Proving Negligence After a Lake Charles Bicycle Accident

Louisiana Revised Statutes (RS) §32:76.1 promotes bicyclist safety by requiring vehicle drivers to take precautions when passing bikes and to do so only when it is safe. Proving the at-fault driver in your bike accident did not pass you safely or follow traffic laws might enable you to seek financial recovery.

The at-fault driver might have been negligent if they:

  • Owed you a duty of care
  • Neglected their duty
  • Caused the accident
  • Caused your financial damages

If a vehicle driver’s negligence caused your bicycle crash and resulting injuries, a Lake Charles bicycle accident attorney could help you seek financial compensation from the at-fault driver. Our team can help you prove the duty, breach, cause, and damages and establish your right to monetary compensation.

Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Lake Charles Will Identify the At-Fault Party

While negligent drivers are often the party responsible for bicycle accidents, others can also be liable. Depending on the specifics of your case, you can hold entities such as government agencies or vehicle manufacturers accountable for their actions.

The following parties could be responsible for your Lake Charles bicycle accident:

Government entities

Assess whether hazardous road conditions, inadequate signage, or poorly designed intersections contributed to the crash. If so, government agencies responsible for road maintenance may be held liable.

Vehicle manufacturers

Investigate whether any defects or malfunctions in the bicycle or other vehicles contributed to the crash. If a defective product caused or contributed to the incident, the manufacturer could be held accountable.

Property owners

Examine if the accident occurred due to hazardous conditions on private property. The property owner may bear responsibility if there is inadequate maintenance, improper signage, or dangerous obstacles.

Third parties

Consider if the actions of pedestrians, other cyclists, or even other third parties, such as contractors or delivery drivers, contributed to the accident.

After carefully reviewing the details of your case, our Lake Charles bike accident attorneys can identify the liable parties for your collision. We will use a wide range of evidence to build a strong case against the defendant.

Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

Get a Free Case Evaluation

Add These Documents to Your Lake Charles Bicycle Accident Case File

Our attorneys work hard to establish the cause of your accident, the liability of the at-fault driver, and the financial value of your injuries. This often requires a wide range of documents and photos related to the incident. We also work hard to build a compelling claim to support your right to financial recovery.

The case file we build for you may contain the following documents:

  • Crash report
  • Medical records
  • Medical bills
  • Witness statements
  • Injury photos
  • Accident scene photos
  • Available video footage
  • Employment records
  • Damage estimates
  • Vehicle value

We might request additional proof to help establish the at-fault driver’s liability. Keep a file containing any item you believe is supportive in your case and share it with a team member. A powerful case file can help us prove the cost of the accident to the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

An Accident Report Can Strengthen Your Case

Personal injury lawyers might use details in your crash report to prove the circumstances that led to the incident. The RS §32:398 details the importance of an accident report. Take a copy of the document to a personal injury attorney to strengthen your claim.

The bike crash report can contain the following information:

  • Details about the circumstances of the crash, like if you were in a bike lane.
  • Contact information for those involved, including witnesses.
  • The type and size of the at-fault vehicle.
  • Any violations the driver committed.
  • The movements and maneuvers made before the collision.

Whether or not driver distraction, inattention, or impairment contributed to the accident.

Financial Recovery After a Lake Charles Bicycle Accident

As a bicycle collision victim, you may experience severe injuries that can lead to high medical bills, an inability to return to work immediately, prolonged recovery, and long-term rehabilitation. With the guidance and direction of a bicycle accident lawyer in Lake Charles, LA, you might qualify to recover these financial damages:

  • Current medical care
  • Future medical care
  • Current income loss
  • Future income loss
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Emotional distress
  • Physical disability
  • Physical disfigurement
  • Property damage
  • Property destruction

Defining the financial expenses and losses of your bicycle accident can be complicated. Our team may help you carefully track your expenses to ensure none are omitted.


We Also Take Wrongful Death Cases

Our bicycle accident attorneys in Lake Charles, LA, can help you with catastrophic or fatal bicycle accidents. Catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injury can quickly happen if an automobile accident crashes into a bicycle.

A wrongful death claim is similar to a personal injury claim but with some significant differences. Contact our law office immediately if you’ve lost a loved one in a bicycle accident. We’ll work to get you the most out of your wrongful death damages.

Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

I am very impressed with Jillie Boone’s professionalism and dedication. She demonstrates excellent communication skills, strong attention to det...

I am very impressed with Jillie Boone’s professionalism and dedication. She demonstrates excellent communication skills, strong attention to detail, and a high level of reliability. Jillie consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that everything is handled efficiently and with care. Her knowledge and work ethic make her an outstanding professional, and I would highly recommend her!

j
jazlynn meece

Baton Rouge

Elizabeth Lachney I absolutely hands down the best. She is very professional, knowledgeable and most importantly she is very respectful. She is one re...

Elizabeth Lachney I absolutely hands down the best. She is very professional, knowledgeable and most importantly she is very respectful. She is one reason why we use Laborde Earles Law Firm. They make you feel like family!

T
Tiffany Bardwell

New Iberia

Jourdan is an outstanding paralegal! She is knowledgeable, organized, and truly cares about the clients she works with. Every interaction I’ve h...

Jourdan is an outstanding paralegal! She is knowledgeable, organized, and truly cares about the clients she works with. Every interaction I’ve had with her has been positive — she takes the time to explain things clearly and makes the process much less stressful. Laborde Earles Law Firm is lucky to have someone like Jourdan on their team. I would highly recommend both Jourdan and the firm to anyone looking for trustworthy and reliable legal support.

M
Matt Picard

New Orleans

Mr. DC and Amber have always been available to answer my questions and concerns. I have never doubted that they were working on our side and have had ...

Mr. DC and Amber have always been available to answer my questions and concerns. I have never doubted that they were working on our side and have had our best interest and our well being as a priority. I would recommend them to friends and family. My case had some extenuating circumstances and they both worked diligently to help us. I am very thankful for their service and dedication to us.

M
Michel Lanclos

New Orleans

Michelle Brouillette is always so pleasant whenever I call or stop by the office. She always has a smile on her face.

C
Christine G.

I highly recommend Alexis Davis and this lawfirm. She is the true definition of professionalism, respect, understanding, patient, and many other thing...

I highly recommend Alexis Davis and this lawfirm. She is the true definition of professionalism, respect, understanding, patient, and many other things. Her detailed skills are very delightful. She goes out of her way to check on us, make sure we don't have any questions, and she is always on point. She moves very quick and always goes above and beyond for us to make sure we understand the process. I am so glad I ran into Laborde Earles and Alexis. Everyone will know about this company for sure and Alexis

R
R.S.

Lafayette

Each time I interact with a member of the Laborde Earls team I am always extremely satisfied with the service provided. I had the pleasure of speaking...

Each time I interact with a member of the Laborde Earls team I am always extremely satisfied with the service provided. I had the pleasure of speaking with Mrs. Marsh today. She was extremely knowledgeable in addition to being patient and empathetic. She was able to provide me with the necessary resources and provided me with encouragement throughout the process. I definitely recommend Laborde Earls! Ask for Courtney!

M
Megan C.

Courtney Marsh is professional and passionate about her clients! Her communication skills are top notch and she has been amazing to work with! She is ...

Courtney Marsh is professional and passionate about her clients! Her communication skills are top notch and she has been amazing to work with! She is truly a blessing!

T
Tori E.

I’m so grateful for the help I received from Renee McCaslin. From start to finish, they were kind, professional, and truly cared about my situat...

I’m so grateful for the help I received from Renee McCaslin. From start to finish, they were kind, professional, and truly cared about my situation. They made everything easy to understand and handled every detail with care. I felt supported the whole way through. I highly recommend Renee McCaslin to anyone looking for a paralegal who goes above and beyond.

R
Rosann Roberts

Lake Charles

Over 1,700 5-Star Reviews

Louisiana’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Lawsuits

If you were hit by a car while riding your bicycle, you might hold the at-fault driver financially responsible for the cost of the crash. You only have a limited time if you seek compensation for your injuries.

Louisiana law generally entitles you to file your personal injury lawsuit two years from the accident date. If you are the surviving family member of a fatal bicycle accident victim, this statute also entitles you to two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a lawsuit.

You must meet either of these filing deadlines to avoid seeking financial compensation. When our team gets involved in your case early, we can help file your case on time and protect your right to compensation.

branded accent

Call Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Lake Charles, LA, Today

When you are ready to prove your case, value your claim, and negotiate a financial settlement, call Laborde Earles. Our law firm has over 350 years of combined legal experience representing accident victims in Louisiana.

Our personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we will not charge you anything unless and until you obtain a financial award. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.

View More Articles Trusted Voices Sharing What Matters

Man with hands clasped talking to another

Blog What Happens If You're Injured Due to Negligent Security at a Bar, Club, or Event?

Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Louisiana p...

Read Full Article

FAQ What if My Bicycle Accident Claim Was Denied by Esurance?

If your bicycle accident claim was denied by Esurance Auto Insurance, you do not have to accept it. You have the legal right to appeal the d...

Read Full FAQ
closeup of a car with a crashed hood

Blog Louisiana’s New Comparative Fault Law (2026): What the 51% Rule Means for Your Compensation

If you were injured in Louisiana, a recent change in the law could determine whether you recover compensation or nothing at all. As of Janua...

Read Full Article

FAQ What if My Bicycle Accident Claim Was Denied by National General Insurance?

Every day in Louisiana, people are injured in bicycle accidents. If you happen to be one of those bicycle accident injury victims, the best-...

Read Full FAQ
woman in neck brace talking to lawyer

Blog Louisiana Sets New Two-Year Statute of Limitations for Tort Claims

Now that Louisiana has set a new two-year statute of limitations on tort claims, injury victims will have more time to take legal action for...

Read Full Article

FAQ What if My Bicycle Accident Claim Was Denied by USAgencies Insurance?

If you were injured in a bike accident and your claim was denied by USAgencies, you can appeal the decision. However, denial is not the end ...

Read Full FAQ

FAQ What if My Bicycle Accident Claim Was Denied by State Farm?

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident and filed a claim against the at-fault party’s automobile liability insurance company, ...

Read Full FAQ

FAQ What If My Bicycle Accident Claim Was Denied By Geico?

Geico held over 44 billion in admitted assets at the close of 2020, further solidifying the company’s presence as one of the nation&rs...

Read Full FAQ

FAQ What If My Bicycle Accident Claim Was Denied By USAA?

USAA is one of the largest insurance companies across the U.S. Unfortunately, it doesn’t stay that way by paying every claim that is s...

Read Full FAQ

Guidance you can trust, from people who actually know.

View All FAQs View All Articles

Our Locations Find Your Local Office

Get Legal Help Today Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

25+ Attorneys Collaboration on every case

Call Anytime Speak to our local team 24/7

(337) 612-6909
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
Send Message
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (337) 223-9925.