Bicycle Accidents

Drunk Driver Indirectly Kills Local Cyclist

November 10, 2016 by Lee Hoffoss

An intoxicated motorist caused a fatal collision which killed a nearby bicyclist.

Lake Charles police state that the crash occurred near the intersection of Alamo and Kirkman. Jaylin Jack ignored a red light while northbound on Kirkman, and smashed his Chevrolet Impala into a Hyundai Accent that was westbound on Alamo. Mr. Jack’s vehicle then spun around and hit Shawn Allison as he was pedaling past the scene. First responders rushed Mr. Allison to a nearby hospital, where he was later declared dead. Authorities arrested Mr. Jack and charged him with DUI and failure to yield.

Investigators say that the charges may be upgraded later. [Read more…] about Drunk Driver Indirectly Kills Local Cyclist

Bicycle Vs. Car Wreck Kills Louisiana Teen

November 7, 2012 by Lee Hoffoss

Recently, a 17-year-old Louisiana boy was hit by a car while riding his bicycle on Louisiana Highway 182 near Jeanerette. The bicycle vs. car wreck occurred at 9:15 p.m., and police say the bicycle did not have any type of lights on it. The teen was pronounced dead at Iberia General Hospital.
The bicyclist was about 4 feet from the solid white line at the right edge of the roadway when he was hit. The 73-year-old driver of the Kia Sorrento that hit the bicycle was not injured. Authorities say that the investigation is ongoing, and they are awaiting the results of routine toxicology tests.
It is not known what charges, if any, may be filed in connection with this accident. Meanwhile, the family of the victim is left to prematurely bury their loved one. As the family struggles to come to terms with the shock of the 17-year-old’s death, they retain the right to file a wrongful death action against the driver.
Regardless of whether any criminal charges are filed by authorities, the family of this young man can turn to our state civil courts to seek financial relief in connection with this tragic car wreck. Even though it won’t bring back this 17-year-old, whose life had practically just begun, a successful lawsuit may help the family recover the financial losses that inevitably accompany an accident such as this. Medical expenses, funeral costs and the like are recoverable under Louisiana law when negligence on the part of another party is established in court as the proximate cause of the fatal accident.

Police Find Driver Involved in Fatal Accident in Louisiana

August 15, 2012 by Lee Hoffoss

Bicycles are a regular presence on the roadways in Louisiana. When a bicyclist gets on the road, they rely on motorists to pay attention and look for obstacles. However, bicycles are still at a higher risk of being involved in a fatal accident, and the reason that is often cited by drivers is that they just didn’t see the bicyclist.
Authorities were uncertain whether that was the case with one bicyclist who was struck by a car on July 7. The driver hit the cyclist then fled the scene of the accident. The cyclist was taken to Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans, where medical personnel attempted to save his life. However, despite their efforts, the cyclist died as a result of the serious injuries he suffered in the accident.
After an exhaustive investigation, Louisiana authorities were finally able to locate the driver who hit the cyclist. While they were diligently searching for the driver, the family of the cyclist was grieving. Losing a loved one is always difficult, but when they are stripped from a family through a sudden and seemingly senseless tragedy, the pain can be insurmountable. Waiting for word from authorities may have added to their frustration.
Finally knowing that the person said to be responsible for the accident that caused the death of their loved one has been identified by authorities may provide the family with some sense of comfort. Regardless of what happens with any criminal charges the driver may face, the family retains the right to file a wrongful death action against the driver to recoup the financial losses that families inevitably face in these situations. Medical and funeral expenses are just two examples of types of expenses that can be recovered in a successful wrongful death action, based upon proof of negligence by another party.

Louisiana Physician Killed in Bicycle Vs. Auto Accident

July 25, 2012 by Lee Hoffoss

Those in Louisiana who are avid cyclists all share one fear — being hit by a car while cycling. Unless they have the option of a dedicated bike path, cyclists are usually forced to ride on the roadway, where they are more vulnerable since many roads have no shoulder to give them a cushion from traffic. This vulnerability can cause a cyclist to be involved in an accident with a car or truck.
This is what happened to one Moss Bluff, Louisiana, physician on July 14. While out for a ride early that morning, he was struck from behind by a pickup truck. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have said that the driver of the pickup truck was not impaired, and they are completing their investigation before deciding whether any charges will be filed.
To honor the life of the physician, more than 50 cyclists took part in an approximately 15-mile memorial ride. Even cyclists who didn’t know the physician turned out for the event. Cyclists are passionate about their sport and their safety, and one cyclist took the opportunity to remind motorists that it is now Louisiana law for motorists to give cyclists a minimum of 3 feet of room when passing.
Safety on Louisiana roadways is the responsibility of everyone on them — whether in a car, a motorcycle or bicycle, or even as a pedestrian. Unfortunately, being careful doesn’t always prevent an auto accident from happening. Nothing can erase the events of that morning, for anyone involved. While the family members of the physician grieve and await the outcome of the official investigation, they may also seek advice on whether to file a wrongful death action against the driver of the pickup truck. Of course, doing so won’t bring back their loved one, but it may provide an opportunity for closure for the family.

12-Year-Old Killed in Louisiana Bicycle Accident

March 28, 2012 by Lee Hoffoss

Louisiana police report that a 12-year-old boy was killed on March 17 as he rode side-by-side with another bicyclist. The auto accident occurred about 160 miles east of Lake Charles on Louisiana Highway 43 in Albany in the early evening. The cyclists were riding southbound as the car approached. Reports say that the driver was unable to avoid hitting the boy because the child attempted to cross the street just as the car came upon him. Tragically, the impact of the collision killed the boy.
There have been no charges filed against the driver in connection with the auto accident. Indeed, preliminary indications are that the deceased victim of the car accident may have swerved into the path of the motor vehicle. Nonetheless, the family of the boy will likely be interested in the official report of the accident as well as any other evidence gathered from the tragic incident.
While it is too early to say whether or not a civil claim for wrongful death may be appropriate, the family may wish to consider its legal options once all the facts are known. Even when a driver is not charged with any crime or traffic violations, facts may come to light that establish negligence on the part of the driver or another party in causing the car accident.
In any auto accident, when a driver is found to be at fault, personal injury claims may result. When a victim suffers injuries, or even death, there are economic costs for medical care and other expenses. Additionally, there may be other damages as well as pain and suffering occasioned by the crash. The personal injury laws of Louisiana are designed to assist victims of car accidents caused by the negligence of another as they recover from their injuries. Losing a child in a car accident like this one is an unimaginable tragedy. Filing for compensation can allow the family and friends of a victim to mourn together without having to worry about funeral expenses and other costs.