Shreveport Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Top Rated Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Shreveport, LA

If another driver’s actions contributed to your motorcycle accident, you might have legal options. At Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates, our Shreveport motorcycle accident lawyers examine the specific facts behind each case. Our team can review the circumstances, explain your rights, and help you pursue fair compensation.

About Us

For more than three decades, Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates has built its practice around responsive service and dedicated representation. Our accomplished attorneys take the time to understand each client’s circumstances, explain their legal options clearly, and pursue practical solutions.

Understanding Motorcycle Accident Laws in Louisiana

In 2023, 97 motorcyclists lost their lives in accidents across the state, representing 12% of all traffic fatalities in Louisiana. Louisiana has specific motorcycle accident laws that come into play when: 

• Determining fault
• Evaluating insurance coverage
• Calculating damages
• Deciding whether a claim was filed on time

Since no two crashes are exactly alike, it’s important to look at the facts instead of relying on general assumptions. Our experienced Shreveport motorcycle accident attorneys can help you understand which motorcycle accident laws might apply to your situation, whether you are pursuing a Personal Injury, Auto or Car Accident, or Truck Accident claim.

Some of the Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in Shreveport

Shreveport’s motorcyclists share the road with commuters, commercial vehicles, and other motorists. When a motorcycle crash happens, figuring out exactly what went wrong means scrutinizing the conditions at the time and the actions of everyone involved. Some common causes include:

• Busy roads like Youree Drive or 70th Street. A distracted driver could fail to see a motorcycle while turning, changing lanes, merging, or moving through an intersection.
• Intersections. Major Shreveport corridors can be especially dangerous when a driver turns across a motorcyclist’s path or fails to yield the right of way.
• Traffic. This is especially true on I-20 and I-49. Major routes move quickly, and a driver who changes lanes without checking for motorcycles can cause a serious accident.
• Potholes, roadway debris, uneven pavement, and other maintenance problems create additional hazards for motorcyclists, especially on heavily traveled local roads.
• Driving under the influence. This can slow a motorist’s reaction time and make it harder to notice motorcycles, judge their distance, or respond appropriately to changing traffic.
• A mechanical failure. Technical issues involving a motorcycle or another vehicle can sometimes contribute to a crash. A defective component can affect steering, braking, or control.

Our Shreveport motorcycle accident attorneys can review the available evidence, identify the factors that contributed to the crash, and explain how Louisiana motorcycle accident laws might apply to the situation.

Building A Motorcycle Accident Claim

A motorcycle accident claim generally requires evidence connecting another party’s conduct to both the collision and the losses that you suffered. In other words, showing that you were injured isn’t always enough.

To build a clearer picture, several types of information need to be considered, including:

• The police report, photographs, witness accounts, vehicle damage, and other records to help establish how the collision occurred.
• Medical records can show your diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and the ongoing effects of your injuries.
• Medical expenses, lost income, property damage, rehabilitation costs, and other financial losses need to be documented.
• Depending on the circumstances, compensation can also address pain, emotional distress, and limitations on normal activities.
• Identifying the applicable insurance policies and coverage limits can help determine what sources of compensation might be available.

A motorcycle accident claim in Shreveport should be based on documented losses and evidence rather than speculation. Keeping your records organized and getting legal guidance can help you understand what your case may involve before you make important decisions.

FAQs

Can I Still File a Claim if I Was Partially at Fault for the Motorcycle Accident?

Yes, you can still file a claim if you were partially at fault for the motorcycle accident. Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323, if you’re partly responsible, you can be assigned a percentage of responsibility for the accident, and that percentage then reduces your damages. However, if you’re found 51% or more at fault, you generally can’t recover damages.

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

The amount of time you have to file a motorcycle accident claim is generally two years from the date of the injury or accident. This rule is called the statute of limitations. However, it’s important to note that every case is different, and certain circumstances can shorten the timeframe within which you’re allowed to file. Because of this, it’s important to contact our team as soon as possible.

What Happens if The Other Driver Leaves the Scene?

If the other driver leaves the scene, the case is treated as a hit-and-run. A hit-and-run motorcycle collision can make a case more difficult, but it doesn’t end the investigation. Witnesses, nearby surveillance footage, traffic cameras, vehicle debris, photographs, and law enforcement records can help identify the driver or vehicle.

Can a Passenger on a Motorcycle Pursue Compensation?

Yes, a passenger on a motorcycle can pursue compensation if they’re injured in an accident. A passenger generally isn’t responsible for operating the motorcycle, so the legal analysis can differ from the rider’s situation. The people involved, insurance coverage, the cause of the accident, and the nature of the injuries can all affect available options.

Hire an Honest Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: Local Counsel Offers an Advantage

When you hire a motorcycle accident lawyer, having a local legal team on your side can make a real difference. At Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates, we know that a motorcycle accident in Shreveport isn’t just a legal matter on paper. It can affect your work, family, finances, and everyday life.

Because we live in Shreveport and practice locally, we’re familiar with the courts, procedures, and legal community that can shape how a case moves forward.

Our attorneys regularly practice in the Caddo Parish Courthouse, the Shreveport City Court, and the First Judicial District Court. That firsthand experience gives us a practical understanding of the local court system and the procedures that can affect your case.

With Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates, you won’t have to work with a firm that’s unfamiliar with the local legal landscape. We understand the community, know the local legal environment, and can put that knowledge to work when evaluating your motorcycle accident claim.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation.