No two bicycle accidents are ever quite alike and are rarely cut-and-dry affairs. Even though you take precautions while riding, sometimes collisions are unavoidable and you need help. Whether the at-fault driver was distracted, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or simply disobeying the rules of the road, you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries.
Our Husband and Wife Legal Team has years of experience handling bicycle accidents and can determine if your accident was the result of someone else’s negligence.
You Need To Know After Being Injured In A Louisiana Bicycle Accident
What Are Your Rights And Responsibilities As A Bicycle Rider?
In general, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists, including the responsibility to follow all traffic rules and the prohibition of driving under the influence. The biggest difference between motorists and cyclists is that bicyclists are allowed to ride on the shoulder of the road.
Are There Any Special Laws That Apply To Bicyclists In Louisiana?
Louisiana legislation requires all people under the age of 12 to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle or being a passenger on one. Bicyclists must also know proper hand signals when alerting traffic when they are slowing down, stopping, or making a turn.
Bicyclists are also advised to take special care to ensure they are always seen, especially when riding in poor conditions with low visibility. This means having a light mounted on the front and rear of the bike emitting a light that is visible for up to 500 feet. Cyclists must also have a red reflector on the bike’s rear and white or red reflectors on either side of the bike. Visibility is critical in the dark but important in daylight too.
If I Was Partially At Fault For The Bicycle Accident, Will That Reduce Damages I May Recover?
In an accident involving a cyclist and a motorist, it can be difficult to determine who is at fault. In Louisiana, comparative fault laws may reduce the amount of compensation an injured party can receive if they are found to be partially at fault for the accident. This means that cyclists who are partially at fault can still receive compensation for the accident, but the amount of compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Liability is determined based on the party that is at fault for the accident. So, it is important to document the accident as much as possible. Collecting evidence, gathering witnesses, calling the police, and acquiring a police report will be critical to making this determination.
After an accident, it is important to move to a safe location away from any potential danger. If possible, begin to collect evidence at the scene. This may include getting the contact information of the other party involved, as well as the license plate number of their vehicle. Additionally, try to note down the color, make, and model of the car. If this is not possible, such as in the case of a hit and run, try to remember as many details as possible about the car so that you can provide them later.
It’s important to document the scene as best you can. Use your phone to snap pictures of the damage from different angles. If the other driver isn’t cooperative, try to get a photo of their license plate or make a note of it. Then, look for witnesses who may have seen the accident and get their contact information. This can be helpful later on down the road.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, it is important to seek medical attention and contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. The insurance company’s goal is to minimize your claim and the compensation you may be entitled to, so an experienced bicycle accident attorney can protect you and guide you through this process. For more information on Bicycle Accident Claims, a free initial consultation is your next best step.
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