MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT FAQS

Should I inform the police if I am involved in a motorcycle accident?

Yes, you should call the police if there is an injury, death, or damage. A police officer will take a report of the incident. Do not forget to get a copy of the report, which should be available to you the week after the accident occurred. You should review the report and ensure that it contains the precise details of the accident. Motorcycle accident attorneys can assist and advise you in such cases.

What should I do if I am involved in an accident and there is an injury?

If you are involved in an accident, it is important that you remain at the scene of the accident until the police arrive, inform the police of the injury or damage, seek medical assistance for anyone injured, and obtain the name, license number, insurance, and personal details of the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Such information will be vital should you decide to pursue a legal claim arising from the accident.

Can I claim compensation for my injuries?

Yes. Depending on the facts of the motorcycle accident, you may seek compensation for your bodily injuries, the repairs to your vehicle, past and future hospitalization and other medical care charges, lost wages, disability, and pain and suffering. You are legally entitled to recover damages, and a motorcycle accident attorney can help.

Is there a time limit for filing a claim arising from my accident case?

Yes. A statute of limitations or prescription limits the length of time within which the case must be filed. This limitations period may be as short as one year following the date of the accident. Do not wait to contact an attorney. Not only is there a time limit for filing a court action, it is also important to act quickly to preserve evidence and contact witnesses before they disappear.

Should I notify my insurance company about my accident?

Yes. Contact your insurer as soon as possible. Your policy requires you to cooperate with your insurer in the investigation of your accident. However, do not sign forms or a release until you are fully aware of the extent of your damages, the extent of your injuries, and the extent of insurance coverage owed under your policy or that of the other driver, person, or entity at fault. An attorney experienced in handling motorcycle accidents will help to evaluate your claim and ensure that you are treated fairly by the insurance companies

What is Uninsured Motorist insurance coverage?

Louisiana automobile insurers are statutorily required to offer Uninsured Motorist coverage to protect you against an uninsured motorist. An uninsured motorist is someone who fails to carry the minimum amount of automobile liability insurance mandated by state law or the driver of an unidentified hit-and-run vehicle. If you are the victim of an accident caused by an uninsured driver, you could look to your own insurer to pay compensation for any resulting medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering up to the amount of the policy limits available under your Uninsured Motorist coverage. Underinsured Motorist coverage works in a similar manner. If you were injured by a motorist who carried liability insurance that was less than the amount of damages that you suffered due to their negligence, you could look to your own Underinsured Motorist coverage to pay the difference. Insurance coverage issues arising in motorcycle accidents can be very complex, especially when they involve multiple policies and specialized coverages, such as Med-Pay and Uninsured Motorist with varying policy limits. The attorneys of Pierce & Shows have the expertise to analyze the insurance coverage available and the skill to negotiate with insurers to provide you with the best possible resolution of your claims.