In just one or two seconds, a motorcycle accident can alter your life. Unlike passenger vehicles, the chances of sustaining serious injuries to a driver are much higher even after seemingly minor crashes. The immediate aftermath of a motorcycle accident can make everything seem too much to handle, as well as the adjustments to medical care, loss of work and damage to your bike and insurance firms. A Lafayette Motorcycle Accident Lawyer can guide an injured rider through the legal process, look into the accident and obtain the compensation he or she is entitled to, if there is someone else at fault.
Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents In Lafayette
There are several causes for motorcycle accidents, but negligent motorcyclists are leading ones. The motorcycle driver can be overlooked by the passenger vehicle driver or they may incorrectly estimate its speed or perform an unsafe maneuver.
Distracted driving, speeding, not stopping for signs or lights, unsafe lane changes, drunk driving, turning without notice and tailgating are common drivers. Also distractions on the road, worn down or unsafe pavement, low-light areas or other unsafe conditions can also help cause a collision.
Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to left turn crashes as the driver may not see the motorcycle approaching. Frequently, more details than those that can be obtained from the parties concerned are needed to be able to pinpoint the exact nature of the incident. Investigations of the incident, testimony from witnesses, possibly traffic video footage, police reports along with pictures and damage to vehicles may assist investigators in determining the incident’s cause.
Injuries Can Be More Serious For Motorcyclists
Injuries may range from broken bones to spinal injuries, road rash, traumatic brain injuries, internal injuries and permanent disabilities. Injuries might not show right away after an accident due to the fact that the adrenaline may subdue pain.
Early medical attention is essential, not just for health reasons, but also for documentation. Medical records can help to document the type of injuries sustained and how they have impacted their normal life, work function and future medical requirements.
Motorcyclist wearing protective equipment and helmet while riding on a road
Compensation Available After A Motorcycle Accident
After a motorcycle accident, losses may go far beyond initially covering the emergency room bill. Medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, the cost of future medical care, property damage, and pain and suffering are all possibilities that could be in an injured rider’s claim for compensation.
A serious injury also can result in the person’s inability to do his or her previous job or engage in activities missed prior to the crash. This is a long-term impact, and should be taken into consideration as well as expenses that are already paid.
Why Timing Matters After A Lafayette Motorcycle Accident
Early action may facilitate preservation of evidence and appropriate documentation of the injuries suffered. Louisiana has specific time limits for filing personal injury claims, and the time limit may vary depending on aspects of the injury, including when the injury occurred, and the nature of the accident.
But, delaying may make it more difficult to find witnesses, get video footage, document roadway conditions, and collect other evidence. This can add an unwarranted strain on the relationship also, between the insurance firm and the individual.
A motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to look at the facts of the accident, will be able to tell you what evidence you may need to put forth to back up your claim and will know about deadlines and will be able to contact any insurance companies involved.
Personal injury attorney discussing a motorcycle accident case with an injured client.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Partly At Fault?
Possibly. The state of Louisiana has a comparative fault law that permits an injured party to recover damages even if he or she was partly at fault, the portion of the damages against him or her will depend on the percentage of fault. The application of the rule may be modified depending on the situation and/or the time of the day of the accident.
What If The Other Driver Blames Me For The Crash?
Photographs, witness statements, police reports, vehicle damage or available video evidence can provide clues as to what may have actually happened.
How Long Do I Have To File A Motorcycle Accident Claim?
There isn’t a specific deadline since it depends on the circumstances and the date of the case. The statute of limitations is important since a failure to file the claim by the relevant time limit may mean the individual will not be able to seek compensation, which is why it’s necessary to speak with a lawyer right away.
Conclusion
Once you have been medically attended to, it’s a good idea to talk to an attorney quickly. Properly informed by legal professionals at the outset can be useful to preserve evidence, assess insurance coverage and avoid unnecessary pitfalls in the course of the claims process.
However, if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, or a loved one has, you’ll want to understand the backend of this accident and who may be entitled to compensation, and Thibeaux Law Firm can help with this. Consuming the particular facts early on could offer you the opportunity to make choices for you, and to concentrate upon recovery.