A motorcycle crash can flip your whole world upside down in seconds. Between the medical bills, missed work, and the emotional weight of it all, it is hard to know where to start. Fortunately, a New Orleans motorcycle accident lawyer can provide the assistance and guidance you deserve.
A New Orleans personal injury lawyer can explain your situation, walk you through the legal process, and stand up for you. Our team at Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers has recovered over $100 million for people across Louisiana, and we are here to help you get answers and develop a plan.
If you are ready to talk with someone who listens, understands, and knows how to fight for real results, reach out to our team today. We are here when you need us.
How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in New Orleans Can Help
When you are trying to recover from a serious crash, the last thing you need is to deal with phone calls, paperwork, or insurance pressure. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can step in to handle all of that for you, from collecting evidence to negotiating with adjusters.
We ensure the right strategy is in place, allowing you to focus on healing while we focus on achieving results.
An Attorney Can Explore Your Legal Options
You may have multiple legal options, including filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance, seeking a settlement, or preparing for trial.
Each path has its own timeline and approach, and knowing which one is right for you depends on the facts of your case and the statute of limitations under Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 1424.1 under Louisiana Senate Bill SLS-24RS-557.
If the first offer is too low or someone tries to shift the blame, we will walk you through the next steps and help you stay in control. The sooner you reach out, the more we can do to protect your rights and your recovery.
Your Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Handle Your Claim
Your lawyer will handle the behind-the-scenes work that makes or breaks a case. Your attorney may focus on gathering police reports, collecting medical records, speaking with witnesses, collaborating with experts, and developing a damages model that reflects both short-term and long-term costs.
Your New Orleans motorcycle accident attorney also manages communication with the insurance company so you are not caught off guard by their tactics. You focus on what matters most. We will take care of the rest.
You should get a lawyer for a motorcycle accident in New Orleans to give yourself a better chance of securing maximum compensation.
Injured on Someone Else’s Property?
Know Your RightsOur expert premises liability lawyers will help you hold negligent property owners accountable.
Get a Free Case Evaluation
(504) 500-1111Understanding Motorcycle Accident Damages: Economic and Non-Economic Compensation
A motorcycle crash can affect every part of your life, not just your wallet. Compensation should reflect your physical recovery, your lost income, and the emotional weight you have been carrying since the accident. When we build a claim, we consider the entire picture so that nothing important is left out.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the direct financial costs tied to your accident. These include medical expenses, ambulance rides, surgeries, and prescriptions.
If your injuries require long-term treatment or physical therapy, we will make sure your future care is also covered. Lost wages from missed work and the cost to repair or replace your motorcycle may be part of your claim as well. If the crash reduced your ability to earn money, we can factor this consequence into the value of your claim.
When we calculate damages, we bring in financial professionals if needed to help show how your injuries will affect your income in the future. Your recovery should not come at the expense of your financial stability.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages focus on how the accident has changed your day-to-day life. That could mean physical pain that will not let up or the emotional toll of losing the ability to do what you used to love.
Things like mental anguish, anxiety, depression, and post–traumatic stress can all be part of your claim. These are real losses, even if they do not come with a receipt.
Your New Orleans motorcycle crash lawyer will take the time to understand what this accident has done to your overall well-being. Whether it affects how you sleep, work, or interact with your family, it matters.
Can You Get Punitive Damages?
In some cases, the court may award you additional compensation in the form of punitive damages. These damages serve to punish the party responsible for your accident instead of directly addressing the expenses caused by your accident.
The court system does not order punitive damages in all personal injury cases. Our team can review your situation and explain if you qualify to request this extra form of compensation.
Harmed by a Dangerous Defective Product?
We’re Here for YouOur experienced product liability attorneys will fight to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Schedule a Free Consultation
(504) 500-1111How Much Compensation Can You Get After a Motorcycle Collision?
The value of your personal injury claim can vary after a motorcycle crash. The funds you receive will depend on factors like the extent of your injuries and your degree of responsibility for the crash.
Our legal team can review your situation and provide information about the funds potentially available to you through an insurance claim or lawsuit against the liable party.
Slip and Fall Accident?
Get the Legal Support You NeedOur dedicated slip and fall attorneys will help you navigate the legal process and claim the compensation you deserve.
Speak to a Lawyer Today
(504) 500-1111Why Choose Our Legal Team After a Motorcycle Crash?
Our team at Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers has over 120 years of combined legal experience, giving us the knowledge and confidence to handle complex legal claims. We believe in putting our clients first, and we’ll always take the time to listen to your concerns when you turn to us for help.
You can rely on us to adjust our services to fit your specific needs when you contact us after a motorcycle collision. We take pride in personalizing the services we provide based on each client’s unique situation.
We’ll stand by you every step of the way when you contact us for help, putting you first and fighting for your best interests as we strive to bring you maximum compensation.
We Work on a Contingency Fee Basis
Our team handles motorcycle accident claims using a contingency fee system. Therefore, we only take payment for our legal fees after we’ve resolved your claim. We want to minimize the strain on your finances when you turn to us for help.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Often Result in Severe Injuries
Motorcycle accident victims do not have the same level of physical protection as drivers in cars. There are no seatbelts, airbags, or steel frames to absorb the force of a crash. When a collision happens, the rider usually takes the full impact.
We often see injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and deep road rash. These injuries are painful, expensive, and in some cases, permanent. If someone else’s carelessness caused your crash, you should not have to carry that burden alone.
Your New Orleans motorcycle accident attorney with Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers builds each claim around what your life looks like now, not just what happened at the scene. When you are dealing with motorcycle accident injuries this serious, full compensation is not optional. You need it to rebuild your life.
Who Is Liable for a Motorcycle Crash in New Orleans?
Figuring out who is liable after a motorcycle crash is not always as simple as it seems. Sometimes the person who caused the crash is obvious, but in other cases, it takes deeper investigation to uncover the full picture.
Working with an experienced New Orleans motorcycle accident law firm can help you identify all parties responsible, ensuring you do not leave any compensation on the table. We may focus on:
The Driver Who Caused the Crash
Most motorcycle accidents start with a negligent driver who is not paying attention. That could mean someone changing lanes without checking for oncoming traffic, speeding through a stop sign, or failing to yield at an intersection. Distracted driving, aggressive driving, and driving under the influence are all common causes of motorcycle crashes.
When someone else makes a reckless decision, they should be the one held accountable for the damage they cause. Even if you were doing everything right, drivers often claim they did not see the motorcycle. That does not excuse dangerous behavior.
Your motorcycle accident lawyer in New Orleans works to gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and use traffic camera footage to show exactly what happened. If you suffered an injury because of another driver’s carelessness, your attorney can help you prove liability and push for full compensation.
Other Potentially Liable Parties
Sometimes, a motorcycle crash is not just about the driver who hit you. In some cases, a defective motorcycle part caused the rider to lose control of the motorcycle. In others, the road itself may be to blame due to poor signage, worn paint, or dangerous intersections.
In those cases, the manufacturer or a government agency may share responsibility for what happened to you. Uncovering these additional issues takes experience and thorough investigation. A legal advocate who handles motorcycle cases regularly will know how to look beyond the surface and find signs of vicarious liability or third–party negligence.
From maintenance records to design flaws, our team will work to uncover any factors that may have contributed to the crash. When multiple parties share liability, we thoroughly examine your case from every angle.
How to Strengthen a Motorcycle Accident Claim
If you recently got hurt in a motor vehicle accident, you may want to contact a New Orleans motorcycle accident attorney. You may be entitled to compensation for your losses. We can help you file a timely claim against the negligent parties.
Here are some tips to strengthen your motorcycle accident claim:
Contact the Police
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe property damage and injuries; therefore, it is essential to call the police immediately. They will prepare a report of the accident upon arrival at the scene.
The report may include information about the other driver’s vehicle and identity. It may also include the police officer’s opinion about the accident. Do not forget to obtain a copy of this report for your records.
Get Immediate Medical Attention
Motorcyclists do not have the protection of a vehicle, so they are much more vulnerable to injuries, like road rash, head injuries, and broken bones. That is why it is essential to seek emergency medical care after your accident.
A doctor should give you a physical exam and order tests if necessary. Once a medical professional diagnoses your injuries, your doctor can recommend the proper treatment. If you delay medical care, you could put your health and injury claim at risk.
Take Photos
As a New Orleans motorcycle accident lawyer can confirm, photos of the motorcycle accident scene are one of the best pieces of evidence you can have.
If it is possible, take several pictures of the accident scene, including ones of your motorcycle, the other car, skid marks on the road, and traffic signals. If you have visible injuries, be sure to take photos of them as well.
Avoid Repairing Your Motorcycle
If your motorcycle sustained damage during the accident, you may be anxious to get it fixed. However, if you plan on filing a motorcycle accident claim, you should avoid repairing your bike right now. A damaged bike is one of the most critical pieces of evidence you have because it demonstrates the severity of the crash.
Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Instructions
After your doctor recommends a treatment for your injuries, it is essential to follow their instructions. For instance, if your doctor has advised you to attend physical therapy, you should attend all of your scheduled appointments.
Likewise, if your doctor advises you to avoid certain activities during your recovery, follow their instructions. If the insurance company finds out that you have not been listening to your doctor’s instructions, they may try to deny your claim.
Be Careful on Social Media
When you are in the middle of a motorcycle accident claim, be especially cautious on social media. The insurance company may be looking at your social media profiles to find information to use against you.
For example, if you post photos of yourself participating in activities your doctor advised you against, it could hurt your claim.
Contact an Attorney
Getting legal representation quickly after a crash can boost your chances of securing fair compensation for your losses. Our New Orleans motorcycle accident lawyers can take charge, building your claim and explaining what you need to do to make a full financial recovery.
We can also give you more information about what to do after a motorcycle accident in New Orleans.
How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
In most cases, you will have two years to file a claim for compensation after sustaining injuries in a motorcycle accident. After two years, Louisiana’s personal injury statute of limitations will expire for most injury victims.
However, you should know that this time limit sometimes shifts, giving you less time to pursue compensation for your losses. It’s crucial that you reach out to an attorney quickly, so you can get information about the specific deadlines associated with your claim.
How Long Will Your Motorcycle Accident Claim Take?
The time it takes to completely resolve personal injury claims after motorcycle crashes varies significantly on a case-by-case basis. Insurance negotiations generally take at least several months, for example, but they may last over a year.
Going through the court system to get compensation for your losses generally takes longer than negotiating a settlement.
Our team does everything possible to expedite the legal process when you turn to us for help. We want to help you get the money you need to financially recover from your accident so you can move forward with your life.
We Can Help After a Fatal Motorcycle Crash
You can turn to our team for compassionate and dedicated support after a deadly motorcycle collision. A New Orleans wrongful death lawyer from our team can explain the steps your family needs to take after the loss of a loved one, providing steadfast guidance throughout the legal process.
We understand that filing a lawsuit cannot bring back your loved one, but it can allow you to hold the at-fault party responsible for their actions. Taking legal action can also help your family handle the financial pressures and strain associated with a fatal accident.
Dealing With Uninsured or Underinsured Motorists
Louisiana drivers are required to carry liability insurance, but not everyone follows the rules. That is why uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is built into most policies unless you specifically choose to waive it in writing, as described under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 22:1295.
If someone who had no insurance or too little to cover your losses hits you, your own policy may be the first place to look for help. A New Orleans uninsured motorist accident lawyer can review your coverage and help you file a claim under your UM or UIM policy.
We also step in when the crash involves a hit-and-run driver or when the police never identify the other driver. These claims can be challenging, but we know what to request and how to properly document your damages. The goal is to protect your recovery, regardless of who was at fault or what type of insurance they carried.
Common Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle crashes often result in catastrophic injuries. Some of the most common injuries associated with these collisions include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal injuries
- Road rash
- Cuts and soft tissue injuries
Our motorcycle injury lawyers in New Orleans can discuss the extent of your injuries after a crash and the funds that you need to cover these losses. We’re here to help you get fair compensation for any medical expenses you experience due to a crash.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in New Orleans for Help Today
Motorcycle riders place their lives in the hands of other motorists every time they get on the road. Motorcycles have all of the same rights as any other vehicle, and it is the responsibility of every driver to recognize them. It is no excuse when drivers say that they simply did not see the motorcycle.
Injuries are no less severe in motorcycle accidents, and your right to seek compensation for losses remains. If you or a loved one sustains serious injuries in an accident that occurred because of another driver’s negligence, it is essential that you seek the advice of a reliable motorcycle accident attorney in New Orleans.
Here at Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers, we have a substantial background in handling a variety of motorcycle accident claims. If you were involved in a collision while out on your motorcycle, reach out to us today and see how we can help.