Jennings Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Jennings Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Due to their small size, motorcycles can be difficult to spot on the road. This problem can be made worse if drivers near the motorcycles are too distracted to spot them. Motorcycle riders are also susceptible to more serious injuries and damages than traditional vehicle drivers because motorcycles offer less protection from collisions. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed as a result of a motorcycle accident, contact a Jennings motorcycle accident lawyer.

Receive Support From an Experienced Team

One of the strongest values we hold at the Cox Law Firm is teamwork. Our firm operates as a team with fellow staff and also with our clients. We work with our clients to address issues with insurance companies and other parties after a motorcycle accident. Although we value our collegial atmosphere, we are also willing to fight for the compensation you deserve, even if that means taking a case to court.

What Do I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

Every vehicle accident in Jennings is different, but there are some general considerations that apply to most motorcycle accidents, including:

1. Ensure everyone’s safety. This involves checking for injuries, calling emergency services, and moving the vehicle out of the flow of traffic if possible. It is generally not a good idea to leave the scene of an accident before emergency services arrive, even if no one is injured and there is not a lot of property damage. Most accidents require a police report, even if no one is hurt.
2. Call 911, whether anyone is hurt or not. Even if you do not feel injured, a medical professional can determine if there are any potential injuries that may need a future evaluation. Additionally, it is important for law enforcement to come to the scene of the accident to generate a police report. This is a key piece of evidence that is helpful in any motorcycle accident claim, and it can also help establish who is at fault for the accident.
3. Stay calm. Motorcycle accidents can be stressful, but staying calm is important to prevent further damage. Do not try to assist anyone who is unable to move without emergency services because you can make their injuries worse. At the same time, do not confront the other parties involved in the accident, even if you think they were at fault.
4. In some cases, people will attempt to prevent you from contacting your insurance company and coerce you to forget the event. This is never recommended, as it does not take into account the fact that many injuries do not present themselves until days or even weeks after the accident. Refusing to contact insurance companies can make you miss out on compensation for medical expenses that arise as a result of the accident.
5. Document as much evidence from the scene of the accident as you can. Note the date and time, the conditions on the road, and any traffic signs or lights around the area. Take photos of the vehicles involved and note their license plates. Document the identity of all parties involved, as well as their contact and insurance information for future claims.
6. When discussing the accident, only state the facts. Don’t accuse others of being at fault, and don’t admit to being at fault yourself. Most individuals do not have the whole picture at the time of the accident, and a premature assignment of fault can impact future damages. Insurance companies can use anything that you say at the scene and in future correspondence as evidence to avoid compensating you.
7. If you did not already seek medical treatment immediately following the accident, do so as soon as possible. This can prevent future complications as a result of hidden injuries and will generate additional evidence in the form of medical reports. Early intervention can reduce long-term issues.
8. Contact your insurance company to inform them of the accident. This can usually be done online. Be sure to have any evidence from the scene available so that you can include it in the claim documents.
9. Once the claim is filed, contact a motorcycle accident attorney. They can review the evidence and give you an evaluation of your case. They can also communicate with insurance adjusters for you. If you are working with an attorney, refer any insurance company with questions for additional clarification to your attorney instead of attempting to answer questions yourself.
10. If you receive any form of settlement offer from an insurance company, contact an attorney first. This offer might seem satisfactory initially but, after a thorough breakdown of the costs incurred as a result of the accident, you might realize that the offer is actually incredibly low. An attorney can inform you of a more appropriate amount and engage in negotiations to achieve it.
11. Avoid discussing the accident with anyone other than your attorney until your claim is settled. Insurance companies can use social media posts and discussions with others to inform their decisions and deny you compensation.

Most motorcycle accident claims do not go to court, but, if you need legal representation for an accident, a Jennings motorcycle accident lawyer can offer legal services both inside and outside the courtroom.

Why Do I Need an Attorney?

Don’t try to go through the aftermath of a motorcycle accident alone. An attorney can help manage the stress you face after an accident by handling the most important tasks and deadlines, letting you focus on the recovery process. Most cases require lots of communication with insurance companies and extra paperwork, which can be cumbersome, especially for those recovering from serious injuries associated with a motorcycle accident.

Insurance companies can sometimes ask for excessive amounts of documentation and invasive reviews of your medical records. Instead of blindly allowing these companies to access your personal information, an attorney can give them what is necessary for them to process your claim and leave out unnecessary and potentially sensitive information.

Attorneys are also familiar with common tactics that insurance companies use to deny or delay claims. They can provide consistent and aggressive contact with insurance companies on your behalf to make sure your claim is filed correctly and on time to comply with Louisiana’s tight deadlines for personal injury claims. Stand up to insurance companies by working with a Jennings personal injury lawyer who can fight for your rights.

In rare cases, a motorcycle accident case might have to go to trial. An attorney can do many things before this happens, which can reduce the chances of an expensive and lengthy court case. They can engage in alternative forms of dispute resolution, like mediation and arbitration, to recover your damages as soon as possible, enabling you to pay for urgent bills and medical expenses. If the case must go to trial, an attorney can represent you in a fair and effective manner.

FAQs

Q: Is Lane Splitting Legal in Louisiana?

A: Lane splitting is not legal in Louisiana. This is a practice in which motorcycle riders occupy two lanes in traffic that are moving at a substantial speed. If the rider is doing this in stopped traffic, this is called lane filtering and is considered to be different from lane splitting. These practices can be risky due to increased speeds and creating more blind spots, which can lead to an accident if the motorcycle rider is not careful.

Q: What Should You Not Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

A: Do not attempt to flee the scene after a motorcycle accident. It is recommended that you call 911 and remain on the scene until emergency personnel arrive. If an individual is stuck or severely injured, do not attempt to help them without the assistance of emergency medical services. An uneducated person attempting to help an injured victim who is stuck can make their injuries worse. Finally, do not neglect your own needs, and seek medical care as soon as possible.

Q: What Is the Main Cause of Motorcycle Accidents?

A: There are many popular causes of motorcycle accidents. Most of them occur due to driver mistakes, like not yielding to another vehicle. Drivers who do not properly check an intersection before turning can run into a motorcycle due to its small size. Conversely, if a motorcycle is driving dangerously and changing lanes with low visibility, they are at risk of a collision with another vehicle. Other issues involve factors like driving under the influence.

Q: Who Is Usually at Fault in a Vehicle-Motorcycle Collision?

A: If a motorcycle collides with a passenger vehicle, then the vehicle is usually determined to be at fault. This is because motorcycles are significantly smaller than most passenger vehicles, so it is more likely for the vehicle to not see the motorcycle instead of the other way around. Collisions with motorcycles typically occur because a vehicle driver is not paying attention to their surroundings, leading to accidents and injuries.

Earning Compensation for Almost Half a Century

There are lots of things that must be done in a tight timeframe immediately following an accident. This can be overwhelming to someone who has sustained serious injuries. For assistance with your motorcycle accident claim, schedule a consultation with the Cox Law Firm today. We can offer guidance on your claim and provide assistance during the stressful weeks and months after a motorcycle accident.