Baton Rouge Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle Accident Attorney in Baton Rouge, LA

While the growing number of people biking is great for the environment, it naturally increases the number of bicyclists who end up in hospitals from collisions with motor vehicles. Motorists behaving carelessly and recklessly around bicyclists is a main factor in collisions, especially in urban areas in Louisiana. If you were in a vehicle accident as a cyclist, you need a Baton Rouge bicycle accident lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Bicycle Accident Attorney in Baton Rouge, LA

An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can help you recover damages for your injuries and increase the amount of your insurance settlement or even take your claim to trial if necessary to fight for fair compensation.

Partnering with a personal injury lawyer guards your rights during negotiations with the insurance company, helping you get the most for your claim. Murphy Law Firm has helped injured bicyclists throughout the parishes in Louisiana for 32 years with outstanding results. Our firm has gotten more than $250 million for our clients, and we are in court every day fighting for those we represent.

Being involved in an accident can be very overwhelming, and it’s important to get the support you deserve. We get the compensation that you need to move forward with your future. Our team focuses on honest and transparent legal representation, and Peyton Murphy meets with every client personally.

Bicycle Accidents in Baton Rouge

In 2024, there were 68 suspected injuries to bicyclists in vehicle collisions, and thankfully, no fatalities occurred in East Baton Rouge Parish. Of the injuries in the parish, 23 were suspected serious injuries, and 26 were suspected minor injuries. Eighteen, or 20% of bicyclists, only saw property damage. In comparison, nearly 76% of crashes were property damage only across all types of accidents.

What Causes Bicycle Accidents?

Most of the worst accidents in life aren’t truly accidental. Instead, they happen because of someone’s negligence. Bicycle accidents are no exception.

Most collisions between bicyclists and motorists are preventable. They happen because drivers don’t pay attention, break roadway rules, and drive too closely to bikes. Most biking accidents that occur in the state of Louisiana are because of negligent drivers, although there are many other causes of bike accidents.

If you or a loved one has fallen victim to a biking accident, you are most likely due financial compensation. This may include compensation for medical expenses, a new bike, or lost wages during your recovery. To get what you deserve, contact a bike accident attorney in Baton Rouge.

The most common causes of bicycle accidents in Louisiana are:

• Distracted drivers
• Speeding
• Merging lanes into bikes
• Pulling out in front of bicyclists
• Driving under the influence
• Making sudden stops
• Dangerous road defects
• Defective bicycle parts

What You Should Do After a Bicycle Accident in Louisiana

After a collision on your bicycle, you should call the police, then collect the information of the driver, including their insurance information. Louisiana is a fault state, meaning the party at fault for a collision is liable, and their insurance pays for the damages.

If your accident was a hit-and-run, you can seek recovery through your own insurer. It’s important that you file your claim with the proper insurance company, notifying your own insurer as well.

Success Story

An individual was injured when he was traveling through a parking lot near Louisiana State University. After going over a speed bump, the front tire of the bicycle hit a pothole, causing him to flip over the handlebars. The plaintiff injured his arm and was required to undergo surgery. The First Circuit Court of Appeal found the parking lot was defective due to the pothole. The defendant settled for $750,000 during mediation.

 *Results may vary*

Need Legal Advice or Representation?

In addition to bicycle accidents, Murphy Law Firm offers various other legal services related to traffic accidents. Our experienced attorneys have represented clients in cases involving:

• Drunk driving accident
• Car wreck accident
• Rideshare accident
• RV & trailer accident
• Truck accident
• Motorcycle accident
• Train accident

If you find yourself in a situation where you have been in a car collision or any other type of traffic accident and are struggling to obtain the compensation you deserve, our experienced car wreck lawyer is here to help you navigate the legal process.

We understand the devastating impact of traffic accidents on victims, physically, emotionally, and financially. We fight for our clients’ rights and interests. Our goal is to ensure you receive the settlement you deserve.

If you are having difficulty persuading your insurance company to fulfill its obligation and cover your losses, you can get help from our Baton Rouge car insurance claim lawyers. Our knowledgeable attorneys can assist you in understanding your policy. We can also negotiate with your insurance company to ensure you receive the appropriate compensation.

We are dedicated to advocating for our clients and helping them achieve a fair outcome. Contact us today to get a free consultation.

Louisiana Bicycle Law

Comparative Fault Statute — Article 2323

Effective until January 1, 2026:

1. In any action for damages where a person suffers injury, death, or loss, the degree or percentage of fault of all persons causing or contributing to the injury, death, or loss shall be determined, regardless of whether the person is a party to the action or a nonparty, and regardless of the person’s insolvency, ability to pay, immunity by statute, including but not limited to the provisions of R.S. 23:1032, or that the other person’s identity is not known or reasonably ascertainable. 

If a person suffers injury, death, or loss as the result partly of his own negligence and partly as a result of the fault of another person or persons, the amount of damages recoverable shall be reduced in proportion to the degree or percentage of negligence attributable to the person suffering the injury, death, or loss.

Effective beginning January 1, 2026:

A.

1. In a claim for damages, the percentage fault of each person is determined, whether they are a party to the claim or not. This is done no matter the ability of a party to pay the damages.
2. If the party filing the claim is partially at fault, the following applies:
1. They are not entitled to damages if they are 51% or more liable.
2. They are entitled to damages if they are less than 51% liable, and the damages are reduced by their percentage liability.

B.The provisions of Paragraph A shall apply to any claim for recovery of damages for injury, death, or loss asserted under any law or legal doctrine or theory of liability, regardless of the basis of liability.

C.Not withstanding the provisions of Paragraphs A and B, if a person suffers injury, death, or loss as a result partly of his own negligence and partly as a result of the fault of an intentional tortfeasor, his claim for recovery of damages shall not be reduced.Effective beginning January 1, 2026:

D. The jury determines comparative fault based on this law.

Amended by Acts 1979, No. 431, §1; Acts 1996, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 3, §1, eff. April 16, 1996; Acts 2025, No. 15, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2026.

FAQs

Q: What Steps Should I Take Immediately After a Bicycle Accident in Baton Rouge to Protect My Right to Compensation?

A: Immediately after a bicycle accident in Baton Rouge, you should report the accident to protect your right to compensation. There are certain accidents you are required to report, like when anyone is injured or there is a certain level of property damage. Reporting the accident is important no matter what, as it ensures all parties get medical treatment and there is a police report of the accident. This is crucial third-party evidence for a claim.

Q: What Types of Evidence Can Strengthen a Bicycle Accident Case?

A: The evidence that can strengthen a bicycle accident case may include a police report, a photo of your injuries and the crash, evidence of road defects, footage of the accident occurring, eyewitness testimony, and medical documentation. The exact evidence will depend on your accident and the party you are holding liable. The support of an attorney is essential to helping you secure evidence that supports your claim.

Q: What Kinds of Damage Can I Recover After a Bicycle Accident?

A: The damages you can recover after a bicycle accident depend on the damages you sustained. If you were injured, you can recover the medical treatment costs of the injury, the wages you lost while recovering, and the pain and suffering associated with the injury. There are other damages you could recover, like the cost to fix or replace your bicycle or other damaged property. With an attorney, you can more accurately assess the immediate and future costs of your injury.

Q: How Does Louisiana’s Comparative Fault Law Affect My Potential Compensation if I Share Some Blame for a Bicycle Accident?

A: Louisiana’s comparative fault law can affect your potential compensation if you share blame for a bicycle accident by reducing your compensation or preventing you from recovering entirely.

The percentage you are found at fault is the same percentage that your compensation will be reduced by. For accidents in or after 2026, you may be barred from compensation if you are found sufficiently at fault. An attorney fights to limit the amount you are found at fault to improve compensation.

Contact Murphy Law Firm to Get What You Deserve

Contact the experienced bicycle accident attorneys at Murphy Law Firm to determine the value of your case. Our team of skilled bike accident lawyers will work hard to make sure your rights are protected, and the courts hear your voice. Call (225) 928-8800 to sign up for a case evaluation today.

Your Path to Legal Resolution Starts with Murphy Law Firm.

When you choose Murphy Law Firm, you gain access to a team of experienced attorneys with a proven track record of success. We understand the importance of trust, and we strive to build lasting relationships with our clients by delivering exceptional results.

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