Motorcyclists have little protection in a collision with another vehicle. When alcohol or other drugs are involved in an accident, the crash and the resulting injuries can be devastating. Motorcycle accident claims involving impairment are also more complex than most other claims.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident involving an impaired driver, you need the assistance of a motorcycle accident lawyer in Baton Rouge with the experience and skills to protect your rights and help you secure the full value of your claim.
At Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys, our motorcycle accident attorneys have helped to secure billions in client compensation, and we are committed to helping you secure maximum compensation for your motorcycle accident claim. Call (225) 999-1111 or visit our contact page and schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
Motorcycle Accidents Involving Impairment
There is a reason motorcycle accidents involving alcohol so often end catastrophically. Riding safely requires constant, active decision-making. A rider must navigate lane positioning, watch for road hazards, monitor traffic from multiple directions, and make quick, simultaneous adjustments.
Alcohol and drug use can limit every skill necessary to ride safely. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 29% of motorcycle fatalities in recent years involved a rider with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit.
Impairment and Motorcycle Accident Claims
When the other driver was impaired, your claim is more straightforward. In Louisiana, an impaired driver who causes an accident is negligent. Their intoxication is powerful evidence of fault, and it typically makes it much harder for the defense to argue that the motorcyclist shared responsibility for what happened.
In some cases, particularly egregious conduct by a drunk driver can also support a claim for punitive damages, which go beyond compensating the victim and are designed to punish conduct that was reckless or intentional. However, insurance companies often seek to shift the blame onto motorcyclists. So, having an experienced Baton Rouge motorcycle accident lawyer protecting your rights is vital to recovering maximum compensation.
If the rider was drinking at the time of the crash, the claims become much more complicated. Louisiana follows a comparative fault model, meaning fault is allocated among all parties involved. Beginning January 1, 2026, if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you will be unable to recover any compensation for your damages.
Insurance companies and defense attorneys will certainly claim that a motorcyclist who was impaired at the time of the accident was primarily at fault. Having an experienced motorcycle accident attorney fighting for you gives you the best chance at a successful outcome.
What to Do After a Crash Involving Impairment
What you do in the moments and days after a motorcycle crash involving impairment can greatly impact your health and damage claim. A few things to remember include:
- Call 911 immediately. A police report is one of the most important pieces of evidence in any motorcycle accident claim, especially one involving impairment.
- Seek immediate medical attention. Even if you do not think you are severely injured, have a thorough medical evaluation right away. Some serious injuries are not apparent in the minutes and hours after an accident. Being evaluated can save your life and protect your personal injury claim.
- Document everything you can. Photograph or video the accident scene, any visible injuries, vehicles involved, skid marks, road conditions, and any evidence that seems relevant to the accident. Obtain the names and contact information of all involved parties as well as all witnesses to the accident.
- Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company. Insurance companies may contact you soon after your accident and ask for a recorded statement. Politely decline to give one. Once you have retained an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer, they can handle all communications with the insurance companies and help protect your claim.
- Consult a Baton Rouge motorcycle accident attorney promptly. Having a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer in your corner from the beginning can make a tremendous difference in the outcome of your claim.
Contact a Baton Rouge Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident involving alcohol or other types of impairment, you need the help of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. At Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys, we have the experience, skills, and resources to help you obtain the best possible outcome after your accident.
Call (225) 999-1111 or complete the short form on our contact page to schedule a free consultation with a Baton Rouge motorcycle accident lawyer.