Have you been hurt in a motorcycle accident in New Orleans? If so, you deserve justice and fair compensation from the person who hurt you, and filing a motorcycle accident injury claim is your way to demand it. Attorney Omar Thibeaux and his team at The Thibeaux Firm are here to help you through this challenging time, and at no upfront cost to you.
At The Thibeaux Firm, we know accident victims are in a vulnerable financial situation, with medical bills piling up and lost income due to not being able to work. That’s why we’re home to “The 25% Attorney,” in that Attorney Thibeaux only asks for a flat and fair 25 percent fee if he wins your case. This allows you to get effective legal support regardless of your budget, and you’re able to keep more of whatever compensation we recover.
There’s no time to waste after a serious collision. Contact The Thibeaux Firm today for a free initial consultation with a respectful, understanding New Orleans motorcycle accident lawyer, and let us demand the justice and compensation you deserve.
Benefits of Hiring a New Orleans Lawyer for Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
An experienced lawyer can provide valuable assistance for your New Orleans motorcycle accident claim. They can manage the legal process for you and demand the compensation you deserve by:
- Advising you on the ideal legal strategy for your unique case
- Conducting a thorough and independent investigation into the wreck
- Gathering evidence from the accident scene and police reports
- Interviewing witnesses to build a strong case
- Consulting medical professionals to document your injuries
- Calculating the full extent of your losses stemming from the crash
- Filing all necessary claim paperwork correctly and on time
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Communicating with the opposing party and their lawyers
- Representing you in court if your case goes to trial
- Protecting your rights throughout the legal process
- Never charging you anything unless they recover compensation in your motorcycle accident case
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Taking the right steps after a motorcycle accident can significantly impact your recovery and the outcome of your injury claim. The following is what you should do:
- Take photographs of the accident scene, visible injuries, and any damage to your motorcycle. Gather contact information from all witnesses and request a copy of the police report.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Keep a detailed record of your medical treatments and save all medical bills and receipts related to your treatment.
- Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer in New Orleans as soon as possible. Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters or accepting settlement offers before consulting a lawyer.
- Report the accident to your insurance company promptly, but watch what you say when you do. Do not admit fault, share unnecessary details, or guess at any answers you don’t know.
- Keep records of any lost wages or time off work due to the accident. Track other non-medical expenses related to the accident, such as the costs of travel, home modifications, or childcare.
- Avoid posting about the accident on social media. Insurance adjusters and opposing attorneys could use anything you share online against you.
How We Investigate New Orleans Motorcycle Accident Cases
At The Thibeaux Firm, we thoroughly investigate motorcycle accident cases to demand the fair compensation our clients deserve.
We start by gathering all available evidence from the crash scene, including photographs, police reports, and witness statements. Our team also interviews witnesses to get a complete picture of what happened. We consult medical experts to document your injuries and understand their impact on your life. We also analyze any available video footage from surveillance or dashboard cameras.
By meticulously examining every detail, we aim to build a strong case for your claim.
Compensation You Could Recover in a New Orleans Motorcycle Accident Claim
If you suffer injuries in a car accident, you could be entitled to various forms of compensation to help you recover and move forward with your life. This might include motorcycle accident compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgery costs, and rehabilitation expenses
- Future medical costs, such as those for ongoing physical therapy or long-term care
- Lost income from time you miss at work while recovering from your injuries
- Lost earning potential if your injuries limit your ability to work in the future
- Pain and suffering, including physical pain and emotional distress from the accident
- Lost quality of life if your injuries impact your ability to enjoy daily activities and hobbies
- Property damage and vehicle repair/replacement
How a Motorcycle Accident Differs from a Car Accident
Motorcycle accidents differ from car accidents in several significant ways. For one, motorcyclists have less protection than drivers, so they are more at risk for severe injuries. While cars have seat belts and airbags, motorcycles lack these safety features. Riders are more exposed to the impact of collisions, so they frequently suffer life-threatening crash injuries.
Motorcycles are also much smaller and less visible than cars, so other drivers are much more likely to overlook them in traffic. Additionally, handling and maneuverability differ, as motorcycles require more skill and balance to operate safely. Road conditions that might be minor for car drivers, like potholes or debris, can cause dangerous loss of control for motorcyclists. These factors make motorcycle accidents unique and often more dangerous than car accidents.
Parties Who Could Be Held Liable for a Motorcycle Wreck in New Orleans
Identifying the liable parties is essential for securing fair compensation in a motorcycle accident injury case. Depending on the circumstances of the wreck, multiple parties could be responsible, including:
- Negligent Drivers – Often, other drivers cause motorcycle accidents due to reckless or distracted driving. If a driver fails to check blind spots, runs a red light, or engages in any form of negligent behavior, they could be accountable for resulting collisions.
- Pedestrians – Pedestrians can also be liable if their actions lead to a motorcycle crash. For example, if a pedestrian steps into traffic without looking and causes a motorcyclist to swerve and crash, the pedestrian could be accountable for the accident.
- Vehicle Manufacturers – Sometimes, a defect in the motorcycle or another vehicle involved in the accident contributes to the crash. If a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or faulty part caused the accident, the manufacturer could be liable.
- Government Entities – Poorly maintained roads, missing traffic signs, and unsafe construction zones can lead to motorcycle accidents. In these cases, the government agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could be responsible for the wreck.
Could You Recover Compensation If You’re Partly to Blame for a Motorcycle Accident?
Yes. Louisiana has a pure comparative fault doctrine, which says you can still recover compensation if you are partly or even mostly responsible for an injury accident. However, the law also reduces the amount of compensation available based on your percentage of fault. For example, if a court found you 20 percent at fault for a motorcycle accident, your compensation award would decrease by 20 percent. This is why it’s essential to work with a New Orleans motorcycle accident attorney who can minimize your percentage of fault and maximize your compensation after a crash.
How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, you have one year from the date of a collision to file your motorcycle accident lawsuit. If you wait too long to file, you risk losing the right to demand compensation for your injuries. In light of this strict filing deadline, it’s best to contact a lawyer right away after a New Orleans motorcycle crash. An experienced attorney can handle your claim efficiently by working swiftly to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
Common Types and Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in New Orleans
A motorcycle wreck can occur in numerous ways, each of which presents unique challenges and risks for riders. Here are some of the most common types of motorcycle accidents in New Orleans:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Left-turn accidents
- Right-hook accidents
- Intersection accidents
- Multi-vehicle pileups
- Side-swipe accidents
- T-bone accidents
- Road hazard accidents
- Dooring accidents
- Parking lot accidents
- Group riding accidents
Motorcycle accidents can result from various factors, many of which involve other drivers’ actions and hazardous road conditions. Common examples of these contributing factors include:
- Distracted Driving – Drivers using their phones or engaging in other distractions often fail to notice motorcycles in their surroundings, increasing the odds of accidents.
- Speeding – Excessive speed decreases reaction time and increases crash severity, making it a significant risk factor for motorcyclists.
- Alcohol Use – Drivers who operate under the influence of alcohol suffer from impaired judgment and reaction times, so they are significantly more likely to cause motorcycle accidents.
- Road Hazards – Potholes, debris, and uneven road surfaces can cause riders to lose control of their bikes and experience preventable accidents.
- Mechanical Failures – Issues like brake failure or tire blowouts can lead to sudden losses of control, which can be devastating for motorcycle riders.
- Aggressive Driving – Drivers who engage in aggressive behaviors, such as tailgating or weaving through traffic, substantially increase the likelihood of motorcycle accidents.
Typical Injuries Resulting from a Motorcycle Collision
A motorcycle collision can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity from minor to life-threatening. Here are some common examples:
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- Dislocations
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Burns
- Soft tissue injuries
- Whiplash
- Facial fractures
- Dental injuries
- Amputations
- Eye injuries
- Nerve damage
- Degloving injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in New Orleans Today
Don’t wait to get the help you need after a motorcycle accident in New Orleans. Contact The Thibeaux Firm today for a free initial consultation. Our caring and hardworking team is here to listen to your story and fight for your rights. Call “The 25% Attorney” at our motorcycle accident law firm now to get started.