Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Metairie, LA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Metairie, Louisiana?

  For non-local calls and administrative assistance, individuals should call 504-363-5500.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Metairie, Louisiana?

  You can request a JPSO traffic report online by visiting https://buycrash.lexisnexisrisk.com/ui/home. For inquiries, you can call 866-495-4206 or email the custodian of the records at centralrecords@jpso.com

• Do victims of motorcycle accidents in Metairie receive compensation if they were partially at fault?

  Yes, Metairie follows Louisiana's pure comparative fault system. This means individuals that were partially at fault will still receive compensation, but it will be reduced by the amount of their fault. A motorcycle accident lawyer can assist claimants by investigating the incident and gathering information that proves their client had a lower percentage of fault.

• What is the difference between motorcycle accident claims and car accident claims?

  There are several factors influencing both car accident and motorcycle accident claims, but unlike car drivers, motorcycle riders in Metairie are often stigmatized as partaking in reckless acts such as disobeying common traffic laws and driving too fast. Insurance companies are also more likely to put some blame on the motorcyclist because crashes involving motorcycles typically result in larger settlements for medical treatments.

• What are the common situations that lead to motorcycle crashes in Metairie?

  The common situations that lead to motorcycle accidents in Metairie are dangerous road conditions, motorcycle manufacturing defects, and issues with motorcycle maintenance. Riders are expected to maintain their bikes to prevent malfunctions in their vehicle's safety features. Other causes of accidents involving motorcycles include driving under the influence of alcohol and driving on the lane divider.

• What is the minimum liability policy amount for Metairie motorcyclists?

  Metairie riders are required to show proof of a minimum liability policy to be able to register their bike in the state of Louisiana. The state's motorcycle insurance regulations call for owners to have a liability policy with coverage amounts of at least $30,000 for bodily injury or death to two or more persons and $25,000 for property damage.

• How long do motorcycle accident cases in Metairie take?

  Motorcycle accident cases in Metairie can take anywhere from a few months to a few years. If the claimant was seriously injured, the legal proceedings take longer as they recover from their injuries. Motorcycle accident lawyers can help speed up the process by guiding victims through each step, including meeting filing deadlines and gathering evidence for their cases.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.