Bicycles, like vehicles, are allowed to drive on roads as long as cyclists comply with traffic regulations. To avoid accidents, vehicle drivers must navigate carefully in the presence of cyclists. However, bicycle accidents occur each year, and cyclists are the ones who suffer the most damage.
A bicycle accident lawyer at Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers can help you if you were involved in a bicycle accident in Indiana.
Possible Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Although most regions of the United States have implemented helmet regulations for all cyclists who use roads, head injuries remain very common. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), about one-third of non-fatal bicyclist injuries are head injuries. Head injuries can seriously impact motor function, memory, thought processes, and temper.
Other possible bicycle accident injuries include:
- Partial, temporary, or permanent brain damage
- Back or neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Nerve damage
- Skin abrasions
- Road rash
- Sprains
- Bone fractures
- Eye or mouth injuries
- Collapsed lungs
- Dislocated joints
If you or a family member has suffered a bicycle accident that someone else caused, you can file a claim for damages in order to obtain financial compensation.
Compensation Eligibility in Bicycle Accidents
Indiana uses the “51 percent rule” to determine compensation eligibility. That means if you are 51 percent or more at fault for an accident, you cannot recover any compensation, per IC 34-51-2-5.
There are some actions you can take while riding a bicycle to keep yourself safer and ensure you bear little to no fault for any accident you may be involved in. These include:
- Wear bright colors to increase your visibility to drivers.
- Use a bicycle lane when available.
- If riding on the road, ride with the traffic.
- Don’t ride on the sidewalk.
- Use lights if riding after dark.
- Always wear a helmet.
- Use hand signals when turning.
- Keep your hands on the handlebars.
- Make sure your tires are properly inflated and the rest of your bike is in good working condition.
- Do not ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
These practices can help keep you safe from bicycle accidents and will increase your chance at compensation in the event of one.
What Compensation Are You Eligible For?
You may be eligible for economic and non-economic damages after a bicycle accident.
Economic Damages
Economic damages have a clear financial value. Common economic damages include:
- Current and future medical bills
- Current and future lost wages
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
You may also bring non-economic damages such as pain and suffering to your claim. In this case, it may be necessary to present reports from mental health specialists that show the accident has caused you to develop a condition such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
If you suffer from any of these conditions or other mental and emotional stress after an accident, you can add these damages to your claim.
Who’s Liable for Your Injuries?
Even if you think it’s obvious who caused your injuries, you and your personal injury lawyer must gather evidence to prove who was at fault in your bicycle accident case. Such evidence may include:
- Police and traffic reports
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- Property damage
If the responsibility for a bicycle accident falls on the driver of the vehicle that caused the collision, this person should compensate the victim for all the injuries and damages suffered, including medical expenses and costs of repairing or replacing the bicycle. They may also be accountable for replacing other damaged property, such as your glasses and helmet.
A lawyer can help you assess who is responsible for your accident and gather the evidence necessary to prove fault.
How Can an Indiana Bicycle Accident Lawyer Help You?
If your bicycle accident resulted in serious injuries, it might be helpful to hire a lawyer to assist you. Your damages may add up to more than you originally thought, and you don’t want to end up with less than what you deserve or need.
Our lawyers also fully understand your position and needs, as we have defended many victims like you. Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers has over 400 years of combined legal experience and has recovered more than $2 billion for clients in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio.
We also have a mock courtroom on-site on our Cherokee Rd., an in-house litigation team, and Spanish-speaking attorneys and paralegals. These services are meant to make you feel more comfortable as you progress in this legal process.
How Much does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer?
Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers will hear about your case free of charge, with no upfront fees or costs.
We also work on a contingency-fee basis, which means our lawyers will only receive a percentage of compensation from the claim if we win your case. If we lose, you will not be charged for our services.
Contact Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers will fight for your rights and help you recover from your accident. The legal advice of our attorneys can help you feel more secure in your legal standing when filing a bicycle accident claim and lighten the strain your accident has caused.
By calling 1-800-800-8888, you can receive a free consultation from a member of our team. We will handle your case with complete confidentiality. Let our attorneys take care of settling your legal case while you recover and spend time with your loved ones.
