Left-turn collisions are one of the most common and deadly types of motorcycle accidents. When a car or truck turns left across a motorcyclist’s path, riders have almost no time to react. These crashes are often caused by drivers who fail to see an oncoming motorcycle or misjudge its speed. Our attorneys document every aspect of the collision to establish liability and maximize your recovery.

Being rear-ended on a motorcycle can be catastrophic. Unlike car occupants, motorcyclists have no structural protection, and even a relatively low-speed impact can cause spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and road rash. We pursue full compensation from the negligent driver and their insurance company, including damages for long-term medical care and lost earning capacity.

Motorcycles frequently disappear into a driver’s blind spot, leading to dangerous lane changes and sideswipe collisions. These crashes often send riders skidding across pavement or into barriers at highway speed. Our team gathers traffic camera footage, witness accounts, and electronic data to prove the other driver failed to check their mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.

Intersections are among the most dangerous places for motorcyclists. Drivers running red lights, failing to yield, or not seeing a motorcycle before proceeding can cause devastating T-bone or head-on collisions. We work with accident reconstruction experts to establish exactly how the crash occurred and who was at fault.

Potholes, uneven pavement, debris, oil slicks, and missing guardrails pose far greater risks to motorcyclists than to drivers of passenger vehicles. When a crash is caused by a dangerous road condition, liability may extend to the government agency or contractor responsible for road maintenance. Our attorneys know how to pursue these complex claims effectively.

Impaired and distracted drivers represent a serious threat to motorcyclists. When a driver causes a motorcycle accident while under the influence or distracted by their phone, victims may be entitled to both compensatory and punitive damages. We pursue every available avenue of compensation to ensure you are fully made whole.

A dooring accident occurs when a driver or passenger opens a car door directly into the path of an oncoming motorcyclist. These accidents can happen in an instant and frequently result in serious injuries. Our attorneys investigate the scene, gather witness statements, and build a strong case for compensation against the at-fault party.

When a crash results from a defective component — such as faulty brakes, a defective throttle, or a tire blowout caused by a manufacturing defect — the motorcycle manufacturer, parts supplier, or dealer may be liable. We work with engineering experts to identify product defects and pursue claims against all responsible parties.

Passengers riding on motorcycles are entitled to compensation when they are injured in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence. In some cases, a passenger may have a claim against both the other driver and the motorcycle operator. Our attorneys evaluate all potential sources of recovery to ensure injured passengers receive the full compensation they deserve.

Losing a loved one in a motorcycle accident is devastating. Louisiana law allows surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and the pain and suffering endured before death. Our attorneys handle these sensitive cases with care and fight to hold negligent drivers fully accountable.

As of July 1, 2024, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Louisiana. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from recovering any compensation. Because motorcycle accident cases require preserving time-sensitive evidence, we strongly recommend contacting an attorney as soon as possible after a crash.

Call 911 and report the crash. Get medical attention even if you feel okay — some injuries do not show symptoms right away. Take photos of the scene, road conditions, your motorcycle, and your injuries. Get the other driver’s insurance and contact information. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Contact Mansfield Melancon as soon as possible so we can begin preserving critical evidence right away.

Louisiana follows pure comparative fault. Even if you were partly responsible for the crash, you can still recover compensation — your total award is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies routinely try to exaggerate a motorcyclist’s share of blame to reduce their payout. Our attorneys fight back aggressively against these tactics.

Nothing upfront. Our motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no out-of-pocket expenses. If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing.

It depends on the complexity of your case. Some claims settle within several months once liability is clear and medical treatment is complete. Others involving catastrophic injuries or disputed fault may take longer if litigation is required. Learn more about the timeline of a personal injury case. We keep you informed throughout the process and never pressure you to accept a settlement before you are ready.

Not before speaking with an attorney. Insurance companies are trained to resolve claims quickly and cheaply — often before you fully understand the extent of your injuries or the true value of your losses. An attorney can evaluate any offer, negotiate aggressively on your behalf, and make sure you do not sign away your rights for less than you deserve.

You may be entitled to recover both past lost wages and future loss of earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to work at the same level. Learn more about how lost wages are calculated in Louisiana. Our attorneys work with economic experts to document and maximize your income-related damages.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy may cover your losses when the at-fault driver carries no insurance or insufficient coverage to pay your full damages. We help clients identify all available sources of recovery and handle the claim process from start to finish.