New Orleans Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Common Injuries Resulting from Motorcycle Accidents

Common injuries resulting from motorcycle collisions include:

• Amputations 
• Internal injuries 
• Spinal cord injuries (SCI)
• Broken and fractured bones 
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Road rash and nerve damage 

Even with a helmet and protective gear, a wreck can result in significant medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lasting limitations. We can work diligently to document the full impact of your injuries and pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Common Liable Parties in Motorcycle Accident Claims

Negligent Drivers

Distracted, speeding, and drunk drivers are common causes of motorcycle crashes. We can gather traffic camera footage and witness statements to help prove that the other driver caused the collision.

Commercial Trucking Companies

Large semi-trucks have massive blind spots. If a commercial trucker carelessly changes lanes into your motorcycle, we can fight to hold both the driver and their parent company responsible for damages.

Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers

Sometimes a crash occurs because of a defective part, such as failing brakes or a blown tire. When a product defect played a role, we can investigate whether a manufacturer or another party may share responsibility.

Government Entities

Potholes, uneven lanes, and missing warning signs are especially dangerous for two-wheeled vehicles. Suing a city or state agency involves unique administrative hurdles, making it crucial to contact our firm as soon as possible.

Can I Recover Damages in a Motorcycle Accident Claim if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?

Louisiana law requires anyone operating or riding a motorcycle to wear an approved safety helmet (La. R.S. § 32:190). However, not wearing a helmet doesn’t necessarily prohibit you from recovering damages. 

Under the state’s comparative fault laws, you can still recover compensation even if you are partially to blame. The court will simply reduce your final settlement by your assigned percentage of fault. 

If you were riding without a helmet, the insurance company will likely use that fact to drastically reduce your payout or deny your claim altogether. We push back against lowball offers and victim-blaming by presenting compelling evidence of liability.

How Lane Splitting Can Impact Motorcycle Accident Claims 

State law prohibits motorcycle operators from overtaking and passing another vehicle in the same lane and from operating a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles (La. R.S. § 32.191.1). 

If you were splitting lanes when the crash occurred, the insurance company may argue that you are at fault. While lane splitting is against the law, it doesn’t mean the other driver is automatically off the hook. If the other party was texting, made an illegal turn, or acted recklessly, they can still share liability. 

Our attorneys can investigate the complete sequence of events rather than accepting an insurer’s version of the crash at face value. By meticulously reviewing traffic footage, vehicle damage, witness statements, photographs, and crash reports, we work to build a well-prepared case that protects your right to financial recovery.

Overcoming Unfair Insurance Bias Against Injured Motorcyclists

Many insurance adjusters operate under the unfair assumption that all motorcyclists are reckless and weaponize this stigma to shift blame onto the rider. Cossé Injury Law takes on these biased insurance companies every day. We know that most riders are responsible members of our community and refuse to let adjusters use stereotypes to paint you in a bad light. By preparing every case for trial, we work to position personal injury claims for success and demand the compensation you deserve.