Being a college town, Lafayette sees a lot of mopeds. While anyone with a license can operate them, mopeds generally appeal to the younger crowd. Not only are they economical, but they are also easy to drive and park on campus and around town.
Unfortunately, an increase in usage brings about more moped accidents. If you have been in a moped accident and experienced injuries, you may be able to receive compensation. You should contact a local personal injury lawyer experienced with Louisiana laws to examine your case.
A Free Consultation with No Obligation
Following an accident, bills start to pile up. There are medical bills for your injuries, repair or replacement costs for your moped, and you may be suffering a loss of income if you are unable to work while recovering. Paying for an attorney is one thing you will not have to worry about.
When you contact Morris Bart, you can meet with one of our experienced moped accident lawyers in Lafayette for free. You will need to bring any relevant information regarding your accident. Our attorney will talk with you and let you know if he or she feels you have a valid legal case.
If we feel you do, and you agree, we can move forward. You won’t have to pay a cent until we win your case. We work on a contingency fee agreement and will let you know upfront how much those fees will be. Our fees are based on a percentage of the compensation you are awarded upon winning your case.
For a free legal consultation with a Moped Accident lawyer serving Lafayette, call (337) 446-4571
How do We Determine If You Have a Legal Claim?
Determining a legal case requires collecting and reviewing evidence. Some things your attorney will need from you include:
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Your recollection of the incident
- The name and number of your insurance company
- Contact and insurance information of the other driver involved
- A copy of the police report
- Names and numbers of eyewitnesses
- Photos immediately following the accident, including the location and weather conditions, and pictures of your moped, the other vehicle(s) involved, and your injuries
- Copies of your medical records following the accident
- Repair bills or estimates for your moped or replacement cost
- Copies of any other bills you have incurred from the accident
All these things will help provide proof of fault.
The Fault Is Often the Result of Negligence
Traffic accidents, including those involving a moped, are often caused by someone’s carelessness. Examples of negligence include:
- Distracted driving, such as texting or talking on a handheld device
- Speeding
- Violation of other traffic laws
- Driver fatigue
- Aggressive driving
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
But there can be other causes of an accident. Sometimes, weather or a roadway hazard can be to blame. Another cause can be a mechanical failure due to the manufacturer or repair shop for either vehicle.
Click to contact our Lafayette Personal Injury Attorneys today
What If You Were Partially Responsible for the Accident?
In some accidents, both drivers can be found at fault. For example, every motorist should try to avoid an accident or minimize the impact of one. If the other driver can prove you did not perform evasive maneuvers, you could be held partially responsible, even if you had the right of way.
But that’s OK. Louisiana has a comparative fault law. As such, you may still be able to recover a percentage of your damages.
For example, if you are found 25% at fault for not avoiding or minimizing the impact of the accident, you could still be able to recover 75% compensation for the damages you have incurred.
How Soon Does a Legal Claim Need to Be Filed?
In Louisiana, you only have one year to file a lawsuit. While 365 days may seem like a long time, by the time you are reading this, you likely have already lost 15-30 days. Performing a thorough investigation and developing a lawsuit is a time-consuming process, so you need to get to work on your claim as soon as possible.
What Compensation Could You Receive After a Moped Accident in Lafayette?
The amount of compensation you can ask for is dependent upon the degree of your injuries, your emotional trauma, and damages to your moped and other property. For example, you could receive compensation for:
- Medical bills, including transportation to the emergency department, hospitalization and surgery, tests, therapy, and follow-up visits
- Future medical bills projected to occur after your lawsuit is settled
- Loss of income from not being able to work
- Future loss of income
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Damages or replacement costs for your moped
- Damages to things you may have been carrying with you, such as a laptop
Actual bills are easily accounted for. Pain and suffering and emotional distress are less tangible. They require a medical expert familiar with your type of injuries to discuss with a Lafayette moped accident attorney and determine a value to those damages.
Will You Have to Go to Court?
Most moped accident injury cases are settled before going to court. It is in the best interest of the defendant to come to an agreement with your lawyer. Going to court could cost much more time and money.
But the decision is yours. If you do not feel you are being offered appropriate compensation for your injuries and damages, you can decide to go to court and request a jury of your peers.
That said, you should carefully consider your personal injury lawyer’s advice. He or she has experience in personal injury settlements. Your lawyer may recommend you take the settlement.
How to Find a Qualified Moped Accident Attorney in Lafayette for Your Case
You should seek an experienced Lafayette moped accident lawyer with longevity working in the Lafayette area. During your free consultation, take time to know the attorney you may choose to represent you. Ask him or her:
- Are you from Louisiana, or how long have you lived here?
- Where did you go to law school?
- Do you only practice personal injury cases?
- Have you ever handled a moped, scooter, or motorcycle accident lawsuit?
- How did it go?
- What are some awards you have won for your clients?
Choosing your moped accident attorney is incredibly important. Your chance of receiving proper compensation for your accident depends on it.
Why Should You Choose Morris Bart?
Morris Bart is a large firm with local offices across Louisiana, including right here in Lafayette. Our experienced team is familiar with local laws, legal authorities, and expert witnesses in the area.
We work here and live here just like you, and we will work hard for your rights. Call us today for a free legal evaluation of your case.
Questions?Call (337) 446-4571
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
