Bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles can be severe and lead to devastating injuries and losses. If you were a cyclist injured in a car accident that was not your fault, you might be entitled to significant compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
If you need legal help for an accident in which you sustained a personal injury, the Plainfield bicycle accident lawyers at Sevenish Law Firm, P.C., can help you seek the justice you deserve.
Determining Fault in a Plainfield Bicycle Accident
Negligence is one of the most common causes of claims filed by bicyclists against motorists. However, determining that negligence resulted in your accident may be difficult. Proving the negligence of a motorist requires you to demonstrate all the following:
- They owed you a duty of care to reasonably avoid harming others using the roadway.
- They breached that duty by causing an accident because they did not exercise reasonable care—e.g., speeding, improper lane changes, or drinking while driving.
- They caused your injuries, and without their breach of duty, you would not be injured—i.e., your injuries were not caused by other factors, such as weather conditions.
- You suffered quantifiable losses from your injuries, such as medical bills and property damage.
Other Liable Parties in an Indiana Bike Accident
Motorists are not the only parties that can cause accidents on roadways. In some bike accidents in Indiana, sometimes multiple parties may be liable for injuries. Other parties that can be held responsible for violating a duty of care include:
Pedestrians – Although the least protected, an irresponsible pedestrian wandering through roadways or bike lanes can easily cause an accident.
Other Cyclists – All cyclists, including you, owe a duty of care to individuals with whom they share the roadway. If another cyclist carelessly injures you, they may be liable for your losses.
Cities and Towns – If a local government or municipality fails to maintain public roadways or keep them free of open hazards, they may be liable for any injury you suffer as a result.
Manufacturers – The manufacturer of a defective product that fails and causes an accident can be liable for damages—whether the product was being operated or controlled by you or someone else.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accidents lawyer serving Plainfield, call 317-636-7777
What Damages Can You Recovery in a Bicycle Accident in Plainfield?
A Plainfield bicycle accident lawyer can work on your behalf and file a lawsuit against the party whose negligence injured you. Damages that the at-fault party may owe to you may include the following:
Economic Damages
- Medical bills for emergency care, surgeries, hospitalization, primary care doctor visits, physical therapy, and medications
- Property damage, such as the repair or replacement costs for your bicycle and cycling equipment
- Lost wages from missed work during recovery
- Diminished future earning capacity
Non-Economic Damages
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Long-term or permanent disability
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of consortium or companionship
Economic and non-economic damages will vary with each case. However, our personal injury lawyers at Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. can examine the details of your accident for a better estimate of your recoverable damages.
Plainfield Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 317-636-7777
Auto or Health Insurance Claims for a Plainfield Bicycle Accident
Indiana has a tort liability or “fault-based” system, which means you or your attorney must file your claim with the at-fault driver’s auto insurance. If the driver who injured you has no insurance, or if they fled the scene and can’t be found, your own insurance might provide uninsured motorist coverage. This may cover property damage and medical bills. Likewise, your health insurance may also pay for some cost of treatment.
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Plainfield Bicycle Accident Wrongful Death Claims
You might be entitled to compensation if your loved one was fatally injured in a bicycle accident. If their death was due to the negligent or intentional actions of another party, you may want to contact a Plainfield bicycle accident lawyer.
Indiana state law outlines circumstances that warrant a wrongful death claim and who may be awarded financially for the following damages, including:
- The decedent’s medical expenses
- Funeral and burial expenses
- The decedent’s lost income or expected future earnings
- Loss of love and companionship
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What a Plainfield Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Do For You
The legal process of suing for damages you are owed can be a nightmare. However, retaining a bicycle accident attorney can simplify many tasks and do much of the heavy lifting on your behalf. An attorney specializing in personal injury law can file your claim, investigate, and collect necessary evidence from the accident scene, and represent you in court.
A Plainfield bicycle accident attorney will also:
Offer Professional Advice
Civil law can be complex and convoluted and has many rules and deadlines that must be followed. A personal injury attorney can pinpoint errors in the defense to secure the highest compensation available to you.
Personalize Your Case
Your case must fit your needs. A one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to provide you with maximum compensation. Proving the defendant’s negligence and securing a settlement depends on your injuries, so your claim must accurately reflect what you endured. Thus, an attorney will tailor your case to your specific situation.
Deal With the Insurance Companies
It is always best to consult an attorney before speaking with an insurance agency. It is in the insurance company’s best interest to pay you as little as possible. Saying the wrong thing could give them leverage against you in court. An attorney can speak on your behalf and issue the agency a demand letter for the specific amount they owe you.
Give You Freedom to Recover
Lastly, some injuries are not immediate and only become apparent later. Having an attorney work to ensure you are compensated enough for the future frees your mind to focus on recovering from your current injuries.
Consult With a Plainfield Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
The legal team at Sevenish Law Firm, P.C., has the resources, experience, and knowledge to effectively pursue the compensation you need after a bicycle accident injury. We know your injuries were likely traumatic, and you need time to recover. So, we promise to prioritize your health and well-being.
We will aggressively advocate for you until you receive the maximum amount available in your case. If you are a survivor of a bicycle accident and need legal help in pursuing a claim, please contact us for a free and confidential consultation with one of our Plainfield bicycle accident attorneys.
Call or text 317-636-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
