Common Types of Bicycle Accidents We Handle in Shreveport
Bicycle accidents happen for many reasons, but some patterns are especially common. Below are only some of the common cases our experienced Shreveport bicycle accident lawyers handle. If your accident doesn’t fall into one of these categories, don’t worry — we’re here to help no matter the circumstances.
Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries We Handle
Bicycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to cyclists' vulnerability on the road. At Rice & Kendig, we understand how these injuries affect your life and future. We handle cases involving:
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Road rash and severe skin abrasions
- Internal injuries
- Joint injuries
- Facial injuries and dental trauma
- Psychological trauma and PTSD
Our team works closely with medical experts to document your injuries and ensure you receive compensation that covers both current and future medical needs.
Steps You Should Take After a Bicycle Accident
Your actions after a bicycle crash can significantly impact your health and legal case. Here's what you should do:
Prioritize Your Safety and Health
Get to a safe location and seek immediate medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some injuries, like concussions or internal trauma, may not show symptoms immediately. Prompt medical care creates vital documentation for your case.
Document Everything
If you're able, take photos of:
- Your bicycle damage
- Vehicle damage
- Road conditions and traffic signals
- Your injuries
- The accident scene
- Driver's license and insurance information
- License plate number
Get contact information from witnesses and note weather conditions. This evidence strengthens your case significantly.
Preserve Evidence
Don't repair or dispose of your damaged bicycle — it's crucial evidence. Keep all damaged gear, including:
- Helmet
- Protective equipment
- Torn clothing and gloves
- Damaged shoes
- Bike accessories
These items can help prove the crash's impact and support your claim for damages.
Watch What You Say
Never apologize or discuss fault, even if you think you might have contributed to the accident. Don't post about the crash on social media or give statements to insurance companies without your attorney present.
Contact Our Lawyers Before the Insurance Company
Insurance adjusters often try to minimize bicycle accident claims or blame cyclists. Let our experienced Shreveport bicycle accident attorneys handle all communication with insurance companies to protect your rights.
Types of Compensation Available After a Bicycle Accident
At Rice & Kendig, we fight to recover all available compensation you're entitled to after a bicycle accident. Louisiana law recognizes various forms of damages to make injured cyclists whole again.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the actual financial losses you've experienced and will face in the future:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Bicycle and equipment replacement
- Transportation costs
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Home modifications, if needed
Non-Economic Damages
These damages acknowledge the personal impact of your injuries beyond financial losses:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium for your spouse
Our experienced bicycle accident attorneys know how to document and prove these damages, using expert testimony, medical records, and compelling evidence to maximize your compensation. We consider both immediate and long-term impacts to ensure your settlement or verdict truly reflects all your losses.
Understanding Your Rights as a Cyclist in Louisiana
Cyclist Rights and Responsibilities
Under Louisiana law RS 32:194, cyclists have the same rights and duties as motor vehicle drivers. This means:
- Right to use public roads.
- Right to occupy the full lane when necessary.
- Right to a safe passing distance (minimum 3 feet) — Louisiana RS 32:76.1.
- Requirement to follow traffic laws.
- Right to compensation when injured by negligent drivers.
Specific Cycling Laws in Louisiana
Louisiana RS 32:197 establishes clear safety standards for cyclists and motorists alike.
- Required equipment: working brakes, night lights, reflective gear.
- Road position: ride right, with exceptions for passing, turning, and hazards.
- Lane rights: can take the full lane when needed and ride two abreast.
Louisiana's Comparative Fault System
Louisiana follows a "pure comparative fault" system established by Civil Code Article 2323. This means:
- You can recover damages even if you are partially at fault.
- Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
- Evidence of following safety laws strengthens your case.
Time Limits for Filing Claims
Louisiana has specific deadlines (LA Civil Code Art. 3493) for filing bicycle accident claims:
- Accidents before July 1, 2024: 1-year deadline.
- Accidents after July 1, 2024: 2-year deadline.
Don't wait to take action — evidence can disappear and witness memories fade.
Struggling After Your Accident? We're Here to Help.
At Rice & Kendig, our Shreveport car accident lawyers have more than 40 years of experience helping clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Get your free case review now!
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(318) 222-2772