What is the Colin Goodier Protection Act?

The Colin Goodier Protection Act requires vehicles to maintain a minimum distance of 3 feet from bicyclists when passing.

The purpose of this law is to protect bicyclists from injury when they are sharing the road with other vehicles. If you’ve been wrongfully injured as a bicyclist, consult a New Orleans bicycle accident lawyer to fight for compensation after an accident.

Understanding the Colin Goodier Protection Act in Louisiana

The Colin Goodier Protection Act is named after Colin Goodier, who was tragically killed in Louisiana in 2008. Goodier was an alumnus of the LSU Health School of Medicine and was in his third year of a surgical residency.

As he was training for the cycling portion of a triathlon, he was tragically hit by a truck and suffered fatal injuries.

Legislation was passed in 2009 to improve safe riding conditions for cyclists. Named after Colin Goodier, the new law requires vehicles traveling in the same direction as cyclists to maintain at least 3 feet of clearance for safety. The act also specifies that motorists may pass cyclists in no-passing zones only when conditions are safe.

The Colin Goodier Protection Act provides cyclists with legal protection when they are out on the road. This means violations of the act constitute an actionable offense, giving cyclists stronger grounds for a claim when they’ve been injured on the road.

Impact of the Colin Goodier Protection Act on Louisiana Residents

The Colin Goodier Protection Act is codified as RS 32:76.1 and specifies the passing distance mentioned above. It also outlines additional actions to improve safety and awareness. The Colin Goodier Protection Act must be included in driver training materials, and it also supports awareness campaigns and signage in areas with high bicycle activity. Drivers may be fined up to $250 for violations.

This act brings bicycle safety to the forefront of public awareness in a state that is particularly dangerous for cyclists. According to The League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly State Report Card on Louisiana, the state’s fatality rate exceeds that of the national average. Louisiana ranks 40th in bike-friendly states.

The report card shows that Louisiana hasn’t made progress in developing a statewide bike plan in the past 10 years, has not instituted speed limit laws in applicable areas, and has allocated less than 2% of federal funds to bike or pedestrian safety. The lack of progress puts cyclists at risk. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s most recent bicycle and pedestrian safety data report shows 35 fatalities and 749 injuries.

What to Do if You’ve Been Injured in a Bicycle Accident in Louisiana

If you’ve been injured by a negligent driver while cycling through the city, it’s important to understand what you need to know about handling a bicycle accident injury in Louisiana. This can make a difference in your recovery and ability to receive compensation for your losses. While you may be in shock, disoriented, and in pain after an accident, the first action to take is to prioritize medical attention.

Continue to follow all medical recommendations closely and keep thorough records of your medical information and expenses to help demonstrate your injuries and losses in a claim. In addition to your medical records, gather other forms of evidence. File a police report, take photos, and get witness statements if possible to corroborate your account of how the accident occurred.

To recover your losses, you will need to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance. Be sure to submit all the evidence you gathered when filing your claim so you can streamline the process and reduce complications. You should also notify your own insurance company so they are aware of the situation. It can be highly beneficial to hire a lawyer to represent you and help you navigate your claim.

Damages Injured Bicyclists Can Recover in Louisiana

If bicyclists are injured by negligent drivers who fail to pass at a safe distance, they have the right to hold drivers liable and recover compensation. This can help offset the staggering expenses and other losses a cyclist may incur in an accident. Recoverable damages can account for both monetary expenses and the suffering they may experience. Specific losses that may be covered can include:

• Medical and rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages or earning capacity
• Property damage expenses
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Loss of consortium and companionship

Bicycle accident settlements consider specific losses and their extent and severity when determining what can be recovered and how much. The goal is to help cyclists regain the state they were in prior to the accident so they can move forward with more ease. Lawyers calculate the value of a case and negotiate for a fair and generous settlement that sufficiently covers the losses that were sustained.

Statute of Limitations on Recovery

If you want to pursue compensation after a driver passed too close and injured you, then you need to be aware of the personal injury statute of limitations in Louisiana. Cyclists generally have two years from the time they were injured to file a claim against the at-fault driver. Waiting too long may mean that you lose all right to take legal action and have to cover your expenses yourself.

The purpose of a statute of limitations is to resolve and close out a claim as quickly as possible while the evidence is still viable. However, bicycle accident claims can take a while to resolve, especially if not all of your injuries are readily apparent. Starting a claim early can ensure you have enough time and get the best results.

Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers Fights for Bicyclists in Louisiana

Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers take protecting bicyclists very seriously. We are strong advocates for the rights and compensation of local bike riders and fight tirelessly for justice.

We understand the ramifications these accidents can have on your life, and are here to provide sound counsel and reduce your stress throughout the process. Reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with our team.