Cycling is a common way to get around New Orleans, especially in areas with narrow streets, heavy foot traffic, and busy tourist routes. While it offers a convenient way to move through the city, riders often face risks that are easy to overlook.
Many bicycle accidents happen when drivers fail to notice cyclists, when vehicles stop abruptly, or when rideshare pickups block bike lanes. Streetcar tracks, uneven pavement, and older road conditions also create hazards that can lead to sudden crashes. When an accident happens, riders can be left dealing with injuries, a damaged bike, and questions about how to handle insurance companies.
Our New Orleans bicycle accident lawyer can help you understand your rights, the following steps, and how Louisiana law applies to your situation. A free consultation can help you see your options more clearly. If you’re ready to talk about next steps, contact us today.
Below is a clear overview of how bicycle accident claims work in Louisiana and what typically influences the process.
Even careful cyclists can be injured because of conditions they can’t control. Some of the most common causes include:
Many bicycle accidents occur when a driver turns without looking, changes lanes too quickly, or enters an intersection without checking for cyclists. These situations are prevalent in busy areas like the CBD, the Marigny, and Uptown.
New Orleans’ older streets and tightly packed parking create frequent dooring situations. When a driver opens a door into the bike lane or directly into a cyclist’s path, the rider often has no room to avoid impact.
Rideshare vehicles sometimes pull over without warning, block bike lanes, or unload passengers into the path of cyclists. Delivery drivers may stop abruptly or obstruct the roadway, creating additional hazards.
Streetcar lines, uneven pavement, metal plates, and construction zones all pose risks. Tires can get caught in grooves, and poor road conditions can cause sudden loss of control.
Because cyclists have little physical protection, the injuries resulting from a crash can range from moderate to severe.
Common injuries include:
Even if injuries seem minor at first, medical evaluation is important both for your health and for properly documenting the impact of the accident.
Taking the proper steps after a crash can help protect your health and your legal rights.
If possible:
These actions help preserve essential details that may affect how your claim is handled.
Louisiana has specific rules that determine how responsibility is evaluated after a bicycle accident. The sections below outline the key factors that may affect your claim.
Louisiana uses a comparative fault system, which means each party’s degree of responsibility for the accident is evaluated. A cyclist can still pursue a claim even if they are found partially at fault, though the outcome may be adjusted based on the percentage assigned.
Louisiana generally allows one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This time period is shorter than many other states, so acting promptly can help ensure your claim is preserved.
Bicycle accidents may involve several insurance layers:
Determining which policies apply can be confusing, especially when injuries are significant or multiple parties are involved.
If you’re unsure how these laws affect your situation, a New Orleans bicycle accident lawyer can explain your options and help you move forward.
Understanding the overall process can make the situation feel more manageable. A typical bicycle accident claim involves the following stages:
The attorney reviews what happened, the involved insurance policies, injuries, and available evidence. This helps determine how the claim should proceed.
This stage includes gathering medical records, photos, the police report, witness statements, and information about the damaged bicycle and other property.
Insurance adjusters may reach out early in the process. Your attorney can handle all communication, respond to requests, and ensure information is provided correctly.
Once the necessary information is collected, the attorney works toward a resolution with the insurance company. Each case is different, and the approach depends on the facts and the available evidence.
If a fair agreement cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit may be the next step. Many matters are resolved before trial, but litigation remains an option when appropriate.
With a clearer sense of the steps involved, you can approach the claims process with more confidence.
Bicycle accident claims can feel overwhelming, especially when injuries make it challenging to manage paperwork, insurance calls, or decisions about medical treatment. At Charbonnet Law, our New Orleans bicycle accident lawyer helps cyclists by offering steady guidance throughout every stage of the claim.
Our role includes:
We focus on clarity and support so you can concentrate on your recovery while staying informed about your claim’s progress.
Legal guidance can help you understand your options, deal with insurance companies, and ensure essential steps are handled correctly.
You may still pursue a claim. Not wearing a helmet does not automatically prevent you from seeking compensation.
Hit-and-run bicycle accidents may still be handled through insurance coverage such as UM/UIM, depending on the situation.
Yes. Bicycle repair or replacement can be included in the claim.
In most cases, you have one year from the date of the accident.
Accident photos, medical records, insurance information, and details about the bicycle and property damage are helpful.
If you or a loved one was injured in a bicycle accident, having clear legal guidance can make the process much easier to navigate. Charbonnet Law assists cyclists throughout New Orleans and the surrounding areas by providing practical support and helping you understand your rights at each step.
To discuss your situation or ask questions about the claims process, contact our New Orleans bicycle accident lawyer to schedule a free consultation.
