Bicycle Accident Attorney in New Orleans

As in any busy city, cars and other vehicles frequently collide with cyclists in New Orleans. These crashes often lead to life-altering injuries, significant financial losses, and deep emotional turmoil. Injured cyclists can seek compensation for their injuries through a personal injury claim, but a complex legal battle is a lot to take on after a bike accident.

The Thibeaux Firm proudly represents injured bicycle riders in their fight for fair compensation. As an experienced New Orleans bicycle accident lawyer, Attorney Omar Thibeaux can handle all the legal work in your case for you, leaving you with fewer things to worry about after a collision.

We know you’re hurting and want to help you recover the resources you need. That’s why Attorney Thibeaux is known as “The 25 Percent Attorney.” Unlike the industry standard of 33 to 40 percent, he charges a flat and fair 25 percent fee in these cases. This means you’ll keep more of your compensation, making it easier to rebuild your life.

Call us today or complete our contact form for a free, no-obligation consultation, and discover how we can help you after a bike accident.

Benefits of Hiring a New Orleans Bicycle Accident Attorney

Hiring a New Orleans bicycle accident attorney offers several advantages after a crash. First, an experienced lawyer can handle all the aspects of your bicycle accident case. This includes gathering evidence, talking to witnesses, and dealing with insurance companies. You won’t have to worry about these complicated tasks, giving you more time to focus on your recovery.

A lawyer can also explain your rights and options. They will lay out the Louisiana legal process in simple terms, so you know what to expect. We at The Thibeaux Firm know how to build a compelling case to achieve the best possible outcome. This includes negotiating with insurance companies to get you fair compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and other losses.

Not hiring a bicycle injury attorney can be risky. Without legal help, you might not get all the compensation you’re entitled to. Insurance companies often try to pay less than what your case is worth, but an experienced lawyer can fight for your rights and see that the insurers treat you fairly. Plus, as home to “The 25 Percent Attorney,” The Thibeaux Firm can make sure you keep more of the compensation you deserve.

What To Do After a Bike Accident

Here are some important steps to take after a bike accident to protect your rights:

• Seek Medical Care – Follow up with your doctor for a thorough check-up, even if you already received emergency treatment. Some injuries might not show up immediately.
• Document Your Injuries – Keep a detailed record of your injuries and treatment. Take photos of any visible bicycle accident injury and keep copies of all medical reports and bills.
• Report the Accident – File a report with the local police if you haven’t done so already. Request a copy of the accident report for your records.
• Gather Evidence – Collect any evidence you can, such as photos of the accident scene, your damaged bicycle, and any other vehicles involved. This can be crucial for your case.
• Get Witness Information – If anyone else saw the crash, try to get their contact information. Their statements can support your version of events.
• Keep a Journal – Write down everything you remember about the accident while it’s still fresh in your mind. Include details about how your injuries affect your daily life.
• Consult an Attorney – Contact a New Orleans bicycle accident lawyer at The Thibeaux Firm. They can guide you through the next steps and protect your rights.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Bicycle Accident?

Depending on the circumstances, your bicycle accident compensation could include money for:

How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Louisiana?

Louisiana law says injured cyclists typically have one year from the crash date to file a bicycle accident lawsuit. That’s not a lot of time, and cyclists may have even shorter windows to take legal action against local or state government agencies.

Therefore, it’s crucial for anyone injured in a New Orleans bicycle accident to consult an attorney from The Thibeaux Firm immediately. Otherwise, injured cyclists risk losing their right to pursue compensation, potentially depriving them of the resources they need to make a full recovery.

What Are the Louisiana Bicycle Laws?

In general, cyclists in Louisiana have the same rights and duties as anyone driving a car. However, here’s what the Department of Transportation and Development says about some of the most important laws that apply to cyclists:

• Safe Passing Laws – Drivers must leave at least three feet of space when passing a bicycle and keep this distance until safely past. Passing in a no-passing zone is only allowed if it’s safe.
• Helmet Laws – Riders under 12 years old must wear a helmet. Crucially, the law says not wearing a helmet does not mean the rider is negligent in a bicycle accident claim.
• Sidewalk Riding – Louisiana does not have specific laws that either allow or prohibit riding a bicycle on the sidewalk.
• Dooring Law – It is illegal for drivers and passengers to open a car door on a highway without first making sure it is safe. Additionally, drivers and passengers should not leave doors open longer than necessary.
• Vulnerable Road User Laws – While Louisiana does not define “vulnerable road user,” it is illegal to harass, taunt, or throw objects at bicyclists.
• Traffic Control Compliance – Bicyclists must come to a complete stop at traffic lights and stop signs. They cannot ignore traffic signals that do not detect them.
• Treatment as a Vehicle – Bicycles are considered vehicles in Louisiana. Cyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers, except where specific laws do not apply to bicycles.
• Use of Separated Facilities – State law does not require cyclists to use bike lanes or paths instead of normal traffic lanes.
• Where to Ride – Cyclists should ride as close to the right-hand edge of the roadway as practicable. Exceptions include passing another bicycle, preparing for a left turn, avoiding unsafe conditions, or riding on a one-way street where they may ride near the left-hand curb.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents often occur due to the carelessness or negligence of drivers or other parties. By being aware of these common causes, injured cyclists can better understand how negligence may have played a role in their injuries.

• Distracted Driving – Drivers using their phones, eating, or engaging in other distractions may not notice cyclists.
• Speeding – When drivers exceed speed limits, they have less time to react to cyclists, making collisions more likely. Furthermore, high-speed crashes can cause catastrophic injuries to bike riders.
• Failing to Yield – Many accidents occur when drivers do not yield the right of way to cyclists at intersections or when merging onto roads. This can lead to side-impact crashes and other devastating collisions.
• Opening Car Doors (Dooring) – When drivers or passengers open car doors without checking for approaching cyclists, their careless actions can result in sudden, severe collisions.
• Driving Under the Influence – Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have impaired judgment and reaction times, which increases their risk of hitting cyclists.
• Unsafe Lane Changes – Drivers who change lanes without signaling or checking blind spots can collide with nearby cyclists.
• Poor Road Conditions – Potholes, debris, and other hazards can cause cyclists to swerve into traffic, increasing the risk of accidents. Local or state government agencies may be liable if they fail to maintain safe road conditions.
• Left Turns – Drivers making left turns often misjudge the speed and distance of oncoming cyclists, leading to crashes in intersections.

Common Types of Injuries from Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents in New Orleans can result in many kinds of injuries, and these injuries are often severe due to the lack of protection cyclists have compared to motorists. Some common injuries from bike accidents include:

• Head Injuries – Head injuries can occur even if the cyclist is wearing a helmet. These injuries happen when the cyclist’s head hits the ground, a vehicle, or another object. Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can result, and they can have long-lasting effects.
• Broken Bones – Collisions with cars often result in fractures. Cyclists may break their arms, legs, ribs, or collarbones when they are thrown from their bike or a vehicle strikes them directly.
• Road Rash – When cyclists slide across the pavement after a fall or collision, they can suffer severe abrasions known as road rash. This can cause deep wounds, scarring, and a high risk of infection.
• Spinal Injuries – The impact of a crash can cause damage to the spine, leading to conditions like herniated discs, fractures, or even paralysis.
• Internal Injuries – The force of a collision can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs. These injuries are not always immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
• Facial Injuries – Cyclists can suffer cuts, bruises, and fractures to the face if they land face-first during a crash. Dental injuries are also common.

Contact a New Orleans Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

Time is against you after a bicycle accident, so don’t wait to talk to a determined bicycle accident law firm about your case. Call The Thibeaux Firm today or complete our contact form for a free case review with a bicycle accident lawyer in New Orleans.