New Orleans Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Commercial truck drivers are crucial to the economy and national supply chains. These vehicles, like 18-wheelers, operate on the road every day, and most get to their destinations safely. Unfortunately, these trucks can be involved in accidents like any other vehicle. When they are in an accident, the damage can be severe. If you or a loved one was involved in a commercial truck accident, an experienced New Orleans truck accident lawyer can help you can recover financially.

Murphy Law Firm: Navigating Motorcycle Accidents and Representing Your Interests
The dedicated and knowledgeable legal team at Murphy Law Firm can give you the support you need while filing for compensation. Whether the accident was entirely another party’s fault or you were partially to blame, securing legal representation is crucial after a crash. Our firm manages your claim for you, limiting the uncertainty of securing financial recovery. You take time to heal from your injuries while we handle complex investigations and negotiations.
We have supported injured individuals in Louisiana for more than 30 years through personal injury claims. Our firm carries a collective 150 years of experience. We understand the unfair accusations and presumptions that insurance carriers use to try to blame motorcyclists for accidents that were not their fault. We help you by investigating the cause of the crash, gathering evidence to support your case, and negotiating for full and fair compensation for your case.
Why Are Motorcycle Accidents Unique From Other Crashes?
Motorcycle accidents are unique from other crashes in many ways, primarily due to the significant impact they have on motorcyclists. Those operating motorcycles are much more likely to suffer serious harm and death compared to those in other vehicles. Throughout the U.S., in 2022, motorcyclist fatality rates were 22 times the fatality rate for those in passenger cars for the miles traveled by each vehicle.
Motorcycles have less protection for their riders. There are no seatbelts or crumple zones within the vehicle’s frame. When enclosed vehicles and motorcycles get into collisions, a car is likely to suffer superficial property damage, while a motorcyclist may sustain catastrophic and fatal injuries.
Because of the more significant and serious injuries, motorcyclists usually need a much higher settlement to recover the cost of their damages, including medical bills, lost income, and lost earning capacity. There were 202 vehicles in motorcycle crashes in 2024 in New Orleans, involving 210 occupants. There were 149 suspected injuries from motorcycle crashes and, sadly, eight fatalities. There were 208 crashes in the city and parish, the highest out of all parishes.
In addition to the damages and injuries, motorcycle crashes are uniquely complex for other reasons, including:
- State and federal regulations apply to motorcycles and motorcyclist protective gear.
- Motorcycles are often overlooked on the road by other drivers.
- Other drivers may not be appropriately cautious around motorcycles.
- Motorcyclists can be more affected by debris on the road, potholes, and other hazards.
- Actions like lane splitting can increase the risk of an accident and make determining fault more complicated.
- Insurance companies often argue that motorcyclists assume a high risk by riding.
Working with an attorney can help motorcyclists and their families navigate these frustrating claims and unfair assumptions.
How to Determine Fault in a New Orleans Motorcycle Accident
It’s important to determine fault in a motorcycle accident. Whoever is determined liable for the accident is legally and financially responsible for the damages in the crash. This means that insurance or civil claims are filed with their insurance provider. The majority of vehicle accidents are caused by a driver or rider in the collision. However, there are some rare cases where third parties are at fault, and they are held liable in a civil claim, such as a product liability claim.
First, it is crucial to determine the cause of the accident to determine the at-fault party or parties. When a driver is responsible for an accident, it is usually because of a negligent action, such as driving distracted or failing to follow the laws of the road. You can prove a driver’s fault due to negligence if you can prove the following:
- The driver owed you a duty of care. Drivers owe each other a level of care to act with consideration for the well-being of others.
- The driver breached this duty of care they owed to you. Often, this is from negligent action or lack of action, but it could also be due to misconduct or criminal action.
- Their breach of duty was a direct cause of the accident. If the accident would have happened regardless, they likely cannot be held liable.
- The accident caused your injuries. These injuries resulted in compensable damages.
Gathering proof of fault is much easier with an attorney. All involved insurance companies will conduct an investigation of the cause and fault of a crash, but they are protecting their interests, not yours. When you work with an attorney, they investigate the crash and its cause while considering your interests. Insurance companies protect their bottom lines, and it’s important to protect your own financial future.
An attorney can review many types of evidence to determine fault and prove your claim, such as:
- Cell phone records
- Accident report
- Traffic, CCTV, or other recordings of the crash
- Photos and videos of the aftermath of the accident
- Eyewitness testimony
- Medical documentation
- Professional medical opinions
- Crash reconstruction expert witnesses
- Computer and black box data from vehicles
Attorneys have significant resources to conduct these investigations.
What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, call 911 if you are able. The New Orleans Police Department can also be reached at (504) 821-2222, but this number is only for non-emergencies. Contacting the department is important to help you get an accident report for your case.
After an accident, the first step is reporting it and your injuries. However, when you are in a motorcycle accident, this may be difficult. If you are not physically able to report the crash, you should wait for emergency medical treatment and allow others involved in the crash to report it. Try not to move unless you are in immediate danger.
When emergency medical care arrives, it’s important to get that treatment, even if you think you are uninjured. There are certain internal injuries you may not notice due to shock or injuries that take time to develop symptoms.
If you can, take photos and videos of the accident site, damage to vehicles, and your injuries. Report the accident to your insurance if you are required to, and get in contact with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.
FAQs
A: Every motorcycle accident settlement is unique, and the value of a specific case will rely on factors like the damages you suffered, the at-fault party, their insurance coverage limits, and other factors. More serious injuries usually mean higher financial losses and require higher compensation to cover those losses.
You are more likely to secure a settlement that covers all your damages when you have significant proof of fault and damages and when you work with a skilled attorney.
A: You should get a lawyer for a motorcycle accident, as that can improve your chances of securing financial compensation that covers all your losses. Working with an attorney also limits the amount you have to do to recover that compensation, giving you time to physically recover and rest. An attorney manages your claim, including assessing your damages, negotiating with the insurance company, investigating the cause of the accident, and gathering evidence of fault.
A: There is no set timeline for a motorcycle accident settlement to resolve within. A settlement for a motorcycle accident may be reached quickly, or it may take a lot of time to resolve and even require going to court. When you work with an attorney, they can give you a more accurate estimate for your specific case’s timeline. The timeline will depend on the complexity of your case, the amount of evidence that supports your claim, and other factors.
A: When you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you should not admit fault or even speculate about what the cause of the accident was. Report the facts when the on-site police officer requests information. Tell the truth for the accident report, but avoid stating blame. Don’t discuss the crash with an insurance company without talking to an accident attorney first. Don’t refuse medical care, as it is important to protect your well-being and gather proof of your injuries.
Work With Dedicated Attorneys to Support Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
You don’t have to navigate a motorcycle accident claim and deal with insurance companies alone. Working with an attorney gives you the support and resources you need and gives you time to heal. Insurance providers do not deal with you fairly just because you are seriously injured. An attorney protects your rights by negotiating with these insurance adjusters and preventing them from undervaluing the cost of your injuries or engaging in other tactics.
At Murphy Law Firm, we can support you and deal with insurance companies that are looking to limit their liability. We fight for your financial and personal interests, navigating these complex cases effectively. Contact our firm today and learn how we can help you or your loved ones after a motorcycle accident.
Your Path to Legal Resolution Starts with Murphy Law Firm.
When you choose Murphy Law Firm, you gain access to a team of experienced attorneys with a proven track record of success. We understand the importance of trust, and we strive to build lasting relationships with our clients by delivering exceptional results.