When you’re riding your bicycle through Shreveport’s busy streets, you’re vulnerable. Without the protection of a vehicle’s frame, airbags, or seatbelts, cyclists face significant risks when sharing the road with negligent drivers.
At Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers, we understand the devastating impact a bicycle accident can have on your life and your family.
Our experienced attorneys are committed to helping injured cyclists recover the compensation they deserve while providing the compassionate, personalized attention they need during this challenging time. We don’t just represent clients—we treat them like family.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Shreveport
Bicycle accidents in Shreveport can occur for several reasons, but many stem from preventable circumstances. Understanding these causes is important for establishing liability in your case.
Driver Negligence
Most bicycle accidents involve some type of driver negligence, such as:
- Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on a phone, or adjusting the radio diverts a driver’s attention.
- Failure to Yield: Many drivers fail to check for cyclists before turning or changing lanes.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: When drivers don’t maintain a safe distance when passing cyclists, the consequences can be deadly for cyclists.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of the accident.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time.
Road Hazards
Shreveport’s infrastructure can present dangerous conditions for cyclists:
- Potholes, debris, and uneven pavement are hazards that cause cyclists to lose control or be thrown from their bikes.
- Poorly marked bike lanes force cyclists to share space with faster, heavier vehicles.
- Dangerous intersections with confusing traffic patterns and inadequate signage create high-risk areas for cyclists.
Vehicle and Equipment Defects
In some cases, the accident isn’t caused by a driver or road condition but by equipment failure:
- Defective Bicycle Parts: Faulty brakes, tires, or frames can lead to sudden accidents.
- Vehicle Defects: Mechanical failures in cars or trucks can cause drivers to lose control and collide with cyclists.
Proving negligence is essential for securing compensation after a bicycle accident. At Dudley DeBosier, our attorneys have the resources and expertise to investigate your accident thoroughly, gather compelling evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.
Common Injuries From Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents frequently result in severe injuries that can have long-lasting or permanent effects on victims’ lives:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even cyclists wearing helmets can suffer concussions or more severe brain trauma. These injuries can lead to cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes, and long-term disability.
Spinal Cord Injuries: The impact of being struck by a vehicle or thrown from a bicycle can damage the spinal cord, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and chronic pain.
Fractures and Broken Bones: Cyclists commonly suffer fractures to arms, legs, ribs, collarbones, and pelvic bones. These injuries often require surgery, immobilization, and extended physical therapy.
Internal Injuries: The force of impact can cause internal bleeding and damage to vital organs like the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs—conditions that may be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Road Rash and Lacerations: When cyclists are thrown onto pavement, severe skin abrasions (road rash) and deep cuts can occur. These injuries may lead to infections, scarring, and even require skin grafts in severe cases.
Emotional Trauma and PTSD: The psychological impact of a serious bicycle accident shouldn’t be underestimated. Many victims experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder that affects their quality of life and ability to resume normal activities.
Special and General Damages in Bicycle Accident Claims
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for both special and general damages.
Special Damages
These compensate for financial losses:
- Medical Expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitation
- Ongoing Medical Treatment: Future surgeries, therapies, and specialized care
- Lost Wages: Income lost while recovering from injuries
- Loss of Earning Capacity: Reduced ability to earn income in the future due to permanent injuries
- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your bicycle and damaged personal items
General Damages
These address intangible losses:
- Pain and Suffering: Physical discomfort and pain from injuries
- Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, and other psychological impacts
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Inability to participate in hobbies, sports, or activities you once enjoyed
- Disfigurement: Compensation for visible scarring or physical changes
Past results do not guarantee future results. Each case is unique and evaluated on its specific circumstances.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
Taking the following steps immediately after a bicycle accident can greatly aid in protecting your health and your ability to recover compensation:
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health should be the top priority. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, some serious conditions may not show signs immediately. Medical documentation also creates an official record of your injuries.
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Contact Law Enforcement
Report the accident to the police so they can create an official accident report, which serves as valuable evidence for your claim.
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Gather Evidence
If you can do so safely, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, your damaged bicycle, and the vehicle involved. Collect contact information from witnesses.
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Exchange Information
Get the driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle information.
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Avoid Speaking With Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies often contact victims quickly after an accident to take advantage of them in their vulnerable position. Avoid giving recorded statements or accepting settlement offers without consulting an attorney.
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Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Contact Dudley DeBosier so we can help protect your rights, communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, and build a strong case for maximum compensation.
Why Choose Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers?
When you’re recovering from a bicycle accident, you need more than just legal representation. You need advocates who listen to your unique needs and who care about your well-being and future.
At Dudley DeBosier, we stand apart from other law firms because:
- We treat clients like family. You’re not just a case number to us. We provide personalized attention because we genuinely care about your well-being.
- We have decades of experience. Our attorneys have helped over 58,000 clients recover compensation for their injuries
- We get results. We’ve recovered more than $1.2 billion for injury victims throughout Louisiana. (Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future results.)
- We stand up to insurance companies. We won’t be intimidated by large insurers trying to minimize your claim.
- We’re prepared to go to trial. While most cases are settled, we prepare every case as if it will go to court.
We also believe everyone deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why you won’t pay us upfront. Our fee is contingent on outcome, which ensures that you can focus on your recovery while we focus on getting you the compensation you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. This makes it crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Can I still file a claim if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Yes. While wearing a helmet is always recommended for safety, Louisiana law does not require adult cyclists to wear helmets. Not wearing a helmet does not prevent you from pursuing compensation. However, it may affect the amount recovered in some cases.
Will I have to go to court for my bicycle accident case?
Most bicycle accident claims can be resolved through settlement negotiations without going to trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to court to pursue maximum compensation.
Contact Dudley DeBosier Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Shreveport, don’t wait to seek legal guidance. The experienced attorneys at Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers are ready to fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you need to move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation.
