As a general rule, you are allowed to ride your bike on roads throughout Louisiana. However, it’s important that you take extra precautions if you are going to be sharing a lane with cars, trucks or other vehicles. This is because you’ll have far less protection than those inside a vehicle will if a collision occurs.
Eliminate all distractions
Ideally, you’ll refrain from wearing headphones, looking at your phone or engaging in other activities that might cause you to lose focus on what’s going on around you. It is also a good idea to refrain from riding a bike after using drugs or alcohol. This is because a controlled substance may make it harder to process information in a timely manner. Furthermore, they may increase the risk that you’ll make poor decisions such as changing lanes before making sure that it’s safe to do so.
Stay alert when coming to an intersection
It isn’t uncommon for vehicles to go through intersections without slowing down. There is also a chance that a driver won’t be able to see you since a bike can easily be obscured by the presence of a large vehicle. It’s important to note that you should always stop at a red light or stop sign.
Wear protective gear
Wearing a helmet, knee pads or other protective gear may help to minimize the severity of any injuries that you incur in an accident. Furthermore, taking proactive steps to protect yourself may make it easier to obtain a favorable outcome in a personal injury claim. This is because you could be deemed partially liable for your injuries if you don’t take reasonable steps to keep yourself safe.
If you are injured by a negligent motorist while you are riding your bike, it’s important to seek treatment right away. After you have been seen by a doctor, it is advisable to have an attorney help you seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages that you have sustained.
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