What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in New Orleans

After a motorcycle accident in New Orleans, stop, help other injured people, call 911, exchange information with the other driver(s), document the scene, and contact a New Orleans motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Call 911 After a Motorcycle Accident

Unless you are incapacitated or otherwise physically unable to do so, you need to call 911 after a motorcycle accident in New Orleans so that medical first responders and law enforcement officers can provide their services. This is not only for your and everyone’s safety, but it is always required by law. Do not put yourself at risk of any faults by ignoring this step.

If someone dies in an accident because medical care was not administered quickly enough, there is a possibility that it can be qualified as a wrongful death, meaning someone could be sued. By simply calling 911, you are taking the necessary steps to help the situation.

Law enforcement officers are required to make reports of any accident they respond to. The information in those can be very helpful in directing our course of action in building your case since they, ideally, are written from a professional and objective perspective. This is an important thing to do after a Louisiana motorcycle accident, no matter which agency has jurisdiction over your accident scene location.

Exchange Information with the Other Driver(s)

According to Louisiana Revised Statute § 32:398(A)(2), you are required to exchange your information with anyone else involved in your accident, as are the other drivers and their information with you. This is to ensure that everyone has an accurate record of who was involved, so that the appropriate insurance payouts are directed to where they are needed.

As we pursue recovering your damages, this will be vital information so that we know whom to sue and which insurance company to contact on your behalf. Without this information, things will feel much like hiring a lawyer after a hit-and-run accident, where your own uninsured motorist insurance coverage will have to cover you until we find out the liable party’s identity.

This exchange of information ensures that information in scene reports, legal paperwork, and insurance claims is consistent with each other. Discrepancies could mean major roadblocks in getting anything done after a motorcycle wreck in New Orleans.

Document the Accident Scene

Evidence can often be the deciding factor in any lawsuit. Without definitive depictions of the wrecked vehicles, the surrounding environment, and injuries, much of what the court has to go on is essentially hearsay. Since memories can often change over time, photos and videos can be among the most important things to capture while still at the scene.

Photos and videos can not only serve to help prove fault of the other driver(s), but they can also help absolve you of any blame. Even with a lot of destruction, they can show that you followed the rules of riding a motorcycle as outlined in Louisiana Revised Statutes § 32:191. You can also capture yourself as you follow other post-accident required procedures.

Dashcams or other vehicle-mounted cameras can prove invaluable in a case, as they can capture events before, during, and after an accident. If you already have these mounted on your motorcycle, it can be vital to include this footage in the case. If not, we can work to find traffic camera media or any other imagery captured by other nearby sources.

Steer Clear of Common Post-Accident Issues That Could Arise

No matter how sure you are of your case, there are still mistakes you could make that hurt your case enough to lose out on compensation. It can be just as important to know what not to do as it is to know what to do after a motorcycle accident in New Orleans.

Do Not Talk About the Accident Outside of Our Advice

By posting on social media or talking to people in certain ways about your accident, it is possible that you show, say, or do something that shows that maybe you are less injured than you claim or that your damages are not as severe as you say. Do not give the defense anything they could use against you.

Do Not Talk to Insurance Beyond Initial Notification

It is okay, and even recommended, to tell your insurance company about your accident. After that, it is very important to let us handle any further conversations with insurance adjusters. Whether it is your own or the other driver’s insurance, they may try to pay less than what we think you should get. 

We have the experience to handle these conversations, so let us take that on.

Follow Medical Direction

While we want to make it clear that you were injured in life-altering ways, it needs to be evident that you are not letting your injuries go untreated to garner false sympathy. Getting damages recovered means showing a true desire to recover from real damages. Do as your doctor says.

Call a Motorcycle Accident Attorney After a New Orleans Motorcycle Accident

If you have been in a motorcycle accident in New Orleans, it is crucial to consult with a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible before you run out of time. An experienced lawyer can help protect your legal rights and fight for you to receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. 

Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers will clear these hurdles and fight for your best interests. We have recovered over $100 million for our clients. By calling our motorcycle accident lawyers after a New Orleans motorcycle accident, you can avoid making costly mistakes and improve your chances of securing your much-needed compensation.