Motorcycle accidents often lead to more serious injuries and damages than your average accident. If you or your family member is a motorcyclist who was injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation.
Personal injury case victims can receive awards for injuries, lost income, and other expenses related to your wreck. Your Monroe motorcycle accident attorney will fight for justice and help you secure compensation.
In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, it’s important to contact a motorcycle accident attorney in Monroe for help getting justice.
The Liable Party in Your Motorcycle Accident Case
One of the key steps in securing compensation is to determine who is liable for your motorcycle accident injuries. In many cases, the liable party is the driver of a vehicle that struck the motorcycle. In order to prove a driver’s liability, the court requires the defendant to produce evidence that the driver was operating their vehicle in a negligent manner, such as:
- Breaking a traffic law
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving, such as texting, eating, or grooming while driving
- Drowsy driving
In other cases, the liable party is not so obvious. Multi-car accidents could mean that fault is shared by multiple parties. Other circumstances could mean a non-driver is at fault in a motorcycle accident. This can occur if:
- Those responsible for road safety, such as a local government, fail to maintain a safe roadway or adequately marked construction or hazard zones.
- A maintenance technician is negligent in the repair or maintenance of a vehicle’s safety system.
- A vehicle or parts manufacturer sells a defective product that causes or contributes to the accident.
A Monroe motorcycle accident lawyer can help you determine which party or parties may be responsible for your motorcycle accident. With an experienced attorney by your side, you should not be afraid to go after any party that caused you harm.
For a free legal consultation with a Motorcycle Accident lawyer serving Monroe, call 800-537-8185
A Monroe Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Work for You
Our lawyers will get to work on your defense while you focus on healing. Services we offer may include:
- Speaking with you in-depth to get a complete understanding of your case, answering your questions, and keeping you updated as your case progresses.
- Handling the legal paperwork, navigating the relevant local laws, and ensuring that your case is filed in court before relevant statutes of limitations expire.
- Obtaining evidence that demonstrates the liability of the party that caused your injuries, such as photos, videos, witness statements, and police reports.
- Hiring traffic and motorcycle accident experts.
- Documenting your injuries to present the full extent of your damages to court.
- Speaking with insurance companies or the court on your behalf.
- Fighting for your rights throughout the legal process.
A Monroe motorcycle accident lawyer can advocate for you to receive a fair and reasonable settlement from the liable party’s insurance company. If they are not willing to offer one, your case can be taken to court.
Possible Compensation from a Motorcycle Accident in Monroe
If your personal injury lawyer is successful in fighting your case, you may be eligible for various forms of compensation to cover your losses. This could include:
- Medical costs from your accident, including any emergency transportation and care in the immediate aftermath of the crash
- Projected future costs of treatment
- Income that you have lost because of the accident
- Any reduced earning power that was caused by your injuries
- Pain and suffering caused by the accident and your injuries
If your family member died in a Monroe motorcycle accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death case on their behalf. Possible awards in a wrongful death case include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Cost of medical treatment prior to your loved one’s death
- Loss of your loved one’s income
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
These are not the only damages for which you might be able to recover compensation. A motorcycle accident attorney in Monroe can review your case and give you insight into what damages may be available in your case.
Click to contact our Monroe Personal Injury Attorneys today
You Have Limited Time to Act
According to La. Civ. Code Art. 3492, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits is generally one year from the date of your accident. If you do not act within this one-year time frame, you may lose your right to legal action.
There may be exceptions to this one-year time limit in some cases, giving you even less time to file. Your Monroe motorcycle accident lawyer can advise you on how the statute of limitations pertains to your case.
Fault in Motorcycle Accidents
Car drivers are often held in the majority responsible for motorcycle collisions, but the actions of both parties involved are considered in determining fault. A government entity in Monroe could also be held responsible if the fault of an accident is unsafe roadways.
Evidence and both parties’ arguments about the accident can help identify fault, but the court makes the final decision. If evidence proves you are partially responsible for the crash, the court will deduct damages from your final settlement based on your percentage of fault, according to Louisiana’s pure comparative negligence doctrine, La. Civ. Code Art. 2323.
When Should You Contact a Lawyer After an Accident?
You should contact an attorney as soon as possible following the accident. The at-fault party will likely notify their insurance company shortly after the accident. They will then try to get in touch with you to discuss what happened, but you should never give a statement to an insurance company without first contacting a lawyer.
Insurance companies are very rarely looking out for your best interests and are only concerned with how much you might have in damages. A Monroe motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to handle the insurance company so you don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing or agreeing to a settlement you’re not satisfied with.
What Percentage do Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Take?
As a convenience to our clients, our motorcycle accident lawyers operate on a contingency-fee basis. You pay nothing upfront for our services, and we only collect a fee if we secure a judgment or settlement.
The fee you can expect to pay after winning compensation typically depends on your case. If experts were hired to testify or if your case was settled through negotiation rather than taken to trial are factors that could affect this contingency fee.
Avoid Making These Mistakes After Your Motorcycle Accident
After any type of motor vehicle accident, there are mistakes you should avoid making. You want to protect your safety and your right to compensation. Make sure you do not:
Delay in Seeking Medical Care
The liable party’s insurance company may take it as a sign that you are not seriously injured if you put off going to the doctor. You’ll want to seek medical care as quickly as you can after your motorcycle collision. This gives you proof of your medical bills and a plan to treat your injuries.
Post on Social Media
Although you may feel tempted to let your friends and family know that you are alive and well, wait until after your case is settled to post online. The insurance company can take your words out of context, even on social media.
Accidentally Admit Fault to the Liable Party
You should take the contact information of the liable party and any witnesses to your accident. However, you do not want to discuss the details of your accident with anyone else at the scene. The liable party may misunderstand you or think that you are admitting to causing the accident. To avoid any confusion, wait to discuss the details of the accident with your lawyer.
Motorcycle accident victims can protect their right to compensation by working with our auto accident attorney. A lawyer from our firm can build your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit and communicate with insurance adjusters for you.
Call Our Team at Morris Bart Today
Holding those who injured motorcyclists accountable does more than just provide financial support for recovery—it can help make the streets safer for other riders.
The Morris Bart law firm is here to represent you if you were the victim of another driver’s negligence. Call a Monroe motorcycle accident lawyer today to discuss how we can move your case forward.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
