Average Motorcycle Accident Settlement in Louisiana

Being in a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve been injured. The good news is that there are motorcycle accident laws in place to help you secure the compensation you’re rightfully owed when someone’s actions lead you to be injured.

The better news is that you can hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to help you recover the damages. So, you’re probably wondering what the average motorcycle accident settlement is in Louisiana?

It’s difficult to give one definitive answer to that question because the truth is that no two motorcycle accident settlements are going to be the same. The exact settlement amount you receive can hinge on several different factors. It’s helpful to understand how Louisiana insurance providers and courts determine total settlements, so you can strategize on how to maximize yours.

Recoverable Damages From a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Louisiana

After an accident, one of two things is likely to happen. Either the victim of the accident is going to file a personal injury claim to recover damages for their losses, or a loved one is going to file a wrongful death claim on their behalf. The former must be filed within two years of the incident or the latter within one year of the victim’s death.

The type of damages you can recover and the value of the settlement are going to depend on the type of claim, the severity of the accident, the extent of your injuries, and the strength of the claim you present. For example, you can recover a variety of economic and non-economic damages in a personal injury claim, including:

• Emotional distress
• Loss of income and future earning potential
• Medical bills
• Ongoing related costs
• Property damages

Claimants can recover many of the same damages on behalf of the victim through a wrongful death claim, too. Additionally, they can seek to recover damages for things like funeral and burial costs, loss of the victim’s income and benefits, and loss of companionship for their surviving loved ones.

Louisiana Motorcycle Accident Cases

Louisiana is known for having some of the worst roads in America. Poor road conditions are among the leading causes of traffic crashes across the country. Other main factors revolve around the weather and the drivers themselves.

Being on a motorcycle is already inherently more dangerous than being inside a vehicle. Combine that with a bad storm or a driver who zoned out and isn’t looking for you, and you’ve got a potential recipe for disaster.

In 2023, motorcyclists made up 15 percent of traffic fatalities nationally. That year, 811 people in Louisiana died in motor vehicle accidents, including 97 motorcyclists. That said, a motorcycle accident does not have to end in death to be a big deal. Another 1,229 motorcyclists were involved in accidents, suffering from varying levels of injuries.

Regardless of how badly you’re injured in a crash, it’s pertinent that you know what steps to take to get yourself back on your feet and to recover the compensation you’re owed for your losses. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone. Instead, you can hire a motorcycle accident lawyer.

Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

The Roach Law Firm has been in business since 1959 and has been helping local Louisiana residents through complex personal injury and wrongful death claims ever since. We bring over six decades of experience in litigation to the table, so you can count on us to stick by you until we’ve secured your settlement.

To top it off, our attorneys are all motorcycle riders themselves, so they have a personal vested interest in keeping the roads safe for everyone on them, especially this more vulnerable demographic.

FAQs

Q: What Types of Damages Can I Recover From a Motorcycle Accident in Louisiana?

A: You can recover both economic damages and non-economic damages from a motorcycle accident in Louisiana. The exact amount of your settlement is going to depend on the severity of the accident and your subsequent injuries.

Economic damages cover direct financial losses from an accident, like lost income, loss of future earning potential, medical bills, property damage to your vehicle, and any ongoing treatment costs. Non-economic damages cover more abstract losses like emotional distress or pain and suffering.

Q: Can I File a Claim After a Motorcycle Accident in Louisiana if I’m Partially at Fault?

A: Louisiana follows a pure comparative fault law, which means anyone injured in an accident can recover damages so long as they can prove the other party was at least partially at fault. While you can file a claim when you’re partially at fault, you can expect your percentage of fault to be deducted from your total settlement value. A Louisiana motorcycle accident attorney can help you build a claim that demonstrates the other party’s complete fault.

Q: How Can I Reach a Settlement for a Motorcycle Accident in Louisiana?

A: Many motorcycle accident cases end out of court through negotiations. This process involves communicating with the at-fault party, or more likely their insurance provider, to come up with a fair settlement amount. Your motorcycle accident lawyer can negotiate on your behalf, and if they are unsuccessful, they can represent you in court to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Q: Do I Have to Tell My Insurance Anything if I Was Not at Fault for an Accident in Louisiana?

A: It’s important to report an accident to your insurance even if you weren’t at fault. By reporting, you’re creating a clear track record of your actions after the accident. Moreover, your insurance may have to cover a part or all of your settlement, so it’s important that they’re aware of the situation. That said, it’s wise not to share details with them because they can use that information to try to reach the lowest possible settlement that covers your losses.

Louisiana Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

The Roach Law Firm brings 60+ years of experience to the table and is ready to guide you through the entire claims process after a motorcycle accident. Call us to set up an appointment with a trusted Louisiana motorcycle accident attorney today.