Bicycle accidents often involve serious injuries. In the wake of a bicycle accident, you need an experienced bicycle accident lawyer to help guide you through the legal processes for recovering compensation for your damages. The lawyer can also handle the legal paperwork and communication with the insurance company so you can focus on recovering from the accident.
Common Causes of Indiana Bicycle Accidents
While some cities in Indiana have dedicated bike lanes, the state has a long way to go before it can be considered a bicycle-friendly state. According to the League of American Bicyclists, Indiana ranks 22 in the list of most bicycle-friendly states in the U.S.
Most bicycle accidents in Indiana occur as a result of the negligence of the motorist, especially when the motorist tries to overtake the bicycle from behind when the bicyclist is trying to cross or enter a roadway. Reckless driving, overspeeding, and alcohol use are also common causes of bicycle accidents in Indiana. It is also common for vehicles to sideswipe bicyclists who are riding with traffic.
Can the Bicyclist be at Fault?
Traffic laws apply to all road users, including bicyclists. This means that the bicyclist can also be at fault. For example, if the bicyclist was rolling through a stop sign and got into an accident, the cyclist could be held liable for the accident.
In some cases, multiple parties can be liable for an accident, so the bicyclist can be wholly or partially to blame for the crash. Liability has to be established based on evidence such as surveillance footage, eyewitness statement, police report, photos of the crash site, and expert testimony.
Recoverable Damages
With the absence of any physical protection for bicyclists, any collision can lead to serious injuries or death. The use of a helmet can reduce the impact but might not be enough to save the cyclist. Some of the most common physical injuries in bicycle accidents include traumatic brain injuries, severe internal damage, crushed limbs, extreme lacerations, broken bones, and spinal cord injuries.
If you or your loved one got injured in a bicycle accident that was someone else’s fault, you have the right to seek compensation. You can recover damages for medical treatment needed for your injuries, lost wages, or the loss of earning capacity, property damages, and more.
You may also be entitled to receive compensation for your mental trauma and anguish, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or anxiety. In cases of willful misconduct or gross negligence, you might also be able to secure punitive damages for the bicycle accident.
Hire an Experienced Attorney
If you want expert legal guidance from a bicycle accident lawyer, you can contact us at the law offices of Wagner Reese. Our personal injury attorneys in Indiana can assess the facts of the case to guide you in the legal course of action. If you can’t gather evidence or are uncomfortable dealing with insurance companies, we can take that for you.
