Cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users because they can easily collide with motor vehicles and sustain serious injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 800 bicyclists are killed in traffic crashes annually in the U.S. Despite measures to make cycling safer, people who ride bicycles are still at risk of being involved in a bicycle accident.
Fortunately, cyclists injured in a bicycle accident have the right to seek compensation for damages caused by the other party. At Morris Bart, we represent cyclists in Marrero who were involved in a bicycle accident due to the other driver’s negligence, recklessness, or carelessness. Therefore, if you or someone you loved has suffered serious injuries or died from a bicycle accident, contact a Marrero bicycle accident attorney today.
Risks Cyclists Face in Louisiana
Louisiana has heavily populated cities where bicyclists have to contend with traffic congestion as well as drivers who might violate bike laws. The NHTSA reports that most cyclist fatalities are primarily involved in accidents with motor vehicles. In addition, federal statistics show Louisiana reports the second-highest annual average of bicycle fatalities, making Marrero among the cities with the deadliest roads for cyclists.
For a free legal consultation with a Bicycle Accident lawyer serving Marrero, call 800-537-8185
Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Marrero that You Can Include in a Claim
Several scenarios can lead to bicycle accidents in the Marrero, LA, area, but most of these causes are linked to driver negligence and erratic driving. In some cases, cyclist error can result in an accident that may cause injuries to the cyclist or other road users. Some common causes of bicycle accidents in Marrero include:
- Excessive speeding
- Distracted or reckless driving
- Opening car doors without looking in mirrors
- Merging errors
- Tailgating the cyclist
In some cases, a bicycle accident may occur due to scotoma, where the motorist experiences partial loss of vision or a blind spot. However, in most cases, drivers look out for other vehicles and pay little attention to cyclists when driving, resulting in a bicycle accident.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries You Can Include in Your Claim
Bicycle accidents can result in catastrophic injuries. In serious cases, bicycle accident injuries may cause wrongful death even when the cyclist was wearing protective gear. Some common bike accident injuries in Marrero include:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Facial injuries
- Bodily trauma
- Back injuries
- Disc bulge or ruptured disc
- Bone fractures
- Neurological damage
- Road rash
- Internal bleeding
- Wrongful death
Click to contact our Marrero Personal Injury Lawyers today
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bicycle Accident in Marrero?
Several factors come into place when determining liability in a bicycle accident since different parties can be held liable. Reconstructing the scene and determining the series leading to the accidents can help determine liability.
Louisiana law allows the cyclist to seek compensation if the other party caused the accident. However, the liability often revolves around three critical aspects:
- Bicycle Laws: Bicycles in Louisiana are treated as motor vehicles, where cyclists must obey all applicable traffic laws. Hence, cyclists have the right to ride in any traffic lane, including those outside a bike lane.
- Appropriate Passing Space: Motor vehicles must provide cyclists with at least three feet of space at all times. In addition, Bicyclists must not slow or stop for cars behind them because it is the driver’s responsibility to stop or slow until it is safe to pass the cyclist.
- Right-of-way: Most Marrero bicycle accidents occur at intersections when the motorist turns right, and the cyclist goes straight. Right-of-way is critical when determining liability, and motorists are held accountable when they cause such bicycle accidents.
When determining liability, these factors come into focus to help identify the party-at-fault. Therefore, working with a bicycle accident attorney in Marrero is essential if you are injured in a bicycle accident. The intent is to gather critical evidence that helps determine who should be held accountable for your injuries.
The Statute of Limitations on Bicycle Accident Claims in Marrero
Louisiana law requires anyone injured in a bicycle accident to file a claim within one year. This is the statute of limitations, where the victim has a one-year deadline to file a suit or settle the matter.
Failure to file a lawsuit within the deadline would result in your claim being dismissed or ineligible for compensation. Therefore, it is essential to work with an experienced Marrero bicycle accident attorney to help speed up the matter and file your claim before the statute of limitation elapses.
What a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Marrero Can Do for Your Case
When you are injured due to someone else’s reckless act or negligence in Marrero, Louisiana law entitles you to compensation to cover all your losses. Working with a Marrero bicycle accident attorney at Morris Bart lets you stand a better chance to recover the maximum settlement possible. Generally, our legal team can help you recover the following:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Damage to property
- Lost wages
- Future healthcare costs
Besides recovering compensation to recover damages caused by the bicycle accident, our Marrero bicycle accident attorney can offer comprehensive legal representation throughout the process. These include:
- Gather critical evidence
- Determine if your claim is eligible for compensation
- Bring in experts from different fields to ascertain your claim
- Protect your legal rights in and out of court
- Ensure you receive maximum and fair compensation
- Negotiate with the at-fault party for a reasonable settlement
- Take your case to trial if necessary
At Morris Bart, we work on a contingency fee basis. We do not take any upfront fees, and only get paid once we win your case.
Contact a Marrero Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Morris Bart Today
If you or someone you love was severely injured in a bicycle accident in Marrero, one of our bicycle accident attorneys can help you. We know how complex the legal process can be, especially when dealing with life-threatening injuries or the loss of a loved one. Contact us or schedule a free case evaluation with us and let our Marrero bicycle accident attorney help you.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
