Your Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Bloomington
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in Bloomington, Indiana, securing a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer is crucial to ensuring your rights are protected. A skilled attorney can help you navigate the complexities of personal injury law, identify liable parties, and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to. Speak to a bicycle accident lawyer in Bloomington for free today.
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Getting started with your case is as simple as a click. Reach out to our law office today, and we’ll start reviewing your case immediately.
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You may be entitled to compensation if you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s carelessness. We’ll fight for every dollar you deserve, so you can focus on recovering.
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At the Ken Nunn Law Office, we work on contingency. This means there’s no fee to hire us and no cost at all unless we win for you.
Table of Contents
What Qualifies as a Bike Accident?
A bicycle accident in Indiana generally refers to any incident where a cyclist is injured due to a collision or impact involving another vehicle or a defective roadway. These accidents can occur on roads, bike paths, sidewalks, or even in parking lots. Whether it involves a car, truck, motorcycle, or even another cyclist, if you have been injured while riding your bicycle due to another person’s negligence, you may have a valid claim for compensation.
Laws for Bicyclists in Indiana
In Indiana, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists when operating on public roadways, as outlined in Indiana Code § 9-21-11-2. This means that cyclists must obey all traffic signals, signs, and lane markings. Additionally, bicyclists are required to ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except under certain conditions such as when overtaking another vehicle, avoiding hazardous conditions, or preparing for a left turn.
Moreover, bicyclists are required to use hand signals to indicate turns and stops, and they must equip their bikes with a white front light and a red rear reflector or light when riding at night.
Common Bike Accident Causes & Injuries
Bicycle accidents in Bloomington and across Indiana can result from a variety of factors. Some of the most common causes include:
Motorists who are texting, eating, or otherwise distracted may not see a bicyclist in time to avoid a collision.
Drivers failing to yield the right of way at intersections or while making turns can lead to serious accidents.
When a parked vehicle's door is suddenly opened into the path of a bicyclist, it can cause a collision.
Potholes, debris, and poor road conditions can cause cyclists to lose control and crash.
Injuries from these accidents can be severe and include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Lacerations and contusions
- Internal injuries
Who Is at Fault for Bicycle Accidents in Indiana?
Determining fault in a bicycle accident in Indiana often involves examining the actions of both the cyclist and the other party/parties involved. Under Indiana’s modified comparative fault law, a cyclist can still recover compensation even if they are partially at fault for the accident, as long as they are not more than 50% responsible. The compensation awarded will be reduced by the cyclist’s percentage of fault. For example, if a cyclist is found to be 30% at fault, their compensation will be reduced by 30%.
When To File an Injury Claim
In Indiana, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including those related to bicycle accidents, is generally 2 years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this period can result in the loss of your right to pursue compensation. It's crucial to consult with a Bloomington bike accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident to ensure all necessary legal steps are taken within this timeframe.
What's my case really worth?Our Bloomington Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Potential Compensation in a Bike Accident Claim
Victims of bicycle accidents in Indiana may be entitled to various forms of compensation, depending on the circumstances of the accident. Potential damages include:
Compensation for current and future medical bills related to the accident.
Reimbursement for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery.
Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
Reimbursement for damage to the bicycle and any other personal property.
Indiana law allows for both economic and non-economic damages to be claimed, but it’s essential to work with an experienced lawyer who can accurately assess the full extent of your losses.
Talk To a Bloomington Bike Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, don’t wait to seek legal advice. A Bloomington bike accident lawyer at The Ken Nunn Law Office can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation that may be owed to you. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
What's my case really worth?