According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), more than half a million Americans visit an emergency room every year because of bicycle accidents, and the most severe injuries stem from collisions with motor vehicles. In a crash, bicyclists do not have a cab to protect them from the size, weight, and speed of a moving car.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries due to a driver’s negligence, an Anderson bicycle accident lawyer with Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. can help you recover damages with an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. We will investigate your accident, prove that another party is liable, and fight for the awards you need to get back on your feet.
Our Team Can Handle Your Bicycle Accident Case
According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the state has made strides to encourage road riding and become safer and more bicycle friendly. Currently, four U.S. Bike Routes (USBRs) cross Indiana, covering more than 700 miles. In Anderson, riders can enjoy the Anderson Airport Trail, the White River Trail, and Rangeline Nature Preserve.
However, even the most experienced cyclists are vulnerable to injuries, especially when faced with a driver who is behaving recklessly or violating traffic laws. Attorney Randall Sevenish and his team have experience with various personal injury and car accident cases. We can assist with bicycle accidents caused by:
- Speeding
- A drunk driver
- An uninsured or underinsured motorist
- Distracted driving
- Improper turns
- Improper lane changes
- Following a bicycle too closely
- Illegal passing
- Failure to stop at a stoplight or stop sign
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Aggressive driving or “road rage”
- A motorcycle or truck accident
- A hit-and-run driver
- A manufacturing defect involving an automobile, bicycle, or faulty part
- The negligent actions of another bicyclist or pedestrian
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accidents lawyer serving Anderson, call 317-636-7777
Anderson Motorists and Bicyclists Must Share the Road
According to IC § 9-21-11, bicyclists in Indiana have the same rights and privileges as motor vehicle operators. This means that in addition to obeying the state’s traffic laws, drivers must interact with cyclists the same as any other vehicle on the road. Additionally, House Bill 1439 states that vehicle drivers must give bicyclists at least three feet of room when passing.
This does not mean that bicyclists bear no responsibility for their own safety. The law requires that they follow certain safety rules, which include:
- Equipping bicycles with a bell that can issue a warning heard up to 100 feet
- Equipping bicycles with reflectors, lamps, and proper brakes
- Not riding two abreast or carrying more passengers than a bicycle is designed to hold
Anderson Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 317-636-7777
Bicycle Accidents Can Cause Serious Bodily Harm
According to the AAFP, bicycle accidents can result in severe and fatal injuries, including:
- Head injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Broken bones, including facial fractures and dental fractures
- Eye injuries
- Pelvic injuries
- Abdominal and internal injuries, including bleeding and organ damage
- Sprains and strains
- Knee injuries
- Cuts, scrapes, and bruises (“road rash”)
Medical expenses can add up quickly, and if you suffered a catastrophic injury, you may need extensive and ongoing treatment. If your accident was not your fault, you should not have to jeopardize your savings or deprive your family to pay for needed medical care.
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Our Injury Attorney Can Seek Compensation for Your Medical Treatment and More
No two personal injury cases are the same. The amount of compensation you can secure depends on factors unique to you, such as the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment, the extent of your pain and suffering, your age, wages, and more. Our Anderson bicycle accident lawyer will help you identify and pursue the damages owed to you, which may include:
- Current medical expenses, such as ambulance and emergency department fees, X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, doctor and hospital bills, surgeries, mobility aids, medical equipment, and prescription drugs
- Future medical bills, including the cost of all necessary accident-related medical care, such as physical therapy and rehabilitation, mental health services, follow-up medical procedures, in-home health care, and long-term nursing services
- Physical pain, emotional suffering, and mental anguish, including financial awards for depression, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of mobility, scarring, disfigurement, stress, and anxiety
- Lost income, including back pay, benefits, bonuses, and tips
- Lost earning potential, including compensation for future wages lost because of a reduction in work hours, a change in career, or retirement due to your injuries
- Property damages, including the value of replacing or fixing your bicycle, cell phone, watch, jewelry, or other personal items harmed during your wreck
- Wrongful death, including awards for your loved one’s medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost income, and loss of the deceased’s support, love, care, and guidance
Should You File an Insurance Claim or Lawsuit?
According to the Indiana Department of Insurance, drivers in Indiana must carry automobile liability insurance to pay for injuries and property damages they cause. They must also have coverage for accidents caused by uninsured/underinsured motorists. Insurance coverage usually extends to accidents involving bicycle collisions.
We can assist with a claim against the at-fault driver or with your own provider if a hit-and-run driver or uninsured driver caused your injuries. However, insurers will only compensate you up to the policy limits. In situations where insurance may not satisfy your damages, or your compensation may be more advantageous with legal action, we can pursue awards with a lawsuit.
Whatever method we employ, our firm is here to:
- Collect evidence, including police reports, medical records, witness statements, photographs, video, and expert testimony
- File your personal injury or wrongful death claims or lawsuits before the statute of limitations expires (you have two years, according to IC § 34-11-2-4 and IC § 34-23-1-1, respectively)
- Handle case-related calls, emails, and meetings
- Fight for you during insurance and pretrial negotiations
- Represent you at trial if necessary
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Contact Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. for Help with Your Case
You can try handling your bicycle injury case alone, but you may find yourself quickly overwhelmed by insurance agents and their lawyers or confused by the complexities of the Indiana legal system. Hiring Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. gives you an ally with personal injury experience who will stand in your corner and protect your rights.
To learn more about how our Anderson bicycle accident lawyer can fight for financial awards for you and your family, contact us today for a free consultation.
Call or text 317-636-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
