What Compensation Can I Get for Bicycle Injuries in Louisiana?

What compensation can I get for bicycle injuries in Louisiana? The amount of compensation victims receive for bicycle injuries varies from one case to another. The severity of your injuries, their effects on your life, and Louisiana’s laws all factor into the value of your claim. 

A New Orleans bicycle accident lawyer can take steps to strengthen your claim and maximize your settlement or trial award.

The Severity of Your Injuries Affects Compensation

In many accident situations, the more severe the injury, the higher the compensation. Severe injuries require more medical intervention. Victims need to spend more time off work as they heal.

Some injuries don’t heal completely, and victims may experience continuing pain, weakness, or limitations even when they resume their pre-accident lives.

Unfortunately, there are common bicycle accident injuries that are classified as catastrophic. While bicycle helmets offer some safety, victims slammed against the pavement, other stationary objects, or hit by a vehicle have no external protection. Catastrophic damage, such as spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries, can be the tragic result.

Damages Your New Orleans Bicycle Accident Lawyer Will Fight For

Your attorney will fight to recover economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages recover your financial losses, including medical costs, lost wages, and other related expenses. Non-economic damages account for your quality of life losses, including your pain and emotional distress.

Damages tend to increase with the seriousness of the injury. Catastrophic injuries come with tremendous financial, physical, and emotional costs and demand high compensation, as victims living with a brain injury can attest. They deserve justice for pain and disability, changed lives and relationships, and compensation for lost wages and medical costs.

How Louisiana’s Laws Can Impact Compensation Amounts

Louisiana’s laws also have a role in determining what compensation you can get for bicycle injuries. By partnering with an experienced Louisiana bicycle accident attorney, you strengthen your claim. Your lawyer will know how to work within these laws.

Statute of Limitations

The personal injury statute of limitations in Louisiana is two years. This means you must file your claim against the at-fault party with the court within this deadline. Missing it could cost you the opportunity for justice. If you’re afraid you’ve missed the deadline, reach out for a free case review. Some situations allow for extensions.

Comparative Fault

As of January 2026, Louisiana will follow a modified comparative fault system for personal injury claims, per Article 2323 of the Louisiana State Legislature. This means victims can only file for compensation if they are less than 51% to blame for the accident.

Accidents occurring before that date are governed by pure comparative fault laws. Under this system, victims can seek damages no matter how much fault they hold. What’s common to both systems is that victims eligible to file can have their compensation reduced according to their percentage of fault.

Bicycle Laws

Louisiana Revised Statute (RS) 32.194 states that “traffic laws apply to persons riding bicycles.” As a cyclist, you have the same rights and responsibilities as all others on the road. Your adherence to these laws can affect the compensation you can get for bicycle injuries in Louisiana. 

You can expect the other parties involved to try to put the blame on you for the accident. They may claim you committed a traffic violation. For this reason, and many others, hiring a personal injury lawyer is worth it. You need someone who can protect you from false accusations, uphold your rights under relevant laws, and support your claims against the other side.

Take Steps to Protect the Compensation You Can Get for Bicycle Injuries

You can take measures to potentially increase the amount of compensation you can get for bicycle accident injuries in Louisiana. Getting prompt medical care is one.

If you can leave an accident scene on your own strength, you must still get to a doctor. Fast diagnosis, documentation, and treatment of your injuries protects your health and supports your claim. Be sure to follow all your doctor’s instructions. 

Gather evidence from the scene, as long as doing so will not cause further injury. Take photos of the entire area. Snap pictures of your bicycle, other vehicles involved, road conditions, and your injuries. Get contact details from other involved parties and from witnesses. Note any cameras nearby. Your attorney can request footage.

Make a Swift Legal Connection

Consult with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Your lawyer will help you avoid mistakes that could decrease your compensation. We will also investigate your accident fully, gathering critical evidence to support your claim of negligence and your compensation demand. 

If the at-fault party’s representatives reach out to you with questions, refer them to your attorney so you avoid saying anything that could later weaken your claim. If they reach out with a compensation offer, do not accept it. Most likely, it is too low. Your attorney will tell you what your claim is truly worth.

There Is No Average Settlement or Trial Award Amount

Injury claims often resolve through out-of-court settlements. Your attorney and the other side’s representatives present evidence and arguments and ultimately negotiate a settlement amount. If negotiations are unproductive, you may choose to take your claim to court. Then, the claim resolves with a trial verdict.

In either scenario, there is no average compensation amount. The damages you receive depend on the specific elements of your claim and how the laws apply. Settlements and trial awards vary from one case to the next.

You can expect your bicycle accident lawyer in New Orleans to fight for the highest amount available for your claim. Our team comprises skilled negotiators and fierce trial advocates. Maximizing your compensation is always our goal.

Get Our Unmatched Legal Service

Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers wants the best for you. Reach out for a free case review and to partner with a New Orleans bicycle accident attorney who will provide the highest quality legal representation. 

Our goal is to get you justice by securing the highest possible compensation for your bicycle injuries.