Bicycle Accidents

Bicycling in Mandeville, Louisiana is especially popular in spite of the challenges of sharing the roads with cars and trucks. Too often, a cyclist is involved in accident with a vehicle and is critically injured.

Cyclists are at risk in any kind of accident on the road because they do not have the same protections as someone travelling in a vehicle. The cyclist may fly through the air upon impact with a vehicle and be critically injured.

What are the Louisiana Bicycle Laws?

In certain areas of Louisiana, bicycle traffic has been on an uptick. With more bicycles on the roads, all residents should be aware of the basic bicycle laws. In order for bicyclists and other motorists on the roads to remain as safe as possible, these laws must be followed. While this list is not comprehensive, it is an overview of what you need to know, in order to share the Louisiana roads.

1. Right to the road- Bicycles are considered vehicles under Louisiana law. As such, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers.
2. Where to ride- Bicyclists should ride as close as possible and safe to the right of the roadway, except when passing another bicyclist, making a left turn, or riding in a substandard width lane. Bicyclists can also use any path made for bicycles that are provided adjacent to the road. There is no state law prohibiting bikes from being ridden on the sidewalk.
3. How to ride- There should be no more that two cyclists riding abreast and should not impede traffic. Bicyclists are required to obey all stop lights and traffic signs, while also using the appropriate signals. Motor vehicle drivers must leave a safe distance of at least three feet when passing a bicyclist.
4. Equipment- If the bicyclist is under the age of 12 years, they are required to where a properly fastened helmet. The bicycle must have a front white light and rear red light that will be visible from 500 feet at night. All bicycles must have a bell or another device that gives audible signals that can be heard from at least 100 feet. It must not have a siren or whistle. Bicycles must have brakes that can make the wheels skid on dry and level pavement.
5. Prohibitions- No one can harass, taunt, or maliciously throw objects at a cyclist. The bicyclists are prohibited from clinging to motor vehicles. No more that the designated number of people can ride on the bicycle at once.
6. Alcohol- Under current Louisiana law, DUI laws only apply to drivers of motor vehicles. A bicyclist can be charged with public intoxication.

If you have more questions or if you been involved in a bicycle accident, you should consult with an attorney experienced in Bicycle Accident Case Results and Settlements. A Bicycle Accident Lawyer from Wimberly Law Firm can answer all your questions and guide you to receiving any damages you might be owed. If you are located in or near Mandeville, LA, call (985) 200-8466 for a free consultation.

What are common causes of bicycle accidents?

Some of the most common causes of Cycling Traffic Collision Lawsuits in Louisiana are:

1. Distracted driving or riding- If a driver looks away from the road to read a text of make a phone call, they might not see a bicyclist. Bicyclists can also get distracted by phones or listening to headphones, impeding their hearing while riding.
2. Riding too closely- Drivers are required to stay at least three feet of space between a bicycle and the vehicle.
3. Moving too fast- If a care is speeding, it might not be able to stop in time if a bicycle veers into the lane or crosses a street.
4. Opening car doors- When parking on a street, drivers might not look before opening their car doors. Drivers should look to be sure that there are no bicycles coming from the front or back.
5. Cars entering the street- It can never be assumed that the driver of a motor vehicle can see the bicyclist when pulling out of driveway or parking lot.
6. Merging lanes or turning in an intersection- Bicyclists must use the appropriate signals and obey all rules of the road. Drivers cannot always anticipate what a bicyclist is doing otherwise.

If you have more questions or if you been involved in a bicycle accident, you should consult with a Top-Rated Bicycle Accident Attorney. A Bike Accidents Injury Attorney from Wimberly Law Firm can answer all your questions and guide you to receiving any damages you might be owed. If you are located in or near Mandeville, LA, call (985) 200-8466 for a free consultation.

What Are Some Of The Most Common Causes Of Bicycle Accidents Across The Louisiana?

The most common reason for a bicycle accident is a vehicle riding the bike lane when they’re not supposed to, which happens quite frequently. We don’t have many bike lanes near me, but they do have bike areas. And generally speaking, the accident occurs because somebody decides to occupy the bike lane with a vehicle. Read More

If you are involved in a bicycle accident it is important that you contact a bicycle accidents lawyer. The type of injuries you suffer such as a traumatic brain injury, broken bones, and internal injuries may take months to heal and sometimes bicycle accident victims do not fully recover. The compensation offered by the insurance company may not be enough to cover your medical expenses. Having a bike accident lawyer is important because the knowledge and experience to thoroughly investigate and prepare your case.