Motorcycle Accident Lawyer, New Orleans

What You Need to Know If You Have Injuries From a Motorcycle Accident 

The picturesque scenic loops and unique historical and cultural locations in New Orleans make it perfect for motorcycle riding. It’s no wonder there are numerous motorcycle enthusiasts who take to the open road here. 

However, while riding a motorcycle can be a thrilling experience, it does come with considerable risks. When it comes to road accidents, motorcyclists are at greater risk of suffering serious injuries or even losing their lives. Here are a few statistics showing the state of motorcycle accidents in New Orleans and greater Louisiana: 

• According to NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) crash statistics, out of the 38,824 people killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2020, 5,579 were motorcyclists. 
• There were 1,544 crashes involving motorcycles in Louisiana in 2020, resulting in 1187 rider injuries and 82 deaths. 
• Out of the 82 fatalities in Louisiana in 2020, Orleans Parish accounted for nine of them. 
• Similarly, out of the 1,187 injuries suffered by Louisiana bikers, two out of the 10 parishes in New Orleans accounted for a significant figure. There were 145 injuries reported in Orleans Parish and 72 in Jefferson Parish. 

If you have motorcycle injuries, you need a New Orleans motorcycle accident lawyer at Dudley DeBosier. Our motorcycle accident attorneys can help you get personal injury compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages. Our legal team has years of experience assisting motorcycle accident victims with their personal injury claims and can maybe help you too. 

The Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in New Orleans 

Motorcyclists have equal rights to share the road with other motorists. Even so, other motorists often don’t afford them this right. In fact, car and truck drivers might do some things to motorcyclists that can result in accidents. These include: 

• Failing to yield when the motorcyclist has the right of way. 
• Cutting the motorcyclist off at a stop sign or traffic light. 
• Failing to pay attention when a motorcyclist changes lanes. 
• Tailgating. 
• Disobeying speed limits. 
• Not giving motorcyclists the entire lane as the law mandates. 
• Failing to assess the speed a motorcyclist is riding or how far the motorcyclist is from their vehicle. 

Motorcyclists themselves are not free from the blame. Some of the actions that may result in their causing an accident include: 

• Speeding — it goes without saying that speeding is one of the major causes of motorcycle accidents. 
• Riding in between lanes or cars. 
• Defects in motorcycle or bike parts. 
• Riding when fatigued. 
• Riding while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. 

Any of the above situations can lead to an accident that can cause serious injuries or even result in fatalities. When someone else’s negligence alters your life entirely, the healing process can be even more difficult. To increase the chances of your personal injury case becoming successful, you need an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in New Orleans at Dudley DeBosier. So, contact us today! 

The Most Common Injuries Caused By Motorcycle Accidents 

Motorcycle accidents can cause life-altering injuries to the riders. Some of the common injuries that motorcyclists could suffer include: 

• Road rash: This occurs when an exposed part of the body, like the arms or hands, scrapes across rough surfaces such as asphalt or concrete, which often happens when a rider is thrown from a motorcycle in a high-speed crash. 
• Head and brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries caused by motorcycle accidents are rising. While a mild concussion may heal with time and may not cause serious problems, a traumatic brain injury can devastate. Motorcyclists who suffer such injuries risk never regaining full cognitive function. 
• Spinal cord injuries: A motorcycle accident can result in spinal cord injuries. Such injuries can lead to paralysis and permanent nerve damage. 
• Loss of limbs: Losing a limb can be an unfortunate consequence of a motorcycle accident. In some cases, a bone fracture or any other injury can be so severe that the only way to save the accident victim is to amputate the affected limb. 
• Other injuries motorcyclists can suffer in an accident include cuts, burns, dislocations, neck and back injuries, muscle injury, internal organ bleeding and damage, and traumatic, psychological effects. 

Louisiana Motorcycle Laws 

The state of Louisiana has a unique set of laws when it comes to motorcycles and motorcyclists. Most of these laws are found in Louisiana Laws revised statutes 32:191. Louisiana motorcycle laws include: 

• If their motorcycle doesn’t have a windshield, riders must wear eye protection gear. 
• Both rider and passenger must wear helmets. 
• Two motorcycles can’t ride side by side in the same lane. 
• All motorcycles must have a footrest. 
• Lane splitting is illegal in Louisiana. 
• Motorcycle handlebars must be below or level with the rider’s shoulders when seated. 
• A rider shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken. 
• Riders should not attach themselves or the motorcycle to any other vehicle. 

There are several other laws that apply to motorcycles in Louisiana. Because of this, it’s essential that you have an experienced New Orleans motorcycle accident attorney on your side who knows and understands the legal system in Louisiana. 

What to Do If You Have a Motorcycle Accident in New Orleans 

Suppose you or your loved one suffers an injury in a motorcycle accident in New Orleans or any other part of Louisiana due to another driver’s negligence. In that case, it is important that you take the right action. This is important not only for your legal claim but also for health reasons. Having said that, here are the actions you should take: 

• Immediately call the police and inform them about the accident. You can either call the New Orleans police department or dial 911 from your location. 
• Ask the police to send an ambulance if you or anyone else has injuries. 
• Get the proper medical treatment right away. Keep in mind that motorcycle injuries can be severe. Don’t self-diagnose. Let a medical professional examine you. 
• If someone witnessed the accident, get their full names and phone numbers. Their testimony can strengthen your case. 
• Supposing it’s safe to do so, take pictures of the accident. Ideally, you should take photos when the accident scene is still intact. The more pictures you take, the better. 
• Exchange contact information with the other party. This should include your name, insurance information, and driver’s license number. Once you’ve done that, avoid discussing the details of the accident with the other party or anyone else for that matter. 
• Get the name and badge number of the investigating officer. That way, you can contact them later on if need be. 
• Contact your insurance provider and inform them you were involved in an accident another person caused. Ensure that you are as brief as possible. 
• Suppose the other driver’s insurance company contacts you. Don’t talk to them. This is because they can use your statements to deny your claim. If they insist on talking to you, inform them to contact your attorney. 
• Call an attorney as soon as possible. 

What Is the Right Time to Hire a New Orleans Motorcycle Accident Attorney? 

Louisiana laws require that motorcycle accident victims file a personal injury claim within one year. While this duration may seem long, it’s shorter compared to most other statutes. Plus, there are a lot of things involved in a personal injury case. 

Don’t let the one-year deadline catch up with you. Reach out to a New Orleans motorcycle accident attorney at Dudley DeBosier as soon as possible so we can start working on your case. It is crucial that we start collecting evidence to strengthen your case and calculate potential damages as soon as possible. 

How Dudley DeBosier Can Help With Your Motorcycle Injury Case 

After being in a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries. The New Orleans personal injury lawyers at Dudley DeBosier can review the details of your accident and subsequent medical treatment to help you negotiate fair compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free evaluation of your claim. 

Read our blogs to learn more about various types of personal injuries and how we can help make your claim successful.

Reviewed by Chad Lederman at the New Orleans Dudley DeBosier office. You can reach Dudley DeBosier by calling 866-490-8994.

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