Bicycle Accident in Evansville, IN
A bicycle ride can change in a matter of seconds when a driver fails to pay attention. One moment, you may be heading to work, exercising, or enjoying time outside. Suddenly, you could be facing serious injuries, medical appointments, missed work, and questions about what happens next.
At Siesky Law, we help injured people understand their legal options after an accident. If you or someone you love was hurt in a Bicycle Accident in Evansville, IN, our team is here to listen and help you understand the next steps.
Cyclists have the right to use the roads. However, they are also much more vulnerable when sharing those roads with cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Even a relatively low-speed collision can cause serious injuries because a bicyclist has very little protection during a crash.
Therefore, when another person’s negligence causes an accident, the injured cyclist may have the right to pursue compensation for their losses.
Bicycle Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries
A collision between a bicycle and a motor vehicle can have life-changing consequences. Unlike someone inside a car, a cyclist does not have a seat belt, airbags, or the protection of a steel frame.
As a result, the impact can throw the rider onto the roadway, into another vehicle, or against a fixed object.
Common injuries after a bicycle accident may include:
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Broken bones
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Head and brain injuries
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Back and spinal injuries
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Neck injuries
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Road rash
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Internal injuries
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Soft tissue injuries
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Severe cuts and lacerations
Some injuries are immediately obvious. Others, however, may take hours or even days to become noticeable.
For that reason, getting medical attention after a Bicycle Accident in Evansville, IN can be important, even when you initially believe your injuries are minor.
How Do Bicycle Accidents Happen?
Every accident is different. Nevertheless, many bicycle accidents happen because a driver fails to see a cyclist or does not give the cyclist enough space.
Distracted driving can be a serious problem. A driver looking at a phone may fail to notice a bicycle until it is too late.
Likewise, speeding can reduce the amount of time a driver has to react. Drivers who fail to obey traffic signals, yield the right-of-way, or check carefully before turning can also put cyclists in danger.
Some common causes of bicycle accidents include:
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Distracted driving
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Failure to yield
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Unsafe turns
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Speeding
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Following too closely
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Opening a vehicle door into a cyclist’s path
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Failing to check for a bicycle before changing lanes
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Driving while impaired
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Reckless driving
The facts surrounding the accident matter. Consequently, a careful review of what happened can be an important part of determining whether another party may be responsible.
What If the Driver Says You Were Partly at Fault?
After an accident, an insurance company may try to place some of the blame on the cyclist. That does not automatically mean you have no claim.
Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system in many personal injury cases. Therefore, the percentage of fault assigned to each party can be important.
For example, a cyclist may have made a mistake while riding. At the same time, the driver may have been speeding, distracted, or failed to take reasonable precautions.
The entire situation should be examined before assumptions are made about who caused the crash.
At Siesky Law, we believe the details matter. Evidence may help explain what happened and show how the actions of a driver contributed to the collision.
Evidence Can Make a Difference
Important evidence can disappear quickly after a bicycle accident. Witnesses may forget what they saw. Security camera footage may be deleted. Vehicles can be repaired before they are fully documented.
Because of this, taking action early can be helpful.
Depending on the circumstances, evidence may include photographs of the accident scene, damage to the bicycle, vehicle damage, witness statements, police reports, medical records, and available video footage.
Additionally, the condition of the roadway and weather at the time of the crash may matter.
Our team can review the circumstances surrounding your Bicycle Accident in Evansville, IN and help you understand the evidence that may be important to your case.
Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Bicycle Accident
Insurance companies often become involved soon after an accident. You may receive phone calls, requests for information, or even an early settlement offer.
Although an offer may sound helpful, it is important to understand the full extent of your injuries and losses before making important decisions.
Medical treatment can continue for weeks or months. Furthermore, some injuries can affect your ability to work and enjoy everyday activities long after the accident.
A settlement may need to account for more than your immediate medical bills.
Depending on the circumstances, an injured person may experience losses involving medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, future treatment, and other damages related to the accident.
Every case is different. As a result, there is no simple formula that can determine what a particular claim is worth without reviewing the facts.
Personal Attention When You Need It Most
At Siesky Law, we understand that most people do not expect to need a personal injury lawyer.
You may simply want to focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Meanwhile, medical bills, insurance calls, and missed work can create additional stress.
That is where having experienced legal guidance can help.
Our firm takes the time to listen to each client’s story. We do not believe your accident should be treated like just another file or claim number.
Instead, we look at the circumstances of your injury and help you understand the legal options available to you.
If another person’s negligence caused your bicycle accident, you deserve answers about your rights.
Serving Evansville and Communities Throughout Indiana
Siesky Law is proud to help injured people in Evansville, Mount Vernon, Newburgh, Boonville, Bloomington, Jasper, and Vincennes, Indiana.
Whether you had an accident in Evansville, IN or it happened on a busy Newburgh street, near your neighborhood, or on a roadway in another Indiana community, the aftermath can be overwhelming.
Fortunately, you do not have to figure everything out alone.
Our team works with injured clients who need help understanding what happened, what evidence may be available, and what legal options they may have.
Furthermore, we understand that every injury affects more than one part of your life. A serious bicycle accident can impact your family, career, finances, and future.
That is why we take the time to look at the entire picture.
What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident?
Your health should always come first. Seek emergency medical care when necessary and follow up with a medical professional if you experience pain or other symptoms.
Next, preserve information whenever possible. Take photographs of the scene and your injuries if it is safe to do so.
You should also keep records related to medical treatment, expenses, missed work, and communications from insurance companies.
If witnesses saw the accident, their contact information may also become important later.
Most importantly, avoid making assumptions about fault before all of the facts are known.
A driver or insurance company may have one version of what happened. However, evidence can tell a more complete story.
Talk With Siesky Law About Your Bicycle Accident
A serious bicycle accident can leave you facing physical, emotional, and financial challenges. However, you do not have to navigate the legal process on your own.
At Siesky Law, we help injured people understand their rights after accidents caused by negligence.
If you were injured in a Bicycle Accident in Evansville, IN, we are ready to discuss your situation and help you understand your options.
We proudly serve clients in Evansville, Mount Vernon, Newburgh, Boonville, Bloomington, Jasper, Vincennes, and surrounding Indiana communities.
The sooner you understand your rights, the better prepared you may be to make informed decisions about your future.
Contact Siesky Law today to discuss your bicycle accident and learn more about the legal options that may be available to you.
