New Orleans’ Bicycle Rider’s Death Raises Community’s Awareness of Bike-Related Accidents, Wrongful Death Claims for Surviving Family Members

The tragic and untimely death of a New Orleans man is remembered just months after the terrible accident that took his life. Gone but never forgotten, Reuben Hayes, a 40-year-old New Orleans man was killed while he was out riding his bicycle in October last year. According to local news station, Fox 8 Live, on October 1, 2023, Hayes was riding his bicycle when he was struck by a car at an intersection in New Orleans. The car that struck Hayes and killed him is said to have been traveling east on North Claiborne Avenue when Hayes rode out in front of the vehicle from the direction of Touro Street. According to reports, the vehicle that struck Hayes did have the right of way when Hayes rode out in front of it. Hayes is said to have been taken to the hospital for emergency medical treatment, but he was ultimately pronounced dead at the hospital. The driver of the vehicle that killed Hayes was not injured and stayed at the scene of the accident. By accounts, it appears that the driver was cooperative with the New Orleans Police Department in their investigation into the accident.

New Orleans is the deadliest U.S. city per capital when it comes to bicycle deaths, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Hayes’ mother says of the terrible accident that claimed her son’s life and her commitment to making New Orleans’ streets safer for bicycle riders, “I never knew, until it happened to me…I couldn’t even imagine. So, now that’s happened to me, it’s waking me up, I’m more aware now. Hopefully, we can get something done.”

Justice for the Families of Bicycle Riders Killed by Negligent Drivers

Although it appears that, by all accounts, the driver that killed Hayes had the right of way when the horrific and fatal accident occurred that claimed his life, negligent bicycle accidents can and do happen in New Orleans. When a bicycle rider is killed in New Orleans by a negligent driver, it is important for their family to understand that they may have rights and options under Louisiana wrongful death laws. Under Louisiana wrongful death laws, certain close surviving family members of bicyclists killed in negligent accidents may be able to recover compensation for their lost loved ones. Of course, in order to determine whether you may have a claim in New Orleans under Louisiana wrongful death laws, it is best to speak with an experienced Louisiana personal injury lawyer as soon as possible about your rights and options.

The experienced Louisiana personal injury lawyers at the law firm Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC offer a free and confidential consultation to learn about your potential case for compensation and to see if they can help fight for you. Contact the experienced Louisiana personal injury lawyers at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC today and speak to a lawyer about your rights and options for free.

Source:

fox8live.com/2023/10/23/another-cyclists-death-new-orleans-leaves-mother-biking-advocates-mourning/