Moped accidents aren’t new in Alexandria, LA. State and federal laws offer numerous opportunities for victims of such incidents to receive fair compensation. But the process isn’t as cut and dry, especially if you don’t grasp the relevant laws. What’s more, various factors will determine the amount you receive, even if the other party was visibly negligent.
If a moped accident in Alexandria left you with bodily injuries and damaged property, make haste and speak to an experienced attorney at the Morris Bart Law firm. The law professionals will fight with you through the claims process to secure your privileges and negotiate justice, including fair compensation.
An Overview of Louisiana’s State Moped Accident Laws
The state laws define different rights and obligations after a moped accident in Alexandria, LA. You have the right to:
- Seek medical care
- Gather and preserve evidence
- File insurance claims
- File lawsuits
- Seek a moped accident lawyer
On the other hand, you’re legally obliged to report the moped accident, as highlighted in La. R.S. §32-398, if the incident results in:
- At least one fatality
- Property damage of over $500
You must report the occurrence to the local police department if it happened within an incorporated town or city throughout the state. But if it happened outside the stated location, you must reach out to the nearest state police station or sheriff’s office immediately.
Comparative Fault in Louisiana
According to Louisiana’s comparative fault rule, a moped accident victim’s damages are reduced by an amount equal to the share of fault assigned to them.
For instance, suppose you’re riding your moped a few miles per hour beyond the indicated speed limit. As you pass the intersection, another motorist moving across the street ignores the red light, rams your moped, and injures you. The court determined that the accident’s total damages were $20,000, and you were 15 percent at fault because you were speeding.
In this case, you’ll receive 85% of $20,000, which is $17,000, from the other party.
Louisiana Auto Insurance Laws
In Alexandria, LA, the laws require you to carry moped liability coverage. Liability insurance covers property damage and personal injury up to your amount of coverage. The policy you purchase should meet the following minimum coverage amount:
- $15,000 to cover bodily harm or one fatality
- $30,000 to cover bodily harm or to or more fatalities in the same accident
- $25,000 to cover damages to someone else’s property or vehicle
You’re free to seek more protection through higher coverage limits. If you don’t have car insurance or fail to meet the minimum requirements, you risk license suspensions and fines.
For a free legal consultation with a Moped Accident lawyer serving Alexandria, call (318) 416-0089
What’s the Timeframe for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Like other states, the statute of limitations determines moped accident lawsuit timelines in Alexandria. According to La. C.C. art. 3492, you have up to one year to file your moped accident injury claim. This includes any vehicle damage or personal injury claim by any road user after a traffic accident. The timing begins on the date of the accident.
Notably, the statute of limitations doesn’t govern insurance claims. Both parties’ insurance providers will require you to make a claim or notify them about a potential claim within a reasonable time after the accident.
This discrepancy will be the defendant’s primary defense if you file the lawsuit after the one-year deadline. The court will likely grant the motion, which will be the end of your personal injury or property damage claim. That’s why it’s advisable to contact a reputable Alexandria moped accident lawyer as soon as possible to commence the process as you focus on recovery.
How do Moped Accident Settlements Work in Alexandria, LA?
In essence, settlement is an agreement to award damages out of court to drop a pending lawsuit. Settlements resolve most moped accident cases instead of proceeding to trial. After filing a claim with an insurer, the agency will review the damages and present their settlement offers.
You don’t have to accept any initial out-of-court offers. A reliable moped accident lawyer in Alexandria will help you pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Click to contact our Alexandria Personal Injury Attorneys today
Types of Damages You Can Claim
Moped accident victims are entitled to be fairly compensated for the losses or damages experienced during the incident. These damages are generally classified into these two categories:
Economic Damages
Economic losses are usually easy to verify and compute since each item has its pre-attached value. Common examples include:
- Medical costs
- Lost income and wages
- Property damage
- Cost of future treatment
Non-Economic Damages
These losses are inflicted on a person, but they lack an easily identifiable or inherent value. What’s more, these damages are more subjective and abstract than the former. They include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Physical impairment like lost body function, limb, or paralysis
- Mental anguish, including embarrassment and anxiety
- Lower quality of life
- Loss of consortium
How Long does It Take to Be Compensated After a Moped Accident?
Understandably, you don’t want your moped accident injury claim to drag for months or extend beyond a year. Most accident victims want to complete the case and get a settlement as soon as possible. Working with a reliable Alexandria moped accident lawyer can substantially simplify and speed up the process.
But settling the case fast doesn’t mean you should accept an amount that you’re certain doesn’t match the damages. You may end up giving up a substantial amount by making a simple, rushed decision. Typically, there’s no standard duration for such claims since various factors influence the process.
Legal and factual issues cause most delays. Also, massive settlement demands will take more time than smaller ones. It’s also crucial to practice patience till you fully recover to determine the precise extent of the medical costs.
Let A Reputable Alexandria Moped Accident Attorney Help You Build a Strong Case
Besides speeding up the claims process, a reliable accident lawyer will help you with the following:
- Protecting your rights throughout the process
- Handling lienholder negotiations
- Court representation when you can’t make it
- Seeking specialized care to aid full recovery
- Gathering evidence, documentation, and other crucial facts of the case
- Interviewing witnesses
- Determining and estimating damages
Contact Morris Bart for Help Today
Accidents happen, but what matters most is how you recover from the traumatic incident. Partnering with the Morris Bart law firm’s leading moped accident attorneys in Alexandria can be your ticket to stress-free, faster recovery and adequate, timely compensation for the experienced losses.
We’re always available to speak with you, so reach out to schedule a free legal consultation today.
Questions?Call (318) 416-0089
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
