Northeast Indiana Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Riding a bicycle can be a fun and efficient way to get around, but with careless and distracted drivers on the road, it can also be dangerous. The most recent data from the Indiana University Public Policy Institute found that 678 bicycle accidents occurred in the state in 2020. In bicycle vs. motor vehicle crashes, bicyclists usually suffer severe to potentially fatal injuries. Unfortunately, these crashes typically result from the driver’s negligent actions. If a driver hit you and you sustained severe injuries, you have the right to pursue fair compensation from the at-fault driver.

Common Causes of Indiana Bicycle Accidents

Drivers of motor vehicles often cause bicycle crashes because of driver error or negligence, such as: 

• Not yielding the right of way to bicyclists
• Driving while distracted
• Driving over the speed limit
• Illegal turns
• Running through stop signs or red lights
• Not exercising due care in school zones
• Opening their door without looking out for approaching bicyclists
• Drunk or drugged driving
• Aggressive driving
• Reckless driving 

Common Injuries in Indiana Bicycle Crashes

Bicycle crashes often result in devastating injuries, including: 

• Head and brain injuries, including bruising, skull fractures, brain bleeds, etc.
• Road rash
• Multiple broken bones
• Facial injuries, including a broken nose or jaw, broken or lost teeth, vision damage, etc.
• Internal bleeding
• Back and spinal cord injuries 
• Internal organ damage
• Death 

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bicycle crash, you must act quickly and discuss your case with an Indiana bicycle accident lawyer. There may be multiple parties that you can hold financially responsible for your damages, including your medical bills, emotional trauma, lost earnings, and other negative consequences of the crash and your injuries. 

Road Rules All Bicyclists and Motor Vehicle Drivers Must Follow

Bicyclists and motor vehicle drivers have the same responsibilities and legal rights on the road. While they must all follow traffic laws, bicyclists must follow certain rules that motor vehicle drivers must accommodate. These include: 

• Bicyclists don’t need to surrender the lane to cars or ride on the shoulder. When biking in traffic, they must ride as far to the right side as possible if they can’t share the lane safely with other drivers. Drivers must stay at least three feet away from bicyclists when passing. 
• Bicyclists can ride side-by-side, even in traffic.
• Bicyclists can ride on the left lane or side of a lane when gearing up for a left turn, just like motor vehicles. 
• Bicyclists are allowed to move away from the right side of a lane when trying to avoid a road hazard, like animals, potholes, debris, or other vehicles or passing a vehicle moving in the same direction. 

If a driver fails to follow these rules and gets into an accident with a bicyclist, they can be held liable for the injuries and other damages the bicyclist suffered.

Seek Legal Assistance From an Experienced Indiana Bicycle Accident Lawyer Now

Negligent drivers risk crashing into bicyclists and inflicting them with serious physical, emotional, and financial injuries. The Indiana bicycle accident lawyers at Andrews & Crell, PC, regularly represent injured bicyclists, and we know what it takes to ensure that they recover the compensation they deserve for their losses. To learn more about your legal options following a bicycle accident, contact us online or call us to arrange your consultation.