Baton Rouge Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Assisting Riders With Personal Injury Claims

Motorcyclists are significantly more likely to be seriously injured or killed in traffic accidents compared to occupants in other vehicles. Tragically, many motorcycle accidents are preventable, caused by negligence or wrongdoing. If you are injured in a motorcycle crash, you need to speak to an attorney.

At Walter R. Krousel Jr. & Associates, APLC, we are experienced lawyers who know what it takes to win. Our legal team will fiercely advocate for you and your family. We proudly serve injured bikers throughout Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas. If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident, contact our office to schedule a professional consultation at (225) 263-6194.

How Many People Are Killed in Motorcycle Accidents Each Year?

Thousands of people are killed in motorcycle crashes each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 5,000 motorcyclists died in traffic accidents in a single year. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to serious injury or death since they have little to no protection on the road.

NHTSA estimates that bikers are 28x more likely to die in motor vehicle accidents compared to passenger car occupants. They are also 4x more likely to be injured. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, you need to protect your rights. Speaking to an attorney as early in the process as possible can help you understand your rights and responsibilities after a collision.

What Are the Leading Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Motorcycle accident injuries are generally severe, requiring extensive treatment and recovery. Because bikers are completely exposed, even a low-speed collision can prove catastrophic.
Common motorcycle accident injuries include:

• Road rash
• Broken bones and fractures
• Disfigurement
• Amputation
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord damage
• Burn injuries

Being hurt in a motorcycle accident can be a traumatic and frustrating experience. It may be even harder if another party causes the collision. However, holding negligent motorists accountable for their wrongdoing can be hard without the help of a lawyer.

Why Do Motorcycle Crashes Happen?

Motorcycle accidents can be caused by any number of factors, but many are the result of other motorists simply not paying enough attention. Whether the motorist makes an unsafe lane change or fails to yield the right of way, the results can be devastating.

Frequent causes of motorcycle crashes:

Road Rage

Angry drivers tend to swerve and speed through traffic. When motorcycles are the victims of road rage, they can be injured.

Driver Inattention

Distracted driving is incredibly dangerous, especially for motorcycle riders. When other drivers aren’t paying attention, they can cause dangerous motorcycle wrecks.

Poor Road Conditions

Potholes and other road conditions can cause motorcycles to spin out or tip over. Government agencies responsible for repairing the road can be held liable in these circumstances.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is against the law. Drivers who do not have total control of their faculties can cause catastrophic accidents.

Improper Lane Changes

Drivers must check their blind spots before changing lanes. Improper lane changes can lead to motorcycle riders getting hurt.

Speeding

The faster a car is going, the harder it is to slow down. Many motorcycle accidents occur because of drivers going too fast.

In the immediate aftermath of the collision, it may be challenging to determine who was at fault for the accident. It is important to talk to a lawyer who represents you before you talk to an adjuster who represents the insurance company.

How to Obtain a Full and Fair Settlement

One of the main questions that most people have about a motorcycle crash is how to obtain a full and fair settlement. Unfortunately, insurance companies rarely want to pay you the full value of what your case is worth. They often attempt to downplay injuries or blame an injured biker.

A motorcycle accident lawyer can help ensure that you do not end up settling for less than your case is worth. It is vital to remember that once you sign a release of liability or accept a settlement, you likely will not be able to recover additional damages. It is in your best interest to speak directly with an attorney about your case before signing anything or making a statement to the insurance adjuster.

In addition to retaining an attorney, you need to make sure that you go to a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Failing to seek medical attention can directly impact your case. An insurance adjuster may see a delay in treatment as proof that you are not seriously injured.

What Kinds of Damages Are Available in a Motorcycle Accident Case?

No two motorcycle accident cases are exactly the same; therefore, damages can vary greatly depending on the circumstances of the case. However, injured bikers should always try to recover all of their accident-related losses as early as possible.

• Damages in a motorcycle crash claim may include compensation for:
• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Loss of quality of life resulting from disability or disfigurement
• Pain and suffering
• Future care and treatment
• Property damage

To determine the value of your motorcycle accident claim, you need to speak to an attorney. Injured bikers often have extensive harm, requiring years of treatment and care. Without the help of an attorney, you might not receive compensation to cover all of your medical bills and treatment.

What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

Being hurt in a motorcycle accident can be frightening. It’s not surprising if you feel overwhelmed or like you’re in shock. Understanding the steps to take immediately after an accident will help you keep yourself safe and gather evidence for your personal injury claim later.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, take the following steps:

Call Emergency Services

If you or anyone else has suffered serious injuries, call 911 and ask for an ambulance. Even if you are not seriously injured, calling the cops to the scene is a good idea. The police will file a report that states your innocence and assigns fault to the other driver.

Exchange Information

Talk to the other driver involved in the wreck and ask for their name, phone number, and insurance company. You will need this information later to file a claim.

Take Photos

Photos and videos of the accident scene provide crucial evidence in your case. Use your phone to snap pictures of damages to your bike and the other car. Also, take photos of the surrounding accident scene and any injuries you suffered.

Talk to Witnesses

Witness statements can be used to support your claim. If anyone saw the accident, get their contact information so you can call them later.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don’t feel hurt now, there’s a good chance you have underlying injuries that aren’t immediately obvious. All injury victims should seek medical attention from a medical professional to ensure they get the treatment they need.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance company and let them know about the accident. Stick to the facts, and don’t say anything that could sound like you are accepting fault.

Call Our Personal Injury Lawyer

Working with our law firm gives you the best chance of receiving compensation for your injuries. The sooner you contact our team, the sooner we can begin working on your case.

What Are Louisiana’s Motorcycle Laws?

Like most states, Louisiana motorcycle laws set rules and restrictions to keep riders safe on the road. Motorcycle accident victims who follow all regulations have a much higher chance of receiving a full and fair settlement.

In Louisiana, the motorcycle laws are as follows:

Licensing

All motorcycle drivers must have a motorcycle endorsement on their license. You can get this endorsement by passing a motorcycle knowledge and skills test. You will also be required to pay any applicable taxes and have your motorcycle inspected.

Helmets

All motorcycle operators and passengers are required to wear helmets on their bikes. Suitable helmets include any helmets with adequate padding and lining around the head. They must also have a secure chin strap and an eye visor.

Eye Protection

Motorcycles must have a windshield to protect a rider’s face. If yours doesn’t, you need to wear protective eyewear on the road.

Traffic Lanes

Motorcyclists cannot ride side-by-side in a single lane or pass another vehicle in their lane. Motorcycles also cannot drive between traffic lanes, sometimes called lane splitting.

What If My Loved One Passed Away?

Because motorcycle accidents can cause catastrophic injuries, there are some that unfortunately lead to fatalities. If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, our law firm extends our deepest condolences to you and your family members.

The surviving family members of the deceased may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Wrongful death lawsuits provide compensation to the immediate family members of the person who passed away. While no amount of monetary compensation will bring your loved one back, many families find it helpful to be able to pay for things like funeral costs, burial expenses, and any medical bills the deceased accrued.

In Louisiana, only certain family members can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. Those family members include:

• The surviving spouse of the deceased
• The children of the deceased
• The surviving parents of the deceased (if there is no surviving spouse or children)
• The surviving siblings of the deceased (if there are no children, parents, or spouse)
• The surviving grandparents of the deceased (if there are no other immediate family members)

Like other motorcycle accident claims, you will need an experienced motorcycle accident attorney on your side to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. For more information, contact our legal team today.

How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

In Louisiana and around the state, personal injury cases are subject to a statute of limitations. After the statute of limitations expires, you are no longer able to seek compensation in court. In Louisiana, depending on the date of your injury, you have one to two years to file a claim.

There are certain exceptions to the statute of limitations, although they are rare and may not apply to your case. For instance, if the at-fault party attempted to flee to avoid liability, then the statute of limitations may be paused.

The best way to seek compensation without missing the deadline is to contact our team right away. Gathering evidence, talking to witnesses, and investigating your case can take time. The sooner we start building your case, the sooner you can recover compensation to pay for your injuries and other damages.

Hurt in a Motorcycle Accident? Contact Our Baton Rouge Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

A motorcycle wreck can change your life in an instant. Medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other expenses can lead to thousands of dollars out of pocket. If you were injured because of a driver’s negligence, you deserve to seek compensation to pay for all of your damages.

Our team at Walter R. Krousel Jr. & Associates, APLC, is here to help you after a motorcycle accident. We understand how devastating this time can be for you and your family, and we are here to help you through the entire legal process.

If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident in Baton Rouge, contact our office at (225) 263-6194 to schedule a professional consultation. Let us help you get the justice you deserve.