Louisiana has numerous laws regarding motorcycles to help keep drivers safe. In 2022, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission reported a 2.3% increase in motorcyclist fatalities despite a decades-long downtrend. Everyone driving on the road has a responsibility to themselves and each other to keep the roads safe. Louisiana’s motorcycle laws are designed to protect motorcyclists.

• Helmet Requirements – Regardless of age, riders must always wear a helmet.
• Licensing Requirement – You must have a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license to operate a motorcycle legally.
• Lane Splitting – Lane splitting, or riding between lanes of traffic, is illegal in Louisiana.
• Insurance Requirements – State law requires motorcyclists to carry minimum liability insurance coverage.

Accidents involving motorcyclists can occur for many different reasons. However, some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include the following:

• Distracted Driving – Technology at drivers’ fingertips has focused their attention away from the road. Drivers texting, talking, video gaming, and browsing their on-board entertainment centers often fail to see motorcyclists, resulting in accidents.
• Speeding – Speeding, especially on residential roads, reduces the reaction time drivers have to maneuver their vehicle safely, leading to collisions.
• Drunk Driving – In 2022, alcohol-related fatalities dropped by 26.7%. However, drunk driving is still one of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents.
• Road Hazards – Motorcyclists face unique challenges on the road, including potholes, uneven pavement, and construction work that may not affect other drivers.

Due to a lack of protection, serious injuries can occur even when traveling at low speeds. However, even minor injuries can have significant consequences on your daily life. Injury symptoms aren’t always immediately evident. Some of the most common types of motorcycle accident injuries include head injuries, road rash, broken bones, spinal injuries, and internal injuries.

Regardless of your injuries, hiring a lawyer after an accident is crucial. At Creed & Creed Law, our team of skilled lawyers have decades of experience representing clients inside and outside the court. We understand the complexities of state and federal laws and precedents set by previous rulings to ensure you’re awarded fair compensation. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and property damage.

• You have sustained severe injuries.
• Another party’s negligence caused the accident.
• The insurance company is offering a low settlement or denying your claim.
• You are unsure of your legal rights or how to proceed.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

In Louisiana, victims have one year from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, it’s crucial to act immediately to ensure the best outcome for your case.

Should I Speak to the Insurance Company First?

You have the right to speak to whomever you’d like. However, it’s advisable to hire an attorney to represent you. Insurance companies’ entire business plan is to pay victims as little as possible. You may be enticed to take a lower settlement, which may not cover the cost of your losses. We can help you maximize your claim amount.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident?

Following an accident, you may be unsure what to do. Most importantly, seek medical attention from EMS or the emergency room, even if you feel fine. Next, report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the report. You’ll want to gather your own evidence. Take pictures of the damage and the surrounding area to present a complete picture of the scene. Finally, contact our team to begin working on your case.