Bike Accident Lawyers in Greenfield
Central Indiana has a love affair with biking. Cycling used to be just a hobby, but now it is much more. It is a lifestyle for many people. That popularity means there are more bikes on our roads.
As the number of bikers increases, they face more risks than ever. There are more cars and trucks on our streets and roads, too, and drivers are getting more aggressive and less attentive. That is a bad combination, especially for bike riders.
If you were hurt while you were biking because of someone else’s negligence, contact our lawyers at Allen Wellman Harvey Keyes Cooley, LLP, and let’s discuss your options.
Mistakes Cause Damages, Injuries And Death
Bikers need to avoid the hazards on the road, including distracted drivers. Inattentive motorists can be hard to escape, and they cause most of the accidents for bikers.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics, bicycle injuries and deaths are rising. On average, over 500,000 biking injuries result in hospital or emergency room visits annually. Bike accidents cost billions of dollars.
Common causes of bike-related accidents include:
- Inattentive drivers
- Speeding vehicles
- Cars crowding bike lanes and curbs
- Drivers not honoring a biker’s right of way
- Road and weather conditions
Unfortunately, any kind of negligence increases the risk of injury for everyone involved.
Common Injuries Cyclists Suffer In Bike Accidents
Cycling accidents can lead to a range of injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Fractures
- Sprains and strains
- Cuts and bruises
- Road rash
- Neck and back injuries
- Internal injuries
- Crushing injuries
If you are a cyclist injured in an accident, understanding the nature and severity of your injury can help provide a basis for the compensation you deserve. Consult an experienced personal injury lawyer from Allen Wellman Harvey Keyes Cooley, LLP, to learn more about your accident claim.
Are Cyclists Legally Required To Wear Helmets In Indiana?
In Indiana, there is no state law requiring cyclists to wear helmets. Nevertheless, wearing a helmet is strongly advisable for safety reasons. Some local ordinances may have specific rules regarding helmet use, especially for minors.
What if you were not wearing a helmet during your accident? Will it affect your ability to collect compensation? Not wearing a helmet can potentially affect compensation claims, but this depends on various factors and the specifics of your case.
In Indiana, where helmet use is not mandatory, failing to wear a helmet may not directly impact the ability to receive compensation for injuries. However, if the lack of a helmet is deemed partially to blame for the severity of your injuries, then it might be considered during the evaluation of the claim. In any case, it’s important to consult a personal injury attorney who can assess your case thoroughly.
Bikers Have The Same Rights As Everyone Else
As a biker, you have all the rights and responsibilities drivers have. Drivers don’t always honor your right to the road. If you were hit while riding your bike, you likely suffered injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening. You also have the right to hire an attorney who can help recover your losses.
Accidents can be avoided if everyone follows the rules. However, you cannot count on everyone’s attentiveness. You followed the rules of the road, you wore a helmet and rode defensively. None of that matters if a careless or distracted driver hits you. We can work with you to get the compensation you need.
We Will Help You Pursue Compensation For All Your Damages
When a bicyclist is hurt in an accident, their damages can vary widely based on the circumstances and the severity of the incident. Common damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
As with any kind of accident, it’s vital to work with a skilled bike accident lawyer who can accurately assess your damages and ensure comprehensive representation in the claim process. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accidents
After a bike crash, you may have questions about fault, medical bills and what happens next. The following answers can help you understand common issues after a bicycle accident in Indiana:
What should I do after a bicycle accident in Indianapolis?
Get medical care first, even if you think your injuries are minor. Pain, head injuries and internal injuries may not be clear right away. If you can, call the police, take photos of the scene, get the driver’s information and collect names of witnesses. Do not argue about fault at the scene. You should also avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurance company before you understand your rights. A lawyer can help preserve evidence, review the crash report and deal with the insurance company while you focus on healing.
Who is liable for a bicycle accident in Indiana?
Liability depends on who acted carelessly and how that conduct caused the crash. A driver may be responsible if they were speeding, distracted, impaired, crowding a bike lane, failing to yield or turning without checking for a bicyclist. In some cases, another party may also share responsibility. That could include a vehicle owner, an employer, a property owner or a public entity if road conditions played a role. Each case depends on the evidence.
Can a bicyclist recover compensation if they were partially at fault?
Yes, but fault can affect the claim. Indiana follows a modified comparative fault rule in many injury cases. This means you may still recover compensation if your share of fault is not more than 50%. Even so, your level of responsibility can lower any award you receive. For instance, if you are 20% at fault, your total compensation could decrease by that same percentage. Insurers often attempt to shift more blame onto injured cyclists, so having a thorough review of the evidence is important.
How much is a bicycle accident case worth?
The amount you may recover in a bicycle accident claim is influenced by how severe your injuries are and the overall impact the crash has had on your life. Medical bills, future care, lost wages, reduced earning ability, property damage, pain, suffering and permanent limitations may all matter. A case involving a short recovery is different from one involving surgery, a brain injury or long-term disability. Our lawyers can review your damages and help you pursue the compensation available under Indiana law.
Your Justice Begins When You Contact Our Greenfield Offices
If you or a family member were injured in a bicycle accident, you have rights. Your losses could include medical responsibilities, lost wages, rehabilitation and funeral costs. We can also file cases if you have had a loved one who died due to a bicycle accident.
The process can be overwhelming, but we can help you recover the settlement you need. We support clients throughout central Indiana from our offices in Greenfield. Call 317-468-2355 or email us.