Were You Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
As a motorcycle rider in Shreveport, you know the thrill of the open road and the sense of freedom that comes with riding. But you also know the risks.
When a motorcycle accident happens, the consequences can be devastating. Riders are exposed and vulnerable in a way that occupants of cars and trucks are not, and they often suffer severe, life-altering injuries.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle crash, you need a Shreveport motorcycle accident lawyer who understands the unique challenges you’re facing. At the Law Office of Heather C. Ford, we’re here to fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Are Different from Car Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are different from typical car crashes in several key ways.
- Lack of protection: Riders lack the protection that passenger vehicle occupants have. There are no seatbelts, airbags, or metal frames to absorb the impact of a collision. When a motorcycle is hit, the rider often bears the brunt of the force directly, leading to severe trauma.
- Bias against motorcycle riders: There’s a pervasive bias against motorcycle riders in our society. Many people unfairly stereotype riders as reckless or irresponsible. This bias can come into play when determining liability for an accident and negotiating with insurance companies. Insurers may try to shift blame onto the rider, even when the other driver was clearly at fault.
- Unique accident dynamics: Riders are often ejected from their bikes upon impact, leading to secondary injuries from hitting the ground or other objects. Skidding and sliding across pavement can cause severe road rash and disfigurement. Because of their smaller size, motorcycles are more likely to be overlooked by inattentive drivers, leading to collisions.
At the Law Office of Heather C. Ford, we understand these challenges. We know how to investigate motorcycle accidents, gather evidence, and build strong cases that overcome biases and prove liability. We fight to ensure our clients are treated fairly and get the full compensation they deserve.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Shreveport
Motorcycle accidents can happen for many reasons, but some causes are more common than others.
In Shreveport, we often see crashes that result from:
- Distracted or inattentive drivers. Car and truck drivers who are texting, fiddling with the radio, or simply not paying attention often fail to see motorcycles until it’s too late.
- Cars making left turns. One of the most common and dangerous scenarios is when a car makes a left turn directly in front of an oncoming motorcycle. These collisions often happen because the driver misjudges the motorcycle’s speed or fails to see it all together.
- Unsafe lane changes. Drivers who change lanes without properly checking their blind spots can easily sideswipe or cut off a motorcycle.
- Following too closely. Motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars, so following too closely can easily lead to a rear-end collision if the rider has to brake suddenly.
- Opening car doors. When people in parked cars open their doors without looking, they can create a sudden, unavoidable obstacle for passing motorcyclists.
- Road hazards. Because of their smaller size and less stable nature, motorcycles are more vulnerable to road hazards like potholes, gravel, or uneven pavement.
- Defective parts. Sometimes, the cause of a crash isn’t another driver but rather a defect in the motorcycle itself. Faulty brakes, tires, or steering components can all lead to accidents.
Regardless of how your accident happened, if someone else’s negligence played a role, you may have a right to compensation. Our Shreveport motorcycle accident attorneys can investigate your crash, identify all liable parties, and fight to hold them accountable.
Severe Injuries Often Sustained in Motorcycle Crashes
The lack of protection for riders means that motorcycle accidents often result in severe, catastrophic injuries.
Some of the most common injuries we see in these crashes include:
- Traumatic brain injuries. Even with a helmet, the force of impact can cause concussions, skull fractures, and other serious head trauma. These injuries can lead to cognitive impairments, personality changes, and long-term disability.
- Spinal cord injuries. Damage to the spinal cord can cause partial or total paralysis, forever altering a person’s life.
- Crush injuries. When a rider is pinned under a vehicle or objects, the prolonged pressure can cause crush injuries, which can damage internal organs and lead to life-threatening complications.
- Road rash and disfigurement. Sliding across pavement can cause severe abrasions that strip away skin and tissue. These injuries are extremely painful and can lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement.
- Fractures. Broken bones are common in motorcycle accidents, particularly in the legs, pelvis, and arms. Some fractures may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation to heal properly.
- Amputations. In some cases, the force of a crash or the severity of a crush injury may necessitate the amputation of a limb.
- Psychological trauma. The mental and emotional impact of a severe motorcycle accident cannot be overstated. Many riders experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other psychological struggles in the aftermath of a crash.
At the Law Office of Heather C. Ford, we understand the profound impact these injuries can have on every aspect of your life.
We fight to ensure your compensation reflects not just your current medical bills but also your future needs, your pain and suffering, and the overall impact on your quality of life.
Proving Liability in a Shreveport Motorcycle Accident Case
To recover compensation after a motorcycle accident, you need to prove that someone else was at fault for the crash. This requires evidence. Our experienced Shreveport motorcycle accident attorneys know how to thoroughly investigate accidents to uncover the evidence needed to build strong cases.
Some of the key steps in proving liability include:
Gathering Evidence from the Accident Scene
- Police reports and accident reconstructions. The responding officers will create an official accident report that can provide crucial details about how the crash occurred. In some cases, we may also work with accident reconstruction experts to create detailed analyses and visualizations of the crash.
- Witness statements. Testimony from people who saw the accident happen can provide strong evidence of fault. We’ll work to identify and interview any witnesses.
- Photos and videos. Visual documentation of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries can be compelling evidence. We’ll gather any available photos or surveillance footage and may revisit the scene to take additional pictures.
Proving Negligence of the Other Driver
- Violation of traffic laws. If the other driver was breaking a law at the time of the crash, such as speeding, running a red light, or driving under the influence, that can be strong evidence of negligence.
- Failure to yield. Drivers have a duty to yield the right of way to motorcycles in certain situations, such as when making left turns. Failure to do so can establish fault.
- Distracted or impaired driving. If we can show that the other driver was texting, fatigued, or impaired by drugs or alcohol, that can be compelling evidence of negligence.
Dealing with Comparative Fault Arguments
In some cases, the other driver (or their insurance company) may try to argue that you were partially at fault for the accident. Under Louisiana’s pure comparative negligence law, your recovery can be reduced by your percentage of fault. So, if you’re found 20% responsible, you can only recover 80% of your damages.
Our job is to counter these arguments and minimize any assignment of fault to you. We’ll gather evidence and craft arguments to show that the other driver’s negligence was the primary cause of the crash.
Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Motorcycle Crash
One of the most challenging aspects of any motorcycle accident claim is dealing with the insurance companies. Insurers are in the business of making money, not paying out claims. They’ll use a variety of tactics to try to minimize their liability and pay you as little as possible.
Some common insurance company tactics include:
- Lowball settlement offers. The insurance adjuster may offer you a quick settlement, hoping you’ll accept it before you know the full extent of your injuries and damages. These offers are often far less than your case is actually worth.
- Shifting blame. The insurer may try to argue that you were fully or partially at fault for the accident, even when the evidence says otherwise.
- Recorded statements. The adjuster may ask you to give a recorded statement about the accident, hoping to get you to say something that can be used against you later.
This is where having an experienced Shreveport motorcycle accident lawyer can make all the difference. We can handle all communications with the insurance companies on your behalf. We know their tactics, and we know how to fight back.
We’ll also ensure that all your damages are accounted for in any settlement negotiation. This includes:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Damage to your motorcycle
- Out-of-pocket expenses like transportation costs or home modifications needed to accommodate a disability
Our goal is to make sure you recover every penny you’re entitled to under the law.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Shreveport
The actions you take in the immediate aftermath of a motorcycle accident can have a significant impact on your health and your legal case.
Here are some key steps to take:
- Seek medical attention. Your health should be your top priority. Get checked out by a doctor, even if you don’t think your injuries are severe. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent.
- Call the police. Dial 911 to report the accident. The responding officers will create an official accident report that can be valuable evidence in your case.
- Gather evidence. If you’re able, take photos of the accident scene, the damage to the vehicles, and any visible injuries. Get contact information for any witnesses.
- Watch what you say. In the stress of the moment, it’s easy to say things like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you.” But these statements can be used against you later to argue that you were at fault. Avoid admitting fault or apologizing.
- Notify your insurance company. You’ll need to report the accident to your own insurance company, but keep it brief. Stick to the basic facts of what happened.
- Contact a Shreveport motorcycle accident attorney. The sooner you have legal representation, the better protected your rights will be. An attorney can communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf and start building your case right away.
Remember, the insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to pay out as little as possible on your claim. You need someone in your corner fighting for your interests.
Speak with a Shreveport Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Shreveport, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Contact the Law Office of Heather C. Ford today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and give you an honest assessment of your case. If we take you on as a client, we’ll start investigating your accident and fighting for your rights right away.
Remember, we work on a contingency basis, so you don’t pay a dime unless we recover money for you. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by reaching out.
