Were you injured in a motorcycle accident in New Orleans, LA? Call the Law Offices of John S. Williams at (504) 499-5644 today for a free consultation to learn about your legal rights. Our experienced New Orleans motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand how much your claim might be worth.
Our founding attorney has extensive experience handling complex personal injury law matters. We have the tools to successfully help you fight for justice. We are prepared to guide you through every step of the claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose the Law Offices of John S. Williams to Help Me After a Motorcycle Accident in New Orleans, LA?
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in New Orleans, Louisiana, choosing the right law firm can make a world of difference. At the Law Offices of John S. Williams, our New Orleans personal injury attorney has built a reputation for winning big for injured clients when it matters most.
Founding attorney John Williams served as the Legal Director for the ACLU of Louisiana. He’s passionate about representing individuals who are often overlooked or disregarded.
We limit the number of cases we take on. That’s for one simple reason: we believe that each and every client deserves personal attention and support at every turn.
Call our New Orleans personal injury lawyer today to arrange a free consultation.
How Much Is My New Orleans Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
The amount of compensation you can recover depends on your unique situation and how the injury has impacted your life.
A number of factors that can impact the value of your personal injury claim include:
- The nature and permanence of the injuries
- Your long-term prognosis for recovery
- The amount you’ve spent on medical treatment
- Projected long-term needs, in terms of medical care, rehabilitation, assistance, etc.
- Any long-term impact on your earning capacity
- The cost of repairing your motorcycle and other property
- The pain, trauma, and suffering you have suffered
- Whether you were partially at fault
- Available insurance coverage
- The circumstances of the accident
Even mild injuries can be expensive and life-changing. It’s important that your settlement or verdict account for the full extent of your losses.
Ultimately, consulting with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in New Orleans is the best way to learn about the value of your case.
What Types of Damages Are Available to Motorcycle Accident Victims in New Orleans?
There are two types of compensatory damages that are typically available to motorcycle accident victims: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages should cover any financial loss you’ve incurred due to the accident, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Specialized assistance and therapies
- Property damage to your bike and riding gear
These losses are often supported by bills, receipts, and other documentation.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate a victim for the impact the accident and injury have had on their life.
Examples include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Embarrassment
- PTSD
- Diminished quality of life
- Physical disfigurement or scarring
The goal is to make you whole, or at least as close to “whole” as possible after a crash. While money can never really account for the personal losses you’ve experienced, recovering compensation can be critical to your future.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in New Orleans?
Most personal injury law firms in Louisiana, including ours, work on a contingency fee basis.
This means:
- You don’t pay anything for our lawyer to start working on your case.
- You won’t owe any attorneys’ fees unless we recover compensation in your case.
- If your attorney does secure a settlement or verdict, their fee will be a percentage of that compensation.
The cost of legal representation shouldn’t be a barrier to your financial recovery.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I’m Partly Responsible for a Motorcycle Accident in Louisiana?
Under Louisiana’s modified comparative fault system, a 51% bar applies. If the defense proves you were at least 51% responsible, you cannot recover compensation. That’s true even if your injuries are serious or life-threatening.
However, if the defense proves you share less than 51% of the fault, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your share of fault.
This is why seeking legal representation is important. We can protect you from unfair allegations of fault.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All Your Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle riders have little protection in a crash. Even with a helmet, they’re vulnerable to the most serious injuries.
At the Law Offices of John S. Williams, we represent clients with all types of motorcycle injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Crushing injuries
- Back injuries
- Nerve damage
- Soft tissue damage
- Knee and leg injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Degloving injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Burns and road rash
- Amputations and loss of limbs
- Chest injuries
- Paralysis
- Catastrophic injuries
We also handle fatal injury cases. If you lost a loved one in an accident, we handle wrongful death cases as well.
What Are Some Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in New Orleans?
Motorcycle accidents in New Orleans occur for many different reasons. While some can’t be avoided, many occur when drivers are negligent.
Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Distracted drivers who aren’t watching for smaller motorcycles
- Speeding and other traffic violations
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Tailgating
- Weaving between lanes
- Passing too closely to a motorcycle
- Aggressive driving
- Dangerous or wide turns
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Drunk driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs
- Failing to check blind spots
- Dangerous road conditions, including potholes and poor visibility
Even if you’re as careful as possible while riding, you can’t control other drivers on the road. If you were injured in an accident due to another driver’s carelessness, contact us for the legal advice you deserve.
What Do I Have to Prove to Receive Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident in Louisiana?
Most injured bikers must prove negligence to recover damages. Negligence means that someone was careless and you were injured as a result.
In legal terms, you must prove four elements:
- Duty of care: The at-fault driver had a legal obligation to drive carefully and obey traffic laws
- Breach of duty: The at-fault party failed to use reasonable caution under the circumstances.
- Causation: That failure was the cause of your accident.
- Damages: You suffered identifiable losses as a result of the accident.
Accident reports, medical records, evidence from the accident scene, and witness statements can all provide critical evidence. Expert witness testimony can also be extremely valuable in proving your case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Louisiana?
Under Louisiana law, you typically have two years from the date of an accident to file a lawsuit. After the two-year deadline passes, you forfeit your right to seek compensation.
Because exceptions may apply in certain cases, it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after a crash. Waiting too long can make it more difficult to preserve evidence, identify witnesses, and build a strong case. Getting legal guidance early can help protect your rights and put you in a better position to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call Our Experienced New Orleans Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Review Today
If you have been in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. The Law Offices of John S. Williams is here to help. Our experienced New Orleans motorcycle accident lawyer has the experience and the resources to build a strong case on your behalf. Reach out today to arrange a free consultation.
