Baton Rouge Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Baton Rouge Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Individuals in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas commonly choose to travel by motorcycle because it is not only fun but also convenient and cost-saving in nature. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are also not uncommon in Baton Rouge, and when they happen, victims can suffer from significant damages and injuries. If you or someone you love has recently been in an accident, a Baton Rouge motorcycle accident lawyer is here to support your case.

At Knightshead Law Firm, our skilled legal team understands how difficult it can be to suffer from the aftermath of a motorcycle accident. From pain and suffering to injuries that require multiple surgeries, damages can be plentiful. Therefore, we are here to leverage our extensive knowledge and experience to help you recover the compensation you are entitled to. Together, we can secure a settlement that supports your accident recovery.

Understanding the Dangers Faced by Baton Rouge Motorcyclists

When it comes to traffic collisions, motorcyclists tend to be more vulnerable than people driving other types of vehicles. As there is a lack of structural protection compared to a truck or car, motorcycle riders can face the direct impact of crash forces and hazards on the road. Dangerous conditions in Baton Rouge, like heavy traffic, severe weather, and bustling streets, can escalate the risks even further.

Common challenges that motorcyclists can face include:

• Lack of visibility. As motorcycles are much smaller than cars and are commonly moving around larger motor vehicles, they may be overlooked by other drivers and struck. This is particularly common if they are in a blind spot of another vehicle.
• Hazards on the road. Uneven pavement, debris, and potholes are significant dangers that can seriously threaten motorcyclists. A minor fender bender due to a pothole might cause a dent in someone’s car, but this same crash could lead to significant physical injuries for a motorcyclist. In such cases, the government may be held accountable for a lack of road maintenance.
• Negligent drivers. Drivers who exhibit negligent behaviors, are intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, or are distracted by their phones can hit motorcyclists and cause life-altering crashes.
• Weather conditions. Rainy or foggy weather conditions can lead to reduced visibility and slick roads that reduce traction. This can significantly increase the chances of getting into an accident.

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Baton Rouge?

While there is a plethora of common causes for motorcycle accidents in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas, it is crucial to understand the root causes of your crash. This information can help you determine who should be held liable for your accident so that you can start to pursue the compensation you are entitled to.

The experienced legal team at Knightshead Law Firm has a positive track record championing the cases of clients who are victims of motorcycle accidents caused by the following common factors:

• Failure to follow traffic laws. Accidents commonly occur when drivers of motor vehicles fail to give right of way to motorcyclists during lane changes or at intersections.
• Driving while distracted. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents in Louisiana. Common distractions include texting, checking social media, eating, applying makeup, and engaging with passengers. These distractions cause drivers to lose focus on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
• Speeding. Other drivers on the road who are going too fast can cause collisions that are typically more severe due to the force on impact. Additionally, speeding can decrease reaction times, bolstering the probability of getting into an accident that involves a motorcyclist.
• Driving under the influence. Individuals who are affected by alcohol or drugs while driving can experience a decrease in cognitive or motor functioning, impacting their ability to drive safely. This can put everyone else on the road at risk, including other motorcyclists.
• Lane splitting. Although lane splitting is permitted in some areas, it can sometimes lead to accidents if other drivers on the road are not alert, causing them to crash into motorcyclists while they are maneuvering between vehicles.
• Faulty vehicle parts. Mechanical failures on a motorcycle or other motor vehicle—like malfunctioning tires or brakes—can contribute to traffic accidents. In some cases, the designers, manufacturers, or even maintenance companies can be held accountable for negligent behavior that led to parts malfunctioning.

Injuries Commonly Endured After Motorcycle Accidents

Due to the lack of structural protection for motorcyclists, the impact of a crash can lead to severe or even deadly injuries. An empathetic and knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer from Knightshead Law Firm can help you recover the compensation you need if you have suffered from any of the following injuries:

• Spinal cord injuries. Crashes that crush or sever the spine can cause spinal cord injuries, which can lead to temporary or even permanent paralysis. Paralysis may be partial or complete, leading to requirements for long-term care or extensive medical support.
• Traumatic brain injuries. Motorcyclists are at significant risk of injuries to the brain, even if they are wearing helmets. These types of injuries can lead to short or long-term issues with cognitive functioning, in addition to changes in emotional patterns and challenges with memory.
• Road rash. Motorcyclists commonly experience road rash after an accident if they are thrown from their bike. Sliding on the pavement generates significant friction that can severely damage the skin and cause significant abrasions. In some cases, road rash can lead to permanent scarring.
• Internal injuries. Blunt force trauma can cause significant organ damage or internal bleeding. Although this damage might not be immediately apparent after a motorcycle accident, it can lead to life-threatening conditions. Therefore, it is crucial for all individuals to seek medical attention directly after a motorcycle accident, even if they believe they have not suffered injuries.
• Broken and fractured bones. Collision impact can commonly lead to broken bones, especially in the feet, legs, arms, and ribs. Some fractures are highly complex, involving multiple surgeries and lengthy recovery times.
• Amputations. If the injuries are particularly severe, they can require amputations of the limbs. Amputations can lead to permanent disability, impacting an individual’s ability to work and carry even day-to-day tasks.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is crucial to recover the compensation you are entitled to so you can cover all costs associated with your care. Not only does this compensation include previous costs of care, such as initial hospital bills, but also projected costs for the future, including at-home care (if your injuries are particularly severe) or medical follow-ups.

What to Do if You Have Been in a Motorcycle Accident

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in the Baton Rouge area, it is crucial to take specific steps so that you can protect your health and safety, as well as strengthen your case later on to recover compensation. If you are having trouble understanding exactly what steps you should take, a knowledgeable attorney from our law firm can guide you through the process.

While each motorcycle accident case is unique, the general steps that should be taken include:

• Prioritize health and safety. Be sure to see a medical provider as soon as possible. A medical professional can ensure you have not suffered from any injuries, especially if the symptoms are not immediately apparent. Keep all medical records and bills, as they can serve as crucial evidence during the claims process.
• Report your accident. Call the police after your accident to ensure that it is formally documented. When law enforcement appears on the scene of the crash, be sure to provide them with relevant information, including your driver’s license and personal information. However, you should avoid making any statements that could admit fault or place blame. Collect the police report.
• Gather contact information. Get the contact and insurance information of other parties who were involved in the accident. Avoid talking about specific details of the accident, as this could unintentionally imply guilt.
• Start collecting evidence. You can start building up your case directly after your motorcycle accident occurs. If you are able to do so, take photos and videos of the crash scene and any injuries you have suffered. Also, be sure to collect the contact information of any witnesses. They can provide crucial statements that can back your case and strengthen your narrative moving forward.
• Reach out to a dedicated motorcycle accident attorney. Confide in a motorcycle accident attorney who has a strong track record of successfully representing other motorcyclists who have been hit. They can help you gather the evidence you need and navigate the complex claims process to ensure a strong compensation package.

How a Baton Rouge Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Support Your Case

In Louisiana, the fault for motorcycle accidents is determined based on negligence. This means that the party found to be at fault for the accident can be held accountable for paying damages. In the aftermath of your motorcycle accident, you are likely reeling from injuries and damages, and the last thing you want to do is take on legal and bureaucratic burdens. A skilled attorney from our firm can champion your case, helping you prove liability and recover compensation.

We can provide you with the following legal support during this challenging time:

• Conducting a crash investigation. An attorney from our firm can analyze the details of your crash, including what happened before, during, and after the accident. We can uncover crucial evidence, such as traffic camera footage or statements from witnesses, to get to the bottom of what happened. By identifying the root cause of your crash, we can start to identify who was liable.
• Identifying potentially liable parties. Individuals who could potentially be liable for your crash include vehicle or motorcycle manufacturers, government entities, commercial trucking companies, and other drivers. We can analyze the details of your crash to determine whether one or multiple parties could potentially be held liable for your case.
• Documenting your losses. A detail-oriented attorney from our firm can fully document your significant losses after your motorcycle accident. From collecting medical reports and evidence of your expenses to demonstrating the extent of your emotional distress and property damage, we can work to build up a body of documentation that demonstrates all you have lost. From there, we can come up with a just and reasonable settlement amount to accommodate the extent of your losses.
• Working with subject matter experts. To strengthen your case even further, we can work with subject matter professionals, such as forensic crash experts, to prove liability and explain the root causes of your accident.
• Negotiating with insurance companies. We can assist you with filing an accident claim with the insurance company of the at-fault party. Unfortunately, insurance companies use tactics to avoid paying accident victims the full amount of damages they are entitled to after suffering from injuries and hefty expenses. A seasoned negotiator from our firm is well-acquainted with these common tactics, and we can fiercely negotiate on your behalf to overcome these challenges.
• Litigating on your behalf. If your motorcycle accident crash settlement cannot be agreed upon outside of the courtroom, a litigator from our firm may recommend that you take the case to court. We can fiercely advocate on your behalf in front of a judge to prove the liability of the parties in question and demonstrate the extent of your losses.

From economic damages, such as those that cover lost wages and medical expenses, to noneconomic damages like pain and suffering, we can account for the full extent of your losses. By working with an attorney from our firm, you can be sure that no stone is left unturned. You do not have to accept a settlement that doesn’t fully account for everything you have lost due to someone else’s negligence. Let us advocate for you.

Work with a Diligent Baton Rouge Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

Motorcycle accidents can be particularly devastating due to the lack of structure to protect motorcyclists. Therefore, if you have been harmed in a motorcycle accident, the injuries are likely significant and have left you with long-lasting emotional scars. An empathetic and experienced attorney from Knightshead Law Firm is here to help you prove negligence and recover the compensation you need to move forward. Contact us today to get started.