Bossier City Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Proudly Representing Injured Motorcyclists

If you were severely injured in a motorcycle accident, you can expect a long recovery time. Don’t let it get more complicated than it needs to be by letting the responsible party dodge liability. To stand up for your right to full compensation, come to Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law and let our Bossier City motorcycle accident attorneys handle your case. We are proud to represent injured motorcyclists who are often overlooked or turned away by corporate law firms that think their cases are too risky or difficult. When times are tough like they are now, you can depend on us!

Call (318) 633-0186 or use an online contact form now to request a case evaluation.

Are Motorcycle Accidents More Serious Than Car Accidents?

Typically, motorcycle accidents result in far worse injuries than car accidents that occur at similar speeds and in similar conditions. The main reason for this unfortunate outcome is that motorcyclists have very little protection compared to motorists in closed vehicles. A helmet and padded clothing are about the most that a motorcyclist can do to try to reduce their risk of serious injury if a crash occurs.

Furthermore, insurance claims for motorcycle accidents tend to be more complicated and contested due to the severe nature of the injured rider’s injuries. Insurance companies know that the payout for a claim involving serious injuries will be higher than average, so they tend to put up a greater fight than usual. In other words, if you need to file a motorcycle accident claim, you should start by obtaining reliable legal counsel by coming to Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, serving clients in Bossier City and beyond.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Louisiana

After a motorcycle accident, it is common for insurance representatives to blame the motorcycle rider. People often have a misplaced assumption that motorcyclists are reckless by nature, so they are more likely to be the cause of a crash. This assumption is untrue and unfair. Oftentimes, when our attorneys are through with investigating the cause of a client’s motorcycle accident, it is revealed that the other motorist or driver did something wrong that led to the collision.

Common driver mistakes that lead to motorcycle accidents include:

• Driving while distracted or intoxicated
• Turning left in front of an approaching motorcycle
• Tailgating a motorcycle and not being ready to come to a sudden stop
• Changing lanes without checking for a motorcyclist in the blind spot

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Due to the lack of physical protection, injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents are often severe. These injuries can result in long-term medical complications, permanent disabilities, or even fatalities. Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Concussions
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Road rash and severe lacerations
• Internal organ damage
• Burns
• Neck and back injuries
• Amputations

These types of injuries may require extensive medical treatment, ongoing therapy, and long-term care. Our legal team works closely with medical experts to fully understand the impact of your injuries and ensure all current and future damages are accounted for in your claim.

Louisiana Motorcycle Laws

Understanding Louisiana motorcycle laws is important when pursuing a claim. Some of the key laws that pertain to motorcycle riders in Bossier City include:

• Helmet law: Louisiana requires all motorcyclists and their passengers to wear protective helmets that meet safety standards.
• Eye protection: Riders must wear eye protection such as goggles or have a windshield installed on the motorcycle.
• Insurance requirements: Motorcyclists must carry minimum liability insurance coverage, just like drivers of other motor vehicles.
• Lane splitting: Lane splitting (riding between lanes of traffic) is not explicitly legal in Louisiana and may be viewed as unsafe or negligent behavior in certain circumstances.
• Comparative fault: Louisiana follows a pure comparative fault system. This means you can still recover compensation even if you are partially at fault, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Our Bossier City motorcycle accident lawyer from Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law can explain how these laws apply to your specific case and help protect your legal rights.

Damages in a Motorcycle Accident Claim

Motorcycle accidents often cause road rash, head injuries, back injuries, and other serious injuries. As a direct result of those injuries, such accidents also often cause medical bills to pile up. You could be feeling financial stress as soon as you are approved to leave the hospital. To pursue the compensation that you need to recover without breaking the bank, let our Bossier City motorcycle accident attorneys lead the way and demand damages on your behalf.

We can likely demand damages related to your:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Past lost wages
• Future income loss if you were disabled in the wreck
• Pain and suffering
• Lessened enjoyment of life and reduced life expectancy
• Property damage, like motorcycle repair

Motorcycle Accident Claim FAQs

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Louisiana?

Louisiana generally has a one-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means you must file your claim within one year of the accident date, or you may lose your right to pursue compensation.

Should I speak to the insurance company?

It is best to avoid giving a recorded statement to the insurance company before speaking with a Bossier City motorcycle accident lawyer. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim.

What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

You may still pursue compensation even if you were not wearing a helmet. However, it may affect the amount you can recover under Louisiana’s comparative fault laws.

How much is my motorcycle accident case worth?

Every case is different. The value depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost income, and how the accident has affected your daily life.

Do I have to go to court?

Many cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, but if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, taking the case to court may be necessary. Our firm will be ready to represent you at trial.

For Experienced & Compassionate Counsel, Call Us Now

Louisiana has a short two-year statute of limitations for most motorcycle accident claims, and time can fly fast when you are dealing with the complications that tend to follow serious accidents. Before too much time passes, reach out to Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law in Bossier City. Our motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to help you, even if that means taking your case to trial to pursue a fair outcome.

We want to hear from you. Please call (318) 633-0186 right away.