Cycling is not just a mode of transportation. It is a fun way to exercise and an environmentally friendly form of transportation. For some people, it is also a serious sport. With all of its benefits and uses, it can be hard to admit that cycling has its downfalls. One of its biggest downfalls is safety.
No matter how many safety precautions bicyclists use, such as wearing helmets and pads, using reflective gear, and riding in appointed lanes or sidewalks, accidents still happen. Without heavy-duty protection, many cyclists receive severe injuries in a bike accident. Victims of bicycle accidents caused by another’s negligence may benefit from consulting a skilled Gary bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after their accident. A dedicated personal injury attorney can work with them to help understand the facts of their injury so they can recover the compensation they need. En Español.
The deadline to file a bike accident lawsuit is also known as the statute of limitations. As required by Indiana Code section 34-11-2-4, this deadline is two years from the date of the accident. Within this two-year time limit, the victim must have their initial filing completed in civil court.
By working with a Gary bicycle accident lawyer, plaintiffs can help ensure that their case is filed within the allotted time frame. Once this deadline passes, a plaintiff can still file a claim. However, the defending party may file a motion to have the case dismissed by the courts for being filed past the statute of limitations and the injured party may be barred from recovering any compensation.
Often occurring with skull fractures and head lacerations, TBIs can be life-altering to victims and those around them. Wearing a helmet is helpful but when a collision with a vehicle occurs, cyclists can still sustain serious head and brain injuries:
A cyclist who crashes may have sudden and severe changes to the direction of their neck. These changes can cause injuries such as whiplash or in muscle, vertebrae, or nerve damage. Falling off of a bike and colliding with a vehicle or another object also can cause a cyclist back and shoulders to take a severe impact. This can result in spinal cord injuries as well as vertebrae injuries which could lead to permanent disability.
One of the most common injuries a cyclist can experience in a vehicle crash is broken bones including broken legs, hands, arms, and ankles. Without much protection, bones become vulnerable to the heavy forces acting on them in a collision. When a bicyclist collides with vehicles or stationary objects, blunt force trauma may also occur as a result. This trauma often causes damage to internal organs and may cause severe bleeding.
If you believe you were a victim of a bicycle accident due to the negligence of another party, contact a knowledgeable Gary bicycle accident lawyer. They can carefully and thoroughly review the circumstances of your accident. If your case is viable, a seasoned attorney can help you build and argue your case. Call today to learn more about your legal options following a biking accident.