Tag Archives: Bicycle Safety

What You Need to Know About Bicycle Accident Personal Injury Claims 

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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
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 limitations 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.

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How to Make Your Own Bicycle Safety Kit
How to Avoid Bicycle Accidents While Riding Roadside

How to Make Your Own Bicycle Safety Kit

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With all the recent events of the year, people are spending more time outdoors. One of the most popular and budget-wise outdoor activities for people of all ages is bike riding. Although one of the oldest pastimes in America, bike riding has taken on many modern and innovative features today, which can pose new safety threats and risks. You see, bike riders are especially vulnerable on the roads, and often times, become victims of serious accidents and injuries. From conventional bipedal models and tandem seaters, to electric bicycles, motorbikes, scooters, and more, regardless of the type you and your family rides, be sure you know how to stay safe as much as you can. A great way to ensure you are practicing bike safety is to carry a bicycle safety kit.

Continue reading to learn how to make your very own bicycle safety kit, and what to do if you are seriously injured in a bicycle accident.

Indiana Bicycle Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indiana Bicycle Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

What to Put in a Bicycle Safety Kit

Bicycle safety kits come in many forms, and can be customized to meet your exact needs. Such kits may be available in a local cyclist store or sports shop, but it is cost-effective and fun to curate your own! You can assemble your own by choosing the general safety items and then adding in any additional items you think you might need. Not sure where to get started? Here are some recommended supplies and gear to include in a general bicycle safety kit for adults and children:

🚲 Helmet – Wearing a helmet is biking safety 101, regardless of your age. It is the first piece of safety gear to consider, and in many states, it is the law to wear one. Be sure to choose a quality helmet that is the proper size and fit.

🚲 Reflectors – Having reflectors is not only important for nighttime biking, it is also a good idea to have reflectors on hazy, foggy, or cloudy days. Reflectors can be worn as sashes and vests, or they can be attached to your bike on the front and back. They can be solar-powered or battery-powered, and they come in all different shapes, sizes, watts, and fits.

🚲 Tools – There are various tools you can add to your kit to ensure safer, easier biking in the case of an incident. The collection of bicycle tools you choose to add to your kit will largely depend on your level of biking ability, and the type of biking you’ll be doing. Standard tools include a tire puncture repair kit, tire pump, and a pocket-sized tool kit, while more advanced tools may include a spoke wrench, screwdriver, and chain tools.

🚲 Water – Biking exerts energy and burns calories, so it is important to stay hydrated. Always carry a bottle or thermos of water with you when you ride.

🚲 First Aid Kit – Perhaps one of the most important components of a bicycle safety kit is a first aid kit. Such kits come prepackaged and can be purchased at your local pharmacy or department store. You can also make your own first aid kit, and include items such as bandages, alcohol wipes, antiseptic spray, antibiotic ointment, gauze, elastic bandage, adjustable arm sling, cotton balls, and eye drops.

If Involved in a Serious Bicycle Accident

If you or a loved one is seriously injured in a bike riding accident, your first priorities are to seek immediate medical attention and to make a police report. Keep in mind that an onset of injuries could occur later. If your bike accident happened due to another person’s negligence, your next step after medical treatment is to hire a licensed personal injury lawyer. We will seek to recover full and fair compensation for your damages and losses on your behalf. Just be sure to act fast before the statutes of limitations runs out and evidence can be lost if not accumulated quickly.

How to Get Started on Your Indianapolis Bicycle Accident Claim

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer who can help you gain control of your life and who will take some of the stress off of you after suffering a serious bicycle injury or loss. We offer free initial consultations and never collect fees attorney fees unless we recover for you.  We represent injured persons throughout the State of Indiana.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
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How to Avoid Bicycle Accidents While Riding Roadside

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Bicycle Accident Lawyer 317-881-2700

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 Attorney Indianapolis

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.