Hammond Bicycle Accident Lawyer
In Hammond, motor vehicle drivers and bicyclists are required to share the road. As healthy and environmentally conscious bike riding can be, bicyclists still could get seriously injured when colliding with a motor vehicle.
If you or a loved were injured in a collision while riding your bike, a Hammond bicycle accident lawyer might be able to help. They can review your claim and determine whether you have a valid case. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help you recover compensation for your damages and injuries.
Duties of Drivers to Bikers
Automobile drivers have their own set of obligations to bikers. Failure to comply with these duties may be used to their disfavor in a personal injury lawsuit.
Harassment of Bikers
Under RS 32:201, no one may harass, taunt or maliciously throw objects at or in the direction of any person riding a bicycle
Any person violates this statute, could be subject to a fine of several hundred dollars, and possibly jail time.
Driving on the Shoulder of the Roadway
Cyclists have the right to ride along the shoulder of a roadway, while motorists do not.
A motorist may only use the shoulder of the road during emergency situations, where doing so will actually protect others from harm. An experienced cycling accident attorney in Hammond may be familiar with such exceptions.
Duties of Hammond Bike Riders
The defendant may attempt to argue that an accident was all, or partially, the fault of the biker. They may do so by citing instances where the rider violated the law. Under Hammond regulations, bicyclists have specific duties of due care to those in their vicinity.
Keep Right
Under the Louisiana Revised Statutes, RS 32:197, a bicyclist must keep as far to the right as possible on both roadways and bicycle paths.
Bicyclists in tandem are not permitted to ride more than two abreast, except on roadways and paths that have been set aside exclusively for bicycles.
Bicycle Helmets and Restraining Seats
In Hammond, a cyclist under the age of 12 shall wear a helmet while operating or riding as a passenger on a bike.
Bicyclists must equip their bike with an appropriate restraining seat if they wish to have a child under 40 pounds ride with them.
What Signals Should Hammond Bikers Use on the Road?
Bicyclists are requested to use hand and arm signals with their left hand and arm. This will alert drivers, pedestrians, and other cyclists of their plans to veer from riding in a straight line.
Bikers are required to use signals for left and right turns, as well as stops. This is meant to alert others on the road. However, bicyclists are not required to signal, if removing their left hand from the handlebars might cause them to lose control of the bike.
How Does Comparative Fault Apply in Hammond Bike Accidents?
In many personal injury cases, the defendant may try to mitigate their share of liability by claiming the plaintiff was partially responsible for the accident and their injuries. The State of Louisiana follows the legal rules of comparative negligence. Under Civil Code Art. 2323, a biker could still recover a monetary award even if they are partially at fault for an accident. Their compensation award will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
A skilled Hammond bike accident attorney can help injured claimants understand comparative negligence and how it could affect their case.
Call to Speak with a Hammond Bicycle Accident Attorney
If you were involved in a bike collision, a legal professional can provide you with guidance. A Hammond bicycle accident lawyer may be willing to represent you in a personal injury lawsuit.
Contact the law offices of a local attorney today. A dedicated member of our legal team could help you pursue the compensation you deserve.