Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Lake Charles

Motorcycle accidents are often far more devastating than car accidents because of how much smaller motorcycles are than cars, and because of motorcyclists’ exposure relative to vehicle passengers. Victims of motorcycle accidents often face a mountain of medical debt, are rendered unable to work, and suffer undue pain and suffering.

If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, you deserve a passionate advocate on your side who understands what you’re going through and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys have fought on behalf of injured motorcyclists for decades, and we know what it takes to win.

When you need help holding the person who caused your Lake Charles motorcycle accident accountable for their actions, contact the Lake Charles personal injury lawyers at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys. We’ll get started on your case right away and fight to get you paid for your injuries so you can start the path to healing.

Lake Charles Motorcycle Laws

Louisiana’s motorcycle laws have been written with a strong consideration for the safety of motorcyclists and other road users. For that reason, following the laws pertaining to driving a motorcycle in Louisiana will not only keep you safe—it’ll help you recover the full compensation you deserve in the event of an accident.

Louisiana’s motorcycle laws—some of the most comprehensive in the country—are codified in L.A. R.S. 32 §190 G. The main points are outlined below.

Motorcycle Licensing and Inspection

In order to operate a motorcycle in Louisiana, you’ll need an M endorsement on your license. You can get this endorsement by passing a knowledge and skills test at the Lake Charles OMV.

After you pass the licensing test, you’ll need to have your motorcycle inspected and pay applicable taxes and fees before you can hit the open road.

Louisiana Helmet Laws and Safety Gear Requirements

Motorcycle helmet laws in Louisiana require suitable, Department of Transportation-approved helmets to be worn by all operators and passengers of motorcycles. Helmets should have head padding and lining, as well as an eye visor and a chin strap that can be secured. You’ll also need eye protection if your windshield isn’t high enough to properly protect your face.

While it isn’t required under Louisiana law, it’s also a good idea to wear thick, padded clothing when riding a motorcycle. Strong fabrics, such as leather, denim, and others, help to prevent road rash and other injuries if you are involved in a motorcycle accident.

How Motorcycles Can Use Traffic Lanes

Louisiana law stipulates that motorcycles have full use of all traffic lanes. However, as a result, motorcycles may not ride side-by-side in a single lane, and are not allowed to pass another vehicle in the same lane or drive between lanes. As far as traffic is concerned, a motorcycle is the same as a car.

What Causes Lake Charles Motorcycle Accidents?

The most common cause of motorcycle accidents in Lake Charles is driver negligence. Even though motorcycles are smaller and harder to see than other passenger cars, it’s every driver’s responsibility to be alert and give room to everyone else on the road. When drivers neglects this responsibility, accidents happen.

The following are some of the most common negligent driving practices our motorcycle clients have been victims of in Lake Charles:

• Distracted driving
• Drowsy driving
• Drunk driving, or driving under the influence of drugs
• Aggressive or reckless driving, such as speeding, failing to yield, or tailgating
• Failing to yield the right of way to a motorcycle, either by swerving in front of a motorcycle at an intersection or misjudging the motorcycle’s speed or distance when turning left

When operating a motorcycle, drive defensively and predictively—both to minimize your chances for an accident and to maximize your compensation if you are in an accident. If you’re in a passenger car, look out for motorcycles to save lives.

Most Common Injuries in Motorcycle Wrecks

Motorcyclists frequently suffer more serious, catastrophic injuries due to the physics of accidents and their relative exposure to the road and other elements. In fact, even though only 3% of all registered vehicles in the U.S. are motorcycles, 15% of all traffic fatalities are motorcyclists.

Even when they do survive the collision, motorcyclists are often left with debilitating injuries including

• Amputations
• Broken bones
• Neck and back injuries
• Severe burns and road rash
• Permanent disfigurement
• Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

What to Do If You’re in a Motorcycle Accident

If you’ve been the victim of a Lake Charles motorcycle wreck, you deserve compensation for the injuries you’ve suffered. The dedicated motorcycle injury lawyers with Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys are here to help you afford your recovery and hold the other party accountable.

Give us a call at 337.888.8888 for a free legal consultation with one of our experienced Lake Charles motorcycle attorneys. We’ll listen to your case and get started right away. Our Lake Charles personal injury attorneys are committed to getting you financial results. We’ll take care of the following so you can focus on recovery:

• Conduct a full investigation to determine the cause of your motorcycle accident
• Work with accident reconstruction experts to develop a complete picture of the events and the scene to use as evidence in your claim
• Work with medical and financial experts to construct a full accounting of the damages you’ve suffered
• Negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company and the defendant’s lawyers
• If necessary, argue your case in front of a judge and jury to ensure that you’re rewarded the full amount you’re owed

Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys has extensive experience with motorcycle cases, which is important because motorcycle accident claims are different than other traffic accident injury claims. Motorcycle accidents often generate worse and more expensive injuries, meaning the defendant’s insurance and legal team will work harder to keep you from getting the compensation you deserve.

When you Get Gordon, you’re getting a dedicated motorcycle accident team that’s here for you. Call us at 337.888.8888 today.