Motorcycle accidents are common on Louisiana’s roads, and they often result in devastating consequences for riders. More than 100 motorcycle crashes were reported in Lafayette Parish in 2024, and most of those crashes resulted in injuries.
Without the protection that enclosed vehicles provide, motorcyclists are far more vulnerable to serious injuries, making these accidents more severe than typical car crashes. Motorcyclists face a higher risk of injury and death due to their exposure on the road and the fact that they’re often overlooked by other drivers.
Even when motorcyclists follow all traffic laws, they remain at greater risk because of their limited visibility and lack of physical protection. This heightened vulnerability means that when accidents happen, the injuries are frequently catastrophic, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and multiple broken bones.
At Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers, we understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face after an accident in Lafayette, and we’re here to help you recover the compensation you deserve, even when other drivers and insurance companies unfairly try to shift blame onto you for your choice of vehicle.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can happen for several reasons, many of which involve negligence of other drivers or hazardous road conditions. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents is distracted driving. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention to the road may fail to see motorcyclists, resulting in potentially dangerous collisions.
- Failure to Yield: Many motorcycle accidents occur when other drivers fail to yield the right of way. Motorcycles are often less visible than larger vehicles, and drivers may not look for them when changing lanes or making turns, resulting in serious collisions.
- Speeding or Reckless Driving: Excessive speeding and aggressive driving behavior, such as tailgating or weaving through traffic, can increase the likelihood of a collision with a motorcycle. These actions reduce the reaction time necessary to avoid accidents, making it more difficult for motorcyclists to stay safe.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, uneven surfaces, and other road hazards pose a greater danger to motorcyclists than to drivers in larger vehicles, which are more stable due to their heavier weight and additional wheels. A motorcyclist can easily lose traction when navigating poor road conditions, leading to serious accidents.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drug-impaired drivers are a significant risk to motorcyclists. Impaired drivers often have reduced reaction times and poor judgment, making them less likely to spot motorcycles or react appropriately to their presence on the road.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection for riders compared to those in enclosed vehicles. Even when wearing safety gear, such as helmets and protective clothing, motorcyclists are still at risk of significant harm.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Traumatic brain injuries are a serious risk in motorcycle accidents. A severe impact to the head can result in a TBI, leading to long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges, or even permanent disability.
- Road Rash, Lacerations, and Burns: When a motorcyclist slides across the pavement after a fall, the skin can suffer serious abrasions known as road rash. In more severe cases, these injuries can lead to deep lacerations and even friction burns, potentially requiring skin grafts and extensive medical treatment.
- Broken Bones: The force of a motorcycle crash can cause riders to sustain broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, wrists, and ribs. These fractures can result in long recovery times and may require surgery to repair.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: A spinal cord injury can have life-altering consequences, including partial or full paralysis. Even less severe spinal injuries can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and the need for long-term rehabilitation.
- Internal Injuries (Organ Damage, Bleeding): Internal injuries are common in motorcycle accidents. These injuries are particularly dangerous because they may not be immediately apparent, causing delayed treatment. Damage to vital organs, internal bleeding, or punctured lungs can be life-threatening and often require emergency surgery.
Where to Seek Care for Injuries in Lafayette
After a motorcycle accident in Lafayette, it’s critical to get immediate medical care. Even if it seems you’re fine, some injuries take a while to show up.
Trauma like internal bleeding or organ damage can manifest hours or even days after an accident. Fortunately, whether you need emergency medical attention, surgery, specialized care, or ongoing treatment or rehabilitation, Lafayette has multiple reputable facilities.
For emergency/critical care and specialized treatment, any of the following hospitals and clinics can provide care:
- Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center (OLGMC)
- Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center
- University Hospital & Clinics (UHC)
For ongoing treatment and rehabilitation, these facilities are prepared to help:
Compensation in Motorcycle Accident Cases
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries and significant financial burdens for the victim. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for the following damages:
- Medical Expenses and Rehabilitation Costs: Motorcycle accidents often necessitate expensive medical treatments, including emergency care, surgeries, hospitalizations, and physical rehabilitation. Compensation can cover both immediate medical bills and long-term rehabilitation costs to help you recover physically and financially.
- Lost Wages and Loss of Future Earning Capacity: Serious injuries can prevent you from returning to work temporarily or even permanently. Compensation for lost wages accounts for the income you’ve already missed while recovering from your motorcycle crash.
At the same time, loss of future earning capacity covers the potential earnings you may lose if you are unable to return to your previous employment or work at the same capacity due to any permanent injuries you suffer.
- Pain and Suffering Due to Physical and Emotional Trauma: Beyond the financial costs, motorcycle accident victims often endure significant physical pain and emotional distress. Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the toll the accident has taken on your quality of life, from chronic pain to emotional trauma such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
- Property Damage (Motorcycle Repair or Replacement): In addition to physical injuries, your motorcycle may have sustained significant damage in the accident. Compensation can cover the costs of repairing or replacing your bike, as well as any other damaged personal property, such as helmets or protective gear.
Why Choose Dudley DeBosier for Your Motorcycle Accident Claim?
At Dudley DeBosier, we recognize that motorcyclists are often unfairly blamed for their accidents due to media bias, and we strive to dispel these misconceptions in court. We fight for motorcyclists’ rights and understand the common prejudices riders face from insurance companies and opposing legal teams. Our attorneys are experienced in identifying the true causes of these accidents and ensuring that the blame is assigned correctly.
Our proven track record of success in obtaining compensation for injured motorcyclists speaks for itself. Whether through negotiation or trial, our team is dedicated to securing the maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. We approach every case with personalized attention, taking the time to get to know you and your story so we can build the strongest case possible on your behalf.
At Dudley DeBosier, you’re not just another case number—you’re family. We treat each of our clients with the compassion and care they deserve while aggressively pursuing justice.
Contact Our Lafayette Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t face the legal challenges alone. The experienced team at Dudley DeBosier is here to fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you get back on the road to recovery.
