Did you know that current Louisiana law states that a motorist must maintain a distance of at least three feet when passing a bicyclist on the road? It is doubtful that many drivers know the law because of the high incidence of “buzzing” accidents. A “buzzing” accident occurs when a motorist passes a bicyclist at too close of distance. There is no impact with the bicyclist, but the close call causes the cyclist to veer off the road and suffer injuries.
If a motorist is negligent and injures you on your bicycle, you can recover compensation from the motorist’s liability insurance company. Bicycle-related injuries are often painful and require extensive medical treatment. Even with a safety helmet, bicyclists suffer severe injuries, including spinal cord injury. Brain injuries and spinal cord injuries can mean life-long complications.
In Louisiana, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Unfortunately, not all vehicle drivers see it that way. Aggressive drivers, drunken drivers and distracted drivers often do not take into account the damage they can do to a bicyclist. According to the LSU Highway Research Group, there were 758 collisions between bicyclists and motorists in 2010. The result was over 600 injuries and 11 deaths.
Harrell & Nowak, L.L.C. – New Orleans injury lawyers