Are you struggling with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident in Baton Rouge? You have the right to seek financial recovery from the person who hurt you — and The Thibeaux Firm can help you do so.
The hardworking and compassionate team at our motorcycle accident law firm understands the physical, emotional, and economic toll of your injuries. We also know how insurance companies can make it challenging to recover the financial relief you need and deserve. But you shouldn’t have to forego legal representation because of these obstacles in your way, so we at The Thibeaux Firm make it easy for you to get the help you need.
How do we do it? Our firm is home to “The 25% Attorney,” as founding attorney Omar Thibeaux is known across Louisiana. If Attorney Thibeaux wins compensation for your case, he charges a flat, fair, and affordable 25 percent fee, which is far less than the industry standard of 33 to 40 percent. This means more money goes to you for your medical bills, lost wages from missing work, and your pain and suffering. Further, you pay nothing for Attorney Thibeaux to get started on your case.
Contact our firm today for a free initial consultation with a Baton Rouge motorcycle accident lawyer, and learn more about how we can help.
Benefits of Hiring a Baton Rouge Lawyer for Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
Hiring a skilled lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. A Baton Rouge motorcycle accident attorney can benefit your case by:
- Gathering evidence from the accident scene to support your claim
- Interviewing witnesses to obtain detailed statements about the accident
- Reviewing police reports to identify key information and discrepancies
- Consulting accident reconstruction experts to understand how the crash occurred
- Calculating the full extent of your losses, including medical expenses and lost wages
- Communicating with insurance companies and negotiating a fair settlement
- Filing all necessary paperwork accurately and promptly to keep your claim on track
- Representing you in court if a lawsuit becomes necessary
- Protecting your rights and demanding the full compensation you deserve
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
If you get hurt in a Baton Rouge motorcycle crash, it’s important to take specific steps to protect your rights and strengthen your claim. Here’s what you should do:
- Go to the hospital or doctor’s office immediately for a thorough checkup so your doctor can identify, treat, and document all your injuries. Keep all records and bills related to your injuries.
- Follow your doctor’s medical advice and attend all follow-up appointments. Keep a detailed record of all your symptoms and medical treatments. Take photographs of your injuries as they heal and document how they affect your daily life.
- Request contact information from any witnesses who saw the crash. Take photos of the scene, including vehicle damage and traffic signs. Get a copy of the crash report for your records.
- Contact a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney from The Thibeaux Firm as soon as possible.
- Notify your insurance company about the accident promptly. Avoid making any statements to the adjuster without legal advice. Keep copies of any correspondence with insurance providers.
- Document your income losses if your crash injuries affect your ability to work. Request an estimate for the repair or replacement of your motorcycle. Save any receipts for out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident.
- Avoid discussing the accident or your injuries on social media.
How We Investigate Baton Rouge Motorcycle Accident Cases
The Thibeaux Firm meticulously investigates every motorcycle accident case we handle in Baton Rouge. We start by collecting all evidence from the crash site, including photos, video footage, and official police reports. We interview witnesses to gather independent accounts of the incident.
We also work closely with accident reconstruction specialists to analyze how the collision occurred and consult medical experts to assess the long-term impacts of your injuries. In some cases, we can even recover traffic camera footage for visual evidence of the moments leading up to the crash. This exhaustive approach allows us to effectively pursue justice and fair compensation on your behalf.
Compensation You Could Recover in a Baton Rouge Motorcycle Accident Claim
In a motorcycle accident injury case, you could be entitled to various types of compensation to help you recover and move forward with your life. For instance, you could receive motorcycle accident compensation for:
- Medical expenses you incurred due to the accident
- Future medical costs if you require ongoing treatment
- Income losses if you missed work because of your injuries
- Lost earning potential if your crash injuries affect your ability to work in the future
- Pain, suffering, and lost quality of life resulting from your injuries
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident
- Funeral and burial expenses in the case of a wrongful death
- Property damage and vehicle repair/replacement
How a Motorcycle Accident Differs from a Car Accident
A motorcycle wreck differs from a car accident in several significant ways. Motorcyclists have far less protection than car occupants, meaning they often suffer more severe injuries. Unlike cars, motorcycles lack safety features such as seat belts, airbags, and protective metal frames.
Motorcycles are also smaller and less visible to other drivers, increasing the likelihood of blind spot collisions, particularly at nighttime or in inclement weather. Additionally, motorcycles are more susceptible to road hazards like potholes and debris, which can easily cause riders to lose control.
Overall, the dynamics of a motorcycle accident, including the forces at play and the types of injuries that occur, are often more complex than those in car accidents. These differences underscore the need for experienced legal representation in your motorcycle accident claim.
Parties Who Could Be Held Liable for a Motorcycle Wreck in Baton Rouge
Various parties could be liable for a Baton Rouge motorcycle collision, depending on the specifics of the accident. Examples of potentially liable parties include:
- Vehicle Drivers – The driver of a car or truck involved in the accident could be liable if they acted negligently or violated traffic laws. For instance, if the driver was texting, speeding, or refusing to yield the right of way, they could be responsible for the resulting accident and injuries.
- Other Road Users – Other people who use the road, such as cyclists or pedestrians, could also be liable for a motorcycle accident. For instance, if a cyclist suddenly veers into traffic without signaling and causes a motorcyclist to swerve and crash, the cyclist could be responsible for the accident.
- Vehicle Manufacturers – A vehicle or parts manufacturer could be liable if a motorcycle or car defect contributed to the accident. For example, the bike manufacturer might be accountable if the brakes, tires, or any other part of a motorcycle malfunctioned and caused a crash.
- Government Entities – A government entity could be liable if poor road conditions contributed to the crash. For example, if potholes, inadequate signage, or poor road design caused a rider to lose control, the government agency responsible for maintaining the road could be at fault.
Could You Recover Compensation If You’re Partly to Blame for a Motorcycle Accident?
Yes. Louisiana’s pure comparative fault doctrine says you can still recover compensation from other parties if you are partially responsible for a motorcycle wreck. However, the total compensation you can receive will decrease based on your percentage of fault.
For example, if a court determines you are 20 percent at fault for the accident, it will reduce your compensation award by 20 percent. This is why it’s essential to work with “The 25% Attorney” from The Thibeaux Firm, who can demonstrate the other party’s fault and maximize your compensation.
How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, you have one year from the date of the motorcycle accident to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit. If you wait too long to file, you will lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries. Given this strict filing deadline, contacting an experienced motorcycle accident attorney immediately after your crash is crucial.
“The 25% Attorney” can investigate quickly, handle your claim promptly, and file all necessary paperwork on time to establish a strong case. Swift action allows your attorney to preserve valuable evidence and witness testimony, maximizing your chances of a successful outcome.
Common Types and Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Baton Rouge
Motorcycle accidents can arise from numerous scenarios due to a range of factors. Here are some examples of common types of motorcycle accidents in Baton Rouge:
- Head-on collisions
- Left-turn accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Multi-vehicle pile-ups
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Dooring accidents
- Speeding accidents
- Road hazard accidents
- Intersection accidents
- Side-swipe accidents
Understanding the common causes of motorcycle wrecks can help you determine which factors contributed to the crash that injured you. Common causes of Baton Rouge motorcycle accidents include:
- Drivers failing to see motorcycles when changing lanes
- Drivers exceeding posted speed limits or driving too fast for the conditions
- Driver intoxication from alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription medications
- Potholes, uneven road surfaces, and other road hazards
- Distracted driving, such as texting or eating behind the wheel
- Poor weather conditions that reduce visibility and make roads slippery
- Vehicle occupants opening car doors into traffic without looking
- Drivers tailgating or following too closely behind motorcyclists
- Drivers underestimating the speed or distance of oncoming motorcycles
- Mechanical failures resulting from manufacturing defects or poor maintenance
Typical Injuries Resulting from a Motorcycle Collision
Motorcycle accident injuries can vary significantly in location and severity depending on the circumstances of the collision. Typical injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash
- Internal bleeding
- Burns
- Concussions
- Dislocations
- Amputations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Herniated discs
- Facial injuries
- Dental injuries
- Eye injuries
- Psychological trauma
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Baton Rouge Today
Don’t let a motorcycle accident derail your life. Contact The Thibeaux Firm today for a free initial consultation with “The 25% Attorney.” Discover how a motorcycle accident lawyer in Baton Rouge can help you take your first steps toward recovery and justice.