New Orleans Personal Injury Law Blog

Two unrelated car accidents took place in New Orleans within hours and miles of each other involving students about to graduate this year from the same school. One teenager was seriously injured; the other died as a result of her accident.

The first accident took place on Highway 435. A 65-year-old drunk driver's car slammed into the teenager's vehicle on a remote stretch of the road. The man is facing DWI charges. Before her accident, the young woman's biggest problem was how to style her hair for graduation, her devastated family said. Now, however, she is in the hospital. To cover her high medical expenses, the girl's family has set up a fund. Increasing medical costs can take a toll on a family already suffering emotionally.

Among the hundreds of motorcyclists riding in Gretna, Louisiana, to highlight motorist inattentiveness were family members of victims lost in fatal accidents. Many people had a story to tell about either their own injuries or how they were coping with the loss of a loved one.

In the past year, there have been at least 2,000 motorcycle accidents in Louisiana, of which 70 were fatal. According to the president of the Motorcycle Awareness Campaign, motorists are more likely to be at fault for not seeing motorcyclists and causing wrongful deaths.

New Orleans has made great efforts to expand bike paths across the city.  The city now has nearly 70 miles of bike lanes in use or under construction.  There are also 14 miles of off-street bike paths, including those in City Park and Audubon Park.  Becuase of these improvements, the League of American Bicyclists has designated New Orleans as a brozen level bike friendly city.  This is a great development for bike enthusiast, environmentalist, and those just interested in exercise or enjoying our wonderful city.  However, these improvements are far ahead of the city culturally.

Drivers have not yet adjusted to the presence of these bike lanes.  For years, driver and pedestrian habits have developed that make riding a bike on city street fairly dangerous.  Many drivers are either unaware of the laws regarding bicycles on public roads or simply ignore those laws.  Perhaps the collective conscience of the city's drivers just does not have bicyclists in mind when driving.

Until those driving cars and trucks become more accustomed to sharing the road with bicycles, it is a good idea for those on bikes to take extra precautions.  First, a bicyclist should never assume that those driving cars see them.  Many drivers aren't looking for bicycles when turning or changing lanes.  Bicycles just aren't on their radar screen. 

Second, don't assume that the drivers of cars know or respect the rules of the road regarding bikes and cars.  Many drivers aren't aware of the laws regarding lane sharing for example.  Additionally, those who do not cycle may not be aware of the danger of passing a bicycle at an excessive rate of speed. 

Finally, it is best to avoid very busy streets and peak rush hour traffic if possible.  Drivers tend to be even less aware of cyclist during these times.  Also, wear protective gear and equipment.  A Helmet can save your life.  Reflectors, lights, and bells significantly increase a cyclist's visibility. 

With time and the increased presence of bicycles on city streets, drivers will adapt and change their habits.  New Orleans now has the infrastructure to become a great city for bicyclists.  However, the drivers on the road need time to adjust.  Perhaps the best advice for bicyclists and pedestrians alike is to follow all traffic laws themselves.  This should help to change the culture.  This means bicyclist need to stop at red lights and pedestrians need to use crosswalks and refrain from jaywalking.  We can't expect drivers to obey the rules of the road while we disobey those same rules.

Bicycle accidents are on the rise and until driving habits change, those on bicycles can never assume the driver will yield right of way, know the law, or respect their right to be on the road. 

For more information on how to protect yourself while bicycling and what to do if you are involved in an accident visit our website.  Also, here is a link to a DOTD Bike Path Map that also shows roads with wide shoulders and bike lanes.

A black Ford Mustang and green Chevrolet pickup faced each other, both damaged and with occupants of the cars suffering from severe injuries. A pair of students headed to prom came across the car accident and called for help. Not soon after, the site was brimming with various emergency personnel.

The car accident site differed from others as it was not a real one: It was staged by the Lincoln Parish branch of the Louisiana Safety Commission's Safe Communities Program to teach future drivers the importance of driving safely and the possible repercussions of driving while under the influence or inattentively.