How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Take in Louisiana?

Many Louisiana residents love riding the open road on their motorcycles. This is a thrilling and exciting way to see the sights, and popular roadways include Louisiana Highway 10 and U.S. State Route 167. Whether you live in Kenner, Lafayette, or New Orleans, you deserve compensation if you’re involved in an accident that is not your fault. However, many people who have been injured in a motorcycle crash will wonder, “How long does a motorcycle accident lawsuit take in Louisiana?”

Factors Affecting the Timeline of a Motorcycle Accident Case in LA

In 2023, the United States saw a total of 82,000 motorcycle accident injuries, with 6,335 deaths. In fact, nearly 15% of all traffic fatalities across Louisiana are motorcyclists. From these accidents, victims are often due compensation, but the time it takes to obtain that compensation will depend on the factors involved in the case. These include:

• Injuries and recovery. One of the main factors impacting the timeline of a motorcycle accident case is the severity of the victim’s injuries. If the injuries are more severe, then it will take much longer for the victim to heal from them. In cases where injuries are severe and life-threatening, a payout is likely to come sooner than in a case where the injuries are minor and harder to prove.
• Investigations. As with any legal case, a detailed investigation will need to take place. This process can involve finding and interviewing witnesses, visiting the scene of the accident, looking over all medical records or police reports, and reviewing any available surveillance footage. All these steps will add time to your case.
• Civil claim. Additionally, a personal injury claim will take longer than a settlement handled outside the courtroom. When the liable party and their insurance company are unwilling to reach a fair settlement through negotiations, your attorney can take the case to court and fight for what you deserve. By their very nature, claims take longer than settlements.

Damages You Could Recover

Motorcycle crashes can range in severity, but the injuries are usually quite serious. This is because motorcycles typically afford their riders less protection than a car, SUV, or commercial truck. When serious injuries are suffered, the damages that you could recover increase. At The Roach Law Firm, we can secure our clients the following forms of compensation:

• Economic damages. These encompass any financial losses you have suffered. They include lost wages, a reduced earning capacity, medical expenses, and any damage to your personal property.
• Non-economic damages. These damages are considered intangible. Therefore, it is more difficult to assign them a monetary value. They can include physical pain and suffering, emotional or mental distress, loss of the enjoyment of life, scarring, and disfigurement.
• Wrongful death damages. When a loved one dies as the result of a motorcycle accident, certain family members may seek wrongful death damages. These can include anything related to the deceased’s medical needs prior to their death, the circumstances of the accident, and any funeral or burial costs.
• Punitive damages. In rare cases, the court may award you punitive damages if the other party was excessively reckless, had an intense disregard for others’ safety, or displayed outright malice when injuring you. Often, this penalty is mandated if the driver was drunk or otherwise under the influence when they hit you.

About The Roach Law Firm

Since 1959, the team at The Roach Law Firm has been working to secure compensation for clients facing a wide range of personal injury cases. We know how difficult this time is for you and your loved ones. Our firm can guide and represent you throughout every step. Our team can handle all the legalities while you focus on your recovery. Over the years, we have won tens of millions of dollars for our clients, and we can do the same for you as well.

FAQs

Q: What Injuries Are Common in Motorcycle Accidents?

A: A multitude of injuries could be suffered in a Louisiana motorcycle accident. The most common of these include:

• Road rash
• Severe burns
• Internal organ damage, such as a punctured lung or spleen
• Nerve damage
• Internal bleeding
• Broken bones and fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Cuts, bruises, or lacerations

Q: Why Do I Need a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

A: While having an attorney during a motorcycle accident claim is not required by state law, their knowledge of the Louisiana motorcycle accident laws can be crucial for securing a favorable outcome. Your motorcycle accident attorney can:

• Determine liability.
• Identify the kinds of compensation you can seek.
• Gather necessary evidence.
• File the official claim paperwork.
• Work to negotiate a fair settlement.
• Pursue a favorable verdict in court if the at-fault party won’t negotiate.

Q: What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

A: Following a motorcycle accident, you should take specific actions to protect your own physical safety and the viability of any future claim. First, it is important that you move yourself off the roadway and call for both the police and emergency medical services. You will also want to gather evidence, like photos of the accident scene and the contact information of the at-fault driver.

Q: What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

A: There are several common causes of motorcycle accidents. If you’ve been in such an incident, it is important to know them so you can identify the liable party. These common causes include:

• Speeding or other forms of reckless driving
• Drowsy or fatigued driving
• Drugged or drunk driving
• Poor road conditions
• Bad weather
• Malfunctioning vehicle parts
• Distracted driving

Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

If you have been injured in a Louisiana motorcycle accident, you deserve compensation. To obtain it, you need to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer. At The Roach Law Firm, our commitment to excellence and experience speaks for itself. Our attorneys can secure the justice you deserve. Let us hold the negligent party liable. You can start by contacting our office and scheduling your initial consultation.