Regardless of how careful you are while riding your bicycle, the risk of an accident is always present. From careless drivers to sudden downpours, some of these factors are outside of your control. The good news is that if you were injured in a collision through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation with the help of a seasoned bicycle injury attorney.
Building a strong case for compensation starts with understanding the common causes of bicycle accidents in Indianapolis. No matter how the crash occurred, you may have a viable case for compensation against the at-fault party.
One of the most common causes of Indianapolis bicycle collisions is distracted driving. When drivers are not fully attentive to the road, the likelihood of striking a cyclist increases significantly. For instance, if a driver takes their eyes off the road to read a text message or watch a video, they may not react in time when a cyclist enters their path. Distractions can prevent drivers from responding appropriately to changing road conditions.
Impaired drivers pose a greater threat than distracted drivers. The use of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a person’s reaction times and judgment, leading to accidents that would not have occurred if the driver was sober. Drunk drivers are even less likely to notice bicycles on the road, resulting in collisions that can have devastating consequences.
“Dooring” is a common type of bicycle accident in Indianapolis that occurs when a motorist opens the door of their vehicle into the path of a moving vehicle. These collisions are more likely to happen on streets lined with parked cars. When motorists fail to notice an approaching cyclist and open their door without warning, the cyclist often has no way to avoid a collision. These accidents can be especially dangerous if the rider falls into the path of larger vehicles afterward.
Severe weather conditions, such as rain or sleet, can also lead to bike accidents. While cyclists should try to avoid riding in these conditions, there are times when it might be unavoidable. The risk of these accidents increases dramatically when nearby drivers travel at unsafe speeds in the rain.
There are times when other drivers are not involved in a bicycle accident. One of the most common examples is when a road hazard causes a rider to lose control of their bike and crash. These hazards can take various forms, often resulting from a lack of maintenance by state or local governments.
For example, roads become dangerous for cyclists when they have excessive potholes, gravel, or debris in the roadway. A cyclist may also be at risk of an accident due to a missing stop sign or malfunctioning traffic light. In these cases, they may be entitled to seek damages from the government entity responsible for maintaining that roadway.
If you have been struck by a car while cycling, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Understanding the common causes of bicycle accidents in Indianapolis can help you build a strong injury case. The most important step in this process is to work with a personal injury attorney who recognizes the significance of your claim. Reach out right away to discuss your case during a private consultation.
