There are plenty of qualified attorneys in St. Tammany Parish who handle motorcycle accident cases. You are doing your research, which means something has happened. Something serious enough to engage legal counsel. No one reads lawyer websites until they need one.
Our clients came to us after they were injured in motorcycle crashes, usually because of someone else's negligence. This page explains how motorcycle accident claims work in Louisiana, what causes these crashes, and what Morris & Dewett offers. Read it. Compare us to others. Make the decision that's right for your situation.
Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Covington, LA
Motorcycles are thrilling to ride. On two or three wheels without the protection of a vehicle body, it does not take much to cause a serious wreck. Motorcyclists have a higher risk of injury and death than almost any other roadway traveler (source: NHTSA).
Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers handles motorcycle accident cases in Covington and throughout St. Tammany Parish. Our attorneys have more than 20 years of experience in personal injury cases, including motorcycle accident claims against drivers, commercial motorists, and their insurers.
We are available 24/7 for new clients. View our case results to see our track record.
What Are the Leading Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Most motorcycle accidents result from negligence. That usually involves some form of human error. In many crashes, more than one type of negligence is present.
Here is a closer look at the leading causes of motorcycle accidents in Covington, Louisiana, and across the U.S.
Motorist Negligence and Motorcycle Accidents
Riders and other drivers commonly make errors that lead to crashes. Those errors can stem from inattention, inexperience, or impairment. Common forms of motorist negligence in motorcycle accidents include distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, following too closely, and driving under the influence.
Other drivers can include passenger vehicle drivers and commercial motorists, such as truck and bus drivers. An attorney can determine whether driver negligence played a role in your crash.
Motorcycle Wrecks Caused by Faulty Equipment
When equipment on a motorcycle or another vehicle fails, the rider can lose control and a crash can result. Equipment failures can involve tires, brakes, the electrical system, the transmission, or other key components.
Equipment manufacturers and others may be liable depending on the origin of the failure. It often takes a detailed investigation to establish when and why a mechanical failure occurred.
Other Motorcycle Accident Causes
Beyond other motorists and vehicle equipment, several other parties and factors can cause motorcycle wrecks. These include road defects, inadequate signage, poor road maintenance, and conditions created by negligent third parties.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Any time motorcyclists hit the road, their risk of death is about 29 times higher than that of the average passenger vehicle driver (source: NHTSA). The latest national motorcycle accident statistics show how often these crashes are resulting in serious injury and death across the U.S.
Louisiana Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Louisiana motorcycle accident data from LSU covers accident counts, injuries, deaths, alcohol involvement, and helmet use rates for 2017 through 2020.
Alcohol impairment and failures to wear helmets are preventable factors in motorcycle accident deaths. Alcohol use is involved in about 1 in 3 deadly motorcycle wrecks in Louisiana. About 13% of riders killed in Louisiana motorcycle accidents were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Helmets can cut a rider's risk of injury and death in half (source: NHTSA).
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Covington, LA?
If you are conscious and able, get to safety and call 911 after a serious motorcycle accident. For minor wrecks, call the Covington Police Department non-emergency line at (985) 892-8500.
Then take as many of these steps as possible:
- Gather contact, driver, and insurance information from the other motorists.
- Take pictures and videos of the damaged motorcycle and other vehicles. Capture damaged road features, debris, the people at the scene, and road and weather conditions.
- When discussing the accident with anyone other than your lawyer, state only facts you know. Do not admit fault or apologize.
- Visit a doctor as soon as possible after the accident, even if you were treated by EMTs at the scene. Continue all prescribed medical care.
- Report the accident to your insurance company promptly. Many insurers require a report within hours to days of a crash.
- Speak with a Covington motorcycle accident lawyer to understand your rights and options for compensation.
Who Can I Sue After a Covington Motorcycle Accident?
Any party who was at fault for your motorcycle accident may be liable for your damages. Potentially liable parties depend on the specific circumstances of your crash and the evidence available.
Whether you can pursue a claim against a particular party depends on factors including what caused the crash, who was involved, and what evidence can be established. A free, confidential consultation can help identify every liable party in your case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Case in Covington, LA?
One year. Louisiana law gives you one year from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. This is called the prescriptive period. If you do not file within that time, your claim is barred.
One year can sound like plenty of time. It is not. Waiting makes it harder to gather and preserve evidence. Evidence tends to become lost, damaged, or inaccessible over time. The sooner you take action, the stronger your position.
What Damages Are Included in Motorcycle Accident Compensation?
Compensation for a motorcycle accident case depends on the injuries and losses resulting from the crash. It also depends on what you can establish in terms of liability and the extent of your damages.
Motorcycle accident compensation generally covers medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses.
Compensation cannot undo what happened. But it can address real financial consequences and help you and your family move forward. View our case results to see examples of our recoveries.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident in Covington?
-
Call 911 if you are seriously hurt. If the wreck is minor, call the Covington Police Department non-emergency line at (985) 892-8500. Get to safety, gather information from the other parties, photograph the scene, and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Report the accident to your insurance company promptly and speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer to understand your options.
- Q: Who can I sue after a Covington motorcycle accident?
-
Any party at fault for the crash may be liable for your damages. That could include other drivers, commercial motorists, vehicle equipment manufacturers, or other third parties depending on what caused the wreck. A lawyer can investigate the accident and identify every potentially liable party.
- Q: How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident case in Covington, LA?
-
One year from the date of the crash under Louisiana's prescriptive period. If you miss that deadline, your claim is barred. Acting promptly gives you the best chance to gather and preserve the evidence needed to support your case.
- Q: What damages are covered in motorcycle accident compensation?
-
Compensation can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses caused by the crash. The actual amount depends on your injuries, the evidence of fault, and what damages can be proven.
These answers reflect Louisiana law as of . For case specific advice, consult with a Louisiana personal injury attorney who can evaluate your particular circumstances.