Lafayette Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Lafayette Motorcycle Accident Attorney

A reckless driver’s mistake shouldn’t leave a motorcyclist paying the price. Too often, insurance companies try to minimize claims, ignoring the full impact of an accident. Riders have rights under Louisiana law, and those responsible should be held accountable. Knowing what to do after a crash by consulting a Lafayette motorcycle accident lawyer can help build a strong case for personal injury compensation.

Committed to Those Harmed by Negligence

With years of experience handling motorcycle accident cases, Sanchez Burke works to protect the rights of injured riders. We have built a reputation for relentless advocacy, fighting for injured riders against insurance companies that try to minimize claims. Recognized for our dedication, we have earned the respect of colleagues and clients alike.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Lafayette

Motorcycle accidents are frequently caused by negligent drivers and hazardous road conditions. One of the most common factors is left-turn accidents, where a vehicle turns in front of an oncoming motorcycle. This also increases the risk of injuries and fatalities. In 2022, 63% of motorcycle fatalities involved multiple vehicles, as opposed to 37% that involved only one vehicle.

Speeding and distracted driving, particularly on major roads like I-10, also contribute to crashes. Poor visibility at night and failure to yield at intersections make motorcyclists vulnerable to collisions. Additionally, hazardous conditions can be especially dangerous for motorcycles. In general, more motorcycle fatalities occur in urban areas rather than rural areas (66% vs. 34%).

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Lafayette

Immediately after a motorcycle accident, seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Document the accident by taking photos, gathering witness statements, and obtaining the police report from the Lafayette Police Department. Inform the officers at the scene if you believe another driver was intoxicated. In 2022, intoxicated motorcyclists over the legal limit of 0.08% who got into accidents died 29% of the time.

Notify your insurance company promptly, but avoid detailed statements until you consult an attorney. Insurers may try to minimize your claim without your knowledge. Legal representation in Lafayette is particularly important when dealing with insurance companies that present low settlement offers.

Challenges in Motorcycle Accident Cases

Motorcycle accident cases come with unique challenges, including:

• Bias against motorcyclists. There is a common perception that motorcyclists are reckless, which can influence insurers and juries, particularly on tourist-heavy routes like I-10. This stereotype can lead to unfair treatment during claims processing and litigation, with motorcyclists often presumed to be at fault before evidence is evaluated. Many insurance adjusters apply different standards in motorcycle accidents versus car accidents.
• Insurance company tactics. Insurers may argue that speeding, lane-splitting, or failure to wear a helmet contributed to the accident, reducing the claim’s value. They often deploy rapid response teams to accident scenes involving motorcycles to gather evidence that supports minimizing liability. Insurance companies frequently use social media surveillance to find photos of riders engaging in risky behavior.
• Severity of injuries. Because motorcycle crashes often result in severe injuries, insurers may delay settlements or dispute medical expenses exceeding a certain threshold. These tactics are designed to pressure financially vulnerable victims into accepting lower settlements as medical bills accumulate. Insurance companies frequently hire their own medical professionals to downplay the long-term impact of injuries.
• Comparative fault arguments. Louisiana’s pure comparative fault system means insurers often try to shift more blame onto the rider to minimize payouts. They analyze rider behavior and road conditions to construct arguments that increase the rider’s percentage of fault. Even when a motorist clearly violates traffic laws, insurers may scrutinize the motorcyclist’s reaction time to assign partial blame.
• Proving liability. Establishing fault requires strong evidence, including police reports, accident reconstruction, and witness testimony, particularly in multi-vehicle accidents, which account for most motorcycle fatalities. The lack of dashboard cameras on motorcycles creates a disadvantage compared to modern vehicles with multiple recording devices.

Professional testimony might be needed to prove that hazardous conditions contributed to the accident or that your injuries are as serious as you claim them to be.

FAQs About Lafayette, LA Motorcycle Accident Laws

What If the Other Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured?

If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may struggle to recover full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Louisiana requires all drivers to carry minimal liability coverage of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident. However, these limits are often insufficient for serious motorcycle injuries, which frequently exceed $50,000 in medical costs alone.

What Should You Not Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

After a motorcycle accident, avoid common mistakes that could hurt your claim. Do not admit fault. Even a simple apology can be used against you as an admission of liability. Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Delaying medical treatment can make injuries worse and weaken your claim. Do not speak to insurance adjusters without legal advice to protect your rights.

How Does Helmet Use Affect a Motorcycle Accident Case?

Helmet use affects a motorcycle accident case because Louisiana law mandates helmet use for all motorcyclists. If you were wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, it strengthens your claim by demonstrating compliance with safety regulations and reducing the likelihood of severe head injuries. However, failing to wear a helmet does not automatically bar you from recovering compensation due to Louisiana’s comparative fault laws.

Do Motorcycle Accident Claims Take Longer to Resolve Than Car Accident Cases?

Motorcycle accident claims tend to take longer to resolve than car accident cases. This is because these types of accidents tend to result in more serious injuries, requiring extensive medical treatment and evaluations before settling a claim. The medical bills also tend to be higher, which leads to insurers pushing back on high-value claims. Finally, insurers and juries may assume motorcyclists are reckless, requiring victims to gather strong evidence.

Find a Path Forward

Motorcyclists should never settle for less than they deserve after a crash. Insurance companies may try to deny fair payment, but riders have legal options. Acting quickly can help secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages caused by another driver’s reckless behavior. Schedule a consultation with Sanchez Burke to learn what steps to take next.