Louisiana Bicycle Accident Attorneys

More and more people are choosing to travel by bicycle, likely due to growing environmental concerns as well as the cost of gas. Many cities have not caught up to this shift in personal transportation and lack safe bike paths for commuters. Additionally, motor vehicle drivers often do not see cyclists because they do not expect them to be there. This neglect leads to harmful injuries to the cyclist. If this has happened to you or a loved one and you are seeking retribution, call the experienced bicycle accident injury attorneys at Arnold & Itkin LLP.

The Risks Cyclists Face in Louisiana

In 2014, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 726 fatalities in bicyclists who were involved in an accident with a motor vehicle. This is nearly twice the number of plane accident fatalities that was reported in that same year. Additionally, federal statistics show that Louisiana has the second highest annual average of bicycle fatalities, making it the second deadliest state in which to ride a bicycle.

More alarming statistics help illustrate the danger in cycling on roads designed for motorists:

• More than one-third of all fatal bicycle accidents involved alcohol.
• 68% of cyclist fatalities happen in concentrated, urban areas.
• The average cyclist is 41 years old, while the average age of an injured cyclist is 31.
• Cyclists under 15 account for 7% of fatalities and 11% of injuries.

While drivers are largely protected in a crash, bicyclists are open to the elements. Even with helmets and pads, bicyclists can only suffer severe injuries from contact with 2,000-pound automobiles. These injuries can include road burn, broken limbs, and traumatic brain and neck injuries.

What Are the Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

There can be almost any number of specific scenarios where causes vary, but they almost always come down to negligent or erratic driving.

Some of the most common causes include:

• Motorists quickly turning or failing to look before changing lanes
• A parked car opening a door without looking
• Motorists refusing to give the right of way to cyclists
• Motorists cutting off cyclists
• Reckless or distracted driving
• Scotoma

For reference, scotoma is a psychological effect that causes us not to see an object because we are not expecting it to be there. When driving, most motorists are looking out for other cars, which impairs their ability to see cyclists because they are not looking out for them.

Consequences Resulting from Bicycle-Related Injuries

There are a number of consequences that result from an injury of this kind. Aside from the immediate medical and property expenses, you may be able to seek compensation for past and future loss of wages, pain and suffering, decreased quality of life, emotional suffering, loss of financial support from a parent or spouse, and many other expenses. In regards to the many other types of physical, psychological, financial, and emotional damages that can result from a catastrophic injury, Arnold & Itkin LLP is an experienced team of legal representatives who will evaluate your case and work to ensure that you receive due compensation for your injuries, suffering, and losses.

We have experience handling hundreds of accident cases. We are prepared to do whatever it takes to make sure you get the justice you deserve. Call (225) 412-6348 to learn if you have a case.