Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
The bicycle accident lawyers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at Miller Law Firm help accident victims seek compensation for their serious injuries, medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and more. Bike accidents involving automobiles can be especially consequential to riders. Bicyclists don’t have the chassis of a vehicle to protect them in the event of a crash and can therefore suffer more serious injuries, including traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, internal injuries, and more. If you were seriously injured in a bike accident, consider reaching out to the bicycle accident lawyers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at Miller Law Firm today. Our lawyers are here and ready to take your call and offer guidance at 225-343-2205.
Bicycles are legally considered vehicles under Louisiana state law, meaning that bicycle riders are legally required to abide by the same laws governing motor vehicles. Laws governing vehicle liability can also be applied to riders in the event of an automobile accident involving a bike rider and a motor vehicle. This means that after an accident involving a motor vehicle and a bike, either the driver, the bicyclist, or both parties could be found negligent for the accident.
Bicycle riders aren’t covered by their own insurance policies after an accident, but automobiles are. Auto insurance adjusters have a responsibility to honor their contracts, but they also have an interest in reducing their own liability. Auto insurance companies save money when they blame the bicyclist for the accident because the bicyclist often doesn’t have their own insurance company or policy fighting for their rights. The reality is that the protections for bike riders may often be imbalanced. Because of this, bicyclists might be wise to seek the advice of a bike accident lawyer in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at Miller Law Firm.
The Baton Rouge bike accident lawyers at Miller Law Firm help bike accident victims seek justice and fight back. We work hard to help victims and families receive the compensation they might deserve under the law. Yet, you may only have a limited time to make a claim. Contact the Baton Rouge, Louisiana bike accident attorneys at Miller Law Firm today for a free initial consultation.
What Should I Do After a Bike Accident with a Car in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?
If you’ve been in a bike accident with a car in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, it is important to take steps to protect your rights and to seek medical attention for any injuries. At the scene of the accident and after, follow the instructions of medical and emergency personnel. Call the police and make a police report. Finally, you might want to reach out to a bike accident lawyer in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at Miller Law Firm. Bike riders often face an uphill battle when making claims after a serious accident. Insurance companies often want to reduce their liability, and drivers might try to blame the rider for the accident. There is also a great deal of bias against cyclists, which can also make the situation more difficult.
Unlike accidents involving automobiles, bike riders don’t have the protection of insurance companies. This means that the only insurance claim you can make is one against the other driver’s insurance policy. These claims can be complicated because insurance companies might try to blame the bicyclist for the accident to avoid liability. You need a bike accident lawyer on your side who can fight for your rights and help you get the settlement you may deserve. If you’ve been hurt in a bike accident, you only have a limited time to seek a recovery from insurance companies and negligent parties. Contact the Baton Rouge, Louisiana bike accident lawyers at Miller Law Firm today.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Bike Accident in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?
If your injuries were very minor following a bike accident, you may not need a lawyer following a bike accident in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Many bike accidents involve very low settlement amounts and fortunately, not all bike accidents involve serious injuries. For example, let’s say your bike was hit by a car at low speeds, and the car damaged your bike tire. You suffered no injuries, and the driver is willing to pay to replace your tire. If you are satisfied with this settlement, you may not need to reach out to a bike accident lawyer.
But, if you were seriously injured in a bike accident, you might want to speak to a Baton Rouge, Louisiana bike accident lawyer as soon as possible. When settlement amounts become significant, negligent parties and insurance companies may resist paying you the full amount you deserve. The Baton Rouge, Louisiana bike accident lawyers at Miller Law Firm are here to help you fight for your rights and get the settlement you may deserve.
What are Some Bike Laws Every Cyclist Should Know in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, cyclists must follow the same traffic laws as drivers and motor vehicles. This means that after an accident, the same process for determining liability between two motor vehicles must be followed to determine whether the bike rider or the driver was at fault. Of course, the consequences for the bike rider are often greater when a car violates the law and strikes a bike, and the law doesn’t make allowances for what happens when a bike rider makes a mistake.
What are some key laws you should know as a cyclist in Louisiana?
- Bicyclists must ride their bike as close as possible to the right of the roadway, unless avoiding a hazard, overtaking another bike, or making a left-hand turn. This means that if you were involved in a motor vehicle accident, where you were in the lane could have an impact on your ability to make a claim. Drivers, however, have a responsibility to give bike riders clearance and this can be a factor when determining liability after a serious bike accident.
- Bicyclists are not permitted in Louisiana to impede automobile traffic. Two riders cannot ride side by side because this could be seen as impeding traffic.
- Cyclists must obey all stop signs and traffic signals, just like a car must.
- Cyclists must use hand signals when turning to alert other vehicles—again, just like a car must.
- Cyclists could potentially be charged with public intoxication, but the same laws for DUIs don’t apply to cyclists.
- Cyclists under the age of 12 must wear a helmet, and cyclists operating their bikes at night must have a front white light and a back red light.
Drivers also have important responsibilities when operating their motor vehicles around cyclists. For example, a motor vehicle overtaking a cyclist must give the cyclist at least three feet of clearance. Road rage against cyclists is also prohibited. For example, it’s illegal to throw any object at a cyclist.
These are just some of the laws every cyclist should know. These laws could impact your bike accident claim. The actions both riders and motor vehicles take after a car accident can impact the case. A bike accident lawyer in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at Miller Law Firm can help you seek compensation for your losses after a bike accident and protect your rights.
How Can I Contact a Bike Accident Lawyer in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?
The bike accident lawyers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at Miller Law Firm can be reached by phone or text at 225-343-2205. Our Baton Rouge bike accident lawyers are here to take your call and offer guidance on the next steps. We offer new clients a free initial consultation during which we can review your case and offer an honest assessment of your case. Don’t delay. You only have a limited time to make a claim. Contact the bicycle accident lawyers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at Miller Law Firm today.
