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New Orleans Bicycle Accident Lawyer

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New Orleans Bicycle Accident Attorney

Without airbags or steel frames to protect them, cyclists are some of the most vulnerable commuters on our roads. Careless drivers can turn a quiet ride into a hospital visit, so if you’re dealing with the ramifications of a bicycle accident, a skilled New Orleans bicycle accident lawyer can help.

At Murphy Law Firm, our team of skilled personal injury lawyer is here to listen, act, and help you navigate the road to recovery with both clarity and purpose so you can hold the negligent driver responsible and get the compensation you deserve.

new orleans bicycle accident lawyer

Common Causes of Bicycle Crashes in New Orleans

Louisiana ranks among the highest in the country for bicycle fatalities, with a disturbing 9.3 deaths per million residents. Understanding the most common causes of these accidents can help riders stay alert, and it can also help uncover who might be responsible when an accident occurs. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Distracted driving (texting, GPS use)
  • Failing to yield at intersections or when executing right-hand turns
  • Dooring — when a driver opens a car door in the path of a cyclist
  • Unsafe lane changes
  • Speeding in residential or shared-use areas
  • Drunk or impaired driving
  • Poorly maintained roadways and a lack of bike infrastructure

Road conditions and urban congestion continue to play a role in serious bicycle injuries, especially in areas where dangerous road design has been reported. Every accident has its own story, and when you’ve been hurt, you deserve a thorough investigation to make sure no detail is overlooked. At Murphy Law Firm, we dig into the details and investigate the accident to build a picture of what really happened.

What Types of Compensation Are Available?

After a bicycle accident, you’re entitled to damages that cover far more than just your visit to the ER. Recovery could require missing work, continuing medical treatment, such as surgeries and physical therapy, and even mental health treatment (PTSD). This means that, depending on the circumstances of your case, you could be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical expenses (past, current, and future)
  • Lost wages and reduced earning potential
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Permanent disfigurement or disability
  • Property damage (bike repairs or replacement)
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

A well-documented injury claim can also highlight financial impact and emotional toll, helping ensure recovery for both visible and invisible losses—including pain, anxiety, and long-term effects.

Murphy Law Firm approaches every case by calculating not just what you’ve lost but what your future now looks like, and what we make sure nothing is left on the table.

How Louisiana Law Impacts Your Case

With a 4.4% increase in bicyclist fatalities in 2024 and urban areas contributing to 85% of those fatalities, it’s important to understand that if you’re injured in a bicycle accident in New Orleans, the rules that apply to your case can significantly shape the outcome. In Louisiana, the most important law that can have a major impact is the comparative fault system.

Comparative fault is a system that allows both parties, both the victim and the person responsible, to share a percentage of blame. This means the amount of compensation a victim receives could be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to them. For example, if you’re found to be 20% responsible for your injuries, then your damages could be reduced by 20%.

When injuries take time to appear, or symptoms worsen days later, insurers often try to reduce your compensation. Knowing how delayed symptoms are handled legally is key — just like in cases where injuries don’t show up right away.

This is important because insurance companies love to use comparative fault as a tool to minimize their payouts. Next, the deadline to file a personal injury claim in Louisiana is just two years from the date of the accident, and that clock starts ticking the moment the crash happens. If you miss that window, your right to pursue compensation could be gone for good, even if your injuries are serious.

Why Hiring a Local New Orleans Lawyer Matters

There’s no substitute for boots-on-the-ground knowledge, and a local New Orleans bicycle accident lawyer brings more than just legal experience; they understand the rhythms of the city, the way traffic flows, and the attitudes local insurers might have toward cyclists.

At Murphy Law Firm, we know the players. We’ve filed cases in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court, located at 421 Loyola Ave. We’ve stood in front of judges in Jefferson Parish’s 24th Judicial District Court, and we’re familiar with the procedures in the First City Court of New Orleans.

Our team also understands how traumatic injuries affect different body systems — especially in cases that involve traumatic brain damage or spinal impact.

In addition, we understand how local juries tend to view cyclists, and we know how to build a case that speaks to them. This kind of knowledge isn’t just great for legal representation. By choosing Murphy Law Firm, you gain an edge over the system with our practical, strategic insight.

FAQs

Q: Can I Still Recover Compensation If the Driver Who Hit Me Fled the Scene?

A: Yes, you can still recover compensation if the driver who hit you fled the scene. In hit-and-run bicycle crashes, you might be able to file a claim under your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Don’t assume you’re out of luck. The team at Murphy Law Firm can help explore all potential avenues of compensation.

Q: Can I File a Claim If I Wasn’t Wearing Reflective Gear or Lights While Riding at Night?

A: Yes, you can file a claim even if you weren’t wearing reflective gear or lights while riding at night. Though Louisiana law requires front and rear lights at night, not having them doesn’t mean you’re automatically at fault. It could be a factor when determining comparative fault, but negligent driving by the motorist is still the core issue.

Q: Are Electric Bike Riders Treated the Same as Cyclists Under Louisiana Law?

A: This answer depends on the class of e-bike. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, which don’t exceed 20 mph on motor power, are generally treated like traditional bicycles. Class 3 e-bikes, which can go up to 28 mph, could be subject to different rules. If you’re injured while riding an e-bike, it’s important to consult with a lawyer familiar with the distinctions, like the team at Murphy Law Firm.

Q: Can I File a Claim Against the City If Poor Road Maintenance Caused My Crash?

A: Yes, you can file a claim against the city if poor road maintenance caused your crash. If potholes, defective drains, or unsafe street design contributed to your accidents, you could have a valid claim against a government entity. However, claims against municipalities involve strict deadlines and notice requirements, so you need to act quickly.

Contact Murphy Law Firm Today

Cyclists deserve to feel safe on New Orleans roads, and when that safety is taken away by a negligent driver, Murphy Law Firm is here to help you regain control. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

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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