How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a New Orleans Motorcycle Accident?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in New Orleans, you may be wondering what the timeline is for taking legal action. Under Louisiana law, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit after a motorcycle accident is one year from the date of the accident. This means you have 12 months from the actual date of your crash to file your claim in civil court. If you miss this one-year deadline, you may lose your right to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering damages, and more.

It’s important to act quickly after a New Orleans motorcycle wreck, as these cases can become highly complex. An experienced New Orleans motorcycle accident attorney can help ensure no deadlines are missed while also protecting your rights every step of the way. Legal counsel will handle communications with insurance providers, conduct an independent investigation of your crash, preserve evidence, and get you maximum compensation. 

Steps to Take After a New Orleans Motorcycle Accident

If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle crash in New Orleans, some key steps to take include:

• Seek Medical Care ASAP: Even minor motorcycle crashes can cause hidden injuries that worsen over time without proper treatment. Seek emergency medical care after the accident and follow up with your doctor as needed. Don’t refuse treatment or decline ambulance transport if offered to avoid insurance issues later on.
• Report the Crash to Police: Have the motorcycle accident reported to law enforcement right away so an official report will be on file documenting the incident. Be sure all parties and witnesses involved remain on the scene, if possible, for statements. Exchange contact and insurance information as well.
• Document Details From the Scene: Write down everything you recall about how the crash occurred—weather conditions, speed, traffic flow, road hazards, negligent behavior of other motorists, etc. Also, document witnessed accounts, visible property damage, crash debris, and all resulting injuries or losses. Photograph accident evidence whenever possible as well.
• Keep All Medical Records & Bills: Maintain thorough files documenting medical treatment, recommendations for additional treatment, prognosis provided by doctors, related prescriptions, medical equipment costs, mileage for appointments, and other crash-related expenses.
• Consult an Experienced New Orleans Motorcycle Accident Attorney: Meeting with qualified legal counsel quickly after an accident can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. An attorney will conduct a detailed independent investigation of your crash while the evidence is still fresh. They will also deal directly with aggressive insurance adjusters and help determine the full value of your compensation claim. Don’t leave money on the table or risk having your claim denied by trying to handle it alone.

Contact Irpino Avin & Hawkins Today

Irpino Avin & Hawkins offers free, no-obligation case evaluations to injured riders in the area. Contact our office as soon as possible after your crash to discuss your situation and legal options. Our dedicated team is here to help you recover the maximum compensation you deserve in the wake of a motorcycle collision. Contact our experienced attorneys today to get started.