Attorney Helping Clients With Bicycle Accident Injuries

In a city with heavy vehicle traffic, drivers don’t always anticipate sharing the road with cyclists. This is one reason why cyclists need to be on high alert when riding in the city. However, if you were injured while riding, a Baton Rouge bicycle accident lawyer can be a valuable advocate to have on your side.

A dedicated personal injury attorney can help you hold the negligent driver responsible and seek financial compensation. You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s negligence, so let a legal advisor handle your case while you focus on healing.

The Risks Cyclists Face in Baton Rouge

Although the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Council has taken cycling into greater consideration in recent years, bike riders still face the risk of collision even on remote roads like River Road. Drivers who fail to yield, speed, drive while distracted, or merge too quickly are all at risk of hitting individuals on bikes.

Long-Term Damage from Biking-Related Injuries

Depending on the severity of a bike wreck, the resulting injuries may have lasting effects, including:

Deformity
Amputation
Internal bleeding
Organ punctures
Brain damage
Paralysis

While some cyclists have walked away from accidents with minor cuts and bruises, negligent driving poses a huge risk with serious physical consequences.

Information Cyclists Should Know

Some key areas a dedicated attorney in Baton Rouge can help you navigate are cyclist rights, at-fault liability, and damages that could be recovered after the bike accident.

Bike Laws in Baton Rouge

State law requires bicyclists to ride in groups of no more than 10 and stay in a single-file riding line. Bikers under the age of 12 must wear helmets, and all riders should wear high-visibility gear. If riding on the road, you are permitted to ride in any lane you choose, but you are required to remain as close to the right-hand side of the lane as possible. Exceptions to this rule include if you are avoiding obstacles, passing other vehicles, or turning left.

State law mandates that drivers maintain a distance of at least three feet from cyclists at all times. Motorists must check for approaching bicycles before opening the doors of their vehicles to avoid obstructing a cyclist’s path or accidentally hitting them. Harassment or taunting of cyclists is also prohibited. Anyone who violates these regulations may be subject to fines or, in some cases, jail time.

Bike Accident Liability

There are multiple parties that could be liable for a biking accident beyond just the negligent driver. For instance, if a faulty bike part contributed to your crash, the manufacturer could be held liable. If you are unsure of who is at fault for your cycling accident, it may be wise to consult an experienced bike injury lawyer in Baton Rouge. If a driver tries to blame you for your biking accident, a skilled attorney can also help contest these allegations and protect your right to recovery.

Damages in a Bike Crash Case

If your bicycle endured minor damage, it can be repaired at the expense of the at-fault party through an insurance claim. If the bike needs to be replaced, you need to provide documentation or other proof of the bicycle’s value.

If any valuable goods are lost or damaged in a cycling accident, you may seek compensation. A hardworking attorney can negotiate this with Baton Rouge insurance adjusters or defense attorneys after your bicycle crash.

Bikers who sustain injuries that require hospitalization or other medical attention may be entitled to compensation for their medical expenses. By working with a reputable attorney, cyclists may be able to acquire compensation for pain and suffering as well.

Statute of Limitations on Bicycle Accidents in Louisiana

Louisiana’s legal time limit for bringing a personal injury claim in court is one year after the event. In most cases, it is one year following the accident date in Louisiana as outlines in Louisiana Civil Code section 3492.

Call a Baton Rouge Bicycle Accident Attorney to Stand by You

A bike crash can be serious, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. By seeking the help of a Baton Rouge bicycle accident lawyer, you can increase your chances of successfully recovering compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.