Riding a bicycle should be safe and enjoyable, whether you are commuting, exercising, or spending time outdoors. In Louisiana, many cyclists share the road responsibly, yet serious accidents still happen. When a driver is careless or a road is unsafe, a bicycle crash can change your life in seconds.
Our Louisiana personal injury lawyers at Loyd J Bourgeois Injury & Accident Lawyer (LJBLegal), we understand the challenges you face after an accident: medical bills, missed work, pain, and stress about the future. Insurance companies often push quick, low settlements that do not reflect the true cost of your injuries. Without the right legal support, you risk being underpaid. With the right team, you can recover more and feel supported through the process.
Why Do Bicycle Accidents Happen?
Bicycle accidents in Louisiana happen for many reasons. Some of the most common include:
- Distracted driving: A driver looking at a phone or adjusting the radio can miss a cyclist on the road.
- Speeding or reckless driving: High speeds leave little room to react and make collisions more severe.
- Poor road conditions: Potholes, debris, limited bike lanes, and poor lighting create dangerous situations.
- Rider mistakes: Riding against traffic, not signaling, or wearing headphones can increase risks.
What Injuries Are Most Common in Bike Crashes?
Cyclists have little protection compared to drivers. Injuries are often serious, and recovery can take months or even years. Common bicycle accident injuries include:
- Head injuries: Concussions or traumatic brain injuries can occur even if you wear a helmet.
- Broken bones: Arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones often fracture in a crash and may need surgery.
- Soft tissue damage: Sprains, strains, and muscle injuries can cause lasting pain and limited mobility.
- Road rash: Painful abrasions from sliding on pavement, sometimes requiring medical care to prevent infection or scarring.
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FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 240-9773What Are the Rules for Cyclists and Drivers in Louisiana?
Understanding Louisiana bicycle laws can help reduce crashes and protect everyone on the road. Bicycle safety is important for riders and drivers statewide across Louisiana.
Cyclists’ responsibilities
Louisiana law treats bicycles as vehicles, which means cyclists must follow traffic laws just like cars do. This includes:
- Riding with traffic and obeying all signals and signs
- Signaling turns and stops clearly
- Using bike lanes when available and safe
- Wearing a helmet for added protection
Drivers’ responsibilities
Louisiana drivers are required to respect cyclists as equal users of the road. This includes:
- Leaving at least three feet of space when passing a bicycle
- Checking bike lanes before turning or merging
- Slowing down and yielding at intersections and crosswalks
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FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 240-9773What Compensation Can You Recover After a Bicycle Accident?
If another person caused your crash, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical care: Emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages: Income you missed during recovery and future income if your injuries limit your work
- Property damage: Repairs or replacement for your bicycle and gear
- Pain and suffering: The physical and emotional toll of your injuries
- Long-term care: Home health, therapy, or lifetime care for catastrophic injuries
Insurance companies often try to minimize these claims. LJBLegal will gather evidence, calculate the true cost of your losses, and negotiate for a fair settlement. If the insurance company refuses to do what is right, we are prepared to take the next step.
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FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 240-9773What Should Parents Know When a Child Is Hit While Bicycling?
Seeing your child hurt is every parent’s worst fear. You were so proud to see them riding their bike for the first time.
You’re focused on their well-being, recovery, and making sure their needs come first. At LJBLegal, we share your concern. We want to help you, not just with paperwork, but with real support during this difficult time.
How Can LJBLegal Help Your Family?
After a child’s bicycle accident, you may face medical bills, constant care needs, and worry about what comes next. Insurance companies often offer quick, low settlements that fail to cover long-term needs. That’s where we step in. We listen, guide, and protect your child’s future interests.
- Compassionate guidance: We explain the process simply, check in with you often, and stand by you and your child every step of the way.
- In-depth case building: We gather school records, therapists’ reports, and all medical details to show how the injury will affect your child down the road.
- Fair recovery: You should not settle for less than your child needs. We work to secure compensation that covers medical care, lost earnings, and care for long-term effects—now and later.
- Ready if needed: Most cases settle without court. But if a fair resolution isn’t offered, we know how to advocate vigorously in court for your child’s future.
What Steps Should You Take Now?
- Get medical care immediately: Safety and health come first. Ask doctors to note all findings clearly, even for things that seem minor now.
- Document everything: Take photos of injuries and the crash scene, write down what happened, and keep hospital and school records together.
- Talk with us early: It does not mean you want a fight. It means you want to be sure your child’s full needs are met. A call gives you clear direction on what counts most.
You want your child to recover physically and emotionally, and to have all the support they deserve. At LJBLegal, our bike accident lawyers hold insurance companies accountable and protect your child’s future with both care and resolve. You do not have to go through this alone. Let us help.
How Does Fault Affect Your Case in Louisiana?
Louisiana follows a system called modified comparative fault under Civil Code Article 2323. This means you can recover compensation even if you share some of the blame. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 25% at fault and your damages are valued at $100,000, you can still recover $75,000.
This rule makes it important to have a lawyer who can protect you from unfair blame. LJBLegal works to prove fault where it belongs and maximize your recovery.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
In Louisiana, you generally have two years from the date of your bicycle accident to file a personal injury or property damage claim. Some exceptions may apply, such as for minors. Acting quickly is important, since evidence like video footage or witness memories can fade over time.
Why Choose Loyd J Bourgeois Injury & Accident Lawyer?
Bicycle accident cases can be complex. Injured cyclists may face medical bills, missed work, pain, and insurance companies trying to limit what they pay. At LJBLegal, we help injured cyclists across Louisiana understand their rights and take the burden off their shoulders.
- Client-first service: We treat people with care, respect, and personal attention.
- Experienced representation: Our attorneys know how to handle Louisiana injury claims and build cases carefully.
- Thorough case-building: We gather records, witness statements, crash evidence, and expert opinions when needed.
- Local knowledge: We understand Louisiana courts, local roads, insurance practices, and the community factors that can affect bicycle accident claims.
- Peer recognition: Loyd J. Bourgeois has earned an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and recognition from Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers, honors influenced by peer review and professional achievement.
- Client-focused ratings: Strong Justia and Avvo ratings, including a 10/10 Avvo rating and 10.0 Justia rating, can help potential clients review our experience and feedback.
- Client-voted awards: Our firm has also been recognized through client fan favorite awards, including NOLA Family Favorites Favorite Attorney and New Orleans CityBusiness Top Winner for Best Personal Injury Lawyer.
- Free consultation: We offer a free initial consultation so you can get answers before deciding what to do next.
If you were hurt in a bicycle accident, you do not have to handle the insurance company alone. Contact Loyd J Bourgeois Injury & Accident Lawyer for a free consultation and let us help you understand your next step.
Free Consultation for Injured Cyclists Statewide
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Louisiana, you do not have to face this alone. Call LJBLegal today at 985-240-9773 for a free consultation. We will listen to your story, explain your rights, and guide you through the next steps. You will not pay us unless we recover for you.
