What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Louisiana?

Knowing what to do after a motorcycle accident in Louisiana can be the difference between accepting whatever the insurance company offers and making sure you get the maximum amount of compensation possible. The Cox Law Firm helps injured riders navigate Louisiana’s motorcycle accident laws, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the justice they deserve. We won’t leave a single cent on the table, and we never back down.

About Us

The Cox Law Firm began with a simple but powerful idea: that ordinary people can take on corporate power and win. Since our founding in 1969, we’ve grown into a nationally recognized leader in class action litigation. Our award-winning attorneys have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars, combining decades of experience with an unwavering commitment to justice for every client.

Ensure Immediate Safety and Medical Care

After an accident, the first thing you should do is try to get to safety. Once you’re out of harm’s way, check yourself and others for injuries. Even if you feel okay, it’s important to get medical attention right away. Many injuries from motorcycle accidents, like internal bleeding or concussions, aren’t immediately obvious.

Getting examined by a medical professional not only protects your health but also creates important documentation that can support your motorcycle accident claim.

Call the Police and Document the Scene

In Louisiana, you’re required to report certain accidents to law enforcement, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. Once it’s safe, contact the police and provide clear, accurate information, but avoid admitting fault.

Ask the officer for a copy of the police report, as it serves as an official record of the accident. While you’re at the scene, gather as much evidence as possible: take photos of your motorcycle, any other vehicles involved, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Also, collect the contact information of any witnesses, as their statements can support your Louisiana motorcycle accident claim.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Once you’ve taken care of your safety and gotten medical attention, the next step is to notify your insurance company about the accident. Be honest, but keep your explanation concise and stick to the facts. Avoid guessing or admitting fault, since insurance adjusters can use your words to reduce your claim.

Make sure to keep a record of all communications, like emails, phone calls, and letters. Many insurance policies require prompt reporting, and failing to notify them in time could jeopardize your motorcycle accident claim.

Preserve Evidence for Your Case

Evidence plays an important role when it comes to supporting your motorcycle accident claim. Be sure to keep all medical records, repair bills, pay stubs, and, as stated, all correspondence with your insurance company. It can also help to maintain a journal detailing your injuries, treatments, and how the accident has affected your daily life.

If possible, obtain dashcam footage or surveillance footage related to the accident. Having thorough documentation not only strengthens your Louisiana motorcycle accident claim but also helps make sure your rights are fully protected.

Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

In 2023, there were over 82,000 motorcycle injuries in the United States. Of those, 6,335 turned into fatalities, accounting for 15% of all traffic fatalities nationwide.

Due to this, one of the smartest things you can do after a motorcycle accident is reach out to a motorcycle accident lawyer. Dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and all the legal paperwork can quickly become overwhelming, especially when you should be focused on recovery.

A lawyer can help you through Louisiana motorcycle accident laws, help gather and preserve evidence, and handle negotiations with insurance adjusters. They make sure your rights are protected and help you pursue fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Trying to handle everything on your own can lead to mistakes or lowball offers, so having legal guidance is crucial.

FAQs

Is There a Time Limit I Have in Which to File a Claim?

In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including motorcycle accidents, is two years from the day the accident occurred. If you file after this deadline, you give up your right to pursue compensation. It’s important to consult a Louisiana motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible so that they can file on your behalf within the legal timeframe.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Louisiana?

The time it takes to settle a motorcycle accident claim in Louisiana can vary depending on how complicated the case is, the severity of the injuries, and how cooperative the insurance company is. Some claims could settle quickly, while others could take longer, especially if they have to go to court.

What if the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or if they’re underinsured, you can still get compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance policy. If you don’t have this coverage, a Louisiana motorcycle accident attorney can explore other ways to secure your damages, like filing a civil claim directly against the other driver.

Can I File a Claim if the Accident Was Partly My Fault?

Yes, you can file a claim if the accident was partly your fault. Louisiana follows a comparative fault system, which means you’re assigned a percentage of responsibility for your part in the accident. Your compensation is then reduced by that percentage. A Louisiana motorcycle accident attorney can help lower that percentage to maximize your compensation.

Let Us Stand Up for Your Rights

At the Cox Law Firm, we’re relentless advocates for our clients, standing up to insurance companies and anyone who tries to minimize your claim.

Our team knows Louisiana motorcycle accident laws inside and out, and we fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore your legal options with our experienced team. The sooner you engage a legal team, the sooner you can begin exploring solutions.