If you were injured while cycling, a Breaux Bridge bicycle accident lawyer could help you file a compensatory claim. Your lawyer will explain the claims process and identify the damages you can pursue.
Most bicycle accidents happen in urban areas, and the majority of deaths under such circumstances occur when a cyclist collides with a vehicle. According to the National Safety Council, almost half of all bicycle accident deaths happen to children under the age of 16. If you lost a loved one this way, your lawyer could help you file a wrongful death claim.
How Our Breaux Bridge Bicycle Accident Lawyers Can Help You
Although you might have a valid claim, dealing with the insurers and at-fault parties can prove challenging, especially if you lack legal experience. Our personal injury team can help with:
- Investigating to establish the accident’s cause and liability
- Collecting enough evidence that supports your personal injury claim
- Interviewing all eyewitnesses at the scene and recording their statements
- Assessing all your damages to determine your case’s value
- Filing a claim on your behalf and protecting your rights throughout the entire process
- Handling all communication with the insurer
- Negotiating a fair settlement on your behalf
- Taking the matter to court if need be
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientCauses of Bicycle Accidents That Could Be Relevant in Your Case
Bicycles run slower compared to vehicles, so they have designated lanes to ensure safety. However, many bicyclists are injured all too often. Here are the causes of these accidents:
Intoxication
Motorists who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol often get into road accidents since their sense of judgment is impaired. In some bicycle accidents, the cyclist can also be a drunken party.
Distracted Driving
Drivers who are distracted are usually busy doing other activities, such as eating or talking on their cell phone instead of concentrating on the road. Since bicycles are small, it’s easy for a distracted driver to miss them, leading to an accident.
Bicycle Malfunction
Sometimes, cyclists can get into an accident independently, meaning no other party is involved. If the bicycle is defective, it can cause a cyclist to lose control and crash.
Defective Roads or Sidewalks
Cyclists usually have their bicycle lanes. They can also use the farthest side of the road or sidewalks. Bicycle accidents can happen due to defects on the sidewalks, potholes, or uneven paths.
Poor Weather Conditions
Since bicycles don’t have lights by default, responsible cyclists should wear reflective clothing to enhance visibility during bad weather or at night. Poor weather conditions, such as fog, snow, or rain, can make other motorists on the road lose sight of the cyclists.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientWhat To Do After a Bicycle Accident in Breaux Bridge
After a bicycle accident, here are a few actions you can take to ensure your wellness and strengthen your case against the at–fault party:
Call 9-1-1
By calling 9-1-1, the dispatcher will send an ambulance to the accident scene to administer first aid. Also, the police will be notified about the accident. Informing the police means you can gain access to the accident report, which will help with your insurance claim.
Seek Medical Care
Get a medical checkup immediately if an ambulance is dispatched to the accident scene. You’ll be treated for minor injuries. Go to the hospital for severe injuries. Seeking medical care will ensure you have medical records to support your claim.
Gather Evidence
You should take pictures of the accident scene if your injuries are minor. Also, remember to take photos of your injuries. Collect the contact and license details of the motorists involved and any eyewitnesses as evidence.
Retain a Lawyer
A bicycle accident lawyer will take you through the claim process, protect your rights, and strive to ensure that you receive a fair settlement.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientSafety Measures To Reduce Bicycle Accidents
Cyclists must follow the rules on the road, such as giving the right of way when required and obeying traffic signals to ensure road safety. Here are some regulations cyclists should follow to stay safe on the road:
- Always ride with a helmet on to protect yourself from head injuries if an accident happens.
- Install lights and reflective accessories on your bicycle to enhance your visibility on the road.
- Ride as close as possible to the right side of the lane, except when the lane is too narrow for both bicycles and vehicles to share.
- Avoid using earphones or ear pods on the road since it reduces awareness of your surroundings.
Motorists are also required to observe all traffic regulations, including maintaining a safe distance of at least three feet on the road when passing a cyclist.
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientRecoverable Damages You Might Secure After a Breaux Bridge Bicycle Accident
After a bicycle accident, you have a right to seek both economic and non-economic damages to recover losses resulting from the accident, such as:
Medical Expenses
After the bicycle accident, you can be compensated for the incurred medical costs, including medication, ambulance rides to the hospital, and other future medical expenses.
Loss of Income
You may be unable to work during your hospital stay. The party responsible for the accident can compensate you for any income lost during the recovery period. Sometimes you can experience permanent disability. In such a case, you’ll continue receiving disability payments indefinitely.
Pain and Suffering
These refer to both physical and emotional distress suffered by the victim after an accident. Emotional pain includes anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Bicycle Repairs
If your bicycle was damaged in your Breaux Bridge accident, you could be compensated for the repair costs. However, if it was completely damaged, your bicycle accident lawyer could pursue replacement costs.
Wrongful Death Claims
The surviving family of cyclists who dies because of an accident can file a wrongful death claim, which covers all medical bills incurred before the victim died, burial costs, and funeral expenses.
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Louisiana is one year after the event, according to CC Art. 3492. Consult your lawyer immediately to ensure all your documents are filed before the deadline.
Let Us Handle Your Breaux Bridge Bicycle Accident Claim
Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers if you’ve been hurt in a bicycle accident. We’ll help you file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party to recover medical bills and property damage. Our team will collect compelling evidence to build a solid case and negotiate with the insurer for fair compensation.
We offer our services on contingency, meaning you’ll not pay any legal fees and costs until we obtain compensation for you. Call us today for a free case review.
