There is always a safety risk for drivers, bikers, and pedestrians on the road. Every traveler is thinking about getting themselves from one place to the next. When there is large machinery involved, those less protected become more vulnerable. Nevertheless, it is critical to share the road. Therefore, when riding a bike in the vicinity of cars, safety becomes essential. There is no surefire way to prevent crashes from occurring, but bicycle accident victims can seek help from the trusted Indianapolis bicycle accident lawyers at Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys to get the proper compensation.
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What Our Clients Have To Say
I have worked with Schuerger Shunnarah twice and they have been very helpful on my personal injury cases. They went above and beyond my expectations and did a great job both times.
- Ashley C.
Schuerger Shunnarah helped me receive a settlement on my case in just months. I was treated with respect and dignity. Thanks to their help, I have been able to get my life back to normal.
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They provided me with excellent service throughout my personal injury case. They were available to answer my questions and helped me understand the process. I am very grateful for them!
- Deshawn B.
Common Injuries Bicycle Accident Victims Suffer
Although bike riders must adhere to the same traffic laws as drivers of other forms of motor vehicles, the harm they would likely sustain in a bicycle accident would be much larger.
It should be no surprise that the injured biker will have to take time off work to focus on healing if their injuries are too serious. They could even need significant physical and/or occupational treatment in some circumstances if they want to restore their lost abilities and learn how to adapt their lifestyle to their incapacitating injuries.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Cars and motor vehicles are often the sources of Indianapolis bicycle accidents. When on the road, cyclists should be aware of the common causes that could lead to serious injuries. These are:
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Distracted driving
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Speeding
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Unlawful turns
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Lack of turn signal
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Running stop signs and red lights
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Not following all posted traffic signs
When a driver fails to follow traffic laws, they could be held responsible for any severe injuries or damage resulting from a bike accident. As such, all bicycle riders must be aware of the common dangers associated with motor vehicles.
Tips to Prevent Bike Accidents
There is no way to predict a bicycle accident, but there are measures that cyclists can take to prevent them from happening. The best way to avoid serious injury while sharing the road is to adhere to safety precautions, including those listed below:
1- Ride in the bike lanes. Bike riders should hit the road in the dedicated lane for them. Drivers are not allowed to operate in these lanes, and therefore, cyclists are safer when riding in them. Additionally, they should keep away from roads with speed limitations of no more than 45 miles per hour.
2- Always wear the appropriate safety gear. Helmets are almost always necessary when riding a bike. To avoid further injuries in an accident, elbow pads and other cushioning are helpful.
3- Use hand signals. Just as cars have their turn signals, which should be used when any turn is about to take place, bike riders should do the same. Riders should point toward the direction where they hope to move. This helps other drivers be better aware of cyclists' actions and take safer driving precautions.
4- Be visible. Wear clothing that does not easily blend in with the surroundings. Resultingly, drivers can see clearly and avoid bicycle accidents due to poor vision.
5- Never wear headphones. Bike riders always need to be alert, just like drivers of motor vehicles. Headphones can block a cyclist from hearing nearby traffic, leading to safety dangers.
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What to Do in the Event of a Bicycle Accident
Bicycle accidents can take place at any moment. Knowing what to do when one happens can make the road to receiving compensation much smoother.
When the accident first occurs, ensure that all parties involved are safe. Call 911 if emergency services are needed.
Contact the police to take down a report. Having police reports can help when filing a bicycle accident claim because it serves as an unbiased form of evidence from the accident scene.
Next, the bicycle accident victim or the designated police officer should take statements from the driver and witnesses. Additionally, victims should gather their contact and insurance information. They must also document their perspective of the incident and insist the police generate an official crash report.
If immediate medical attention was not necessary following the accident, bike riders should still meet with a doctor shortly after to document any injuries. If treatment becomes necessary, those at fault for the accident may be held liable for the medical bills.
Finally, preserve all evidence from the accident and do not negotiate with insurance companies. Then, contact a trusted bike accident lawyer from Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys in Indianapolis, Indiana. They help victims follow the steps to insurance coverage.
Recovering Compensation
An Indianapolis bicycle accident lawyer can help victims get the proper compensation. It is challenging to receive reimbursement for medical expenses and property damage. Therefore, an experienced bicycle accident attorney can dedicate their time to a victim's case while they recover from the incident.
Bicycle accident cases usually begin with a legal team investigating the aftermath of the crash. They identify who is the at-fault party to then determine moving forward with the claim.
Unfortunately, bicycle accident statistics show that most Indianapolis bicycle accident cases are caused by dangerous lane changes made by drivers.
Bicycle accident lawyers move forward with the case if they see the bicycle riders having a high likelihood of winning their case or not being culpable for the damage caused. However, most bicycle accidents occur because of driver negligence.
If the motor vehicle driver is at fault, bicycle injury victims can expect to receive compensation from the driver's liability insurance coverage. However, if a driver is working when the accident takes place, the driver's employer may be liable.
Uninsured Motorist Policies
When victims of bicycle accidents seek compensation, they hope the at-fault party pays for:
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Medical expenses
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Damage to personal property
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Any lost income resulting from the crash
Indiana law says that all drivers must have the minimum requirement of auto insurance coverage. However, this does not mean all drivers follow this rule.
Bike accident victims can use their uninsured motorist (UM) policies, which may be a part of their policies, if the culpable party does not have insurance.
Not everyone has a UM policy, so they should talk with their accident lawyer to receive fair compensation. These policies can also be applied in a hit-and-run bicycle accident case.
If the at-fault party cannot cover all the victim's losses after a bicycle accident occurred, then an underinsured motorist (UIM) policy can apply.
Trust Us as Your Indianapolis Bicycle Accident Attorneys - We Go to War for You
Bicycle injuries and traffic fatalities can be prevented but not eliminated. In most bike accident cases, motorists are liable. If a bicycle accident occurs, bike riders should be prepared to take the next steps for getting fair compensation.
A trusted Indianapolis bicycle accident lawyer can help affected or injured victims get a settlement for lost wages, recover damages, or file a personal injury claim.
Contact Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys in Indianapolis, Indiana, for assistance today!