Motorcycle Accidents Generations of Trusted Advocacy

Houma Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Name: Waitz & Downer
Address: 423 Goode Street,, Houma, LA, 70360
Telephone: (985) 331-7832

Helping Motorcycle Accident Victims Throughout Terrebonne Parish

Louisiana is known as a great place to ride and attracts countless motorcyclists, from locals commuting through Houma to riders exploring the bayou country and Gulf Coast highways. But those same roads can be dangerous when other drivers act carelessly, recklessly, or wrongfully. In an instant, a negligent driver, poor road conditions, or a mechanical failure can change a motorcyclist’s life forever.

At Waitz & Downer, we know how devastating motorcycle accidents can be. Riders often suffer catastrophic injuries, leading to long recoveries and lasting trauma. Our Houma motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help injured riders and their families get the answers, accountability, and compensation they deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation: (985) 331-7832. We don’t charge any attorney fees unless we win your case.

Mary W. Riviere and her team are outstanding!
“Mary is sharp, professional, and friendly. She strives to meets the needs of her clients, and she truly invest in them and their cases. She is easily assessable, and she is exceptionally honest and trustworthy. She is an excellent attorney, and I highly recommend her!
”

- Dana P.
This firm is exceedingly generous to its clients and the community at large.
“Excellent law firm. Attorney Hunt Downer is a very down to earth guy who likes to keep it simple.”

- Joseph G.
I would recommend them to anyone needing a personal injury attorney.
“Waitz and Downer has handled legal affairs for my family for years. My daughter was involved in a head on collision with a drunk driver. The insurance company did not want to pay for my daughter to purchase a new car, hers was totaled. Waitz and Downer handled the matter very professionally and things were settled very quickly.”

- Lie Ann M.

The Reality of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle crashes are among the most serious motor vehicle accidents we handle. Unlike drivers in cars or trucks, riders don’t have the protection of a steel frame, airbags, or seat belts. Even a low-speed collision can cause life-altering injuries.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are roughly 28 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants of passenger vehicles. Most of these crashes aren’t caused by the rider; they happen because another driver wasn’t paying attention, misjudged distance, or violated traffic laws.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Over the years, our firm has seen many preventable causes behind serious motorcycle wrecks. In fact, most of these incidents could have been avoided had someone else simply acted more carefully.

Some of the most common preventable causes of motorcycle accidents include:

Driver Negligence: Examples include failing to yield, running red lights, or cutting off motorcyclists during turns.
Distracted Driving: Texting, using a cell phone, or adjusting controls behind the wheel all count as distracted driving.
Impaired Driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs cause devastating collisions every year.
Speeding and Reckless Driving: Excessive speed leaves little room to react to smaller, more vulnerable vehicles like motorcycles.
Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, loose gravel, or uneven pavement can easily throw a motorcycle off balance.
Vehicle Defects: Faulty brakes, tires, or other vehicle parts that fail can lead to catastrophic crashes.

No matter the cause, every motorcycle accident deserves a full investigation. Understanding what happened is the first step toward justice.

Common Injuries in Motorcycle Crashes

Because motorcyclists are so exposed, even a single impact can cause serious harm. Sadly, motorcycle accidents tend to lead to severe, life-changing injuries and, in the worst cases, death.

Some of the most common injuries we see include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, head injuries can be severe.
Spinal Cord Injuries: These may lead to paralysis or long-term mobility issues.
Broken Bones and Fractures: Arms, legs, and ribs are especially vulnerable.
Road Rash/Severe Burns: These injuries can lead to infection and disfigurement.
Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage: Life-threatening if not treated immediately.

These injuries don’t just affect the rider; they impact entire families, emotionally and financially.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, taking the right steps in the days and weeks after the crash can help protect your health and your right to financial recovery.

If possible, try to:

Call for help and get medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor.
Report the accident to local law enforcement so an official report is created.
Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and the vehicles involved, if you’re able.
Get witness information, including names, phone numbers, or license plates.
Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney.
Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer who can help you understand your options and protect your claim.

Motorcycle accident victims in Louisiana may be entitled to compensation for both economic damages, such as medical expenses (current and future) and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, loss of earning capacity, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto motorcyclists, claiming they were speeding, weaving, or “assuming the risk.” But the truth is, most riders are careful, experienced, and simply trying to make it home safely. Our motorcycle accident attorneys in Houma know how to counter these tactics and build a strong case for full compensation.

Over Five Decades of Legal Practice Protecting Families for Generations

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Strength with Heart

Big-firm results, small-town heart—we treat every client like one of our own.
We Stand Firm

From oilfields to open waters, we fight for the injured and the families left behind.
One Shared Mission
Three generations strong, our family’s legacy is protecting yours when tragedy strikes.
Rooted in the Gulf Coast

Born from the region we serve, we stand with our neighbors through every storm and every fight for justice.

How Our Houma Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help

Fight for Justice

For more than 50 years, Waitz & Downer has represented injured people throughout Terrebonne Parish and across Louisiana. We understand the complex medical, financial, and emotional toll that motorcycle accidents take—and we know how to fight for the recovery our clients deserve.

We’re proud to be part of the South Louisiana community, a place where people still look out for one another. Our firm has built a reputation for integrity, compassion, and results, and our attorneys bring decades of experience, deep local knowledge, and the drive to hold negligent drivers and corporations accountable.

If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle crash, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The road to recovery can be long, but with the right legal help, you can focus on healing while we fight for what’s fair.

Contact Waitz & Downer today for a free consultation. Our Houma motorcycle accident attorneys are ready to listen, answer your questions, and help you take the next step forward.

fighting for the injured

With Generations of Strength

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