What You Need to Know About Bicycle Accident Personal Injury Claims

Posted on May 20, 2022 by admin

Spring is in full swing, which means an increased opportunity for outdoor fun. Bicycles, tricycles, scooters, roller blades, and more are all traditional springtime activities for adults, teens, and kids alike. It is a fun and healthy recreational pastime that allows us to get outdoors, spend time with our loved ones, and enjoy the nice weather. Unfortunately, bicycle safety is pushed under the rug all too often, and because of this, accidents happen. Even when safety is properly considered, there are incidents that can take place out of our control. For this reason, all cyclers bike enthusiasts should know their rights if injured on a bicycle at no fault of their own.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about filing a bicycle accident personal injury claim in Indiana after being wrongfully injured on your bike.

Bicycle Accident Claims Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Bicycle Accident Causes and Common Injuries

There are two main types of bicycle accidents that result from negligence outside of a rider’s control: motor vehicles and bicycle defects. If a car, truck, or product defect causes an accident that results in a rider’s injury, liability falls on them, not the rider. Both situations can lead to serious personal injuries to a cyclist.

Several serious injuries can result from bicycle accidents, such as brain damage, traumatic brain injuries, comas, concussions, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and even death. These injuries can be life-threatening or permanent in severe situations. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from the years 1932 to 2008, more than 50,000 bicycle-related deaths occurred.

These alarming statistics do not even include injuries and deaths sustained from bicycle defects. According to the same statistics, in the year 2008 alone, more than 50,000 cyclists were injured in negligent traffic accidents. The most devastating truth among these statistics is that in 2008, 13% of bicycle accident fatalities were children. Bicycle safety is something everyone needs to take seriously. We can stop these accidents from taking place with responsible driving and education at a young age.

Defective Bicycles

As for product defects and bicycles, there is not much we can do to stop these unfortunate and unforeseen incidents from happening. We can only hope and trust that bicycle manufacturers are working hard at preventing problems with their products and doing their best to improve their product’s safety value. The most common defects seen in bicycle accidents include problems with bolts, screws, composite forks, aluminum frames, and similar components.

Making an Injury Claim After a Bicycle Accident

In the case that a person is seriously injured in a bicycle accident as a result of another driver’s carelessness or bike defect, it is crucial to contact a bicycle accident personal injury attorney immediately. All states have a statute of limi t ations that set forth how long a victim, or their family, has to file a personal injury claim. Once this time frame runs out, a victim can no longer lawfully sue for full and fair compensation.

A licensed Indiana personal injury lawyer can help victims of bicycle accidents obtain compensation for their damages, such as pain and suffering, medical expenses, hospital bills, prolonged rehabilitation, lost wages, time of work, and much more. Licensed accident attorneys with extensive experience and knowledge will try to negotiate and settle out of court for their clients if possible. Be sure to choose a law firm that has your best interests at heart and in mind.

Were you recently injured in a wrongful bicycle accident in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to meet with a seasoned Indianapolis Indiana personal injury lawyer you can trust to recover the settlement you deserve. We represent victims all throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents injured in other states.

How to Avoid Bicycle Accidents While Riding Roadside

Posted on March 1, 2016 by admin

Bicycle Accident Lawyer 317-881-2700

Cyclists and bikers are involved in thousands of motor vehicle accidents each year. Although bike-riding is a fun and healthy activity for the whole family, it can make a person much more vulnerable if riding on the side of the road. This is especially true for those who frequently ride alongside busy streets and roadways. No matter how much experience and awareness a person may have as a cyclist, no one can never predict or trust the actions of others on the road. For this reason, protection and safety are vital.

Continue reading to learn how to be safer while enjoying the pleasures and perks of roadside cycling.

Bike Safety

By applying safe bicycling habits and practices, a person can avoid accidents and injuries from taking place. In order to avoid one of the most life-threatening injuries from occurring is wearing a helmet. Head and neck injuries are very serious and can even cause death in severe cases. By wearing a helmet, a rider can protect their cranium in the case of a sudden impact or fall. Helmets are basically bike safety rule number one.

For those who enjoy night riding, it is strongly suggested to wear proper reflective gear, as well as, reflective lighting on spokes and handlebars. By illuminating a cyclist, car and other traffic can spot the rider and avoid hitting them or causing them harm. Anyone can purchase reflective biking gear at any local sporting goods store or superstore. They are relatively inexpensive and come in a wide array of colors, sizes, and products.

Following all cycling rules, as well as all rules of the road, are important parts of safe biking. Bicyclists are not only responsible for following the cycling rules while riding, the must also obey all traffic signal and laws as well. This is especially important for those who commute to work or school on bike. Designated bike lanes should always be used on public roadways for protection against fast-moving traffic. Bikes will simply never be able to compete with a car, so if they come into contact with one another, the car will not suffer nearly as much damage as a bike and cyclist. By staying in the bike lanes, a person can avoid coming into the contact with traffic, or backing up traffic.

Bicycle Accidents in Indianapolis

If you or a loved one was recently injured negligently in a bicycle accident, contact a licensed and experienced personal injury law firm right away. Don’t let the statute of limitations run out before you have a chance to collect compensation for your damages. If you were truly injured as a result of another driver’s negligence, or the negligence of the city, you may be entitled to remuneration for your losses. You can recover for lost wages, time off work, medical expenses, hospital bills, pain and suffering, and much more.

The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for details about bicycle accident injury claims in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seasoned attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are happy to answer your questions and concerns about a recent bicycle accident. We offer free initial consultations to assess your case and determine your eligibility for compensation. And we never collect lawyer fees unless we win your settlement! Call 317-881-2700 and speak with an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer today.

Bicyclists and Drivers: Who’s At Fault in the Case of an Accident?

Posted on March 2, 2015 by admin

Bicycle Accident Claims 317-881-2700

Many bike lanes have been added to several busy streets and roadways throughout the state. While many drivers are not happy about it, avid cyclists are very pleased. It’s been a common debate/initiative between riders and the city to improve bike routes on major roads to support safer commutes. But did giving cyclists their bike lanes improve their security while riding on the road? Or did it just cause drivers more anxiety trying to safely navigate around them, especially during rush-hour times?

Regardless of the answers to these questions, there is a bigger question on our minds. That question asks about liability in the case that a driver hits a cyclist who is in a designated bike lane, and why. Continue reading to explore this topic, and learn what circumstances might hold both parties accountable for these kinds of accidents and injuries.

Bike Lane Accidents and Injuries

It is important to point out bikers’ rights on the road to get a foundation of understanding when comprehending liability in the case of an accident involving motor vehicles. First, all cyclists have legal rights on the road, so long as they are obeying all traffic signals and road rules. If there are designated bike lanes in which a biker is using responsibly, and a negligent driver hits them, the biker would have legal rights to pursue a lawsuit against the driver for their damages.

Bicycle Accident Claims 317-881-2700

In other cases, if a biker was the one who acted negligently by making themselves vulnerable to danger, or failing to obey traffic laws, they could be at-fault for any injuries sustained in a biker/car accident. For example, if a person on a bicycle is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and they swerve into the traffic lane outside of the bike lane, causing them to get hit, it would not be the driver’s fault because the driver was obeying the rules of the road and respected the boundaries of the bike lane. Because the biker was intoxicated, it would be found that they were negligent.

On the other hand, if a driver was behaving negligently behind the wheel, whether speeding, texting, eating, or under the influence, and a biker was responsibly navigating their own bike lane, the driver would be held accountable for any injuries sustained to the biker in the case of an accident.

There are several stipulations and exceptions to the rules of a personal injury claim. This is why it important to hire professional legal counsel for accurate information and assessments. They retain the proper resources and experience to litigate your case and recover full and fair compensation for your damages, whether in a settlement or
court case.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call 317-881-2700 and speak with a bicycle accident lawyer in Indianapolis about filing a personal injury claim against a negligent driver. Attorney Daniel Craven, has decades of litigation and trial experience, and will work fervently to recover the compensation you rightfully deserve. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your case, and we never charge lawyer fees unless we recover for you in a settlement. Call 317-881-2700 for information about bicycle accident lawsuits in Indianapolis, IN today.

Craven, Hoover, & Blazek P.C.

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