Motorcycle Injury Attorneys

Motorcycle Accident Law Firm Gordon and Gordon in Shreveport, Bossier City and Mansfield Louisiana

Helping those who have been injured due to the fault of another in a motorcycle accident.

Louisiana is recognized for being a motorcycle-friendly state. In this region, riding a bike is not just a mode of transportation, but also a fun and exciting hobby. However, they can also be very dangerous if the proper precautions are not taken and/or road conditions are unfavorable. The negligence of other motorists on the road can also contribute to a devastating motorcycle crash. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in the Shreveport, Bossier City, or Mansfield areas, you need the professional help of our motorcycle injury attorneys at Gordon & Gordon ASAP.

Motorcyclists Should Remain Vigilant at All Times

  • Motorcycles appear smaller in rear-view and side mirrors and are often overlooked by other drivers. Any veteran motorcyclist has experienced the “invisible man” problem with other drivers.
  • Motorcycles lack safety features that are common on cars and trucks, such as seatbelts, airbags, and surrounding walls.
  • Motorcycles are so much smaller in both size and weight; as a result, an impact with larger vehicles can result in the motorcycle being pinned against another vehicle, thrown off of the road, or worse, into oncoming traffic. 

Due to these reasons, the injuries that a motorcyclist may incur as a result of the negligent actions of other drivers can be incredibly severe.

Motorcycle accidents frequently result in severe and, in some cases, fatal injuries. In most situations, injuries need significant medical treatment and rehabilitation, and in other circumstances, the damage is permanent, resulting in physical or cognitive impairments. Unfortunately, this even includes bikers using helmets, pads, and other types of protective gear. 

When a motorcycle is hit by another vehicle, the rider may be flung to the road surface, where he or she may sustain life-threatening injuries. For the most part, the bikers are the most seriously injured victims of the collision. Helmets can help protect against head and brain injuries, but even riders wearing safety gear aren't completely protected from brain damage. In addition to traumatic brain injury, other common types of injuries from motorcycle crashes in Louisiana include the following:

These injuries can take quite a toll on the body and mind. Not only that, but they can also end up costing a lot of money in treatment and recovery fees. Because these medical expenses are not always reimbursed, it is crucial that victims of these types of accidents hire a motorcycle crash attorney as soon after their accident as possible.

Stop signs, stoplights, and intersections tend to be where most motorcycle accidents occur. Typically, the car driver will fail to stop and crash into the motorbike from behind. It is also common for a vehicle to turn out and collide with a biker who has right of way when crossing an intersection. As a result, the motorcyclist is often ejected from their bike and launched into the air, only to land hard into the road. Terrifyingly enough, this also presents the likely possibility of them being struck by another vehicle. 

There are a number of factors that can contribute to one of these dangerous motorcycle accidents. Most potential causes can apply to other types of vehicles as well, but the stakes aren’t quite as high as they are for motorcycle accidents due to the lack of protection provided on these bikes. Here are some of the more common causes of motorcycle accidents we see as motorcycle injury attorneys:

  • Driver distraction
  • Driver fatigue
  • Recklessness or deliberately dangerous driving, including “road rage” and otherwise aggressive driving
  • Driver inexperience, including accidents caused by young drivers
  • Mechanical or design failures in a vehicle or any of its parts
  • Speeding or other traffic law violations
  • Dangerous or badly-designed roadways
  • Inclement weather resulting in wet or slippery roads or poor visibility
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Intersections are the most prevalent place for vehicle and motorcycle accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Because they don't notice a motorcycle, cars turning left at a junction frequently fail to surrender the right-of-way, typically resulting in a T-Bone collision. According to researchers, this is a cognitive issue, as other automobile drivers aren't thinking about or anticipating a motorcycle crossing their route. As a result, the injuries sustained from a T-Bone collision when a driver fails to yield the right-of-way may be disastrous.

If possible, move to a safe area before you stop the motorcycle.

If moving your motorcycle isn’t possible, flip on your hazards to warn other drivers that your vehicle isn’t going anywhere. Then, get out of the way of oncoming traffic as quickly as possible. Take a moment to catch your breath.

Check on others involved in the accident.

Check on all the other parties involved, including drivers, passengers, and pedestrians to make sure that nobody else is injured. If anyone, including yourself, appears to have injuries, call for medical attention immediately. Even a seemingly minor symptom like dizziness or slight neck pain should be checked out by a healthcare professional to make sure there is no internal injury.

Call the police to the scene of the accident.

Even in minor accidents, a police accident report can prove invaluable when dealing with your motorcycle insurance company and other drivers. Cooperate fully with the officers, but avoid admitting fault or blaming others while at the scene. Give your best recollection of the moments leading up to the accident and allow the police to objectively judge events and determine who, if anyone, is at fault in the crash.

Gather information.

When it is safe to do so, you’ll want to collect contact information from all other parties involved.

  • Driver and passenger names
  • License plate numbers
  • Insurance information
  • Makes and models of all vehicles involved
  • Contact information of any witness to the accident
  • The name and badge number of any responding police officers

File your insurance claim.

Call your insurance provider from the scene of the accident, or file it through your smartphone. If you aren’t sure who to call, check your insurance ID card for your insurer’s contact information. 

Call the motorcycle injury attorneys at Gordon & Gordon.

Before speaking with the other party's insurance company, be sure to contact a motorcycle crash attorney at Gordon & Gordon ASAP. The sooner you get us working for you, the better.

If your motorcycle crash and subsequent injuries were due to another person’s negligence, it is absolutely imperative that you obtain skilled legal counsel right away. An experienced Shreveport/Bossier City/Mansfield motorcycle accident injury lawyer can help you seek the maximum compensation possible to pay for damages such as medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more. Remember, though, that time is of the essence when it comes to these kinds of claims. It is important that you obtain the help of a motorcycle injury attorney before the statute of limitations expires (1 year) and so as to give your legal team enough time to gather as much evidence as possible and conduct an independent accident investigation if need be.

Motorcycle Accident Law Firm

While the services we provide to our clients at Gordon & Gordon are extensive, the types of claims we handle are highly focused on those resulting from Louisiana motorcycle accidents or other personal injuries. We believe that focusing our practice on Louisiana motor vehicle accident claims makes us much more effective and puts us in the position of being the best motorcycle accident lawyer around. Throughout the years, we have established a high level of credibility handling personal injury claims in Northwest Louisiana. This experience and industry saturation means that insurance adjusters take us seriously – knowing that when we make a claim, we’re prepared to prove fault in pursuit of the compensation our clients are entitled to.

Do You Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident or a car accident, call personal injury attorneys Gordon and Gordon at 318-716-HELP right away to get them working for you.