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Bicycle accidents can result in debilitating injuries. Cars, trucks, and other vehicles are much larger than bicycles, and a collision between the two can prove to be catastrophic. When negligence results in these accidents, a dedicated personal injury attorney might be able to help.
If you were involved in a bike accident through no fault of your own, you could have a claim for compensation. The process can be challenging, especially when you act on your own. An Indianapolis bicycle accident lawyer could pursue a case for compensation on your behalf.
Accidents can occur in any place where bicycles and motor vehicles cross paths. However, the most common location for a bicycle accident is an intersection. While drivers have an obligation to keep an eye out for cyclists and other traffic when they enter an intersection, that does not always happen. It is especially common for collisions to occur when a motorist is attempting a right-hand turn and fails to see a cyclist already in the lane. Other accidents could occur in crosswalks or even dedicated bike lanes. An Indianapolis bike accident lawyer could explain how the location of the incident affects the claim for damages.
A cyclist’s health should be their primary concern following a bicycle accident. If a cyclist is injured after being struck by a car, it is vital for them to seek out medical treatment right away. Doing so not only impacts their prognosis but also the potential strength of an injury case as well.
When a cyclist sees a doctor immediately following a bicycle accident, they are likely putting themselves on the fastest path to a full recovery. This is true even in cases where the injuries initially seem minor. In some situations, the adrenaline rush that comes with an accident can mask the pain and other symptoms of a serious injury. Seeking a doctor right away could reduce the risk of these symptoms worsening.
Immediate and ongoing medical care also impacts a personal injury case. The failure to treat an injury could give the defendant an opening to say that the injured party failed to mitigate their damages. That could mean a reduction in the total award in an injury case—even when there is no dispute that the driver was at fault.
When cyclists and motor vehicle operators collide, the person on the bike typically has the most to lose. These accidents frequently result in debilitating injuries for a cyclist, given their limited ability to protect themselves from an impact. Even though the cyclist is the most likely party to be injured, it is worth noting they are not automatically entitled to compensation for an accident with a motor vehicle.
Motorists are frequently at fault for bike accidents. In order for a cyclist to hold accountable through a lawsuit, they must make the case that negligence led to the accident. There are four elements that go into negligence in these cases. Those elements include:
A bicycle crash attorney in Indianapolis could analyze a situation and determine if the four elements have been met and if there is an opportunity to make a financial recovery.
If you have been injured in a bike crash, you deserve your chance at justice. Holding a negligent motorist accountable might be possible, especially if you have help from a professional.
Let an Indianapolis bicycle accident lawyer advise you on your options. Reach out today for a confidential consultation.