Only riders understand how much is at stake in a motorcycle accident. You have likely spent thousands of dollars on your bike, riding gear, maintenance, and related expenses. Smart riders invest in safety because they know it could save their lives.
However, after a crash, an auto insurer could deny a claim for the loss of the bike or even for a rider’s catastrophic injuries. If someone caused you or your loved one to crash your motorcycle, our injury attorneys at Tomeny | Best can help you. We know how to pursue damages in Lafayette motorcycle accident claims.
Losses in a Motorcycle Accident
A motorcycle crash can destroy the bike and riding gear and, in many cases, cause serious injury to the rider. Although the right helmet and safety gear can save lives, you may suffer from serious and even catastrophic injuries, including:
- Full or partial limb amputations
- Spinal cord fractures that paralyze the legs or the whole body
- Soft-tissue damage to muscles, tendons, or nerves, permanently altering their function
- Traumatic brain injuries that create major disabilities or even personality changes
- Extensive road rash that leaves permanent scarring or leads to secondary infections
Any one of these injuries can require weeks’ worth of treatment and rehabilitation. Some conditions could require expensive mobility aids, such as wheelchairs and adaptive technology. You may lose your wages or income while you recover, and you may be unable to return to your previous job.
When a motorcycle rider does not survive the crash, their family may still have many of these expenses, which is why it may be necessary to pursue a compensation claim with the help of a Lafayette attorney.
How Fault Impacts Damages
In 2026, the state changed its recovery law for accidents under Louisiana Civil Code art. 2323. A crash victim’s total compensation depends on their degree of fault. If you are more than 50 percent responsible for the Lafayette motorcycle wreck that injured you, you will likely be unable to recover any damages through a claim.
In a jury trial, the jury determines the degree of fault for everyone involved in the accident. If, for example, a car struck a motorcycle, a jury might determine that the driver was 85 percent at fault and the rider was 15 percent at fault. The driver would owe the rider damages, but the court would reduce the claim by 15 percent. If the driver was operating their vehicle while drunk or under the influence of drugs, they could have to pay punitive damages under Louisiana Civil Code art. 2315.4.
How a Motorcycle Lawyer Could Help
Most accident cases do not have to go through trial. Instead, insurance handles the claims. Insurance adjusters or claims representatives review and investigate an accident. These employees will estimate the percentage of fault and either deny the claim or offer a settlement, but their estimate may not be accurate. An insurer will likely try to minimize the amount of compensation it has to pay.
Our legal team knows how to investigate a crash scene and fight for your rights. We can handle your claim and pursue all damages you are entitled to after a motorcycle collision in Lafayette.
Contact a Lafayette Motorcycle Accident Attorney for Help With Your Compensation Claim
Our attorneys at Tomeny | Best have decades of collective experience defending injury victims and helping their families. We know that damages in Lafayette motorcycle accident claims are not just about bills but about dignity and a safe future.
Contact our firm today to speak with us about your case.