Riding a bicycle for transportation or pleasure should never end in a horrific accident. Unfortunately, the Indiana bicycle accident lawyers at Wagner Reese, LLP have seen it happen far too often. When you’ve suffered serious injuries or lost a loved one due to a negligent driver causing a bicycle accident, you need our personal injury attorneys to advocate for your legal rights. For over 25 years, we have been committed to standing up for injury victims in bicycle accidents to get them the maximum compensation they deserve.
Our high success rate has allowed us to recover millions of dollars in rewards on behalf of our bicycle accident clients. We provide the legal guidance you need to help you navigate the legal process. With nationwide recognition from the most prestigious institutions, we have the accolades and acknowledgments that confirm our track record of success. We are members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a distinction only awarded to the top 1% of lawyers in the nation. We have also earned the Best Lawyers and Best Law Firm for 2023 from U.S. News & World Report, and were named on America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys for 2021 and the National Trial Lawyers Top 100.
These honors all acknowledge our extensive experience representing bicycle accident victims. Let us serve as your legal voice and help you hold the liable party for your bicycle accident accountable for their negligent actions by taking on your case.
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.
To conclude, if you want the best possible outcome in your Indiana bicycle accident case, our experienced attorneys at Wagner Reese will advocate for you. We will continue the fight until we get what’s fair for you. Our deep commitment to compassion and diligence throughout your case means you will always be supported every step of the way.
Inspiration starts at the top in our law firm, with our founding partners Attorneys Stephen Wagner and Jason Reese, who are on Indiana’s Top 25 Super Lawyers® and Best Lawyers® lists. Our team is also on the lists for Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers, Super Lawyers®, and Rising Stars.
When it comes to bicycle accidents, choosing an Indiana bicycle accident lawyer with the accolades and experience to get the best possible results is imperative. We have helped numerous other bicycle accident victims get the compensation they deserve and rebuild their lives. While we wish that bicycle riders never had to endure accidents at the hands of negligent drivers, it is our mission to stand up for all bicycle accident victims. Let us build a solid case by calling our legal experts today at 317-569-0000. We will set up a free initial consultation to review your case while giving you valuable insight into how we can use our knowledge of the law to make your situation right.