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Shreveport Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Imagine being outside and doing something you enjoy with the sun on your face, and then your life is derailed in the blink of an eye. Imagine the shock and pain you experience and then the feeling of helplessness as medical bills pile up and you can’t work. 

At Rice & Kendig, we understand the unique challenges cyclists face on Shreveport's streets and the biases they often encounter when seeking justice. Even though a robust biking community in the area takes advantage of many of the Shreveport dedicated bike lanes, too many bicycle accidents happen. 

As passionate advocates for injured cyclists, we don’t just handle cases — we take your fight personally. With decades of experience and a proven track record, we’re here to protect your rights and help you get back on the road to recovery.

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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.

  • Distracted or speeding drivers who fail to notice cyclists can cause catastrophic rear-end crashes. These accidents often result in severe spinal injuries, head trauma, and other life-changing injuries. Our attorneys gather evidence from traffic cameras, witness statements, and accident scenes to build strong cases.

  • When drivers or passengers suddenly open car doors without checking for cyclists, the results can be catastrophic. These accidents often occur in busy areas like Texas Street in downtown Shreveport. We help injured cyclists prove driver negligence and recover compensation for injuries caused by careless door openings.

  • Construction sites, industrial facilities, and other workplaces can be dangerous environments where brain injuries occur through falls, falling objects, or equipment accidents. We understand both workers' compensation laws and third-party liability claims, ensuring you receive all available compensation sources.

  • When drivers turning left fail to yield to oncoming cyclists, devastating collisions can occur. These accidents frequently happen at busy intersections like Youree Drive and Kings Highway. We work with accident reconstruction experts to prove driver negligence and fight for maximum compensation.

  • Crashes at intersections often result from drivers running red lights, rolling through stop signs, or failing to yield. Our team understands Shreveport's traffic patterns and investigates thoroughly to establish liability and secure fair compensation.

  • When drivers pass too closely or drift into bike lanes, cyclists can suffer serious injuries from sideswipe collisions. We help victims document their injuries, prove driver negligence, and recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

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!

No Fee Unless We Win For You

TESTIMONIALS

Stories from Cyclists

We've Helped

  • I knew that they would take care of us, and I would definitely recommend them to anybody.

  • Rice & Kendig are very good at seeing what the weakness in our case is and what the strength is and developing both sides of the case.

  • They take great care of you. They care, and they make sure that you get what you need, they make sure that you're okay.

  • I suggest Rice & Kendig if you want someone who cares about you and your situation.

  • They did such a good job fighting for us and not dragging it on... Thanks to Rice & Kendig, the matter was over within a year.

  • He called me every day, made sure I was okay... he was just perfect. You couldn't ask for a better attorney.

  • They took care of us right away. They were loving.

BENEFITS

Why Choose Rice &

Kendig for Your Bicycle Accident Case

  • Dedicated Bicycle Accident Experience
    We know the unique challenges cyclists face on Louisiana roads. Our in-depth knowledge of cycling culture and the common pitfalls in handling these cases equips us to take on even the largest insurance companies.
  • Proven Results That Speak Volumes
    We’ve recovered millions for injured clients in Shreveport and beyond. Our team knows how to assess the true value of a bicycle accident claim and fight for every dollar you deserve.
  • Strategic Partnerships for Ironclad Cases
    From accident reconstruction specialists to traffic engineers and medical experts, we tap into a network of top professionals to build a rock-solid case on your behalf.
  • Clear Communication in Your Preferred Language
    Whether you speak English or Spanish, our bilingual team ensures you feel fully supported throughout your case. Your voice matters, and we’re here to amplify it in the language you’re most comfortable with.
  • Personalized Attention from Senior Partners
    You’re not just another case file. We don’t push your case off on an associate or paralegal like the other large firms. Our senior attorneys personally handle your claim, ensuring clear communication and a tailored strategy from start to finish.
  • Risk-Free Representation You Can Rely On
    With our contingency fee guarantee, you pay nothing unless we win. This allows you to receive top-notch representation with no upfront cost. You can focus on recovery while we focus on securing justice for you.
Your Local Advocates:

Serving Northern Louisiana's Cycling Community

For over five decades, Rice & Kendig has protected cyclists' rights across Northern Louisiana. We serve bicycle accident victims throughout:

Office Address

912 Kings Highway Shreveport, Louisiana 71104

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Don’t Settle for Anything Less

At Rice & Kendig, we don’t just represent cyclists — we champion their rights. Whether you were injured in downtown Shreveport or on a quiet country road, we’ll build a case that holds negligent drivers accountable and ensures you receive the compensation you need.

Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you and undervalue your injuries or deny your claim. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Together, we’ll map out the path to justice and fight for the recovery you deserve.

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