In a recent sad turn of events, a Louisiana State University professor passed away after being struck by a pickup truck on busy Highway 952. News media reported that 63-year-old Elisabeth Oliver, was walking her bike next to the highway midday when a pickup truck, struck her. The unfortunate cyclist had suffered from mechanical issues and had decided to walk her bike the rest of the way home. As she walked next to the road she was hit by a 79-year-old man, in a pick-up truck. The professor was quickly transported to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital. However, she was pronounced dead not long after her arrival.
Bicycle Injuries Can Be Very Serious
According to Pedestrian and Bicyclist Crash Statistics, approximately 4,800 people are killed each year in pedestrian or motor vehicle crashes. This amounts to more than 12 people a day for every day of the year. This means that there is nearly one injury per every 8 minutes of the day. Unfortunately, only a fraction of injury related pedestrian accidents are ever recorded by the police. This means that many victims may go uncompensated for their serious injuries.The High Cost Of Accidents
When someone is injured in a bicycle accident, the incident can place a huge amount of stress on the victim, their family, and their health. Typically, the time directly after the accident is spent in medical treatment or dealing with injuries, lost work pain, disability, and disruption of life activities. Even worse, when a death happens, family members experience anger, grief and loss of their loved one as they struggle to move forward with their lives. After a serious or fatal bicycle collision, the injured person, or their family can incur significant damages that often include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of the things they used to enjoy in life. When the accident is caused by a negligent party, victims may be able to obtain financial compensation. The Victims Of Bicycling Crashes Here are some brief facts about the victims that are usually involved in bicycle accidents:- Nearly 25% percent of bicyclist fatalities happened between 6 and 9 p.m.
- 83% of the victims were men.
- 68% of bicyclist fatalities occurred in urban areas.
- In 29% of the crashes, either the driver or the bicyclist had illegal blood alcohol levels of 0.08 or higher.
- California (141), Florida (133), and Texas (48) are the highest ranking in bicycle fatalities.
- 20% of bicyclists that died had illegal blood alcohol concentrations of 0.08 or higher.
A Caution About Laws For Bicyclers
Louisiana police agencies would like to use this opportunity to remind motorists that they law requires that they maintain a distance of at least 3 feet when passing a bicycle. This regulation is created to help protect cyclists from the danger of injuries when they pass to close. If you would like to learn how you can help protect the legal rights of bicycle accident victims and their families, contact the law firm of J. Price McNamara now.How Can An Attorney Help You With Your Case?
Victims and their families should never attempt to wade through events alone after an accident. Having a qualified, experienced and skilled attorney on your side can help give you a financial, emotional and legal piece of mind. You have rights, and if someone has changed your life through no fault of yours, you could be entitled to financial compensation for a variety of injuries.Contact The Firm Of J. Price McNamara For Help With Your Case
Here at J. Price McNamara we know how important effective and aggressive legal representation is in the outcome of your legal case. If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, you should contact a qualified attorney immediately. As a well respected attorney in the Louisiana legal field, J. Price McNamara is known for his skill, experience and tenacious advocacy for each of his clients. Stop worrying about your case and let Attorney McNamara help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call our Baton Rouge, LA law practice today for your free case review and find out how J. Price McNamara can help you.
J. Price McNamara
Attorney
Losing my own brother, then my father and sister after long, disabling illnesses just a few months apart drove a career change for me. Before that experience, I never truly understood the place you’re in. I never understood the dramatic impact that receiving (or not receiving) the disability and life insurance benefits you paid for and counted on can have on your life especially when you need to focus on family and healing. What I experienced with my own family now drives the way I view my clients and my work, and I will never forget it!
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