New Orleans Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle Accident Attorney in New Orleans, LA

Motorcycle accidents can be hazardous for bikers and lead to severe injury or death. These serious injuries can have high costs, even altering the rest of your life permanently. Recovering the costs of these damages is simpler with a New Orleans motorcycle accident lawyer, and you are more likely to get a greater financial recovery.

There are several factors motorcyclists need to be aware of in the event of an accident. Understanding the causes of these collisions and knowing how to protect your rights afterwards is crucial. Motorcycle riders must stay informed about their legal recourse. Knowing what steps to take after an accident can significantly affect recovery and peace of mind. Get the help you need to rebuild your life after a devastating motorcycle accident.

Hammond Law Firm, LLC: Supporting Injured Motorcyclists After an Accident

The physical and financial consequences of a motorcycle accident are often very serious for motorcyclists, while those in other vehicles usually suffer superficial damage. Motorcyclists can recover compensation for their damages in a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. However, it can be very difficult to deal with an insurance claim under normal circumstances, and much harder when you are dealing with treatment for catastrophic injuries.

You must have good representation if you have recently been involved in a collision involving one or more motorcycles. Having a New Orleans motorcycle injury attorney on your side could mean the difference between a successful and a denied insurance claim.

An attorney helps immensely, enabling you to rest and physically recover while providing you with more certainty, significant knowledge, and resources in the claim. The right attorney can advocate for you and help you make informed choices about negotiations and litigation.

At Hammond Law Firm, LLC, we have navigated many insurance claims after car and motorcycle accidents and have over 40 years of combined legal experience. We understand how stressful these cases can be, especially for motorcyclists who are unable to meet their expenses because of their injuries. Our team provides compassionate, reliable legal representation to help you pursue the damages you deserve.

We have secured many successful outcomes, including $500,000 in damages after a car accident. While our past results cannot guarantee a positive outcome for your case, they can demonstrate how we work tirelessly for our clients and the compensation they deserve.

Whether a driver, a manufacturer, or another party’s negligence caused the accident, we take the time to investigate the crash and hold the at-fault party accountable. We can help you understand your options and make crucial choices about your financial future.

Quick Summary

Some key aspects of motorcycle accidents are:

• Motorcycle accidents in Louisiana often result from negligence by other drivers who fail to yield, maintain safe distances, or drive distracted or under the influence. Dangerous road conditions and insufficient rider experience also contribute.
• Motorcycle accidents frequently lead to severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, head and neck injuries, spinal cord injuries, road rash, lower limb injuries, and chest injuries, requiring extensive medical care and recovery.
• After a motorcycle accident in New Orleans, it’s crucial to call the police, seek medical help, gather witness information, document the scene, exchange details with the other driver, refrain from discussing fault, and contact an attorney promptly.
• Depending on the circumstances of a Louisiana motorcycle accident, motorcyclists, other drivers, or motorcycle manufacturers can be held liable. Determining fault is essential as it dictates who is financially responsible for the victim’s losses.
• Victims of motorcycle accidents in New Orleans can seek economic damages, like medical expenses and lost income, and non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, with the help of a New Orleans motorcycle injury attorney within Louisiana’s two-year statute of limitations.

Motorcycle Accidents in New Orleans

In Orleans Parish in 2025, there were 202 reported crashes involving motorcycles. Of these crashes, 48 only resulted in property damage, 145 were suspected injury crashes, and 9 were fatal crashes.

While two-wheeled motorcycle crashes in the parish only made up 0.64% of all crashes when categorized by vehicle type, fatal accidents involving motorcycles made up 12.86% of all fatal accidents. Motorcycle accidents have a much higher risk of death or catastrophic injury for motorcyclists than they do for other drivers. Nationally, the motorcyclist fatality rate was 22 times that of passenger cars.

What Are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Louisiana?

Motorcycle accidents can result from many different factors, some entirely unpredictable. Often, other drivers simply do not pay attention or fail to see motorcyclists, causing them to make unsafe maneuvers that can result in serious accidents.

Some of the most common reasons for motorcycle accidents in the state of Louisiana that can be attributed to negligence include:

At-Fault Driver

Many people think motorcycle riders are reckless, but many motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers. Careless actions by other motorists that endanger motorcyclists include:

• Not yielding
• Not keeping a safe distance
• Swerving in front of a motorcycle
• Driving while distracted
• Driving under the influence
• Not checking blind spots
• Speeding
• Changing lanes unsafely
• Stopping suddenly

When a driver’s negligent actions lead directly to the accident, they can be held fully or partially liable for the damages that others in the crash suffered. You file a claim with their insurance company to recover the cost of your damages up to their insurance coverage limits. If a driver is underinsured or uninsured, there may be other options for financial recovery.

Dangerous Road Conditions

Dangerous road conditions cause many motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles are more susceptible to potholes and other issues on the road compared to other vehicles. Bikers need solid, high-friction, and well-maintained roads to stay in control. Government agencies must maintain public roads and highways.

Federal, state, and local agencies may be liable for poor road upkeep. Issues with road design, construction, and maintenance can cause motorcycle accidents, including:

• Poor lighting on roads or intersections
• Sand, loose gravel, or debris on the road
• Missing dividers or guardrails
• Pavement problems (uneven pavement, potholes, resurfaced or grooved pavement)
• Lane shifts or turn lanes without clear signs or markings
• Badly designed intersections

These hazards can make it hard to know who is to blame if a motorcycle accident happens.

Fatigue and Intoxicated Driving

Almost half of all deadly motorcycle crashes involve alcohol. Riding a motorcycle takes skill and coordination. Alcohol dramatically reduces a biker’s ability to ride safely. Fatigue is another major cause of motorcycle crashes. Take frequent breaks on long rides, and if you feel tired, rest.

Lack of Training or Experience

Motorcycle crashes often happen due to a lack of experience or not taking the needed precautions. Bikers must practice defensive driving, especially at intersections where most crashes occur. In 2021, 36% of bikers killed in accidents did not have a proper motorcycle license. Without a motorcycle license, a biker likely lacks the experience, knowledge, or skills to ride safely.

What Injuries Are Common After a Motorcycle Accident?

Motorcycle accident injuries tend to be much more severe for bikers. Even when wearing protective gear and safety helmets, motorcyclists are never as safe as those riding in vehicles that offer seat belts, a chassis, and better forms of protection.

The most common injuries that result from motorcycle accidents include trauma such as:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Fewer bikers die on our roads now because of helmet use and safety improvements. Even with a DOT-approved helmet, a motorcyclist in a crash still risks a traumatic brain injury from hitting another vehicle, the road, or another object.

Riders with traumatic brain injuries can have lasting problems, like trouble speaking or doing daily tasks. These injuries can lead to long rehabilitation and high long-term medical costs.

Head and Neck Injuries

Head and neck injuries often occur in motorcycle accidents. In severe crashes, spinal cord injuries can cause the most lasting damage. While helmets protect against brain injuries, they offer little spinal cord protection and might transfer the impact to the spine.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can lead to chronic pain, temporary or permanent loss of movement, and, in the most severe cases, paraplegia or quadriplegia. These injuries often involve high costs, including long-term healthcare expenses and lost wages.

Road Rash

Road rash injuries include painful scrapes, abrasions, and more severe wounds that can look like burns. These happen when a biker slides along the road. The skin is our main protective layer, so road rash infection is a severe risk.

Scarring, permanent nerve damage, and damage to underlying tissue are common. Severe road rash can require skin grafting, physical therapy, and long-term medical care.

Lower Limb Injuries

Because legs are close to the ground when riding, they’re often the first to hit the pavement in a crash. If a motorcycle tips over, it can crush a rider’s leg or foot, causing fractures and broken bones. Ligament and tendon injuries in the lower limbs are also common after a motorcycle accident.

Chest Injuries

Injuries to the ribs, sternum, or collarbones are common in motorcycle crashes. These can be very serious because the rib cage protects vital organs, especially the lungs. Chest injuries can cause a collapsed or punctured lung and internal bleeding.

Recovery from this type of injury can take a long time and require expensive medical care. There’s also a risk of secondary injuries from infections.

What to Do Following a Motorcycle Accident in New Orleans, Louisiana?

If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a motorcycle crash caused by another driver in New Orleans, it’s important to act quickly. Delaying could jeopardize your health and make your injury claim harder to pursue legally. If you are physically able to, you should:

1. Call the police immediately and inform them about your motorcycle accident. You can contact the New Orleans Police Department or dial 911.
2. If there are serious injuries, ask the police to send an ambulance. Even if you’re unsure, requesting medical help and having a professional check on you is advised. Don’t leave the scene of the accident unless an ambulance takes you.
3. If someone witnessed your accident, get their full name and phone number. Their account can strengthen your case.
4. Take photos of the accident scene if it’s safe to do so. Capture the scene before moving your motorcycle or the other vehicle.
5. Exchange contact details with the other driver, including your name, address, driver’s license number, and insurance information.
6. After exchanging information, avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or anyone else. Even a simple apology could impact your injury claim.
7. Get the name and badge number of the investigating police officer. This information will be helpful if you need to follow up on your Louisiana accident report.
8. Seek medical care right away if your motorcycle injury is serious. You may need to go to an emergency room, like University Medical Center, New Orleans LCMC Health, or another nearby hospital.
9. Inform your insurance company about the accident caused by another driver, but keep your statement concise.
10. If the other driver’s insurance contacts you, refrain from speaking with them. Anything you say could be used against your claim. If they insist on more information, direct them to your lawyer.
11. Contact a New Orleans motorcycle injury attorney as soon as possible. Legal representation safeguards your rights and strengthens your case.

Taking the right steps after a crash can support your claim and help you get the financial recovery you deserve.

Who Can Be Held Liable for My Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Proving who is at fault is crucial in every accident, including motorcycle crashes. Some mistakenly think the motorcyclist is always to blame for a crash, but this isn’t true. Many others could be responsible.

Determining fault in a motorcycle accident is important because Louisiana follows fault rules. This means the party responsible and their insurance must pay for the injured person’s medical bills and other losses. Various parties can be held accountable for a motorcycle collision, including:

Motorcycle Rider

Motorcyclists can be held liable if they drive carelessly or recklessly. For instance, this could include speeding or driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol. However, there are unfair assumptions made about motorcyclists in many of these accidents. Some insurers claim that motorcyclists take a risk simply by riding their vehicles. When you are injured as a motorcyclist, it is important that you work with a knowledgeable attorney to counter these presumptions.

Other Drivers

Drivers of passenger and commercial vehicles can also be held responsible. The driver must have acted negligently. The car doesn’t need to hit the motorcycle directly; an accident can occur without physical contact.

For instance, if a bus driver drives recklessly, causing a motorcyclist to swerve and crash, the bus driver can be liable for the accident.

Motorcycle Manufacturer

A motorcycle that has defects can also lead to accidents. The issue might be with a specific motorcycle part, like brakes, wheels, or pedals. Even a small problem with these parts could cause a crash. If an accident occurs due to these defects, the motorcycle manufacturer could be held responsible for the crash.

Why Do I Need a New Orleans Motorcycle Injury Attorney?

If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle crash, a New Orleans motorcycle injury attorney can assist you in several ways. They can manage the following tasks for you:

• Filing an insurance claim or civil claim
• Figuring out who is responsible for your accident, such as a careless driver or a government agency
• Collecting evidence to show that the responsible party is liable for your losses
• Keeping you informed about how your case is progressing
• Talking to the insurance company of the person who caused the accident
• Explaining your choices for seeking compensation
• Representing you in court, if necessary

If you’ve sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident, seeking the services of dedicated personal injury attorneys in New Orleans can make a tremendous difference in the outcome of your case.

How Do Courts Determine Liability in a Motorcycle Accident in New Orleans?

While each case is different, responsibility for a motorcycle accident is usually determined by negligence. If someone acted carelessly and caused the accident, they are considered negligent, and if that negligence directly leads to an accident, they can be held responsible.

In many accidents between motorcycles and cars, the car driver is often found negligent. However, motorcycle riders can also be responsible if they are careless, such as speeding or making risky maneuvers that lead to a collision. The court may also find that multiple parties are partially liable. When this happens, each party is liable for their portion of the fault, and their damages are reduced by their percentage of fault for the accident.

How Do You Prove Fault After a Motorcycle Accident?

To prove fault after a motorcycle accident, you have to secure certain evidence at the scene of a crash and afterward. The exact evidence depends on the cause of the accident and who was at fault. Some crucial evidence includes:

• The police and accident report
• Eyewitness statements
• Medical documentation
• Traffic camera footage, dash cams, and other CCTV
• The damage to your riding gear, helmet, and bike
• Phone records
• Injury photos
• Photos of the crash, including traffic and weather conditions at the time
• Black box data when commercial vehicles are involved

When you hire a motorcycle accident lawyer, they can help you gather this evidence, and they also have access to important resources to support your claim. This includes expert testimony, such as from accident reconstructionists or medical professionals.

What Damages Can I Recover as a New Orleans Motorcycle Accident Victim?

Motorcycle accidents can cause various expenses for victims. Your lawyer can assist you in getting compensation to cover these costs. Some of the damages you may be able to recover include:

Economic Damages

Economic damages are the financial losses you experience from your accident, including future expected losses. These damages form a significant part of your claim or case. They include:

• Lost income, for the time you are unable to work due to injuries or doctor’s appointments for your injuries
• Reduced earning capacity, if you cannot return to your job or complete any gainful employment due to the severity of your injuries
• Medical expenses, for past bills and expected costs, as well as the cost of treating complications that are common with the type of injuries you suffered
• Property damage, to cover the repairs or replacement of your vehicle or other personal property

Non-Economic Damages

You may also be able to recover non-economic damages after your accident. These are subjective damages that compensate you for emotional, psychological, and physical harm. Your recoverable damages could include:

• Pain and suffering
• Lost enjoyment of life
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Mental anguish

The compensation you can receive depends on the specifics of your case. Your personal injury lawyer can seek a settlement that fairly reimburses you for all your losses. Without an attorney, you are likely to underestimate the value of your claim and accept a lowball settlement from the insurance company.

How Can I Protect Myself From a New Orleans Motorcycle Accident?

If you’re new to riding, practice with experienced riders to learn valuable skills. Handling your bike in emergencies is crucial for avoiding accidents and staying safe. Here are some other steps you can take:

Ride Defensively

Always be cautious and aware when you ride because not all drivers watch out for motorcycles. Maintain a reasonable distance from cars, use your signals clearly before turning or changing lanes, and be ready for sudden shifts in traffic or how drivers behave.

Being defensive means staying alert and proactive to protect yourself on the road. It’s about anticipating what might happen and being prepared to react safely to keep yourself and others safe.

Stay Visible

Make sure you’re easy to see by wearing bright or reflective clothes and keeping your headlight on, even in daylight. Avoid riding where drivers can’t easily spot you, especially in their blind spots. Keep a steady speed so drivers can predict your movements on the road.

Staying visible is crucial for your safety as a motorcyclist. It helps others notice you and reduces the risk of accidents. Being proactive about visibility can make a big difference in avoiding collisions.

Wear a Good Helmet

A quality helmet should at least have DOT certification. You can also opt for helmets certified by the Snell Memorial Foundation. Helmets with strong thermoplastic or reinforced composite shells protect against head injuries. Full-face helmets provide additional protection for the face and chin.

FAQs

What Is Louisiana’s Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Injury Claims?

Under Louisiana law, you only have two years to file a claim for compensation after an accident, as of 2024. This might seem like a long time, but it’s shorter than in many other states. Take action quickly. Unless you file before the deadline, you will be barred from recovering financial compensation.

Contacting a New Orleans motorcycle injury lawyer as soon as possible allows your lawyer to gather evidence and assess your losses, helping you build a strong case.

How Are Motorcycle Accident Cases Different From Other Vehicle Accidents?

Motorcycle accident cases are different from other vehicle accidents for several reasons, including lower visibility on the road and being harder to see in blind spots. Motorcyclists can be much more affected by road defects compared to other vehicles.

Accidents result in much more catastrophic injuries for motorcyclists and are more likely to exceed insurance coverage limits. At the same time, insurance companies and courts can be biased against motorcyclists, claiming that there is inherent risk associated with riding.

What Is the Average Motorcycle Accident Settlement?

The average motorcycle accident settlement will depend on how seriously you were injured, your damages, whether you work with an attorney, and many other factors. In 2023 in the U.S., the average cost of injuries after a motorcycle accident was $79,728 per person for emergency department visits. However, your injuries can cost much more or less, and factors like insurance coverage limits or comparative fault can prevent you from recovering full damages.

Who Is to Blame After a Motorcycle Accident in Louisiana?

There is no one party that is to blame after a motorcycle accident in Louisiana, because each accident is unique. A driver or a rider could be liable, or both could be partially liable. Other parties could also be liable, such as a product manufacturer, if the accident is caused by a product defect in a motorcycle.

Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: Finding Hope and Healing After a Motorcycle Accident

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a motorcycle accident, contact our trusted New Orleans motorcycle injury attorney as soon as possible. That way, you can learn about your legal rights during a free consultation.

In many motorcycle accidents, motorcyclists are much more likely to die than drivers of other vehicles. The increased risk of injury in motorcycle accidents means that insurance companies may attempt to minimize the damages they are liable for. We will work to pursue the just compensation you deserve. Our legal team can also represent you in product liability cases when a motorcycle accident is caused by a defective vehicle part.

Our firm offers compassionate legal representation for injured individuals and grieving families. Call Hammond Law Firm LLC to schedule a free case review. You can also reach us by submitting an online contact form.