If you or someone you love was injured in a bicycle accident in Ville Platte, Louisiana, you may be eligible to collect compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma. Bicyclists in Louisiana have many rights to the road, and motorists have many responsibilities that involve watching out for cyclists. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we hold drivers accountable for negligence. We help our clients collect compensation and put their lives back together.
The Ville Platte bicycle accident lawyers at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help you recover fair compensation for your bicycle accident injuries. We will investigate your accident, determine who was responsible, collect evidence of negligence, and pursue compensation from the at-fault party and their insurer. Our team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning that if we cannot recover the cost of your losses, then you do not owe us our attorney’s fees.
To receive a free bicycle accident consultation with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today, call our office at (337) 777-7777.
Laws Pertaining to Bicycles in Louisiana
In Louisiana, both bicyclists and motorists have obligations when it comes to promoting each other’s safety. Bicyclists must be aware of their surroundings, while drivers must treat bicyclists as they would another motorist. If you were involved in a bicycle accident involving a motor vehicle, there is a chance that the driver failed to adhere to one or more of their responsibilities to you.
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, our job is to hold them liable and help you recover compensation.
According to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD), some of the rules governing the interactions between motorists and bicyclists on the road include the following:
Rights to the Road
According to Louisiana Revised Statute §32:1(92), bicycles are considered vehicles in Louisiana. A bicyclist, therefore, has the same rights to the road as a motorist but also must follow the same traffic laws. That means a bicyclist cannot ignore red lights, stop signs, speed limits, or other traffic control devices. A bicyclist can be cited for a traffic violation the same way that a motorist can.
Safe Passing Laws
Drivers in Louisiana must give bicyclists a wide berth when passing, according to Louisiana Revised Statute §32:76.1. The LADOTD reports that a safe passing distance is at least three feet of space between both vehicles. Many accidents result from a failure by the driver to observe this law. If you were hit by a passing vehicle, we will show that the driver ignored safe passing laws and is therefore culpable for your injuries.
Dooring Laws
Both drivers and passengers in Louisiana are required to check for approaching bicyclists before swinging a car door open. If you were injured because someone opened a car door into your path, we can hold them accountable.
Harassment
Drivers and passengers can face liability for any and all harassing behavior toward bicyclists, including yelling, intimidating, or throwing objects. If you were injured due to harassment from a passing motorist or passenger, we can identify this party and hold them liable.
Helmet Laws in Louisiana
Louisiana Revised Statute §32:199 notes that only minors under the age of 12 have to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. The law also specifically states that just because a bicyclist was not wearing a helmet at the time of an accident does not mean that the negligent party is any less culpable. We will push back against any attempts by the other party to argue that your injuries resulted not from their actions but from your failure to wear a helmet.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accident lawyer serving Ville Platte, call 337-221-9907
Your Ville Platte Bicycle Accident Compensation
You may be eligible for many forms of compensation from the motorist who caused your bicycle accident. The Ville Platte bicycle accident lawyers at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers will hold them accountable and help you recover a fair settlement or court award.
You may be able to recover the cost of your:
Medical Bills
We can help you recover the cost of both your current and anticipated future medical bills from the at-fault party and their insurance company.
Lost Wages
We will make sure the party (or parties) responsible for your injury compensate you for the income you have been unable to earn while missing work.
Reduced Earning Capacity
Following your accident, you may have had to quit your job or discontinue working in your preferred field of employment. If so, you can be compensated for the cost of what you were making before the accident compared to what you are capable of making now.
Noneconomic Damages
This refers to items that do not have a verifiable value, such as pain and suffering or emotional trauma. Your legal team can examine your situation as a whole and determine what noneconomic damages accompany your injuries.
To learn how your Ville Platte bicycle accident lawyer can calculate the cost of your damages, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (337) 777-7777.
Ville Platte Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 337-221-9907
The Statute of Limitations
Louisiana Civil Code §3492 only gives you one year from the date of your bicycle accident to take your case to court. If you are interested in bringing your case before a judge, you should speak with a lawyer as soon as you can following your accident. If you do not act within this period, you could be barred from pursuing litigation for your expenses.
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Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation Today
The Ville Platte bicycle accident lawyers at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help you recover fair compensation from the responsible party or parties. We want to get started advising you on your legal options today. For a free bicycle accident consultation, call us at (337) 777-7777.
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