Riding a bicycle in Lafayette is a popular way to get around. Some cyclists rely on bicycles as their main source of transportation, and many others cycle recreationally. Yet even though many Lafayette drivers are accustomed to sharing the roads with bicyclists, the pastime is still extremely dangerous due to other drivers who aren’t as careful or considerate of cyclists.
Due to their limited protection in collisions with motor vehicles, bicyclists can suffer severe or even fatal injuries, as was true for a recent tragic collision involving a twenty-year-old woman. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident because someone was negligent, Dudley DeBosier is ready to fight for your rights and help secure the compensation you need to cover your losses.
Popular Places to Bike in Lafayette
Lafayette offers a variety of fun, scenic routes for cyclists of all skill levels—from paved pathways to off-road mountain bike trails. Whether you’re commuting, exercising, or enjoying the outdoors, the city provides plenty of options. Some of the top places to ride include:
Paved Loop at Moncus Park
This is a well-maintained, beginner-friendly trail that’s popular with families and recreational riders.
Acadiana Park Mountain Bike Trails
This location offers 1.8 miles of single-track trails that feature berms, bridges, jumps, and steep descents, making it a great spot for experienced riders.
Lafayette Bike Map
An interactive map that allows riders to plan their routes and offers locations of bike racks and other useful information for bicyclists.
Even with so many bike-friendly options to choose from, collisions between cars and bicycles are unfortunately still common. When they happen, the bicycle accident attorneys at Dudley DeBosier are here to help.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Lafayette
Bicycle accidents in Lafayette happen most often because of driver negligence and hazardous road conditions. It’s our hope that by sharing the common causes of bicycle accidents, we’ll prevent others from experiencing harm. Some of the most common causes we frequently see include:
- Distracted Driving: Motorists using cell phones or engaging in other distractions may fail to notice cyclists.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers who ignore stop signs or fail to yield at intersections put cyclists at risk.
- Dooring Accidents: Parked drivers opening their doors into a cyclist’s path can cause serious injuries.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions. Cyclists are in deadly situations when dealing with this kind of erratic driving behavior.
- Driving Under the Influence: Impaired drivers have reduced awareness and poor decision-making abilities.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, and inadequate bike lanes can contribute to accidents.
Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents often lead to severe injuries due to the lack of protection for riders. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Road rash and severe lacerations
- Internal organ damage
- Wrongful death
Compensation Available for Bicycle Accident Victims
Bicycle accidents often result in life-altering and sometimes deadly consequences. That’s because there’s almost no protection for cyclists against heavy vehicles and pavement. Depending on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of their injuries, compensation can cover a range of losses, from medical expenses to pain and suffering.
Understanding what types of damages victims may be eligible for is crucial to ensuring that they receive the support and resources needed. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the following to help ease your financial burden so you can focus on healing:
- Medical expenses (current and future care)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in Lafayette
Considering the vulnerable position cyclists are in after an accident, taking the right steps to protect their legal rights and improve their chances of receiving fair compensation may be challenging. Still, we urge anyone involved in a bicycle accident to follow these critical steps if possible:
- Seek medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor, get evaluated by a healthcare professional. Your health should be a priority, and the documentation will greatly help your case.
- Report the accident. Call the Lafayette Police Department and ensure an accident report is filed. You’ll also want to obtain your own copy of this report for your records. We review these when building a case for your compensation.
- Collect evidence. Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. We understand this could be challenging if your injuries prevent it. Do your best, but your safety should always come first.
- Gather witness information. Obtain contact details from any witnesses who saw the accident. These firsthand accounts are some of the most effective pieces of evidence in bicycle accident cases.
- Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters. Do not provide statements or accept a settlement without legal advice. Insurance adjusters will swoop in and try to manipulate you into a low-ball settlement. Don’t let that happen.
- Contact a Lafayette bicycle accident attorney. Dudley DeBosier can guide you through the claims process and protect your right to compensation.
Where to Get Treated After a Bicycle Accident in Lafayette
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in Lafayette, your first priority should always be your health. Whether your injuries are minor or severe, prompt medical attention is essential—not only for your recovery but also for documenting your injuries in case you decide to pursue legal action.
The best place to seek care depends on the severity of your injuries. Some of the most trusted medical facilities in Lafayette include:
- Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center: Offers comprehensive emergency services and advanced trauma care.
- SouthStar Urgent Care: Open daily and equipped for minor injuries, with on-site X-rays and labs.
- Ochsner University Hospital & Clinics: A trusted provider for acute medical care, with a fully equipped emergency department.
After you’ve received proper medical care, let the bicycle accident attorneys at Dudley DeBosier handle the rest. We’re committed to standing up for injured cyclists across Lafayette and beyond.
How Our Lafayette Bicycle Accident Lawyers Can Help
At Dudley DeBosier, we are committed to helping bicycle accident victims recover the compensation they need to heal and move forward. Our legal team will:
- Investigate the accident and gather crucial evidence
- Determine liability and build a strong case
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
- Take your case to court if the insurance company doesn’t offer a fair settlement
Contact Dudley DeBosier Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Lafayette, don’t delay getting an experienced Lafayette bicycle accident lawyer on your side. Bicycle accident claims can be complicated and involve multiple parties.
Your case deserves solid legal representation. Contact Dudley DeBosier today for a free consultation, and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
