Motorcycle Crash Lawyers in Shreveport, LA
Shreveport is known by motorcycle enthusiasts for its bike events, including the Louisiana CMA State Rally, Red River Motorcycle Swap Meet, and the Veterans for Veterans Biker Event. But even when there are no bike gatherings happening, you can often find motorcycle riders on Shreveport streets. Like all motorists, motorcyclist riders are at risk of being in a traffic accident. But motorcyclists are at greater risk of serious injury or death when involved in a crash. If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash in Shreveport, you need an experienced Shreveport motorcycle accident lawyer from Wright Gray Law Firm on your side.
Why Choose Wright Gray for Your Shreveport Motorcycle Accident Case?
The experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Wright Gray Law Firm provide accident victims in Shreveport and throughout Louisiana with personalized and compassionate legal representation. They carefully evaluate every case to assess the full value of their client’s claims and fight for maximum compensation on their behalf. Wright Gray Law Firm has recovered tens of millions in verdicts, judgments, and settlements by providing each client with personalized service and attention. Contact a motorcycle accident attorney at Wright Gray Law Firm today for your free consultation.
At Wright Gray Law Firm, we are aware of the hardships that come with a motorcycle crash case. We are always ready to provide you with legal support when you need it most.
Shreveport Motorcycle Accident Guide
Why are Motorcycle Accidents so Dangerous?
Motorcycle accident cases are often more serious than accidents involving other types of vehicles. For starters, motorcycles provide minimal protection to riders compared to cars or trucks. Unlike enclosed vehicles, motorcycle riders are exposed to the elements and have limited safety features such as seat belts, airbags, and a metal frame. This lack of protection means that in a crash, the rider is directly exposed to the forces of the collision and more vulnerable to injury.
When motorcycle riders are involved in a collision, they are also at greater risk of being ejected from their bikes and coming into direct contact with other vehicles, objects, or the road. This can result in severe injuries, such as head injuries, spinal cord injuries, road rash, and fractures.
Louisiana law prohibits driving or riding a motorcycle or motorized bicycle without a helmet secured by a chin strap. Other forms of protective gear such as gloves, jackets, and boots, may also reduce the risk of serious injury. But, even with protective gear, motorcycle riders are still at a disadvantage compared to the enclosed protection provided by cars and trucks
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle crashes can cause serious injuries to the rider, some of which may be life-threatening. Examples of common injuries we’ve seen in motorcycle riders include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Neck injuries
- Nerve damage
- Permanent nerve damage
- Whiplash
- Broken ribs and bones
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Road rash
- Burn injuries
- Fatal injuries
What Damages Are Available to Motorcycle Accident Victims?
In a motorcycle accident case, various damages may be available to compensate the injured party for their losses and injuries. Some examples include:
- Medical Expenses: This includes all medical costs related to the treatment and recovery of injuries sustained in the accident. It covers hospital bills, surgery costs, doctor visits, prescription medications, rehabilitation, and future medical expenses related to the accident.
- Lost Earnings: If the accident causes the injured person to miss work or results in a reduced ability to earn income in the future, they may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
- Property Damage: This covers the cost of repairing or replacing the motorcycle and any other property damaged in the accident, such as gear or personal belongings.
- Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses: These may include expenses like transportation costs to medical appointments, home modifications, or the cost of hiring help for household tasks if the plaintiff is unable to perform them due to injuries.
- Funeral and Burial Expenses: If you lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your loved one’s funeral and burial or cremation costs.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensation covers the physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological suffering experienced as a result of the accident and injuries. It’s a subjective assessment and can vary widely based on the circumstances of the case.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: If the accident caused the victim permanent scarring or disfigurement, they may receive compensation for these damages.
- Loss of Consortium: In some cases, spouses or family members of the injured party may be entitled to damages for the loss of companionship, affection, or support due to the injuries sustained
Do I Have a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
To succeed in a motorcycle accident case, you need to prove negligence. Negligence is a legal concept that establishes fault in personal injury cases, including motorcycle accidents. To prove negligence in a motorcycle accident case, the injured party (plaintiff) typically needs to demonstrate four key elements:
- Duty of Care: The first element is to establish that the defendant (the at-fault party) owed a duty of care to the plaintiff. In the context of a motorcycle accident, this means showing that the defendant had a legal obligation to exercise reasonable care and caution while driving or taking actions that could affect the safety of others on the road. Drivers generally owe a duty of care to operate their vehicles safely and follow traffic laws.
- Breach of Duty: The second element involves demonstrating that the defendant breached their duty of care. In other words, you must show that the defendant failed to meet the standard of care expected of a reasonably prudent person in similar circumstances. For example, if the defendant was speeding, driving recklessly, or violating traffic rules when the accident occurred, this could be considered a breach of duty.
- Causation: The third element requires establishing a direct causal link between the defendant’s breach of duty and the plaintiff’s injuries. In a motorcycle accident case, the plaintiff must show that the defendant’s negligent actions were a substantial factor in causing the accident and subsequent injuries. This often involves demonstrating that the accident would not have occurred but for the defendant’s breach of duty.
- Damages: Finally, to succeed in a negligence claim, the plaintiff must demonstrate that they suffered actual damages as a result of the accident. Damages can include economic losses such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, as well as non-economic losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Who May Be Liable for a Motorcycle Accident?
In a motorcycle accident, liability may be attributed to one or more parties involved. In that case, you may seek compensation from more than one party, further maximizing your compensation. Here are some parties that may be held liable in a motorcycle accident:
- Other Motor Vehicle Drivers: If a motorcyclist is involved in a collision with another vehicle, the driver of that vehicle may be held liable if they were at fault. This could include actions such as failing to yield the right of way, running a red light or stop sign, or making an unsafe lane change.
- Pedestrians: A pedestrian who negligently jaywalks or steps into the roadway without warning and causes a motorcycle accident may be held liable for the accident.
- Road Authorities: If the accident was caused by hazardous road conditions or poor road maintenance, the government agency responsible for maintaining the road may be held liable for not keeping it safe for motorists.
- Manufacturers or Mechanics: If a motorcycle part or component fails due to a manufacturing defect or improper maintenance, the manufacturer or mechanic may be held liable for any resulting accidents.
- Passengers: If a passenger on the motorcycle behaved recklessly or interfered with the driver’s ability to operate the motorcycle safely, they may be held partially liable.
What if I’m Partly at Fault for the Accident?
Louisiana follows the pure comparative negligence rule, which means that a plaintiff can recover damages even if they were partially at fault for the accident. However, the amount of damages they receive will be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a plaintiff is awarded $10,000 in damages but found to be 50% at fault for the accident, their award will be reduced to $5,000.
The pure comparative negligence rule applies to all personal injury cases in Louisiana, including motorcycle accidents. This means that even if a motorcycle rider is partially at fault for an accident, they can still recover damages from the other driver, but their percentage of fault will reduce the amount of damages.
For example, let’s say a motorcycle rider is speeding and fails to yield the right of way to a car. The car driver hits the motorcycle, and the motorcycle rider is injured. The insurance company or jury finds that the motorcycle rider was 25% at fault for the accident and the car driver was 75% at fault. The motorcycle rider will be able to recover damages from the car driver, but the amount of damages will be reduced by 25%.
A Shreveport motorcycle accident attorney from Wright Gray Law Firm can help you understand the pure comparative negligence rule and how it applies to your case.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Shreveport Motorcycle Accidents?
Every civil action has a Statute of Limitations and this statute sets the deadline for when the plaintiff must submit a claim. This is to ensure that all legal disputes come to an end in due time. It is strongly recommended to take legal action as soon as possible when memories and evidence are fresh and available. This way, the plaintiff has more chances of success in court.
All motorcycle claims in Shreveport, Louisiana are subject to the same statute of limitations. Notably, the state has a relatively short window for filing personal injury claims compared to other states. It’s important to be aware of this legal requirement and plan accordingly. You must file a claim for a motorcycle accident that occurred in Shreveport within one year from the date of the incident. Any delay beyond that time frame can negatively impact your chances of getting compensated.
It’s important to keep in mind that you have a limited amount of time to file your property damage and personal injury claims. If you wait too long, the courts are likely to reject your petition. In addition, motorcycle accidents also often lead to fatal outcomes. In the event of an individual’s death, their family or estate can take legal action and file for a Wrongful Death lawsuit.
Louisiana’s wrongful death statute of limitations lasts for only one year, so it is important to seek legal help quickly to get your claim filed in the allotted time. While there are rare cases where the statutory period may be extended, a professional Shreveport personal injury lawyer can determine if any such exceptions exist. These cases include scenarios like:
- The plaintiff was a minor at the accident date
- You discovered the injury after the accident date
- The fault party was unknown
How Can an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help Me?
A Shreveport motorcycle accident attorney at Wright Gray Law Firm can help you in several ways if you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident. Motorcycle accidents can lead to serious injuries, property damage, and complex legal issues, so having an experienced attorney on your side can make a significant difference. Here’s how they can assist you:
Legal Advice
Our experienced motorcycle accident attorney can provide you with legal guidance and explain your rights and options. They can help you understand the relevant laws, statutes of limitations, and potential avenues for seeking compensation.
Investigation
Our attorneys have the resources and experience to conduct a thorough investigation into your accident. This may involve gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, obtaining accident reports, and working with accident reconstruction experts to determine liability.
Liability Determination
Your attorney will work to establish who was at fault for the accident. This is crucial in determining which party or parties should be held responsible for your injuries and damages.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance adjusters can be challenging. Your attorney can negotiate on your behalf to ensure that you receive a fair settlement. They will work to maximize your compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Filing a Lawsuit
If negotiations with the insurance company do not result in a fair settlement, your attorney can file a motorcycle accident lawsuit on your behalf. They will handle all aspects of the litigation process, including preparing and filing legal documents, representing you in court, and advocating for your interests.
Advocacy in Court
If your case goes to court, your attorney will build a strong case on your behalf, present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and argue your case before a judge and jury.
Managing Legal Procedures
Our attorneys are well-versed in the legal procedures and paperwork involved in personal injury cases. They can ensure that all deadlines are met, paperwork is filed correctly, and that you meet all legal requirements.
Medical Referrals
Your motorcycle accident attorney has contacts in the medical field and can refer you to specialists or medical professionals who can provide the necessary treatment and document your injuries for your case.
Support and Guidance
Dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be physically, emotionally, and financially challenging. Your attorney can provide emotional support and guide you through the entire legal process, helping to alleviate some of the stress.
Contingency Fees
Our personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if you win your case, typically taking a percentage of the settlement or award. This arrangement ensures that you can access legal representation without upfront costs
Contact the Shreveport Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Wright Gray Law Firm Today
Motorcycle accidents happen too often in Shreveport and across the U.S. These accidents can result in serious and sometimes life-ending injuries. When you suffer injuries or lose a loved one in a motorcycle accident due to the carelessness or negligence of another driver or party, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses through a personal injury claim. Contact the Shreveport motorcycle accident attorneys at Wright Gray Law Firm today at 888-912-4944 or through our online form, and let us explain how we can help you seek justice.
If you’re interested in finding out more about us, give us a call at 888-912-4944 or complete the online contact form to get in touch with a Shreveport motorcycle accident lawyer.
Wright Gray Trial Lawyers – Shreveport Office
520 N Market St Suite A
Shreveport, LA 71107
P: (318) 524-7122
