Orleans
New Orleans has the perfect weather and scenery to take in a long ride along the Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge, over to the Pearl River Wildlife Management Area, and down the Gulf Coast Highway into southern Mississippi. Unfortunately, motorcycle crashes happen in the Big Easy, and often, they are deadly. You may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Talk with a New Orleans motorcycle accident lawyer from Wright Gray Law Firm today and let's discuss your case.
Why Choose Wright Gray Law Firm?
Two experienced New Orleans personal injury attorneys teamed up to form the legal force known as Wright Gray Law Firm. With more than six decades of combined legal experience, the legal team at Wright Gray has recovered millions of dollars for their clients through verdicts and settlements. They are dedicated to helping injured victims and those who lost loved ones to wrongful death in their great time of need to recover damages from stingy insurance companies. Contact the New Orleans motorcycle accident attorneys at Wright Gray Law Firm today and improve your chances of recovering maximum compensation in your case.
The experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Wright Gray Law Firm understand the difficulties that come with a motorcycle crash case, but we're also prepared to fight for you when you need it most.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
A motorcycle accident could involve a motorcycle operator and a traditional passenger vehicle or a commercial vehicle. Because motorcycle riders are much less protected than occupants of other motor vehicles, motorcycle accident injuries are often far more catastrophic and deadly than those seen in a car accident.
Motorcycles consist of only 3% of all vehicles registered in the US. However, in 2021 alone, 5,932 motorcyclists died in traffic accidents. This figure is understandable because, in the absence of helmets and other safety devices, accidents can throw the motorcyclist onto the road, leading to severe injury or death.
Types of Accidents Involving Motorcycles
Like other auto accidents, there are many types of motorcycle crashes. They include:
- Left-turn motorcycle accidents
- Motorcycle lane switching/splitting accidents
- No-contact motorcycle accidents
- Motorcycle collisions with stationary objects
- Single-bike motorcycle accidents
- Rear-end accidents
- Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
All these motorcycle crash types can result in severe injuries. The common injuries motorcycle accident victims suffer include:
- Arm fractures
- Nerve damage
- Permanent nerve damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Other head injuries
- Whiplash
- Broken ribs and bones
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Road rash
- Knee injuries
Clearly, motorcycle crashes can result in serious injuries. But, unfortunately, it doesn't stop there. Instead, as the statistics show, many motorcycle crashes kill their victims. Death here could be immediate, or after the accident, maybe during treatment. Therefore, victims of motorcycle crashes must ensure they get medical attention after a collision, and reach out to a New Orleans personal injury attorney to improve their chances of recovering fair compensation for their personal injury claim.
What Are the Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
A wide range of actions, especially human error, contribute to the increasing number of motorcycle accident cases. So, we discuss some of such causes below.
- Careless Lane Changes: There's a great chance a driver will cause a motorcycle accident if they change lanes carelessly. This is because, at that point, they ignore their blind spots. Furthermore, drivers in these situations often don't signal when changing lanes.
- Speeding: Overspeeding is a significant cause of all types of motor vehicle accidents. Therefore, a driver or motorcycle rider driving beyond the legal speed limit may cause a collision. In addition, speeding often results in accidents because it doesn't give drivers sufficient time to respond to sudden traffic conditions.
- Drunk Driving: Many drivers also hit the road under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Unfortunately, intoxication reduces a driver's sensitivity to their environment. In addition, it prevents road users from making sound decisions.
- Bad Roads: Negligent drivers aren't the only cause of New Orleans motorcycle accidents. Instead, dangerous road conditions can also result in collisions. If bad roads cause a motorcycle crash, you may be unable to file legal action. Litigation may only be possible where the relevant party also contributed to the accident, maybe by over-speeding.
- Inexperienced Drivers: Many people think that motorcycle riding doesn't require the same skill and experience car drivers need. However, an amateur motorcycle rider is just as dangerous as an inexperienced car driver. This is because they can make wrong decisions that could endanger them and other road users.
Connect with a New Orleans Motorcycle Accident Attorney
At Wright Gray Law Firm, our New Orleans motorcycle accident lawyers dedicate themselves to getting every client the settlement they need to recover after a traumatic motorcycle accident collision. Whether you're injured or grieving, you need help getting back on your feet, and we want to help you do that. We even offer free consultations so you can see before you sign anything that we can get your case settled.
Who May Be Liable in a Motorcycle Accident?
As with every type of accident, proving fault is essential in a motorcycle accident case. Unfortunately, many people assume that the motorcyclist is always responsible for a collision. This notion is wrong because many other parties could be liable. Establishing responsibility for a motorcycle accident is crucial because Louisiana is a fault accident state. This means that the at-fault party and their insurance company compensate the injured victim for their medical bills and other losses.
Any of the parties below can be liable for a motorcycle crash.
The Motorcycle Rider
Motorcyclists are the first sources of motorcycle accident responsibility. This is because they're the ones in control of the vehicle. So, their actions would have a more direct impact on an accident. So, a motorcyclist will be liable if they drove negligently or recklessly. For example, this would be the case where the driver was over-speeding or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Other Drivers
Drivers of passenger and commercial vehicles may be liable too. The relevant driver must have been negligent too. However, such a driver mustn't hit the motorcycle. Instead, a driver can cause an accident without any contact with the bike. For an example of a no-contact accident, imagine a bus driver driving so recklessly. Now, imagine the motorcyclist has to swerve to avoid a collision. In this case, if the swerve results in an accident, the vehicle driver will be liable.
The Motorcycle Manufacturer
A defective motorcycle can also cause an accident. Here, there could merely be a problem with a part of the motorcycle. Faulty parts can include brakes, wheels, or even pedals. However, any little problem could result in a collision. If this happens, the manufacturer of the bike will have to bear liability for the accident.
Recoverable Damages in New Orleans Motorcycle Accident Claims
Motorcycle accidents often result in various financial losses. However, economic losses aren't the only consequences of motorcycle collisions. Whatever damage you suffer, though, you can recover the following compensation from the liable party.
- Medical Bills: Motorcycle accident victims often require medical attention for their injuries. After such medical care, you can recover all the money you spent in the hospital. Suppose your motorcycle injury requires future medical attention. In such a case, you can get the necessary bills too. Here, your medical records are crucial to getting the maximum compensation.
- Lost Wages: Many motorcycle accidents also prevent accident victims from working. If they can't work, their employees most likely won't pay them either. Therefore, you can recover any wages you lost while out of work.
- Property Damages: You can lose valuable properties in a motorcycle collision. These could be wristwatches or mobile devices. Furthermore, the loss could be that the property got missing or was damaged in the crash. Whatever the case, you can recover the cost of such property from the at-fault party.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-monetary losses also result from motorcycle collisions. Such damages include pain and suffering, mental anguish, etc. But, again, skilled personal injury attorneys have the means of assigning dollar amounts to these intangible losses.
- Pain and Suffering: Pain refers to the physical pain the accident causes you. On the other hand, suffering covers the emotional suffering you endure because of the accident. Suffering here will include worry, grief, nervousness, depression, mental anguish, humiliation, etc.
- Loss of Consortium: Suppose you lost a spouse to a motorcycle accident. In such a case, you can claim damages for the loss of your spousal benefits. Such benefits include companionship, sexual intercourse, comfort, care, and affection.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Louisiana Motorcycle Accident?
Almost all civil claims have a Statute of Limitations. This statute prescribes how long the plaintiff has to file a claim. Furthermore, the rationale behind this statute is that there must be an end to all litigation. In addition, the law prefers plaintiffs to institute actions early when their memories and evidence are still fresh.
In New Orleans and throughout Louisiana, motorcycle claims share the general Statute of Limitations. This is the law that applies to all Louisiana personal injury claims. Notably too, Louisiana has one of the shortest Statutes of Limitations. In New Orleans, you have only one year to file a motorcycle accident claim, and your time starts to count from the accident date.
Furthermore, this time limit applies to your property damage and injury claims. If you institute a legal claim beyond this statutory period, the courts will likely deny your claim. Motorcycle accidents often result in deaths too. When this happens, the deceased's family or estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit.
The one-year statute also applies to New Orleans wrongful death claims. A qualified attorney can ensure that you file your claim early. Motorcycle accident attorneys are crucial because the courts only extend the statutory period in rare cases. These include situations where:
- The plaintiff was a minor at the accident date
- You discovered the injury after the accident date
- The fault party was unknown
Contact a New Orleans motorcycle accident lawyer at Wright Gray at 888-912-4944 or fill out the online contact form below.
Motorcycle Accident FAQ
Of course, every case is different, and you may find that you still have questions. If you’re seeking answers, see the questions below or give us a call. Our New Orleans motorcycle wreck attorneys are familiar with these cases and ready to get you on the right track to recovery.
What if I’m partly at fault?
Louisiana law keeps in mind that most people aren’t 100 percent fault-free during an accident. We all make mistakes, and you might have contributed to your crash. While you can still recover compensation, it will be reduced by the percentage you’re at fault, so we’ll do as much as possible to prove your blamelessness.
I was the only driver in the crash. Can I still file a claim?
It will depend on the situation, but probably. Motorcycles are especially susceptible to road conditions. A pothole can be a major hazard for you. In such a case, you may be able to file a claim against the government, which maintains the roads, for your damages.
How much time do I have to file after a motorcycle accident?
Louisiana gives citizens very little time to file. You have only a year to sue before you’ll be dismissed and barred from recovery. Be sure to speak with our firm today.
Speak with a New Orleans Motorcycle Accident Attorney
A serious motorcycle accident can leave you with an overwhelming number of obstacles in your way—from your own damages to the laws governing your case to the insurance companies. It's unfortunate, and it can be tempting to choose a quick settlement over the full compensation you deserve, but getting the right compensation can make your recovery much easier.
After such a serious collision, you deserve the best representation possible, and our qualified attorneys want to provide you with exactly that. Our team at Wright Gray is familiar with the unique needs and concerns that motorcycle accident victims have, and we're prepared to get you through this difficult time.
If you're still unsure about the services we provide, give us a call. We offer free, no-strings-attached consultations so we can speak to you about your case before you ever sign a contract or pay a fee. We want you to be prepared for your case, and we want you to know before we ever begin that we're the right firm for you.
Contact a New Orleans motorcycle accident lawyer at Wright Gray today at 504-500-0000 or fill out the online contact form below.
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Wright Gray Trial Lawyers - New Orleans Office
201 St Charles Ave Suite 2710
New Orleans, LA 70170
P: 504-500-0000
