New Orleans Bicycle Accident Attorney
Get John S. Williams if you got hit by a car on your bike
If you’ve ever taken a bike ride in Louisiana, you probably won’t be surprised to learn that it’s known as one of the most dangerous states to ride a bicycle in the country. According to one report that cited analysis by The Wall Street Journal, New Orleans is one of the most dangerous metro areas to ride a bike.
A large majority of bicycle accidents in New Orleans happen due to the negligence of drivers who are supposed to share the road with bicyclists. Some motorists resent bicyclists and don’t think they have the same right to use the road as passenger vehicles, but under Louisiana law, a bicyclist has the same rights and duties as any other driver. Yet when a collision occurs between the two, the blame is often pointed at the bicyclist.
Proving fault and recovering compensation for a bicycle accident isn’t always as straightforward as a regular car accident. The insurance company may question the extent of your injuries or ask about the role you played in the crash. Worse yet, they may say the whole accident was your fault and deny your claim altogether.
One of the best ways to avoid the hassle of dealing with the insurance company is to hire an experienced bicycle accident lawyer to represent you. If you got hit by a car as a cyclist and suffered an injury, call The Law Offices of John S. Williams, LLC right away for a free consultation.
Attorney John Williams is a caring and compassionate personal injury lawyer who will aggressively advocate for your best interests and go the extra mile to get you the compensation you need and deserve. He is known for treating his clients like family and fighting for what’s right, what’s fair and what’s just.
“The office was very friendly and fast and had our best interest when handling my case. I highly recommend John to represent you. Also, his assistant, Shamekah, goes above and beyond and communicates so well with the process. No stress, no worries. The best.” – Andrew C., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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FAQs About New Orleans Bicycle Accidents
Proving liability in a bicycle accident often determines whether a victim gets justice or gets left with the costs – and that starts with having the right information from a trusted legal authority like The Law Offices of John S. Williams, LLC. The FAQ below provides clear answers to some of the most important questions cyclists and their families have after a serious crash in New Orleans.
- What are the most common causes of bicycle accidents?
- How does Louisiana law define a cyclist’s right-of-way, and how does that impact fault after a crash?
- What are the most common injuries in New Orleans bicycle accidents – and how are they treated and documented legally?
- If I was “doored” by someone exiting a parked car, can I file a claim for my bicycle accident injuries?
- Are drivers in Louisiana legally required to give cyclists space when passing?
- How do poorly maintained roads or missing bike lanes in New Orleans affect liability in a bike crash?
- What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet when I was hit by a car – can that affect my compensation?
- How do police reports and local traffic camera footage help prove fault in a Louisiana bicycle accident case?
- What should I know about long-term injuries like traumatic brain injury or spinal damage after a bike crash?
- How does Louisiana’s comparative fault system apply in serious or fatal bike accidents?
- Can I recover damages if I was hit by a rideshare or delivery driver while biking in New Orleans?
- What insurance coverage is available to injured cyclists in Louisiana, and how do I access it?
- What steps can a New Orleans bicycle accident lawyer take right away to protect my case?
- Why do insurance companies try to downplay injuries in bicycle crash claims – and how can I fight back?
- What legal rights do families have after a fatal bicycle accident in Louisiana?
- What makes New Orleans particularly dangerous for cyclists, and how does that factor into legal claims?
What are the most common causes of bicycle accidents?
The National Survey of Bicyclist and Pedestrian Attitudes and Behavior notes that the majority of bicycle accidents involve a cyclist getting hit by a car – often due to negligence by the motorist. Some of the most common forms of driver negligence that cause bicycle accidents are:
It’s been shown that most bicycle accidents occur between the hours of 6-9 p.m., and the majority of fatal bicycle accidents take place in major cities like New Orleans. And roughly 3 out of 4 bicycle accidents caused some type of head injury to the bicyclist.
How does Louisiana law define a cyclist’s right-of-way, and how does that impact fault after a crash?
Knowing how right-of-way laws apply to cyclists can be the deciding factor in a crash claim. Louisiana treats bicycles as vehicles, meaning drivers are legally required to respect their right to the road. When a driver violates these rules, it can establish fault.
- Yielding in intersections – Drivers must yield to cyclists already crossing or riding lawfully.
- Safe passing distance – Louisiana requires at least three feet when overtaking a bicycle.
- Turning responsibilities – Vehicles turning left or right must yield to oncoming or adjacent cyclists.
- Stop sign and signal adherence – Cyclists have the same obligation to obey, but also the same protection when they do.
- Shared lane rules – Cyclists can use full travel lanes where roads are too narrow for side-by-side travel.
These laws are a foundation for proving negligence, and a lawyer can use them to build a strong liability case in favor of an injured cyclist.
What are the most common injuries in New Orleans bicycle accidents – and how are they treated and documented legally?
Bike crashes often cause injuries that are more severe than those seen in car accidents. Riders have no external protection, so impacts with vehicles, pavement, or objects can lead to life-altering trauma. Accurate documentation is critical for securing fair compensation.
- Head trauma – Concussions and TBIs are common when riders are thrown from the bike.
- Spinal injuries – Including herniated discs, nerve damage, and in some cases, paralysis.
- Fractures – Broken ribs, arms, collarbones, and legs are frequently reported in ER visits.
- Soft tissue damage – Road rash, torn ligaments, and muscle injuries may require surgery or long rehab.
- Internal injuries – Such as internal bleeding or organ damage, which are often initially overlooked.
Medical records, imaging, and expert testimony play a central role in legal claims – an attorney will make sure nothing is missed, overlooked or undervalued.
If I was “doored” by someone exiting a parked car, can I file a claim for my bicycle accident injuries?
Yes, you can file a claim if you were injured in a dooring accident. Louisiana law requires vehicle occupants to check for oncoming cyclists before opening a door into traffic. These crashes are common on streets like Magazine Street or Esplanade Avenue, where parked cars and bike lanes are side-by-side. A lawyer can help prove negligence by the driver or passenger and seek compensation for your medical bills, missed work, and pain.
Are drivers in Louisiana legally required to give cyclists space when passing?
Yes – under Louisiana law, motorists must leave at least three feet of clearance when passing a cyclist. This rule is particularly important on narrow or busy streets like St. Claude Avenue or Broad Street, where close passes are a daily danger. If a driver fails to maintain that distance and causes a crash, they can be held liable. A lawyer can use this violation to help establish fault and pursue damages (financial compensation) on your behalf.
How do poorly maintained roads or missing bike lanes in New Orleans affect liability in a bike crash?
Crashes caused by potholes, broken pavement, or missing bike infrastructure can raise questions of municipal liability. In New Orleans, cyclists often face dangerous conditions on roads like Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard or Chef Menteur Highway, where cracks and uneven surfaces are common. If the city or parish knew about the hazard and failed to fix it, they may share legal responsibility for your injuries. A lawyer can investigate maintenance records and file the proper notices required to hold a government agency accountable.
What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet when I was hit by a car – can that affect my compensation?
Louisiana doesn’t require adults to wear bicycle helmets, and not wearing one does not automatically bar you from compensation. Still, insurance companies may try to use this against you to reduce your payout. That doesn’t mean they’re right.
- Helmet use is not mandatory – Unless you’re under 12 or on certain bike paths.
- Negligence must be proven – Compensation depends on the driver’s fault, not helmet status.
- Comparative fault may apply – But only if the injury would clearly have been avoided by a helmet.
- Injuries must be specific – A broken leg has nothing to do with helmet use.
- Insurers may argue unfairly – But courts don’t automatically reduce claims for lack of helmet use.
A lawyer can challenge these tactics and keep the focus on the driver’s reckless actions – not your safety gear.
How do police reports and local traffic camera footage help prove fault in a Louisiana bicycle accident case?
When a crash happens, the most objective evidence is often what determines liability. In New Orleans, traffic cams and police reports can offer crucial documentation that supports your version of events.
- Crash diagrams – Police records often show point of impact and direction of travel.
- Driver statements – Inconsistencies can be used against them in a legal claim.
- Witness contact info – Officers may gather names that are otherwise hard to obtain.
- Traffic camera footage – May capture the moment of impact or driver behavior beforehand.
- Citation records – Proving the driver violated a traffic law helps establish fault.
A lawyer can request and preserve this evidence early – before it’s deleted or lost. That way, you will have the facts on your side in support of your bicycle accident claim or lawsuit.
What should I know about long-term injuries like traumatic brain injury or spinal damage after a bike crash?
Serious bike crashes often lead to long-term or permanent injuries that can drastically change a victim’s life. These injuries often require more than ER care – they need documentation, expert opinions, and financial planning.
- Traumatic brain injuries – Can cause memory loss, mood disorders, and cognitive decline.
- Spinal cord injuries – May lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, or permanent disability.
- Nerve damage – Especially in extremities or the back, affecting daily function.
- Future medical costs – Including rehab, surgeries, therapy, and adaptive equipment.
- Lost earning capacity – Many victims can’t return to their former jobs due to their bicycle injury.
These cases are often high-value and high-stakes. A lawyer can work with medical experts to build a claim that reflects your full future losses – not just your current bills.
How does Louisiana’s comparative fault system apply in serious or fatal bike accidents?
Louisiana follows a comparative fault rule, meaning your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partially at fault – but you can still recover damages. This matters because drivers often try to blame the cyclist after a crash.
- Fault is shared in percentages – If you’re 20% at fault, your compensation is reduced by 20%.
- Minor violations don’t bar recovery – Not using a bike lane or wearing a helmet won’t erase liability. If the driver was speeding or texting, it doesn’t matter if you were in a bike lane or not. The driver broke the law and caused your bicycle crash.
- Jury decides fault splits – Based on evidence and argument, not just the police report.
- Driver violations weigh heavily – Speeding, distraction, or drunk driving often outweigh minor cyclist errors.
- Fault is often contested – Common when the cyclist can’t speak for themselves due to an injury.
An attorney can challenge unfair fault claims and make sure your side of the story is backed by solid evidence.
Can I recover damages if I was hit by a rideshare or delivery driver while biking in New Orleans?
Yes, if a rideshare (like Uber or Lyft) or delivery driver (like DoorDash or Amazon) caused your crash, you may be entitled to compensation through their commercial insurance coverage. This compensation for financial losses is known as “damages” in such legal cases. Rideshare drivers are frequently involved in crashes in areas like the CBD, the French Quarter, and along Carrollton Avenue due to rushed driving, distracted navigation, and frequent stops. Liability depends on whether they were working at the time, which affects which policy applies. A lawyer can request app data and employer records to determine coverage and maximize your recovery.
What insurance coverage is available to injured cyclists in Louisiana, and how do I access it?
Multiple types of insurance may apply after a bicycle crash, depending on who was involved and how the crash occurred. Knowing what coverage is available can significantly affect your financial recovery.
- Driver’s liability insurance – Covers injuries when the driver is at fault.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) – May come from your own auto policy or a household member’s.
- Commercial policies – If the at-fault driver was working for a company or delivery service.
- Medical payments (MedPay) – Optional coverage that may assist with immediate medical bills.
- Health insurance – Can help with treatment but may seek reimbursement from your settlement.
A lawyer can help identify every policy that may apply and make sure the insurance companies don’t shift blame or stall your payout.
What steps can a New Orleans bicycle accident lawyer take right away to protect my case?
The first few days after a bicycle crash are critical. An experienced lawyer can take immediate steps to preserve evidence, control communication, and lay the groundwork for a successful claim.
- Preserve video footage – From traffic cameras, storefronts, or dash cams.
- Obtain the police report – And correct any inaccurate or missing details.
- Handle insurance calls – So you don’t say anything that hurts your case.
- Gather medical documentation – To show the seriousness of your injuries from the beginning.
- Launch a private investigation – Including witnesses, accident reconstruction, and scene photos.
Getting legal support early on can stop mistakes before they happen and strengthen your legal case from day one.
Why do insurance companies try to downplay injuries in bicycle crash claims – and how can I fight back?
Insurers know bike injuries can be expensive, so they often try to minimize them early in the process. Their goal is to pay as little as possible, not to make you whole. Tactics they often try include:
- They question your medical care – Claiming it was excessive or unnecessary.
- They blame pre-existing conditions – Saying your injuries weren’t caused by the crash.
- They use delay tactics – Hoping you’ll settle for less out of frustration.
- They misrepresent your fault – Suggesting you were reckless or not visible.
- They downplay the trauma – Arguing soft tissue or head injuries aren’t that serious.
A lawyer can challenge these tactics with expert reports, medical records, and testimony that makes your damages (financial losses) clear and undeniable.
What legal rights do families have after a fatal bicycle accident in Louisiana?
Surviving spouses, children, or parents can file a wrongful death claim under Louisiana law when a loved one is killed in a bicycle crash. These claims can recover damages (financial compensation) for funeral costs, loss of future income, emotional distress, and the loss of love and companionship. Fatal crashes often occur on high-speed roads like Elysian Fields Avenue or Jefferson Highway, where reckless driving or lack of bike protection leads to deadly outcomes. A lawyer can help guide the family through this process with compassion while aggressively pursuing accountability and justice.
What makes New Orleans particularly dangerous for cyclists, and how does that factor into legal claims?
New Orleans presents unique risks for cyclists – narrow streets, limited bike infrastructure, heavy tourist traffic, and poorly maintained roads. These conditions contribute to many preventable crashes and influence how liability is determined.
- Broken streets and potholes – Common causes of wipeouts and collisions in areas like St. Claude or Broad Street.
- Inadequate bike lanes – Many roads don’t have protected lanes or any lanes at all.
- Dooring risks – Especially along Magazine Street, where parked cars line busy corridors.
- Distracted and impatient drivers – Common in the CBD and during festival traffic.
- Poor lighting and signage – Make night riding more dangerous in residential neighborhoods.
If local hazards played a role in your bicycle crash, a lawyer can investigate whether a driver, property owner, or city agency contributed to your injury.
Let a bicycle accident lawyer protect your rights
Even if you wear a helmet and other safety gear, getting hit by a car while riding your bike is probably going to result in some type of injury. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your crash, you may have a concussion or another type of serious head injury. You may have suffered a broken bone or painful back injury. No matter what type of injury you’re dealing with, it’s important to remember that you have rights.
Attorney John S. Williams has the knowledge and experience to personally handle every aspect of your claim and get you the outcome you deserve. Whether it’s through a negotiated settlement or by way of a favorable court verdict, John will fight to get you the highest amount of compensation possible for your specific case.
The Law Offices of John S. Williams serves clients in New Orleans and offers legal representation on a contingency fee basis. In other words, you pay nothing unless we make a financial recovery in your case. Contact us today to learn more.