The benefits of riding a motorcycle are great. Riders enjoy better gas mileage, lower maintenance costs, and the fun of unencumbered riding. They also face more danger on the roads than any other form of vehicle operator. It is vitally important that if you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you contact an experienced Lafayette motorcycle accident attorney in to ensure your legal rights are protected.

The hazards that motorcyclists face are increased by the open nature of a motorcycle’s construction, its narrow profile, and its instability.  The personal injury lawyers at Brandt & Sherman, LLP have extensive successful experience handling all types of auto accident cases, including motorcycle accidents.

In 2013, 88,000 motorcyclists were injured and almost 5,000 died, nationally. Motorcycles are fun, but they don’t provide much protection in the event of an accident.

Here are some causes of motorcycle accidents in Lafayette:

• Speeding
• Poor weather and road conditions
• Other cars failing to see a motorcycle
• Drunk Driving
• Failure to follow traffic rules
• Defects in the motorcycle

Motorcyclists who follow the rules of the road and are involved in an accident will likely suffer injuries. The expenses associated with recovering from motorcycle injuries often extend beyond medical care. A motorcyclist may lose wages, be permanently disabled, or face a loss of future income. In the absence of a lawsuit, these realities are frustrating and difficult to reconcile.

Seeking the advice of a qualified motorcycle accident attorney is the best step to take after a motorcycle accident. Determining liability will be the key factor in whether or not you receive damages for your claim. The more quickly you can engage an attorney to evaluate your circumstances, the faster your case will be resolved and you will be able to start rebuilding your life.

Negligence is normally proved by showing the following:

• That the defendant was required by law to be reasonably careful and was not.
• That the defendant’s actions directly or approximately caused injury.
• That the plaintiff was injured.

In motorcycle cases in Louisiana, liability is determined under a comparative fault law. All parties will be assigned a percentage of fault by the courts, and damages will be awarded based on that information. This means that if you are 2% at fault for the accident, your damages will be reduced by that amount. This law makes it imperative to seek an attorney quickly. The facts surrounding cases are unique and must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.