With its bayous and rivers on one side and historic towns on the other, Louisiana is full of picturesque stretches to take your bike for a ride. But no matter how good of a biker you are, another driver’s carelessness can change your life in an instant. 

Crashes in Hammond, LA involving motorcycles are unique because bikers tend to be much more vulnerable to catastrophic injuries than car drivers. If a driver crashed into you while you were operating your motorcycle, the extent of your injuries and damages are likely massive – so much so that you might be wondering how you are ever going to cover your medical costs and lost wages. 

Allow us at Trainor Law Firm to step in and leverage our extensive experience in motorcycle accident cases to secure a substantial settlement for all your post-accident needs. 

Dangerous Roads and Intersections for Motorcyclists in Hammond LA

Whether you are a biker or a car driver in Hammond, you need to be very careful when going through the following roads and highways as they are known for the highest number of traffic accidents in the Tangipahoa Parish:

• Interstate 12 (I-12)
• Willie Road
• Louisiana Highway 445 (LA 445)
• State Highway 1061 near Dummyline Road

One of the biggest factors that make many Louisiana roads extremely dangerous for bike riders is the dense fog here. A few times each year, the weather phenomenon known as “super fog” occurs in the state due to the fog, smoke (from fireworks and marsh fires), and other contaminants in the air. 

Motorcyclists face unique risks during these times. Unlike cars, bikes offer less stability and are less visible to other drivers, which can be disastrous in low visibility conditions. Bike riders are also more vulnerable to wet or uneven road surfaces, which can be exacerbated by fog. 

Medical Facilities for Injured Motorcyclists in Hammond, Louisiana

Being vigilant is sometimes not enough. If you or someone you love gets injured in a crash, make sure to go to your nearest emergency room or clinic in Hammond for a thorough check-up. Here are some of the leading healthcare centers in the city that provide care for accident victims:

• North Oaks Medical Center
• PAM Health Specialty Hospital of Hammond
• Noaks Hospital
• Warm Springs Special Hospital of Hammond
• Maxem Health Urgent Care
• Lake Urgent Care (Veterans Avenue)
• Green Light Urgent Care

Motorcycle Accident Laws in Hammond That Can Affect Your Claim

Understanding traffic and personal injury laws in Louisiana is crucial for motorcycle accident victims looking to file a claim or lawsuit. Here are some of the key laws and how they might affect your case:

Comparative Fault Rule

In Louisiana’s comparative fault system, your degree of responsibility directly impacts your potential compensation. If the court determines you were speeding or violating traffic laws at the time of the accident, this could increase your share of fault; if you are found to be 30% at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 30%. This is why our legal team at Trainor Law Firm gathers evidence like witness statements and traffic cam footage to accurately demonstrate fault. 

Helmet Laws

Not wearing a helmet is a violation of Louisiana law, but most importantly, it can significantly impact your injury claim. If you were not wearing a helmet, the other party might argue that your injuries would have been less severe or even prevented with proper helmet use. This argument, known as the “failure to mitigate damages,” can greatly reduce the compensation you might receive for head injuries. The law applies to all riders, regardless of experience or age.

It should be noted that while going helmet-less can complicate your claim for compensation following a crash, it does not automatically disqualify you from recovering damages. 

Statute of Limitations

The one-year statute of limitations in Louisiana for motorcycle accident injury claims is among the shortest in the US. This time frame includes not just filing the lawsuit but also completing any necessary pre-lawsuit negotiations with insurers. 

Keep in mind that the clock starts ticking from the date of the accident, or sometimes from the date the injury was discovered, which is critical in cases where injuries are not immediately apparent.

Insurance Requirements

Motor vehicle operators in Louisiana must carry liability insurance, which covers bodily injury and property damage to others. The minimum coverage required is $15,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $30,000 for total bodily injury or death liability in an accident, and $25,000 for property damage. 

In relation to this, considering the high cost of medical care and potential property damage, it’s recommended to carry coverage beyond these minimums. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage is also an astute idea to protect yourself in accidents where the at-fault party lacks sufficient insurance to cover your damages. 

Reporting the Accident

Notifying the authorities about your accident is not just a legal requirement; it also provides an official record of what happened. The police report includes the date, time, and location of the accident, statements from involved parties and witnesses, and the responding officer’s observations. This report is a key piece of evidence in your claim.

 It’s important to cooperate fully with the police but also to be mindful of your statements, as they can be used against you by the insurance companies. 

Damage Caps

Louisiana has a cap on damages that can be recovered in cases against the state or local government entities. This could be relevant if your accident involves a government vehicle or property (such as a city bus or police car). For example, claims against the state are capped at $500,000. This cap includes all types of damages, like medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. These caps do not apply to private entities or individuals. 

Breaking Bias: Our Commitment to Motorcyclists in Hammond

There is a persistent myth that bikers are inherently reckless or thrill-seekers. Our legal team works tirelessly to dispel these notions, emphasizing that most motorcyclists are responsible, safety-conscious riders. We bring to light the many motorcyclists who ride for commuting, leisure, or as a lifestyle choice, who follow traffic laws and prioritize safety. 

Fair Representation in Fault Determination

Our lawyers utilize expert accident reconstruction specialists to provide a clear picture of the accident dynamics. This includes analyzing skid marks, and vehicle damages, and reviewing traffic cam footage. This technical evidence can help counter any biased assumptions about motorcyclist behavior. We place significant importance on gathering and presenting testimonies from witnesses as these can provide an impartial perspective of the accident.

Our team also pays close attention to the specific road conditions at the time of the accident. We investigate road design, signage visibility, and lighting, which can be major factors in causing the accident and determining who was at fault.

We evaluate the condition of the motorcycle and your gear to demonstrate that you were following all the rules and practicing safety while operating your bike. This can include examining your helmet usage, protective clothing, and your bike’s maintenance records.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Having represented thousands of motorcycle crash victims, we know that most insurance companies have standard procedures that don’t consider the unique aspects of these accidents. We challenge these assessments and push for a more thorough and fair evaluation of each claim. 

We call in medical professionals, vocational experts, and even life care planners to counteract any attempts by insurance companies to downplay the severity of injuries or the need for long-term care. Understanding that motorcycle injuries can be more severe, we negotiate aggressively for comprehensive coverage that accounts for medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, and potential future medical needs.

Hammond’s Skilled Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: Your Path to Maximum Compensation

Attorney Brian F. Trainor at Trainor Law Firm knows that each case is unique, and so does each rider. Our firm takes the time to understand our clients’ individual stories, their riding habits, and how the accident has impacted their lives. We look beyond the crash itself, considering the full impact on your life – from physical and emotional trauma to financial hardships due to medical bills and lost income. 

All you need to focus on now is your recovery; leave the insurance claim and legal negotiations to us. Call us at 985-545-3422 or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation.

Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Hammond, LA - Attorneys in Louisiana | Free Consultation

Ride with confidence in Hammond, LA, but if a motorcycle accident strikes, trust Trainor Law Firm to fight for your compensation. Louisiana's hazardous roads demand skilled legal representation. From dangerous intersections on I-12 to navigating complex motorcycle laws, we're by your side. Learn how our dedicated team breaks biases, secures evidence, and challenges insurance companies. With Attorney Brian F. Trainor, your path to maximum compensation starts with a free consultation. Call 985-545-3422 or contact us online.

Service Type: Motorcycle accident lawyers