St. Tammany Parish Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle Accident Attorney in St. Tammany Parish, LA

Being struck by a vehicle while riding your bicycle can leave you with devastating injuries. In the blink of an eye, your entire life can change. You deserve someone on your side who understands the pain, confusion, and mounting medical costs you’re facing. Whether you were hit by a passenger vehicle in Covington or suffered injury due to an accident in Pearl River, a St. Tammany Parish bicycle accident lawyer is here to fight for your right to compensation.

Hammond Law Firm, LLC: Your Trusted Personal Injury Lawyers

Since our firm was established in 2008, the personal injury attorneys in St. Tammany Parish at Hammond Law Firm, LLC, are dedicated to helping clients just like you recover the damages they’ve suffered due to another party’s negligence. Our focus remains on providing high-quality, professional legal services to those who place their trust in us. Whatever your injury case may involve, we are here to determine the correct solution in order to achieve your desired outcome.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in St. Tammany Parish

In recent years, the United States has seen an annual total of over 1,100 bicycle accident deaths across the country. Bicyclists are afforded less protection than other drivers on the roadways, even when wearing a helmet and other forms of protective gear. This can leave cyclists more vulnerable, especially when collisions with other vehicles occur.

In St. Tammany Parish, the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:

• Distracted drivers. One of the largest threats to cyclists is distracted driving. In a single year, around 3,275 people are killed because of distracted driving. Any activity that pulls a driver’s attention off the road or causes them to take their hands off the wheel can count as distracted driving. The most common forms of distracted driving include texting, eating, or drinking while driving.
• Roadway violations. Another common cause of bicycle accidents is roadway violations. When a driver fails to yield to a cyclist or takes up portions of the bike lane, this can lead to severe and even deadly accidents.
• Speeding. When a driver does not obey the posted speed limits and operates their vehicle at high speeds, it can cause them to have delayed reaction times. This makes them more likely to cause an accident. Speeding can be extremely dangerous when cyclists are present on the roadway.
• Impaired drivers. When the driver of a passenger vehicle or commercial truck is operating their vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, this can pose a severe danger to other drivers and cyclists.
• Dangerous roads. Another leading contributor to bicycle accidents in Louisiana is dangerous roadways. When a roadway is not properly maintained, it can lead to accidents and even death. Common roadway issues include uneven surfaces, potholes, a lack of necessary bike lanes, and poor or missing signage.

A bicycle accident in St. Tammany Parish can result in serious and life-threatening injuries. Understanding the cause behind your accident and injuries is crucial when it comes to naming a liable party and recovering compensation. At Hammond Law Firm, LLC, our attorneys are here to review your accident and help determine the factors that led to its occurrence.

What to Do If You Suffer a Bicycle Accident

After suffering a bicycle accident, if you are physically able, there are certain steps you should take to protect your health and any future claim you might file. These steps include:

• Moving yourself off the roadway to a place of safety and calling 911
• Receiving medical attention, even if you do not feel physically injured, as you may be suffering invisible injuries
• Collecting evidence, such as photos and videos of the accident scene and your injuries
• Exchanging contact information with the at-fault party and any potential eyewitnesses
• Speaking with an attorney as soon as possible

FAQs

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bicycle Accident in Louisiana?

There are several parties you might be able to hold liable for a bicycle accident in Louisiana. The most common include negligent drivers, the employers of a negligent driver if the driver was working when the accident happened, government municipalities, and the manufacturers of defective car or bicycle parts. Who is considered to be liable varies based on how the accident happened and who was at fault.

What Are Some Mistakes to Avoid After an Accident?

There are some items to avoid after an accident, just as there are certain steps that should be taken following a bicycle accident. These can include admitting to any kind of fault. Even a simple “I’m sorry” can be seen as an admission of fault. Another mistake to avoid is letting too much time pass between the accident and hiring an attorney. You need to hire an attorney right away to prove fault.

What Kind of Compensation Might I Be Entitled to Receive?

The kind of compensation you might be entitled to receive in a bicycle accident claim varies. It depends on the circumstances of the accident and the severity of the damage you’ve suffered. The most common kinds of compensation include medical bills, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and physical and emotional pain and suffering. The amount varies based on how bad your injuries are.

What Are the Most Common Cycling Accident Injuries?

In a single year, Americans suffer over 340,000 non-fatal injuries in bicycle accidents. The most common injuries include: 

• Head injuries like skull fractures, traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and brain contusions
• Chest injuries, such as harm to the lungs or ribcage
• Face and eye injuries
• Skin and soft tissue injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Injuries to the abdominal region

Unfortunately, many of these injuries are preventable. Seek damages with the help of a personal injury attorney.

Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Serving St. Tammany Parish Today

Navigating the legal system can be difficult, especially when you are dealing with the consequences of your injuries. Insurance companies will do everything in their power to give you less than you deserve.

That is why you need to hire a St. Tammany Parish bicycle accident attorney who knows how to stand up to these insurance companies and defend your position for rightful compensation. Call Hammond Law Firm, LLC today to schedule your initial consultation.