If you were hurt in a crash caused by a reckless or careless motorcyclist, the Morris Bart law office in Lafayette, Louisiana, may be able to help. You may be able to recover compensation if you were injured while driving a car or riding a motorcycle.
Our team provides free case reviews. We will discuss your collision case with you to learn more about what happened and the injuries and losses you sustained. It may be possible to file an insurance claim or sue the negligent motorcyclist to recover a payout.
Pursuing Damages Based on Your Lafayette Collision Injuries and Losses
Motorcyclists are at an increased risk of injuries and death in collisions than the occupants of cars, but anyone involved in a traffic accident can get hurt. People do not always consider that the occupants of vehicles involved in motorcycle crashes can also suffer injuries.
If you were hurt and suffered financial losses when a motorcyclist caused your crash, you may be able to file a claim with the motorcyclist’s insurance carrier to recover a payout for your recoverable damages. Alternatively, suing the at-fault motorcycle rider might be necessary to seek a court award if the insurance company denies your claim or refuses to offer you a just settlement for your losses.
You may be eligible to recover appropriate compensation for damages that include:
- Current and future medical bills related to the accident
- Necessary care and support
- Wage loss and reduced capacity to earn in the future
- Pain and suffering damages
- Additional expenses and losses
Our Attorneys Get Results for Clients in Motorcycle Accident Cases
At the Morris Bart law office in Lafayette, our team has more than 40 years of experience navigating the personal injury system in Louisiana and securing payouts for our clients. We recovered more than 6,500 settlements and verdicts for our clients during 2019. As a contingency-fee personal injury firm, we represent accident victims in four states and from 16 law offices.
Large case settlements and awards we recovered for our clients include:
- $852,845 for neck, back, and facial injuries in New Orleans, LA
- $650,000 for several broken bones and two punctured lungs in Monroe, LA
- $580,000 for a neck injury and cervical disc replacement surgery in Hattiesburg, MS
- $475,000 for neck, back, and shoulder herniations in New Orleans, LA
These results may not reflect the size of your potential financial recovery, even if you suffered similar injuries.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents that You Can Sue for
Some risky behaviors that could occur and lead to a collision include:
- Excessive speed
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Lane splitting
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Drinking or using drugs before riding
- Doing trick maneuvers or other reckless behavior on the bike
It is important to note that the motorcycle driver might also be held accountable if the accident occurred because they did not have the proper skills or license to ride the motorcycle. This is a breach of duty of care.
Motorcyclists have a responsibility to follow all traffic laws and rules that apply only to motorcycles, such as the safety regulations beginning under Louisiana Revised Statutes (RS) §32:190. This requires motorcyclists to:
- Wear a helmet
- Wear eye protection unless in a full-face helmet or on a bike with a windshield
- Carry liability insurance or other acceptable options for coverage
When Should I Contact an Attorney About My Lafayette Accident Case?
The attorneys from the Morris Bart law firm recommend reaching out to our law firm as soon as your injuries stabilize and you are able to make a phone call. There is only a short time to investigate your accident, prepare your claim, and determine if you can reach an out-of-court settlement in Lafayette.
Louisiana has a one-year statute of limitations on most personal injury cases under Louisiana Civil Code (CC) §3492. This includes most motorcycle collisions, although exceptions could reduce this short period even more.
If you are unable to reach a settlement with the insurance company and decide to file a lawsuit, it must be filed within the deadline. If you fail to meet the deadline, you lose your right to take further legal action.
Speak with an Attorney on Our Lafayette Motorcycle Accident Team Today
A Lafayette lawyer from the Morris Bart law firm may be able to help with your motorcycle claim or civil lawsuit if you were the victim of an accident caused by a reckless or careless motorcyclist. We may be able to build a case for compensation against them and receive an insurance payout to cover your medical care, missed work, and more.
To learn more about your rights, options, and merits of your case, contact our team at the Lafayette office of the Morris Bart law firm today. You can reach us at (337) 446-4571. We have a team member standing by to speak with you now.
Questions?Call (337) 446-4571
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
