Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Louisiana

A motorcycle accident can change your life in a heartbeat, often resulting in catastrophic injuries and an uphill battle against insurance companies that are quick to label riders as ‘reckless.’ In the 2026 Louisiana legal environment, the stakes for riders have never been higher. Under the recent 2024 and 2025 reforms, you now face a strict two-year prescriptive period to file your claim. Furthermore, with the repeal of the Housley Presumption, you can no longer rely on the timing of your injuries to prove they were caused by the crash; the law now requires affirmative, expert medical evidence to link your condition to the accident.

At the Berniard Law Firm, Jeffrey Berniard understands the unique physics of motorcycle collisions and the aggressive tactics insurers use to deny payouts. Holding a 14-year streak as a Louisiana Super Lawyer and an AV Preeminent® rating, Jeff is a dedicated advocate for the riding community. We specialize in dismantling ‘biker bias’ and navigating Louisiana’s new modified comparative fault standards to ensure that negligent drivers are held accountable. Whether you are dealing with road rash, spinal injuries, or a complex liability dispute, we fight to secure the maximum compensation for your medical recovery and your future.

A Berniard Law Firm attorney consulting with an injured motorcyclist, reviewing the client's damaged helmet and the police report to build a case.

We Fight for Riders When Drivers Don’t See Them

Every year, especially in the summer, millions of Americans take to the roads on their motorcycles. For some, it is a passion; for others, it is an economical mode of transportation. But Louisiana’s best motorcycle accident lawyers know the dark side of riding: vulnerability.

Riders do not have the benefit of being encased in a metal frame like drivers in cars or trucks. As a result, when a collision occurs, the injuries are often catastrophic.

At the Berniard Law Firm, we believe that motorcyclists have the same rights as any other driver. If you were injured because a driver failed to share the road, we are here to ensure you receive the money you deserve.

Overcoming the “Reckless Biker” Bias

If you decide to pursue a personal injury lawsuit, the defense strategy will almost always involve a concentrated effort to shift the blame to you.

Insurance adjusters often attempt to paint motorcyclists as inherently reckless just for riding a bike. They may try to blame a sudden swerve or your speed, even if the other driver was clearly at fault. We do not let them get away with this. We know that most riders are actually more cautious than car drivers because they have more to lose. We fight to ensure the evidence—not the stereotype—dictates the outcome of your case.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Despite “Share the Road” programs by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers continue to overlook motorcyclists. Our investigations frequently reveal that the accident was caused by:

  • Blind Spots: Drivers changing lanes without looking.
  • Left Turns: A driver making a turn while failing to observe a motorcycle coming from the other direction.
  • Distracted Driving: Drivers looking at phones instead of the road.
  • Sudden Stops: Rear-end collisions that are minor for cars but deadly for bikes.

The Severity of Motorcycle Injuries

Because riders are exposed, the magnitude of injuries in these collisions is often severe. Even with a helmet and protective gear, riders frequently suffer from:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and head trauma
  • Severe road rash and disfigurement
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Internal organ damage

Why the Police Report is Crucial

One of the most important pieces of evidence in a motorcycle case is the police report. This document often determines who was at fault and why.

However, police reports can sometimes be biased or incomplete if the officer did not get your side of the story because you were rushed to the hospital. We dig deeper. We analyze the police report, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the accident scene to prove that the driver was negligent. Whether they were distracted, speeding, or simply failed to yield, we build a case that holds them accountable.

Speak With a Motorcycle Injury Attorney Today

Don’t let an insurance company blame you for an accident you didn’t cause.

Call the Berniard Law Firm today at (504) 521-6000. We offer free consultations to help you understand your rights. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Louisiana Mesothelioma, Silicosis & Toxic Tort Injury Lawyers
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.