Hit-and-Run Bike Accidents in New Orleans

A New Orleans lawyer who stands up for cyclists after hit-and-run crashes

When a driver hits a cyclist and takes off, it’s more than reckless; it’s cruel. No one expects to be left lying in the road, injured and alone, by someone who chose to flee instead of help. Yet for too many cyclists in New Orleans, that’s exactly what happens. A casual ride down Esplanade, a late shift on a delivery run, or a commute through Mid-City can turn tragic quickly. The person responsible may vanish into traffic, leaving devastation behind.

At The Law Offices of John S. Williams, we know how traumatic and confusing hit-and-run bike crashes can be, and we know how to help. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a hit and run, you may feel powerless. But you still have options. With the right legal support, it’s possible to get the care you need, uncover the truth, and pursue the compensation you deserve. To get legal help, contact us today for a free consultation with a bicycle accident lawyer in New Orleans.

“This law office is extremely professional and knowledgeable of your legal concerns. The staff, especially the paralegal at the front desk are respectful, diligent and will guide you through any case or closing from the beginning to end. I am grateful to have selected Attorney John S. Williams to manage my case. Pick this legal firm, you will not be sorry.” – F.B., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What qualifies as a hit-and-run bicycle accident in Louisiana?

Louisiana law is clear: if a driver is involved in a traffic accident, they’re required to stop, share their contact and vehicle information, and provide help if someone is injured. Failing to do so is a hit and run under Louisiana Revised Statute § 14:100.

This law applies whether the driver crashes into another car, a pedestrian, or a cyclist. If they leave the scene without stopping, it’s illegal. If the accident causes serious bodily injury or death and the driver flees, the crime becomes a felony with steep penalties, including jail time.

Some common examples we see in New Orleans:

• A cyclist is struck near the Superdome and the driver speeds away.
• A car door opens suddenly on Magazine Street, causing a rider to crash. The driver checks their mirror and drives off.
• A rideshare driver collides with a cyclist in the Marigny, then logs out of the app and disappears.
• A driver provides false information after a crash in Algiers and is later untraceable.

Why are hit-and-run bike crashes especially dangerous?

Cyclists are already vulnerable. Without the protection of a steel frame, airbags, or seatbelts, even a low-speed collision can cause life-changing injuries. When the person responsible for the crash flees, the situation becomes even more dangerous. Other reasons hit-and-run bicycle accidents are dangerous:

Delayed medical care

One of the most urgent risks in a hit and run is the delay in medical attention. A driver who flees doesn’t stop to call 911. They don’t check on you. That means you could be left with serious injuries without immediate help. In New Orleans, where some streets are poorly lit or isolated at night, that delay can be life-threatening.

It’s harder to find out who’s responsible

Tracking down a hit-and-run driver takes time and resources. Traffic cameras aren’t everywhere. Businesses might only keep surveillance footage for a few days. Plus, witnesses may leave the scene before police arrive. Without fast action, evidence can vanish.

That’s why it’s so important to work with a law firm that knows how to investigate. The Law Offices of John S. Williams moves quickly to gather footage, speak with witnesses, and coordinate with law enforcement.

It takes a psychological toll

Beyond the physical pain, hit and run victims often deal with intense emotional trauma. There’s something uniquely painful about being abandoned. Victims tell us they feel forgotten, discarded, and like their life didn’t matter to the person who hit them. That kind of pain doesn’t heal with stitches or physical therapy. It takes time, support, and justice.

What should you do after a hit-and-run bicycle accident?

If you’ve been hurt in a hit and run, here’s what we recommend. Even if you’re unsure what happened or don’t remember all the details, these steps can help protect your health and your legal rights.

1. Get to a safe place and call 911

If you can move, get out of harm’s way. Then call 911. Let the dispatcher know you were hit by a vehicle and the driver fled the scene. Try to give as many details as you can, including the color, make, model, license plate, direction of travel. The sooner police arrive, the better chance they have of starting an investigation while evidence is still fresh.

2. Look around for evidence and witnesses

Even if you’re shaken up, take a moment to scan your surroundings. Are there businesses nearby with security cameras? Did anyone see what happened? Ask for names and contact information. If you have your phone, take pictures of your bike, your injuries, the road, and anything that seems relevant (such as skid marks, broken glass, damaged signs, and debris).

In New Orleans, helpful footage may come from unexpected places such as corner stores, bars, or someone’s Ring doorbell. But most of it won’t be saved for long, so time is of the essence.

3. Get medical attention, even if you feel “okay”

A lot of injuries take hours or even days to show up. You might walk away from a crash only to wake up the next day with intense neck pain or trouble concentrating. Go to the emergency room, an urgent care clinic, or your primary care doctor as soon as possible. Tell them exactly what happened and make sure your visit is documented. Medical records are key for proving your injuries later and getting the care you need now.

4. Talk to a New Orleans lawyer before dealing with insurance

Insurance companies aren’t on your side. They’ll look for reasons to deny your claim or offer you far less than your case is worth, especially when the driver is unknown. You don’t have to go through that alone. The Law Offices of John S. Williams can deal with the insurance company for you. We’ll protect your rights, fight for the full value of your claim, and handle all the paperwork so you can focus on healing.

What if the hit-and-run driver is never found?

Even if the police can’t identify the driver, you still have options. Louisiana law provides several ways to pursue financial recovery in these situations. If you have car insurance, it may include uninsured motorist coverage. This type of insurance applies when you’re hit by someone who has no insurance, or when the at-fault driver can’t be found. UM coverage typically applies to you even if you were riding a bike at the time of the crash.

You may also be covered under a relative’s UM policy if you live in the same household. Attorney John S. Williams can review all available policies and file the right claims on your behalf.

UM coverage can help pay for:

• Emergency medical care
• Surgeries, rehab, and long-term treatment
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
• Property damage to your bicycle

The Louisiana Crime Victims Reparations Fund

If the crash is classified as a crime, you may be eligible for money through the Louisiana Crime Victims Reparations Fund. This state program can help cover medical bills, counseling, funeral costs, and other losses. You must apply within one year of the crash and cooperate with police investigations.

Our team can help you file the application, gather supporting documents, and stay within all deadlines.

Third-party liability

In some cases, another party may share responsibility. Our New Orleans law firm can explore every angle to find where liability lies and hold them accountable. For example:

• A rideshare company may be liable if the driver was logged into the app.
• A delivery company could be responsible for negligent hiring or training.
• A government agency might be to blame if poor road design or broken infrastructure contributed to the crash.

How our New Orleans law firm helps bicycle accident victims

We know that after a hit and run, it’s hard to know who to trust. You’re hurting, overwhelmed, and unsure how to move forward. The Law Offices of John S. Williams is here to help people exactly like you.

We investigate the crash

We don’t wait for the police to handle everything. We conduct our own investigation by visiting the scene, tracking down surveillance footage, identifying witnesses, and working with experts to piece together what happened. In many cases, we find clues that others missed.

We deal with insurance companies

You shouldn’t have to argue with adjusters while you’re trying to recover. We handle all communication with insurance companies, fight back against lowball offers, and demand the full compensation you’re owed, whether it’s through your UM policy, a third-party claim, or another source.

We file lawsuits when needed

If we identify the driver or discover another liable party, we’re ready to go to court. We don’t shy away from complicated cases. We build strong, evidence-backed lawsuits and aggressively pursue justice on your behalf. Even if the driver isn’t found, we may file a “John Doe” lawsuit to protect your rights while your UM claim proceeds.

We support you every step of the way

You’re not just a case file to us. You’re a person who’s been through something terrible and deserves respect, attention, and real help. We take the time to listen, explain your options, and stand by you until the case is resolved.

Talk to a hit and run bicycle accident lawyer who knows New Orleans

You shouldn’t have to pay the price for someone else’s cowardice. If you were injured in a hit and run bike accident, you have rights, and we can help you fight for them.

The Law Offices of John S. Williams brings experience, urgency, and compassion to every case we take. Whether your crash happened in Treme, the French Quarter, or Gentilly, we’ll do everything we can to get you the answers and compensation you need to move forward.

If you’re a cyclist injured in a hit-and-run accident, let’s talk. There’s no upfront cost for seeking legal help. Under our contingency fee structure, we only get paid if we win your case. To get started, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re ready when you are.