Were you injured in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident in Lafayette, Louisiana? If so, it’s essential that you understand your options for seeking compensation for your injuries and property damage. If the at-fault party flees the scene, all hope isn’t lost.
At The Thibeaux Firm, we’re committed to helping hit-and-run motorcycle collision victims pursue the compensation they need. Contact our firm today for a free consultation with a Lafayette personal injury lawyer. By the end of your initial, confidential case review, you’ll feel confident that our firm is the right one to handle your case.
Why Choose Attorney Omar Thibeaux for Your Lafayette Motorcycle Accident Case
Attorney Omar Thibeaux is known as “The 25% Attorney.” He always charges a flat 25% fee in cases where he secures compensation for you. Many other lawyers charge between 33 and 45%, but Attorney Thibeaux is committed to helping his clients retain as much of their awarded or negotiated compensation as possible.
For more than 20 years, Attorney Thibeaux has been representing the Lafayette community and helping injured individuals seek the compensation they need. To learn more about what working with Attorney Thibeaux is like, please read our client reviews:
“I was beyond happy with my settlement. I would definitely recommend The Thibeaux Firm to everyone who gets in an accident, or anyone who needs a lawyer in general. The Thibeaux Firm is your firm to go to.” – Brooke H.
“Mr. Thibeaux and his staff were very professional and courteous. From the first phone call to the final signing I was kept in the loop about every detail of the case. Informative, prompt, fair, and accurate is how I would describe my experience with the Thibeaux Firm. Thank you Omar and staff for making this difficult time in our lives a peaceful experience.” – Kip R.
When you choose Attorney Thibeaux to handle your motorcycle hit-and-run accident case, the following are some of the ways he’ll help:
- Investigating the accident in an attempt to identify the driver who fled the scene
- Gathering supporting evidence to present to the insurance company as part of your claim
- Calculating your damages to seek fair compensation for your injuries
- Filing your liability claim against the at-fault driver’s insurer or your uninsured motorist claim with your insurer
- Representing your best interests in insurance settlement negotiations
- Pursuing a trial if a fair settlement can’t be reached
How Liability Is Investigated in Lafayette Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accidents
Determining liability in Lafayette hit-and-run motorcycle accidents involves gathering several key types of evidence. This is one of the most important jobs your attorney has, as the evidence they gather will make up the backbone of your case.
Some of the most effective evidence your lawyer may obtain through their investigation includes the following:
- Photographs from the accident scene depicting the road conditions, relevant street signs and traffic lights, skid marks, and debris
- Video footage from nearby traffic, surveillance, dashboard, or helmet cameras that captured the accident
- Statements from eyewitnesses who saw the crash occur or the events directly before or after the collision
- Testimony from expert witnesses, including crash reconstruction specialists who can explain how the accident happened, medical professionals who can talk about your injuries, and vocational experts who can go over how your injuries will impact your ability to work
- Medical records detailing the extent and severity of your injuries, the treatments recommended for them, and the projected effectiveness of those treatments
Types of Injuries and Compensation Common in Motorcycle Hit-and-Run Accidents
Motorcycle hit-and-run accidents can cause many types of serious injuries. Some of the most common of these injuries include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries caused by your head coming into contact with the vehicle that struck you or the pavement
- Spinal cord injuries caused by the impact of the collision or the secondary impact when you hit the road surface
- Abrasion injuries (road rash) caused by sliding across the pavement after being knocked from your motorcycle
- Broken bones, particularly in the hands, forearms, and legs
- Soft tissue damage caused by the way your body rolls across the pavement after the collision
Through your auto insurance claim, your Lafayette motorcycle accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for the following losses related to your injuries:
- Past and future medical expenses, including surgeries, hospital stays, medical devices, medical treatments, physical therapy, and prescription medications
- Wages lost while you were recovering from your injuries, and wages you will lose due to how your injuries impact your ability to work in the long term
- Physical pain and emotional distress you experience because of your injuries or the accident itself
- Permanent disabilities caused by your injuries and how they impact your daily life
Your Insurance Options When the At-Fault Driver Flees
Since Louisiana is an at-fault state, you would typically file an insurance claim against the at-fault party’s liability coverage insurance policy after a motorcycle accident. However, that may not be possible in a hit-and-run case, as the at-fault party may not be identified.
In Louisiana, all drivers must have the following minimum amounts of liability coverage:
- $15,000 per person for bodily injury
- $30,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
This is the policy you will file a claim against if the police or your lawyer identifies the at-fault driver. However, if they cannot identify the driver, your next option is to file an uninsured motorist claim with your insurance provider.
While drivers are not required to have uninsured motorist coverage, insurance providers are required to offer it to all customers. Therefore, unless you have opted out of purchasing uninsured motorist coverage, this option will be available to you.
Finally, if you recovered compensation through an uninsured motorist claim and the at-fault driver’s identity is later discovered, an experienced lawyer can help you understand what additional options you may have.
Contact Attorney Omar Thibeaux – Your Lafayette Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a Lafayette hit-and-run motorcycle crash, contact “The 25% Attorney” at The Thibeaux Firm for a free, confidential case review. During your initial consultation, Attorney Thibeaux will review the details of the accident and guide you through the process of seeking compensation through both first- and third-party insurance claims.