A cyclist who gets hit by an automobile or a commercial truck is likely to suffer serious and possibly fatal injuries because of the minimal protection that a bicycle offers. The medical expenses involved can be astronomically high, and it is possible that the victim will be unable to resume work for a long time.
A bicycle injury lawyer in Lafayette, Louisiana, can assist you in reaching a fair settlement if you have been a victim of this type of accident. We can help you assess fault and determine the right amount of compensation for your injuries.
What Causes Bicycle Accidents?
Investigating the accident and identifying all liable parties is the first step your lawyer will take during the process of claiming compensation for a bicycle accident. In many bike wrecks, the fault may be glaringly evident. However, there may be quite a few other factors, including other parties involved who also may be accountable.
It is also vital to remember that not wearing a helmet or any other risky behavior may raise the biker’s level of negligence, but it does not mean that they will be prevented from seeking compensation. There are several examples of accidents that may be the fault of others on the road.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accident lawyer serving Lafayette, call (337) 777-7777
Bike-Lane Crashes
Quite often, motorists do not respect bike lanes and can cause accidents. Whenever a driver fails to notice a bike lane and drifts across the lines, they put bikers at risk. However, debris left on the road after road work or an 18-wheeler not noticing someone on a bike can also cause these types of accidents.
Lafayette Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (337) 777-7777
Intersection Collisions
The most common reason for bike accidents in a crosswalk or intersection is distracted or drunk driving. However, there are instances where a construction crew or a government agency is responsible for causing such an accident due to a poorly designed intersection or a malfunctioning traffic light.
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Dooring Accidents
It is a clear case of negligence if a car owner opened their door into the path of a biker, which is known as “dooring.” However, it is also possible that the driver was distracted by a passenger or a property owner left some kind of obstruction that hindered the driver’s view, resulting in a dooring incident.
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Claiming Damages for a Lafayette Bike Wreck
The compensation will usually come from the insurance of the motorist who hit the bicyclist because Louisiana is a fault state for car insurance. However, this does not simplify matters. In an attempt to protect their interests, insurers will often try to shift fault onto the victims and offer meager settlements.
An experienced Lafayette bicycle accident attorney can prevent this from happening by building a strong case and directly negotiating with the insurer. If there is clear evidence to support the bicyclist’s claim, there may be a substantial out-of-court settlement offer. A large number of such cases are settled through negotiations.
When Should You Contact a Lawyer After a Bicycle Accident?
You should contact a Lafayette bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident. If you aren’t too seriously injured, it’s best to call us before you speak to anyone else.
This is important because it is to your advantage if we do the talking for you during the settlement process. Otherwise, the other party’s insurers may trick you into making statements that can hurt your claim.
What Is the Average Bicycle Accident Settlement?
Every bicycle accident claim has different circumstances that will affect the value of a settlement, so there is no “average” amount of compensation you can expect. Online claims calculators are not accurate. The best way to find out how much your case may be worth is to reach out to us for a free consultation.
Consult with a Lafayette Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
For a cyclist, it is a difficult road to recovery after an accident with an automobile. It will have an impact not just on your mental and physical well-being, but also on your financial condition.
A reputable Lafayette bike accident attorney from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can fight on your behalf to get you the rightful compensation. Call today to learn more about how we can help you.
Call or text (337) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
