With eco-friendly ways of traveling becoming more popular, bicycle accidents are also on the rise. Cycling is good exercise and keeps us fit as well as the environment clean. There are designated bicycle lanes on major roads and streets but at times accidents do take place. Since automobiles are larger than bicycles, it is usually the cyclist who is injured since they are at a severe and obvious disadvantage. Cyclists are physically exposed and hence more vulnerable to injuries.

If you or a loved one have been injured in any bicycle accidents, you may want to pursue legal options to seek justice and compensation. A good personal injury lawyer in Louisiana can help you evaluate your options better and make an informed decision. Statistics show that a bicyclist is fatally injured every 6 hours and almost 50 percent of all such fatalities involve young children. Around 30 percent of serious injuries and deaths are caused by collisions with cars.

Causes of Bicycle Accidents

There are a lot of reasons which can cause bicycle accidents. A motorist who turns directly in front of a bicyclist, one who is entering the street from the driveway and pulls into traffic in front of the bicyclist, a distracted driver, and the driver’s failure to look both ways at a stop sign, can all lead to an accident.

In order to prevent bicycle accidents, automobile drivers as well as cyclists need to be extra careful. In many states, bicyclists are also required to follow the same traffic laws as motorists. Wearing helmets while on a bicycle can also be effective to a certain extent in providing protection from head injuries in the event of an accident and this holds good for children too. Defective equipment and manufacturer’s negligence can also lead to accidents quite often.

Damages and Compensation

If a negligent motorist causes bicycle accidents, then that individual will be held responsible for injuries and damages. If you were hurt as a result of defects in the bicycle or the safety equipment you were using, the manufacturer or seller may be held responsible. In the event of bad roads or unsafe road conditions leading to your mishap, the local municipality or county may be held responsible and you can pursue legal action against them.

An attorney who is familiar with bicycle law can assess your situation and help gather evidence needed to support your claim. They can investigate the incident and check out the damage sustained to the bicycle. An examination of the bicycle can often help defend against allegations by the motorist of the fault lying with the bicyclist. If fault of the motorist is successfully proven, it can help in securing you the compensation you deserve. Adequate compensation will be that which covers the costs of your medical expenses, the damages caused to your bicycle, loss of income caused by your absence from work due to injury, costs of rehabilitation, non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, as well as the emotional trauma caused.

Call a Qualified and Experienced Professional

Experienced and hardworking attorney Price McNamara handles bicycle accident cases across New Orleans, Kenner, Lafayette, Mandeville, Lafourche, Terrebonne, Jefferson, Orleans, East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Ascension, and St. John Parishes. If you think that you have a basis for a personal injury claim, or have been hurt or injured due to someone’s negligence or fault, call Louisiana personal injury attorney Price McNamara at his Baton Rouge office (225-201-8311) or his Metairie office (504-458-8455) to have your queries answered or to schedule a free consultation. His extensive trial experience of over 20 years, proven track record and limited caseload philosophy ensure that you will obtain excellent personal attention and a patient hearing on a consistent basis.