Twenty-Four Bicyclists Killed in Motor Vehicle Accidents in 2012; Highest Total in a Decade

While the number of motor vehicle drivers killed in Louisiana declined in 2012, twenty-four bicycle riders were killed in Louisiana in 2012, the highest number in ten years. East Baton Rouge Parish and St. John the Baptist Parish contained the most bicycle crash fatalities with five and three respectively. “Many of the crashes between bike riders and motor vehicles could be avoided,” stated Lt. Col. John LeBlanc, executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.

Motorists must be especially careful when driving around bicycle riders, especially during the evening hours when the bicycle rider is more difficult to see. Many motor vehicle collisions with bicycle riders involve alcohol; 25% of the fatal bicycle crashes in Louisiana in 2012 occurred when alcohol played a factor in the collision. Regardless, bicycle riders have protected rights on the roads in Louisiana and motorists must obey those laws. A motorist who disobeys the laws of the road may be held liable for any damages that may result from a collision with a bicycle rider. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle collision while riding a bicycle, you should contact a skilled personal injury attorney who can guide you through the complicated claims process, take your claims to court, and fight for the just compensation that you deserve.

The attorneys at Broussard, David & Moroux have the litigation experience and skills necessary to represent victims hurt in all kinds of vehicular accidents and they will fight to pursue justice for all parties. If you or a loved one was hurt in an auto accident involving a bicycle rider, contact the attorneys at Broussard, David & Moroux to discuss your legal rights at (337) 233-2323 (local) or (888) 337-2323 (toll-free).