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Baton Rouge Bicycle Accident Attorney

Louisiana law recognizes bicycles as vehicles, meaning bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. When drivers fail to share the road safely and cause harm, injured cyclists have every right to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim.

If you were injured in a car accident while riding your bicycle, our Baton Rouge bicycle accident lawyer at Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys is ready to fight to put you back on top.

The Baton Rouge injury lawyers at our personal injury law firm will listen to you, answer your questions, explain your rights, and help you recover the compensation you deserve. Call (225) 999-1111 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

What Sets Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys Apart?

Our firm’s track record speaks for itself: We have recovered billions of dollars for thousands of clients and to fight for your maximized recovery, too. Our Baton Rouge bicycle accident lawyers are available 24/7 and frequently take these cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.

  • Our Christian values guide us to help injury victims recover maximum compensation.
  • We have recovered billions of dollars for our clients.
  • We charge nothing until we recover compensation for you.
  • We are not afraid to take on the insurance company.
  • We will come to you to discuss your case.

When you meet with Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys, you will quickly see what sets our law firm apart. Don’t wait to schedule your consultation.

Why Do I Need a Baton Rouge Bicycle Accident Attorney?

Navigating the aftermath of a bicycle crash can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Here’s why working with Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys is essential:

  • Understanding the Law: Louisiana’s personal injury laws are complex, but our team knows them inside and out, ensuring your rights are protected.
  • No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency basis, meaning we cover the costs of your case and only get paid if we win for you.
  • Focus on Recovery: Dealing with insurance companies and legal paperwork can be stressful. Let us handle all the details so you can focus on healing.
  • Fighting Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize or deny your claim. We know how to counter their tactics and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
  • Thorough Investigation: Our team will investigate your accident to identify all liable parties and build a strong case to support your claim.
  • Access to Resources: From gathering evidence to conducting depositions, we have the tools and expertise to build a compelling case on your behalf

With Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys by your side, you significantly improve your chances of recovering the compensation you need to move forward. Being represented by an experienced Baton Rouge bicycle accident lawyer can greatly improve your chances of recovering maximum compensation.

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Steps to Take After a Bike Crash in Baton Rouge

What Should I Do After a Bicycle Accident in Baton Rouge?

If you’re ever in a bicycle accident, you should follow these steps:

  1. Ensure Your Safety: Move to a safe location away from traffic and check on others if it is safe to do so.
  2. Call For Help: Dial 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s important to have a medical evaluation as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
  3. Report the Accident: When the police arrive, give them a detailed account of what happened. Be sure to get a copy of the police report.
  4. Document the Scene: Take photos or videos of the accident scene if you can, including your injuries, damage to your bicycle, the vehicle involved, and any relevant road conditions or traffic signs.
  5. Gather Information: Get the contact and insurance information from the accident’s driver and any witnesses’ contact details.
  6. Seek Medical Attention: Visit a healthcare professional for a thorough check-up following the accident, even if you feel fine. This step will ensure any injuries are treated and documented.
  7. Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer: Reach out to our firm as soon as you can. We can guide you through the process of creating a claim and seeking compensation.
  8. Avoid Discussing the Accident: Avoid discussing the accident details with anyone other than your lawyer because anything you say could be used against you later.
  9. Keep Records: Maintain a record of any expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, repair costs for your bike, and any lost wages due to time off work.

What Happens If a Driver Flees After Hitting a Bicyclist?

A hit-and-run can leave an injured cyclist with more than just physical trauma — it also creates major uncertainty. Under Louisiana law (La. R.S. § 14:100), fleeing the scene of an accident is a criminal offense, and police may investigate based on any details you provide about the vehicle, such as a license plate, make, model, or color.

If the driver is found, they may face criminal charges and civil liability. If they are never identified, you may still have legal options. Louisiana law (La. R.S. § 22:1295) permits injured parties to pursue compensation through their own uninsured motorist coverage, which is included in most policies unless specifically declined.

Common Causes of Bike Accidents in Louisiana

Louisiana’s limited bicycle infrastructure often forces cyclists to share roads with vehicles, increasing the risk of serious accidents. Without designated bike lanes or protective barriers, bicyclists are more vulnerable to inattentive or reckless drivers.

Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents in Louisiana include:

Failure to Keep a Safe Distance
State law requires motorists to maintain at least three feet of space when passing a cyclist. Crowding a bike leaves little time to react and avoid a collision.

Speeding
Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to see and safely maneuver around bicyclists, especially in turns or intersections.

Failure to Signal or Obey Signs
Drivers who fail to signal lane changes or ignore traffic lights and stop signs put everyone—including cyclists—at risk.

Dooring Accidents
Cyclists riding near parked cars are at risk if a driver opens a door without checking for oncoming bicycles.

Distracted Driving
Activities like texting, eating, or adjusting GPS can pull a driver’s attention from the road and nearby cyclists.

Driving Under the Influence
Alcohol or drugs impair a driver’s judgment and awareness, making it harder to notice and avoid bicyclists.

While cyclists can take precautions—such as using lights, wearing reflective gear, and signaling their turns—these efforts can’t always prevent a crash. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, our Baton Rouge attorneys are ready to help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

Where Do Bicycle Accidents Frequently Happen?

Bicycle accidents in Louisiana often occur at intersections, in areas without dedicated bike lanes, and even in parking lots or residential neighborhoods where drivers may not expect cyclists. These environments require extra caution from both cyclists and motorists.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Bicycle accident victims can suffer many types of serious injuries, including:

  • Brain injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Disfigurement
  • Road rash
  • Spinal injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Wrongful death

If you lost a loved one in a bicycle accident, the Baton Rouge wrongful death lawyers at Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys can help you. We bring our extensive experience, true compassion, and Christian values to every case we take. With our help, you can seek justice for your loved one and pursue your financial security, all while also allowing yourself the time to grieve because we are handling the case.

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Louisiana Bicycle Laws Every Cyclist and Driver Should Know

Louisiana law treats bicycles as vehicles, meaning cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers on public roadways. Both bicyclists and motorists should be familiar with the following key laws to help prevent accidents and determine liability if one occurs.

Required Bicycle Equipment
Under La. R.S. § 32:329.1, bicycles must be equipped with:

  • A front white light visible from at least 500 feet,
  • A red rear reflector or red light visible from 100–600 feet,
  • Durable brakes capable of making the wheels skid on dry pavement.

Hand Signals for Bicyclists
Cyclists are required to use hand signals to indicate turns and stops, as defined in La. R.S. § 32:106–107. Signals must be given continuously during the last 100 feet before turning.

Safe Passing Distance
Motorists must leave at least three feet of clearance when overtaking a bicycle, according to La. R.S. § 32:76.1. Violating this law can result in a fine and may be used as evidence of negligence in a civil claim.

Where Bicyclists Can Ride
Per La. R.S. § 32:197, cyclists should ride as far to the right as practicable, except when preparing to turn or when avoiding obstacles. They are not required to use bike lanes if it’s unsafe.

Sidewalk Riding and Helmets

  • In some cities, local ordinances may prohibit riding on sidewalks.
  • Riders under age 12 are required to wear helmets under La. R.S. § 32:199, though helmets are strongly encouraged for all cyclists.

Duties of Motorists Around Cyclists
Drivers must yield the right-of-way to bicyclists when appropriate, avoid “dooring” accidents (opening a vehicle door into a cyclist’s path), and exercise caution when turning across a bike lane.

Proving Liability in a Baton Rouge Bicycle Accident

Under Louisiana law, bicycles are considered “vehicles,” which means cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles (La. R.S. § 32:1). This classification is crucial in establishing liability after a crash — motorists are legally obligated to treat cyclists as equals on the road and exercise reasonable care when driving near them.

To hold a driver legally responsible for a bicycle accident, your attorney will need to prove the elements of negligence:

  1. The driver owed you a duty of care,
  2. They breached that duty,
  3. The breach directly caused the crash, and
  4. You suffered damages as a result.

In most cases, the existence of a duty is not in dispute — drivers are expected to share the road responsibly with cyclists. A breach might involve speeding, distracted driving (such as texting), failing to yield, violating the three-foot passing rule, or opening a car door into a cyclist’s path.

Establishing these facts often requires evidence such as witness statements, traffic camera footage, police reports, and expert analysis. Our Baton Rouge bicycle accident attorneys can help gather this evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.

What Evidence Can Support a Bike Accident Claim?

To successfully pursue a bicycle accident claim in Louisiana, you’ll need evidence that clearly shows how the crash occurred, who was at fault, and what injuries or losses you suffered as a result. The sooner you begin collecting this evidence, the stronger your case may be.

Our Baton Rouge bike accident attorneys often rely on the following types of evidence:

Photographs and Video Footage – Pictures or video from the scene can reveal crucial details like vehicle damage, skid marks, weather or road conditions, and the position of bikes or cars after impact. Security cameras, dashcams, and even bystander cellphone footage can all help prove what happened.

Witness Statements – Testimony from people who saw the accident can provide unbiased accounts of the events leading up to the crash. These statements may support your version of events or refute the driver’s.

Police Reports – The officer’s report typically includes the names of those involved, observations from the scene, and any citations issued. While not always conclusive, it can be a persuasive piece of evidence in both settlement talks and court.

Medical Records – To connect your injuries to the crash, documentation from ER visits, doctors, physical therapy, and other providers is essential. These records can also help calculate the full extent of your damages, including future care needs.

Expert Testimony – Accident reconstruction experts use physical evidence, scene data, and witness input to create a scientific explanation of how the crash occurred. Their analysis can be especially valuable in disputes over fault or when the other side denies liability.

Depending on the facts of your case, additional evidence like GPS data, fitness tracker logs, or cell phone records may also play a role. Our legal team can help gather and preserve the evidence needed to build the strongest possible claim.

What is the Process of Filing a Bicycle Accident Claim in Baton Rouge?

At Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys, we’re committed to making your bicycle accident claim as stress-free as possible. Let us handle every step of the claims process, so you can stay focused on yourself, your family, and your recovery.

Five basic but important steps of a bicycle accident claim in Louisiana are:

  1. Investigation: The first step is usually a thorough investigation into the accident, which will include gathering all relevant evidence such as photos from the scene, medical records, and witness statements. Our attorneys can help conduct this investigation, ensuring no critical details are overlooked.
  2. Writing and Sending a Demand Letter: We can calculate your damages and write a demand letter to send to the liable party. This demand letter gives the liable party a chance to provide the compensation before any legal steps become necessary.
  3. Filing a Claim: If the demand letter is not accepted by the liable party, we can file a claim with the correct court. This step initiates official legal action and must be done before Louisiana’s two-year statute of limitations expires.
  4. Attempting to Negotiate: If possible, we will attempt to negotiate a settlement with the defendant. When this step is successful, the plaintiff and defendant both benefit from not needing to go to trial.
  5. Litigating: For some cases, litigation is necessary. Our bike accident attorney can represent you in court, and we always prepare each case with the details and deliberateness as if it is headed to trial, even if we think a settlement negotiation could be successful.

Compensation Available After a Bicycle Accident

Our Baton Rouge bicycle accident lawyer will make every effort to negotiate a monetary settlement that covers your losses, especially if it means avoiding a costly and drawn-out court battle. If the defendant refuses to make an acceptable offer, however, our team is more than ready to fight for you in court. It’s all part of how Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys prioritizes your satisfaction as our client. Our Christian values mean we see you as a friend and neighbor in need, not just a case number.

Losses that might be compensable in your bicycle accident claim could include:

  • Economic: You can be compensated for your medical expenses, lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses for miscellaneous losses, and even the cost to repair or replace your bicycle.
  • Non-economic: You can demand compensation for intangible harm, such as your pain, suffering, traumatization, loss of independence, etc.
  • Punitive damages:  Punitive damages are not intended to compensate a victim but to punish the wrongdoer and deter future similar behavior. 

In Louisiana, punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages, are rare and can only be awarded for specific conduct set forth by statute. 

For example, Louisiana Civil Code Article 2315.4 states:

“In addition to general and special damages, exemplary damages may be awarded upon proof that the injuries on which the action is based were caused by a wanton or reckless disregard for the rights and safety of others by a defendant whose intoxication while operating a motor vehicle was a cause in fact of the resulting injuries.”

So, if the intoxication of a driver caused your bicycle injuries, you may be awarded punitive damages.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Baton Rouge?

A statute of limitations sets the deadline for filing a suit to recover compensation for your damages. 

Louisiana Civil Code Article 3493.1 provides the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, which are two years from the date of the accident or incident that caused your injuries. 

However, this is a new statute that expands the filing deadline and only applies to incidents that occur on or after July 1, 2024. If the incident that caused your injuries happened before July 1, 2024, you only have one year to file a claim.

Contact Our Baton Rouge Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

At Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys, we believe in the power of compassion, integrity, and dedicated advocacy. Our experienced Baton Rouge bicycle accident attorney genuinely cares about helping people from all walks of life, and our law firm is committed to providing bike riders with the respect, attention, and support you deserve during this challenging time.

The attorneys at our law firm understand the complexities of Louisiana injury claims and will tirelessly fight to protect your rights and secure the compensation you need.

We strongly encourage you to reach out to our personal injury lawyer as early as possible in your case. Doing so allows us to gather crucial evidence, navigate legal deadlines, and build a strong, compelling claim on your behalf. Let us stand by your side and guide you through this important pursuit of justice.

Call (225) 999-1111 or complete the short form on our contact page to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.