South Bend Bicycle Accident Lawyer

South Bend Bicycle Accident Lawyer 

Cycling is not only good for your health, it is also a great way to get around and save money. It is therefore not surprising to learn that more people are taking up cycling as a hobby as well as a means of transport.  However, with the increased number of cyclists has come an increased number of accidents involving bicycles. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in South Bend, you should seek the assistance of a South Bend bicycle accident lawyer to help you claim compensation for your injuries and damages.

Contact Blackburn Romey to consult with our team of experienced attorneys. We will review your case and explain your rights and options to you. We will work to identify the liable party and hold them accountable for their actions. Our goal is always to recover fair compensation and help you get your life back on track.

Contact us now to schedule your free initial consultation.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Cyclists are Also Protected By the Law
• Common Causes of South Bend Bicycle Accidents
• Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries
• Damages That You Can Recover In A Bicycle Accident Claim

Cyclists are Also Protected By the Law

Because bicycles aren’t as large as cars or trucks and are not motorized, many people don’t consider bicycles to be subject to the same standard as cars and other vehicles on the road. However, the law also protects cyclists. Under Indiana law, cyclists are afforded the same protections that other vehicle operators on the road are given. This means that other motorists owe the same level of care toward cyclists as they would towards other road users. Therefore, if a cyclist is injured in an accident caused by a negligent or reckless driver, the driver may be liable for the cyclist’s damages under Indiana law.

However, many injured cyclists don’t know where to start when they are injured in a bicycle accident. The best place to start is by getting in touch with Blackburn Romey to schedule a consultation with an experienced South Bend bicycle accident lawyer. Our team will review your case and guide you on how to seek compensation for your damages. We will investigate your case to identify the liable party or parties and fight to hold them accountable.

Common Causes of South Bend Bicycle Accidents

Many motorists are not familiar with Indiana bicycle road laws. These motorists are unaware that cyclists have the same rights as other vehicle operators on the road. Motorists, therefore, cut off cyclists, fail to yield, try to force them to the edge of the road, and exhibit other similarly aggressive behavior when they encounter cyclists on the road. This often results in accidents.

However, ignorance is not an excuse. Drivers should always be careful of other road users when operating their vehicles. Some of the most common causes of South Bend bicycle accidents include:

• Low visibility – Bicycles are much smaller than other vehicles on the road. They also do not produce a sound like other motorized vehicles. Drivers may fail to notice a bicycle until the last minute. Bicycle riders should always take precautions by wearing high-visibility clothing.
• Distracted driving – both motorists and bicycle riders should give their full attention to the road and their surroundings while operating their vehicles. Engaging in distracted driving by talking on their phones, dialing a phone number, adjusting their radio, or looking at images on their phones will take their attention off the road and delay their reaction time in case they encounter a dangerous situation.
• Speeding – driving at high speed makes it harder to bring the vehicle to a stop. This is true also for bicycles. Collisions that occur at high speed involve a great amount of force. These accidents often result in catastrophic (life-altering) injuries or fatalities. However, it should be noted that cyclists can still suffer severe injuries even when involved in accidents at low speeds.
• Tailgating – Tailgating is dangerous. Both cyclists and motorists are advised to leave at least 3 feet between the vehicle in front and their own. Following a vehicle too closely will not give you enough time to stop if the vehicle in front comes to a sudden stop.
• Weaving through traffic – drivers weaving through traffic are not likely to notice cyclists that are sharing the road with them. They are also less likely to be able to take action to avoid a collision. Drivers are required to use proper signals and check their side mirrors whenever they are changing lanes.
• Opening car doors without checking – this often happens in busy streets where cars are parked on the side of the street. It can also occur in parking lots and other parking areas. Drivers and car passengers are required to check side mirrors or look behind to ensure the street is clear before opening car doors.
• Driving too fast in school zones – many students cycle to school. School zones are already high-risk areas due to the number of young pedestrians in the area as well as school buses and parents picking and dropping off their children. Drivers are required to drive with caution in school zones. This includes slowing down.
• Running a red light or failing to stop at a stop sign – This is a common cause of bicycle accidents at intersections. Running a red light or failing to stop at a stop sign increases the risk of an accident occurring as these drivers fail to check for other vehicles or cyclists with the right of way.
• Failure to yield – many drivers do not treat cyclists with the same level of care that they do with other vehicles. They fail to yield when they encounter a cyclist. Cyclists, like other motorists, have rights when using the road. Drivers are required to yield to cyclists just as they would other types of vehicles.
•  Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol – alcohol and other drugs can impair your ability to drive. When a driver gets behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs they are unable to make good decisions or react accordingly. This increases the risk of an accident occurring.
• Driver fatigue – like driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, fatigue results in impairment. Drivers aren’t able to make good decisions and take evasive actions. They are also not able to react quickly. This puts other road users as well as drivers at risk.

No matter how your bicycle accident occurred, if you have suffered serious injuries we are here to help. Our team will investigate your case to determine the cause of the accident. We will identify the at-fault party and work to hold them liable for their actions.

Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries

Cyclists are more vulnerable to injuries than other travelers. This is because their bodies are completely exposed to the force of a collision and means that even accidents that occur at low speeds can result in severe injuries.

Injuries that bicycle riders suffer range in severity. Some of the most common injuries these riders suffer include:

• Head injuries including skull fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries including concussions and intracranial hemorrhage
• Face injuries
• Eye injuries
• Musculoskeletal injuries including broken bones, strains, dislocations, and more
• Chest injuries including lung injuries and rib fractures
• Soft tissue injuries including lacerations, abrasions and contusions
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal organ damage

Injuries resulting from bicycle accidents can require extensive treatment and attract large medical bills. Your injuries may be so severe that you may not be able to return to work for a long while or may never be able to return to work. You may require medical equipment or long-term care. All of this can place a tremendous financial strain on you and your loved ones. While seeking financial compensation will not reverse the accident or its effects, it will help to ease the economic burden you are experiencing.

At Blackburn Romey, we have witnessed the devastating impact that bicycle accidents can have on victims as well as their loved ones. We are committed to helping accident victims seek the financial assistance they need so badly. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation with an experienced South Bend bicycle accident lawyer and learn more about how we can help.

Damages That You Can Recover In A Bicycle Accident Claim

Laws in Indiana are designed to protect you from getting into an accident while riding your bike. They are also designed to protect you in the event that you get into an accident. The law states that motorists or other parties that cause bicycle accidents may be held liable for the accident. This means that you may be able to recover compensation from the person or party that caused your accident.

Some of the damages that you may be able to recover as compensation include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost earnings
• Lost capacity to earn
• Loss of consortium
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability

It is a good idea to consult with an experienced South Bend bicycle accident lawyer to determine what damages you are eligible to pursue. Our team will review your claim and determine the extent of your damages. We will fight to recover fair compensation for your injuries.