Riding a bike around Chalmette offers a lot—quiet neighborhoods, scenic paths along the Mississippi River, and a short ride to nearby New Orleans. But despite these benefits, bicycle accidents happen far too often. Whether it’s a quick ride to the store or a longer commute, we know how suddenly things can go wrong when drivers, property owners, or even local infrastructure fall short.
If you’re a cyclist in St. Bernard Parish, you’ve probably had at least one close call. When an accident does occur, determining who’s legally responsible is key. At Kiefer & Kiefer, we’ve worked with many cyclists to help them figure out what happened—and what comes next. Below, we’ll walk through the five most common accident scenarios in Chalmette and explain who may be held liable in each one.
Drivers Failing To Yield To Cyclists
One of the most common causes of collisions between vehicles and bicycles involves drivers who don’t yield the right-of-way. In many cases, motorists simply don’t see the cyclist, especially at intersections or when making left-hand turns. But failing to see someone doesn’t relieve a driver of legal responsibility. When a driver violates traffic laws or doesn’t follow local bike safety rules, they can be held liable for the injuries they cause.
We’ve seen this happen often near Judge Perez Drive or Paris Road, where higher speeds and multiple lanes increase the risk. When drivers are distracted or rush through intersections, they put cyclists in serious danger.
Opening Car Doors Into Bike Lanes
Dooring accidents happen when someone opens a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist. These incidents are especially dangerous because the cyclist often has no time or space to react. In Louisiana, it’s illegal to open a vehicle door unless it’s safe to do so. If a cyclist is hit by a door, the person who opened it is typically liable.
In Chalmette, dooring can be a problem along narrower streets where parked cars line the road. Cyclists often have no choice but to ride close to traffic or parked vehicles, increasing their risk. Drivers and passengers both have a duty to check before opening doors.
Poor Road Conditions And Lack Of Maintenance
Potholes, broken pavement, debris, or lack of bike lane markings can all lead to crashes. In these cases, liability may fall on the public entity responsible for maintaining the road. Claims against government agencies are handled differently from those against private parties, with shorter deadlines and other procedural requirements.
Local areas with less upkeep—especially near industrial zones or areas with ongoing construction—pose more risk. If a road defect played a role in a crash, it’s important to document the scene right away.
Unsafe Passing And Aggressive Driving
When drivers pass cyclists too closely, swerve, or intentionally cut them off, they not only break the law—they also create serious risks for everyone on the road. Louisiana requires drivers to leave at least three feet of space when passing bicycles. If that’s ignored and an accident results, the driver is usually held responsible.
Aggressive driving is particularly dangerous in places with mixed traffic, like the main arteries through Chalmette during peak hours. We’ve seen cases where road rage or frustration led to reckless behavior that injured a cyclist.
Cyclists Struck By Turning Vehicles
Cyclists riding straight through intersections are often hit by cars making right or left turns. These accidents usually occur when a driver underestimates the cyclist’s speed or tries to turn before them. Drivers are required to yield to bicycles when making turns, especially if the cyclist is in a designated bike lane or traveling in a straight line.
High-traffic areas like the intersections near St. Bernard Highway are common spots for these incidents. Liability in these cases generally rests with the turning driver, especially if they failed to use a turn signal or didn’t wait until it was safe.
Know Your Rights If You’ve Been Hit While Biking
Bicycle accidents can lead to serious injuries, and knowing who is at fault can make a major difference when it comes to recovery and compensation. If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a crash, we’re here to help you understand your options and next steps.
As a trusted Chalmette, LA bicycle accident lawyer, Kiefer & Kiefer brings decades of experience helping injured cyclists hold the right parties accountable. Call us today to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help you take the next step toward recovery.
