Drivers distracted by phones, GPS devices, or other passengers are one of the leading causes of bicycle accidents in Louisiana. Cyclists are small, fast, and easily missed by an inattentive driver — and the consequences of a collision are almost always borne by the rider. Our attorneys gather cell phone records, surveillance footage, and witness accounts to establish the driver’s inattention and pursue full compensation for all resulting injuries.

A dooring accident occurs when a driver or passenger opens a car door directly into the path of an oncoming cyclist. These collisions can happen in an instant and frequently send cyclists over the handlebars at speed, causing serious head, shoulder, and orthopedic injuries. Louisiana law requires drivers to check for approaching traffic — including cyclists — before opening a door. Our attorneys hold negligent drivers and vehicle owners accountable for dooring injuries.

Left-turn accidents are among the most dangerous collisions for cyclists. When a vehicle turns left across a cyclist’s path of travel — at an intersection, driveway, or parking lot entrance — the rider has almost no time to react. These crashes often result in serious and catastrophic injuries. Our attorneys investigate every left-turn bicycle accident to establish the driver’s failure to yield and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

A right-hook accident occurs when a vehicle passes a cyclist and then turns right directly in front of them, cutting them off or striking them. These crashes are especially common at intersections and driveways and can cause severe injuries when a rider has no time to brake or swerve. Our attorneys document these accidents with precision and fight to hold the negligent driver fully accountable.

Being rear-ended by a vehicle while riding a bicycle is one of the most serious accident types a cyclist can experience. Cyclists have no protection from behind, and even moderate impact can cause catastrophic spinal, head, and orthopedic injuries. Our attorneys pursue the full range of available compensation — including future medical costs and lost earning capacity — from the negligent driver and their insurer.

Impaired drivers are a serious threat to cyclists on Louisiana’s roads. When a drunk or drugged driver strikes a cyclist, victims may be entitled to both compensatory and punitive damages. Our attorneys pursue every available form of compensation — including claims against establishments that over-served the driver where applicable under Louisiana dram shop law.

Potholes, cracked pavement, missing signage, defective bicycle lanes, and debris on roadways present far greater dangers to cyclists than to vehicle drivers. When a dangerous road condition causes a bicycle accident, liability may fall on the government agency or contractor responsible for road maintenance. Our attorneys know how to navigate these complex claims — including special notice requirements for claims against government entities — and pursue full compensation on your behalf.

Louisiana law requires drivers to respect designated bicycle lanes and give cyclists adequate space when sharing the road. Drivers who enter a bicycle lane, block it with a parked vehicle, or fail to allow adequate passing distance put cyclists at serious risk. Our attorneys document lane violations and pursue full compensation for cyclists injured due to a driver’s failure to share the road safely.

Delivery trucks, service vehicles, and other commercial vehicles are involved in a disproportionate share of urban bicycle accidents — frequently due to drivers who are unfamiliar with local roads, operating under time pressure, or distracted by delivery logistics. These cases often involve both the driver and the employer as liable parties. Our attorneys pursue claims against both the individual driver and the company that employs them.

When a cyclist is killed by a negligent driver, surviving family members have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and the pain and suffering endured before death. Our attorneys handle these devastating cases with compassion and fight to hold every responsible party fully accountable for the loss of your loved one.

As of July 1, 2024, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Louisiana. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from recovering compensation. Contact an attorney as soon as possible so we can preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Louisiana follows pure comparative fault. Even if you were partly responsible for the accident, you can still recover compensation — your total award is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies routinely try to exaggerate a cyclist’s share of blame. Our attorneys gather surveillance footage, witness statements, and accident reconstruction evidence to establish the true facts and push back against these tactics.

Call 911 and get medical attention immediately — even if you feel okay. Bicycle accident injuries, including head trauma, often worsen over the following hours. Take photos of the scene, the vehicle, your bicycle, and your injuries. Get the driver’s contact and insurance information and the names of any witnesses. Do not give a recorded statement to the driver’s insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Contact Mansfield Melancon as soon as possible so we can begin preserving critical evidence.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on your own auto policy — or on a household member’s policy — may cover your losses even when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage. Our attorneys help bicycle accident victims identify every available source of compensation and handle the claim process on your behalf.

Louisiana does not require adult cyclists to wear helmets, and the absence of a helmet does not automatically bar you from recovering compensation. However, the defense may argue that your failure to wear a helmet contributed to the severity of your head injuries. Our attorneys address these arguments head-on and work to ensure your compensation reflects the driver’s fault — not your protective gear choices.

Nothing upfront. Our bicycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no out-of-pocket expenses. If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing.

It depends on the complexity of your case. Many bicycle accident claims settle within several months once liability is clear and medical treatment is complete. Cases involving catastrophic injuries or disputed fault may take longer. Learn more about the timeline of a personal injury case. We keep you informed throughout and never pressure you to accept a settlement before you are ready.

Yes. If your injuries prevented you from working, you may recover both past lost wages and future loss of earning capacity. Learn more about how lost wages are calculated in Louisiana. Our attorneys work with economic experts to fully document and maximize your income-related damages.