Baton Rouge, a bustling hub with Louisiana State University at its heart, boasts a vibrant culture. Many people use bicycles as their daily mode of transport. However, cycling alongside cars in the city’s busy downtown can be hazardous, heightening the risk of accidents.
In 2022, Louisiana reported a significant rise in bicycle fatalities, increasing by 25.71% from the previous year. Specifically, in Baton Rouge in 2023, there were 2 bicycle fatalities and 63 injuries among bicyclists.
Suffering from a bicycle accident in Baton Rouge can be devastating, potentially leading to severe injuries and substantial medical expenses. At Dudley DeBosier, our dedicated bicycle accident attorneys are committed to defending your rights and guiding you through the claims process with expertise and compassion.
Understanding Bicycle Accidents in Baton Rouge
In Baton Rouge, bicycle accidents occur for many reasons, often because of the negligent actions of drivers. Common causes of these collisions include:
- Drivers not yielding the right of way to bicyclists, especially at intersections
- Distracted driving, such as using phones or other devices
- Bicyclists riding in drivers’ blind spots
- Poorly maintained roads and potholes that challenge bike stability
- Insufficient bike lanes and cycling infrastructure
- Speeding or aggressive driving behaviors near cyclists
For bicyclists, colliding with a vehicle can result in severe, life-altering injuries. Common injuries include concussions, fractures, and spinal damage, which may lead to lasting disabilities.
If you’re injured in a bicycle accident, our team of experienced bike crash attorneys can help hold the responsible party accountable. We analyze evidence from the accident scene, such as traffic camera recordings and witness testimonies, to establish fault and advance your claim.
What to Do Immediately After a Bicycle Accident in Baton Rouge
If you’re involved in a bicycle accident, acting quickly is essential for protecting your health and securing your right to make future claims. Here’s what you need to do immediately:
- Get Medical Attention: Check for injuries and call 911 for immediate medical care. Even if you feel fine, see a doctor for a complete evaluation. They can treat injuries that go unnoticed, like internal bleeding or head trauma, and provide you with documentation for legal claims.
- Report to Police: Contact the police to file an official report. It’s required in Baton Rouge for injury accidents and should be available within 7 days of the investigation for insurance purposes.
- Gather Evidence: Take detailed photos of the accident scene, damages, and any injuries. Also, collect witness names and statements and the name, insurance, and contact information of parties involved in the accident.
- Speak with an Attorney: Contact a personal injury attorney. Our team at Dudley DeBosier can explain your rights and begin the claims process.
Handling Bicycle Accident Claims in Baton Rouge
When filing a bicycle accident claim in Baton Rouge, you must act quickly to preserve your rights. You only have one year from the accident date to file a claim against the at-fault party for damages. Enlisting the help of an attorney with Dudley DeBosier ensures you file within this timeframe, protecting your ability to pursue compensation.
Additionally, the state’s pure comparative fault laws may impact your settlement. According to this rule, your compensation is decreased by the percentage of fault attributed to you. For instance, if a speeding driver collided with you at an intersection, but you were not adhering to traffic signals, and you are deemed 20% at fault, you would receive only 80% of the awarded settlement.
An experienced attorney can gather and present evidence to reduce your share of fault, ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve after an accident.
Protecting Your Rights as a Bicycle Accident Victim
At Dudley DeBosier, we help you protect your rights as an accident victim. We know the long-term consequences of these crashes and can fight to help you receive damages for the following:
- Physical Disabilities: Severe accidents may result in disabilities that can alter your way of life. Your settlement can help pay for home modifications, adaptive devices, and long-term care.
- Emotional Trauma: The psychological impact of an accident can be as debilitating as physical injuries. We can help you receive funds for therapy and psychiatric treatment to help you cope with anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous employment, our team can argue for a settlement covering your lost future earnings and training for a new career.
- Reduced Quality of Life: When injuries prevent engagement in hobbies or everyday activities, you can seek compensation for the diminished ability to enjoy life as you did before the accident.
- Long-Term Medical Care: Some injuries require surgeries, rehabilitation, or specialized medical treatment over many years. A damage award helps pay for these expenses without financial strain on you or your family.
Bicycle Laws in Louisiana
If you’re biking in Baton Rouge, staying safe means knowing and following Louisiana’s bicycle laws. Here’s what you need to know:
- They Are Treated as Vehicles: Bicycles are defined as vehicles in Louisiana, granting bicyclists the same rights and duties as drivers.
- Where to Ride: Bicyclists should stay as close as possible to the right-hand side of the road, except when overtaking a vehicle, making a left turn, or navigating unsafe conditions. Cyclists can ride near the left curb, if necessary, when preparing for a left turn.
- Safe Passing: Drivers must give bicyclists at least 3 feet of space when passing.
- Helmets: Children under 12 must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
- Stops: Bicyclists must come to a complete stop at traffic control signals, including stop signs and traffic lights.
Why Choose Dudley DeBosier as Your Bicycle Accident Attorney
Our attorneys at Dudley DeBosier have protected accident victims’ rights since 1996. With decades of experience, we’ve helped clients recover over $1.2 billion in compensation, including those injured when riding their bicycles.
When you work with our team, you receive compassionate legal guidance through all stages of the claims process. We walk you through each step, fighting to win you maximum damages to help you rebuild your life after an accident.
We are committed to serving injured victims in Baton Rouge and can work on your behalf to get you the financial support you need. Contact us today for a free consultation where we can evaluate your case and discuss your legal options.
