Injured by a Driver Who Turned Without Seeing You? An Experienced New Orleans Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You Demand Justice
Getting hit by a car while riding your bike is something no one plans for, but it happens more often than you'd think. In Louisiana, crashes involving bicyclists and turning drivers are far too common, especially in cities where roads weren’t built with bikes in mind. One minute you're pedaling through an intersection, and the next, a car cuts you off mid-turn.
Louisiana law treats bicycles as vehicles, which means you have just as much right to the road as any car (La. R.S. § 32:194). You’re entitled to ride in traffic lanes when necessary and expect that drivers will yield when making turns. However, if you've been in a bike crash caused by a turning driver, here's what you need to know to protect your health, your rights, and get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Why do turning drivers cause so many bike crashes in Louisiana?
Bicyclists are especially vulnerable at intersections. Whether it's a right-turning car that sideswipes you (often called a "right hook") or a driver turning left across your path, many motorists simply don’t see (or don’t yield to) bikes the way they should.
Louisiana law (La. R.S. § 32:76.1) says drivers must yield when turning, but the reality on the road doesn’t always reflect that. New Orleans and Baton Rouge have seen an uptick in bicycle use, yet the infrastructure still lags behind. Narrow lanes, missing signage, and a lack of protected bike lanes all contribute to the danger bicyclists face each day. Additionally, distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, and poor visibility all put bicyclists at risk.
What should I do right after a bicycle accident caused by a turning driver?
Get to safety
If you're able to move, get yourself and your bike out of the roadway. Your adrenaline might be racing, but staying in traffic puts you at risk for a secondary collision. Take a breath and focus on staying calm.
Call 911
Even if the crash doesn’t seem “that bad,” you should call the police. An official report can make or break your insurance claim or lawsuit later. Also, let emergency services evaluate you on the scene, even if you think you’re okay.
Document everything
Use your phone to take photos of the crash scene. Included your bike, the car, the intersection, traffic signs, and your injuries. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information. Before your memory starts to fade, record a quick voice memo or write down everything you remember about how the crash happened.
Should I talk to the at-fault driver’s insurance company?
After a bicycle accident, it's generally not a good idea to talk to the at-fault driver's insurance provider, and definitely not without talking to a lawyer first. Insurance adjusters may sound friendly, but their job is to protect the company’s bottom line, not you. They’ll often ask leading questions or pressure you into giving a recorded statement that can later be used against you.
If they offer a quick settlement, it’s usually because they’re trying to close the case before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Don’t sign or agree to anything without legal advice. You only get one shot at this, so be patient and let a lawyer negotiate for a fair amount.
What compensation is available after a bicycle accident?
There are two major categories: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover your actual losses, such as:
- Emergency room visits, surgeries, and physical therapy
- Prescription meds or medical equipment
- Lost income if you can’t work
- The cost to repair or replace your bike and gear
Non-economic damages cover harder-to-quantify impacts such as:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma or anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life, especially if biking was a major part of your routine
- Permanent scars or disabilities
If your injuries are serious or long-lasting, these damages can add up fast. That’s why it’s important to document everything from the start. Save all medical bills, receipts, appointment logs, and prescriptions to quantify and document your medical treatment. A bicycle accident lawyer can accurately add up all current and future damages and build a compelling case for the compensation you deserve.
What if the at-fault driver fled the scene?
Unfortunately, some drivers leave the scene of a bicycle accident. That’s considered a hit-and-run under Louisiana law (La. R.S. § 14:100), and it’s a criminal offense. If this happens, call the police and give them every detail you can remember, including the vehicle make, color, license plate, and direction of travel.
If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own auto policy, you may still be able to file a claim even if the driver is never found. However, if you don't have UM, you may be able to cover some of the costs through your health insurance. However, deductibles and out-of-pocket co-pays might apply.
Let a skilled New Orleans bicycle accident attorney fight for you
If you’ve been hit by a car while riding your bike in New Orleans, you’re likely facing more than just physical pain. You're dealing with bills, lost income, and an insurance company already working to downplay your claim. The Law Offices of John S. Williams, LLC believes every injured bicyclist deserves to be treated with dignity, heard with compassion, and represented with relentless determination.
When you work with us, you're getting a dedicated legal advocate who treats clients like family. Attorney John S. Williams knows the streets of New Orleans, he knows the law, and he knows the tactics insurance companies use to deny fair compensation. From the moment you call, John will get to work investigating your crash, gathering evidence, and building a case that demands justice. If the insurance companies won't offer a fair settlement, he’s prepared to go the distance and file a bicycle accident lawsuit to make sure they take your claim seriously.
Don’t let the insurance company get the upper hand. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today and find out how to take back control, recover your losses, and get the justice you deserve. You pay nothing unless John wins your case, so there’s no risk to you.
“Attorney John S. Williams fights long and hard for his clients. He handled a case for me before, and the results were so outstanding, and now I am back for him to handle a second case…” – D.A., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐