Motorcycle accidents can be devastating for the biker as well as their families. Because there is little protecting the motorcyclist from the force of the impact, the majority of injuries are more severe than those of car accidents. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that more than 80% of motorcycle accidents result in the injury or death of the biker.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident caused by the negligence of another driver, you have the right to hold that person responsible for their behavior.
The team at Morris Bart, LLC is here to help. We offer a free, no-risk consultation for motorcyclists and their families and can help you explore what options you have for recovering compensation after a motorcycle accident. We also work on a contingency basis, which means—if you retain our services—we are paid only if we are successful with your case.
In other words, you have nothing to lose. Call Morris Bart, LLC today at (225) 341-5694.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
In situations where a motorcycle accident involves another driver, some of the most common causes are:
- Cars turning into motorcycles: The NHTSA reports, 42% of motorcycle accidents involving multiple vehicles are the result of a driver turning into a motorcycle.
- Lane changes: If a driver is not vigilant, it can be easy to overlook motorcyclists who are in their blind spot. If the driver suddenly changes lanes or accidentally drifts over the line, the results could be catastrophic.
- Alcohol-impaired driving: According to the Insurance Information Institute, 5,172 motorcyclists died in 2017 because of crashes involving alcohol. These statistics include accidents where the motorcyclist or the driver had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%.
- Lane Splitting: This dangerous practice is when motorcyclists drive between the lanes of slow-moving or stopped cars. While the law does not permit this practice across a lot of the United States, it still often occurs. The practice puts motorcycles in close proximity to other cars, which can have catastrophic repercussions if the driver’s car shifts too close to the motorcycle.
If you suffered injuries due to one of these reasons or because of something else, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact a Baton Rouge motorcycle accident lawyer at Morris Bart, LLC today at (225) 341-5694.
For a free legal consultation with a Motorcycle Accident lawyer serving Baton Rouge, call 800-537-8185
Common Injuries Resulting From Motorcycle Accidents
Because motorcyclists do not have a car frame to protect them from impact during an accident or keep them from being ejected from the bike, injuries from motorcycle accidents are, in general, more severe than victims would experience from collisions involving only cars. Some of the common injuries that are caused by motorcycle accidents include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
A TBI can occur when someone experiences a sudden blow or jolt to the head, impacting the brain’s normal function. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle accidents, including motorcycle accidents, cause 20% of all TBI-related hospitalizations. A head injury can have lasting consequences, from changed personality to coma.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A 2002 study analyzing injuries in motorcycle accidents found that of the 1,121 riders studied, 11% suffered from a spinal cord injury. The study concluded that thoracic spine injuries are the most common injury to the spinal region, although multiple level injuries are common. Spinal cord injuries can cause numbness or tingling in the extremities, difficulty walking, or complete paralysis below the injury.
Road Rash
With nothing but clothing to protect them from the road during a motorcycle accident, road rash is a common injury in motorcycle accidents. While the severity of road rash can vary, in severe cases, it can remove multiple layers of skin and require skin grafting to treat and repair the area.
Baton Rouge Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-537-8185
Laws That May Impact a Baton Rouge Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
There are a few laws you should be aware of that could impact your claim to recover damages after a motorcycle accident in Baton Rouge or the surrounding area:
Comparative Fault
According to this law, if you are found somewhat responsible for the accident, your damages—the money you are compensated—will be reduced by the degree to which you are responsible. In other words, if the courts find that you are 20% responsible for the motorcycle accident, the amount the court awards you will be reduced by 20%. A motorcycle accident lawyer will help you build a strong case to protect you against defense tactics used to allege that you are more responsible than you are.
Statute of Limitations
Unlike many states, which allow a plaintiff two to five years to pursue compensation after an accident, Louisiana’s statute of limitations has a one-year limit on the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit. In other words, you have one year from the date of your accident to file a claim pursuing compensation from the negligent driver.
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Recoverable Damages After a Motorcycle Accident
While every case is different, some damages victims are able to recover after motorcycle accidents include:
- Medical expenses
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Future wages, if your earning potential has been diminished
- Disfigurement or dismemberment
- And possibly more
If your family is pursuing a wrongful death claim because of the loss of a loved one, you may be entitled to:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Pain and suffering
- Benefits and wages previously provided by the deceased
- Medical expenses left to the family to recover
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Call Today for a Free Consultation
A Baton Rouge motorcycle accident lawyer at Morris Bart, LLC is here to help you pursue damages after your Baton Rouge motorcycle accident. To find out what options you have for recovering compensation for your injuries, call (225) 341-5694 for a free, no-risk consultation.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
