The most common causes of bicycle accidents are getting hit by a car, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Other causes of a bicycle accident may include falling, hitting something in the road, poor roads, striking a fixed object, or swerving to avoid an animal. However, getting hit by a car is by far the most common. Because a bicycle is so much smaller than a car and the driver of the bike is mostly unprotected, the damage sustained can be serious. Sometimes the consequence of a bicycle accident is fatal, leaving much pain and heartache for those left behind.
A Closer Look at Bicycle Accident Causes
Several factors play a role in a bike accident. For one thing, bicycles are not as easy to see. Motorists must take extra care when driving around a bicyclist. If they participate in distracted driving or are inattentive, then it can lead to disastrous results for the bicyclist.
Another problem is that motorists may be unfamiliar with bike road laws. In other words, they are not familiar with Indiana Code Title 9 Article 21 § 2 that states bicycle drivers have the same rights on the roadway that motorists do. If motorists do not realize this, they may cut in front of the bicyclist, turn when it is not their turn, or any number of things that can result in an accident. However, even if the motorist is not familiar with all the laws, it is no excuse for them. People must still abide by the laws of the road.
Following are some reasons motorists strike a person on a bicycle:
- Low visibility: As noted above, bicycles are small and may be more difficult to see. However, they are no smaller than motorcycles. So, motorists are responsible to watch out for them.
- Distracted driving: People are often distracted with phones, other passengers, their thoughts, music, or other things. It can make for an unsafe driving experience.
- Dangerous roads: Road conditions that are dangerous construction or poor upkeep, can result in accidents.
- Failure to yield: If a motorist does not yield when they are supposed to, this can have a deadly outcome.
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Injuries from Bicycle Accidents
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, injuries can be quite serious when a bicycle accident occurs. Some of the injuries that people may incur are as follows:
- Leg, knee, or foot fractures
- Abrasions, cuts, and bruises
- Spinal cord injuries
- Concussions or other head injuries
- Wrongful death
- Facial or dental injuries
These injuries can range in severity from mild to severe, depending on how serious the accident was. A bicycle accident attorney will help you determine appropriate compensation for all of these injuries and for the ones you do not see, such as emotional pain and suffering.
Recovering Damages from Bicycle Accidents
Indiana’s laws are designed to protect you if you get in an accident while riding your bike. If a motorist was careless or negligent, then you have options to recover your losses. You may have the right to collect damages from the other party’s insurance.
Some of the damages from which you may recover from your personal injuries are as follows:
- Medical care
- Lost earnings
- Permanent disability
- Pain and suffering, including emotional pain
- Loss of consortium
There is no reason you should have to bear the financial burden on your own. You also do not need to go through the pain and suffering on your own without compensation. The law was created to allow you compensation for those injuries, as well.
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Consider a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Whether you have been in a bicycle accident with moderate or severe injuries, you deserve a lawyer who focuses on personal injury cases working on your behalf. There is no reason you should suffer alone without any compensation for your injuries. At the Sevenish Law Firm, P.C., we believe in making sure things are fair and equitable when a bicycle accident occurs. We may build you a strong case that is based on Indiana’s personal injury laws.
At the Sevenish Law Firm, P.C., we want to see how we may be able to help you with your case. If you suffered a bicycle accident because someone was reckless or negligent, then seek compensation for your injuries. Contact us today at (317) 720-3229, and we will provide you with a free, no-obligation consultation.
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