When there is a car accident in Louisiana, it can result in injuries and fatalities. Fortunately for many, they are protected by being in a vehicle and can be shielded from the worst kind of damage. Bicyclists cannot say the same. Many people in the state use a bicycle to get around. It is a great way to stay in shape, save money on transportation costs, and be environmentally friendly. When there is a crash between a motor vehicle and a bicycle, however, the rider will inevitably suffer serious injuries and death – far more often than an accident between motor vehicles. Part of seeking compensation in a legal filing after a car-bicycle accident is understanding the statistics of these accidents. A legal professional is key to all aspects of a case.
A Wall Street Journal study says that Louisiana has the second highest risk for bicyclists. Two of the most commonly cited causes are excessive traffic and distracted drivers. The study focuses on 2007 to 2016 and in that time-frame, Louisiana had the second highest number of fatal bicycle accidents trailing Florida. Since 1991, the number of those fatalities has risen by 35 percent. Males who are in their late-50s are the most common victims of these bicycle accidents.
Diving deeper into the study, a local newspaper found that in the state, there were 93 bicyclist deaths in 2015. Awareness is cited as a method to improve safety, but that will not prevent a significant number of accidents. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is actively trying to lower the number of bicyclist fatalities. It is reviewing the data not just of bicyclist deaths, but of pedestrians as well, and trying to formulate strategies to make the roads safer.
When there is a bicycle accident, the victims can face head injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones and death. The statistics in which Louisiana is near the very top in terms of bicycle fatalities are concerning and should be considered when anyone heads out on the road as a cyclist. When there is a bicycle-car accident, those who have been hurt or lost a loved one must be knowledgeable about the necessary steps to file a lawsuit for compensation. A law firm that understands all areas of car accidents and personal injury cases is crucial.
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