More than 100 motorcycle crashes occur in Lafayette Parrish alone every year, and most of those crashes result in injuries. Motorcycle accidents are unfortunately all too common on Louisiana’s roads, and they often result in devastating consequences for riders.
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 often-overlooked nature of motorcycles by other drivers.
Even when riders 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, leading to 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 behavior on the part of drivers, 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 and make it 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 like helmets and protective clothing, motorcyclists are still at risk for 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 surgeries 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.
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 frequently require costly medical treatments, including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, and physical rehabilitation. Compensation can cover both immediate medical bills and long-term rehabilitation costs to help you recover physically.
- 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, while 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 know that motorcyclists are often unfairly blamed for their own accidents due to media bias, and we work hard 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 highlighting the real causes of these accidents and ensuring that the blame is placed where it belongs.
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, getting 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.
This content has been reviewed by Chad Lederman of Dudley DeBosier’s New Orleans office.
