Indianapolis Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Bicycles, while an eco-friendly and healthy mode of transportation, come with their risks. In traffic accidents, about 1.5% of fatalities and 2% of injuries involve bicyclists. It’s also estimated that annually, 5% of cyclists end up injured. Unfortunately, over 90% of these accidents are caused by reckless drivers, not cyclists themselves. If you’ve been hurt in a bike accident, it’s critical to talk to an experienced bicycle accident lawyer right away. Many people don’t realize they might qualify for compensation that far exceeds initial offers.
The law firm of Doehrman Buba Ring has been representing injured bicyclists in Indianapolis for over two decades. We have won multi-million dollar compensation for their clients, and many of our attorneys are also avid cyclists. Our expert team helps you navigate the legal system, working towards obtaining the maximum recovery possible. Contact our team for a free consultation today.
Do You Need a Lawyer After a Bicycle Accident?
Yes, engaging a lawyer after being involved in an accident as a bicyclist is highly advisable. Despite often adhering to road safety rules more rigorously than many drivers, bicyclists are frequently not at fault in accidents involving motor vehicles. This unfortunate reality stems from their vulnerability on the road. Unlike car passengers, bicycle riders are exposed and unprotected, making them significantly more susceptible to severe injuries or even fatalities when collisions occur. An experienced lawyer can play a pivotal role in ensuring that the rights of bicyclists are fully protected and that they receive the compensation they deserve for injuries and losses suffered due to someone else’s negligence.
How Can Our Lawyers Help?
At Doehrman Buba Ring, our team of Indianapolis bicycle accident lawyers understands the complexities involved in these types of cases and is dedicated to fighting for your rights. We specialize in handling bike accidents and are well-versed in federal, state, and local laws that can impact your case.
When you choose us to represent you, we will:
Provide Comprehensive Legal Representation
Our lawyers possess a deep understanding of traffic laws and the unique challenges faced by bicyclists on the road. We provide comprehensive legal representation, beginning with a thorough investigation of the accident. This includes gathering evidence, consulting with experts, and building a strong case to support your claim for compensation.
Gather Evidence and Build a Strong Case
Our team understands the importance of evidence in proving liability and damages in a bicycle accident case. We will gather all necessary information, such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and any other relevant documentation, to build a strong case on your behalf.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or shift blame onto the injured party. Our attorneys have the experience and negotiating skills to handle these tactics and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Give Personalized Support and Guidance
At Doehrman Buba Ring, we are committed to offering personalized support throughout the legal process. Our team is dedicated to helping you understand your rights and options, offering clear, straightforward guidance. We aim to make the legal process as stress-free as possible for you and your family.
Maximize Your Compensation
With a proven track record of securing multi-million dollar settlements and awards, our attorneys are skilled negotiators and litigators. We work tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident.
Go To Trial If Necessary
While we always aim to negotiate a fair settlement for our clients, we are also fully prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. Our Indianapolis bicycle accident attorneys have extensive courtroom experience and are committed to fighting for your rights in court.
Contact Doehrman Buba Ring today to learn more about how we can assist you in the aftermath of a bicycle accident. Our commitment to justice and your well-being is unwavering.
How to Protect Your Rights After a Bicycle Accident
To safeguard your rights following a bike accident and ensure the best possible outcome for your case, consider the following steps:
Contact the Police Immediately: Having an official accident report can be invaluable. This document will detail the circumstances of the accident, which is crucial for your case.
Gather Evidence at the Scene: If possible, take photographs of the accident scene, your bicycle, the motor vehicle involved, and any visible injuries. Additionally, collect contact information from witnesses.
Seek Medical Attention: Your health is paramount. Even if you don’t feel injured, some conditions might not be immediately noticeable. A medical record will also serve as important evidence for your claim.
Do Not Negotiate with the Driver: It’s best not to engage in fault-finding discussions or negotiations at the accident scene. These conversations can be misconstrued or used against you later.
Refrain from Speaking with Insurance Companies: Insurance representatives may contact you. It’s advisable to defer any communication with them to your bicycle accident attorney, as they’re skilled in handling these interactions to protect your interests.
Keep Records of Everything: Maintain a detailed record of all medical treatments, missed work, and how the accident has impacted your daily life. This information can be crucial in determining the compensation you deserve.
Consult with an Indianapolis Bicycle Accident Lawyer: Seeking legal advice early can make a significant difference in your case. An experienced bike accident lawyer will guide you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way.
By following these steps, you can help protect your rights and set a strong foundation for your bicycle accident claim.
Understanding Insurance Coverage After a Bicycle Accident in Indianapolis
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in Indianapolis and are considering insurance to cover your expenses, it’s important to know how insurance works in such cases. Since Indiana operates under a fault-based insurance system, you would typically file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance to seek compensation. This is true even if you were cycling at the time of the accident.
However, there might be complications if the driver responsible for the accident is uninsured or if it was a hit-and-run situation. In these instances, you may need to explore options under your own insurance policy. Coverage might be available for accidents involving uninsured drivers, but it’s not automatically guaranteed for cyclists.
Our team at Doehrman Buba Ring can assist you in navigating these complexities. We’ll work with your insurance company to determine if your policy offers protection in these situations and help ensure that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to for your injuries and damages.
Steps to Secure Compensation after a Bicycle Accident in Indianapolis
Securing compensation after a bicycle accident in Indianapolis essentially involves either an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. Initially, most cyclists prefer to claim insurance due to the simplicity and the avoidance of court proceedings. Proving the other driver’s fault is crucial, which requires presenting concrete evidence such as accident scene footage and police reports.
In bicycle accident cases where insurance doesn’t provide adequate coverage or if the settlement offer is unsatisfactory, pursuing a personal injury lawsuit becomes an alternative. However, the process demands stricter evidence under civil law, with limitations on what can be submitted. Although police reports may not be directly admissible in court due to dependence on hearsay, gathering direct evidence from the report, alongside accident scene photos and medical documentation, forms the backbone of a strong case.
Who You Can Sue After a Bicycle Accident in Indianapolis
In the event of a bicycle accident in Indianapolis, determining liability is a crucial step toward securing compensation for damages and injuries. The nature of the accident can allow you to pursue legal action against several parties, including but not limited to:
The Motor Vehicle Driver: If the driver of a car or other motor vehicle was at fault, whether through negligence, distracted driving, or violation of traffic laws.
The City or Local Government: In cases where poor road conditions or inadequate signage contributed to the accident, the government entity responsible for road maintenance could be liable.
The Bicycle Manufacturer: If a defect in the bicycle itself caused the accident, the manufacturer could be held responsible under product liability laws.
A Pedestrian or Another Cyclist: When their actions directly lead to the accident, such as unexpectedly stepping into the bike lane or colliding with the cyclist.
The Employer of the At-Fault Party: If the accident was caused by someone performing their job duties, their employer might be liable under the doctrine of vicarious liability.
Each of these parties could bear some responsibility for the accident, and an experienced bicycle accident lawyer can help you identify all potential defendants to ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries and damages.
What Compensation Can You Expect After a Bike Accident in Indianapolis?
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover quantifiable financial losses due to the accident. This includes medical expenses for immediate and ongoing care, lost wages if you’re unable to work, and the cost of repairing or replacing your bicycle.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages aim to compensate for losses that aren’t easily quantified. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment in life activities fall into this category. Each case varies, and these damages are evaluated based on the impact of the accident on your overall well-being.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases where the at-fault party’s actions were especially egregious or reckless, punitive damages may be awarded. These are not tied to direct financial losses but are intended as a punishment to the offender and a deterrent to others.
It’s essential to consult with a skilled attorney to accurately assess all potential compensation avenues following a bicycle accident in Indianapolis.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can happen for a number of reasons, but two causes stand out due to their frequency and impact.
Distracted Driving
Driver distraction is a leading cause of accidents on the road, including those involving cyclists. Distractions can come from various sources – using a mobile phone, eating, interacting with passengers, being caught up in one’s thoughts, or external distractions like billboards. Such distractions can make drivers less aware of their surroundings, leading to late or no recognition of cyclists on the road, which can result in collisions.
Disregard for Cyclists
Despite the availability of bicycle lanes, cyclists have the right to use public roads, which might be their only option in areas without dedicated lanes. However, some drivers show a blatant disregard for cyclists, disregarding their safety or deeming them out of place on roads designed for motor vehicles. This attitude can manifest in failing to yield the right of way to cyclists, especially at turns or intersections, putting them at significant risk of accidents. It’s essential for drivers to remember that cyclists have equal rights on the road and to treat them with the same respect and caution as any other road user. If you’re a cyclist injured due to such negligence, it’s crucial to seek legal advice to protect your rights.
Roadway Risks & the Rights of Cyclists
Understanding your rights as a cyclist is critical for safety, but it’s equally important to recognize that these rights may not always prevent accidents. Despite having the right of way, cyclists can still be vulnerable to serious injuries or fatalities caused by vehicle collisions. Legally, drivers must be aware of and respect bicyclists on the road, treating them with the same caution as they would another vehicle. Failure to do so dramatically increases the risk to cyclists.
Reasons your right-of-way may not be safeguarded include:
- Distracted drivers
- Intoxicated drivers
- Vehicle malfunctions, such as brake failure
- Reduced visibility from bad weather, obstructions, or blind spots
- Dangerous road conditions, like standing water
- Malfunctioning traffic signals
- Unclear or absent road markings and bike lanes
- Drivers unfamiliar with local traffic laws
- Aggressive driving behaviors
- “Dooring” incidents by drivers or passengers who fail to check for passing bicyclists
Awareness and understanding of these risks can help in advocating for safer cycling environments and practices.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes and bruises to more serious, life-altering conditions. It’s important for both cyclists and motorists to recognize the potential severity of these injuries to foster a safer roadway environment for everyone. Listed below are some of the most common injuries that can occur as a result of bicycle accidents:
Head Injuries: Helmets significantly reduce the risk, but head injuries are still common in bicycle accidents. This can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), with potential long-term effects.
Road Rash: When a cyclist falls and slides across the pavement, it can cause road rash, a painful abrasion that may require professional medical treatment to prevent infection.
Fractures: The force of collision or fall can break bones. Common fractures include those to the arms, legs, and clavicle.
Facial and Dental Injuries: Injuries to the face and teeth are common in bicycle accidents, often requiring reconstructive surgery or dental work.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Depending on the impact, cyclists can suffer from spinal injuries that could lead to temporary or permanent paralysis.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Ligaments, tendons, and muscles can be sprained, strained, or torn during an accident.
Internal Injuries: Blunt trauma in accidents can lead to internal injuries, including internal bleeding and organ damage, which might not be immediately apparent.
Seeking immediate medical attention following a bicycle accident is crucial, even if the injuries seem minor. Some conditions, like internal injuries or concussions, may not show symptoms right away but can have serious long-term health implications.
Contact Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one have been involved in a bicycle accident, it’s crucial to understand your rights and the compensation you may be entitled to. At Doehrman Buba Ring, our team of experienced bicycle accident lawyers is here to help guide you through the complexities of your case and work toward securing the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you on your road to recovery.
