Was Your Motorcycle Accident Caused by Negligence? We Fight Tirelessly for Justice
In some cases, such as when a motorcyclist is hit by a drunk driver, the injured individual may seek punitive damages. Unlike compensatory damages, like those listed above, punitive damages are not intended to compensate the victim for losses but, rather, to punish the defendant for egregious negligence.
Liability in Motorcycle Accident Claims
Monroe Motorcycle Accident Lawyers: Get the Compensation You Deserve
Because Louisiana is an at-fault state, you must prove that another person or party was at least partially responsible for the accident to recover compensation. Under the state’s pure comparative negligence rule, you can still recover compensation if you are found partially to blame, but your total recovery will be reduced.
At Parker Alexander, our Monroe motorcycle accident lawyers work tirelessly to prove liability in your case. We look at various factors, from the behavior of other motorists to the weather conditions at the time of the accident, when investigating these types of claims.
When determining who is liable for a motorcycle accident, we typically look at the following:
- Whether another motorist was negligent or acted wrongfully
- If the driver who hit you was distracted, speeding, drunk, or engaged in other negligent/unlawful conduct
- If there was third-party negligence, including vehicle defects
- What the weather, traffic, and road conditions were at the time of the accident
We also gather evidence regarding the nature and severity of your injuries, as well as the extent of your damages. This might include obtaining medical records, financial information, and evidence outlining your physical pain and emotional suffering following the accident. All of this allows our attorneys to build a solid case on your behalf and present the evidence clearly and effectively to the opposing counsel, judge, and/or jury.
Essential Steps to Take Following a Monroe Motorcycle Accident
The shock and adrenaline of being in an accident can make it difficult to think clearly after the crash.
However, there are some important steps you should take to protect your rights, including your right to file a personal injury claim:
- Seek Medical Attention: Unfortunately, because so many motorcycle accidents result in severe bodily injury, there is a strong chance you required medical attention at the scene. If, however, you have not seen a doctor yet, now is the time to do so. Even if you believe the accident was relatively minor or that your injuries are not that bad, you should always see a medical professional after a motorcycle accident. Your doctor will be able to conduct a thorough examination and diagnose or rule out any underlying injuries and/or conditions.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions: After seeking medical attention, be sure to follow all your doctor’s orders. Take any/all prescribed medications, attend follow-up appointments, complete rehabilitation therapy, and continue seeking care until you have healed or until your doctor determines that you have healed as much as you are going to.
- Document Evidence: If possible, you should also try to get the name, contact information, and insurance information of anyone else involved in the accident. Take pictures of your injuries and your bike (if damaged) as soon as possible after the accident. If you can, take pictures of the scene of the accident before moving your bike. If there were any witnesses to the accident, get their names, contact information, and statements about what they saw.
- File an Accident Report: Additionally, you should file an accident report with local law enforcement after the crash. The best way to do this is to call 911 at the scene and have the police come out to the accident site. Be honest, clear, and direct when reporting the accident to the police, but avoid making any statements that could be construed as admitting fault.
- Refrain from Talking to the Other Party’s Insurance Provider: You might receive calls from the other person/party’s insurance company after the accident. Remember, you do NOT have to provide a written or oral statement to the other insurance company—nor should you. In fact, these insurance adjusters often try to get you to accidentally admit fault or downplay your injuries. They can then use this to dispute, devalue, or even deny your claim. We strongly recommend that you avoid speaking to anyone from the other insurance company after the accident.
- Call a Lawyer: If you were injured in the crash, you should talk to a personal injury lawyer. At Parker Alexander, we can help you assess whether you have grounds for a claim or lawsuit. Our attorneys are prepared to communicate with the other person’s insurance provider and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount, we are ready to take your case to trial.
Top Reasons to Choose Parker Alexander for Your Monroe Motorcycle Accident Case
Why hire our team for your motorcycle accident case?
- We provide each of our clients with the utmost professionalism and attention to detail.
- We are always in the pursuit of fairness and work tirelessly to help your case.
- We never charge our clients fees unless we recover compensation for you.
- We have successfully litigated numerous cases and have recovered millions for our clients.
- We provide home and hospital consultations, as well as evening and weekend appointments.
Are you ready to get started? We want to hear from you! Get in touch with us today to set up a no-cost, no-risk consultation with a member of our team.
Contact Parker Alexander in Monroe for a Free Consultation Today at (318) 625-6262or onlineto discuss your motorcycle accident case.