In order to maintain control and preserve critical information after a bicycle accident in Indiana, review the following checklist:

• Check on the welfare of all drivers, passengers & bicyclists
• Call 911 – Wait for the police to arrive
• Never argue or negotiate with motorists
• Obtain driver & witness information
• Document what happened
• Make sure the police take your report & insist they prepare an official crash report
• Seek immediate medical attention and document your injuries
• Preserve evidence
• Never negotiate with insurance companies
• Seek advice from a known bicycle rights advocate

Though bicycling provides an environmentally friendly way to commute to and from work, it comes with the risk of serious injury. It’s up to the cyclist to take preventative measures such as wearing high-visibility clothing to ensure their safety while on the road. Injuries from a bicycle accident may include damage to your head causing traumatic brain injuries, your face causing scarring and disfigurement, your eyes, your muscular and skeletal systems, your chest, your abdomen, and your skin/soft tissue.

Many factors may come into play in the event of a bicycle accident, including:

• Neglecting to wear a helmet
• Riding at high speeds
• Losing control of the bicycle
• Navigating roadways with little to no experience
• Riding under the influence of alcohol or illicit substances
• Engaging in competitive riding
• Riding during the summer
• Riding a bike with a mechanical failure
• Riding despite environmental hazards like objects on the road, loose gravel, or poor road maintenance
• Riding despite the lack of bike path or lack of maintenance on a bike path

Since bicycles are much lighter than regular vehicles, cyclists may find themselves stuck at a red light because they are not heavy enough to trip the sensors which change the stoplight to green. This is why the dead red law was created. According to this law, bicyclists may proceed through a steady red light if:

• They first come to a complete stop for at least 120 seconds or
• They abide by all other Indiana traffic regulations and determine it safe to pass through the intersection

There are currently no laws requiring individuals to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle in Indiana. However, wearing a helmet that fits appropriately is strongly encouraged to protect yourself from traumatic brain injuries in the event of an accident.

Most states follow a statute of limitations for various types of accident cases that allow you to file a claim within a certain window of time. In Indiana, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. It’s important to file your claim as soon as you can while the details of the accident are still fresh in your memory.

Indiana is a shared fault state, meaning either party can be held liable for the bicycle accident if they acted negligently. As a bicyclist, a court may examine your actions in the event of the accident and determine whether or not you share any fault in causing the accident.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for economic and non-economic damages, including medical bills, pain and suffering, mental anguish and emotional damage, property damage, lost wages, and future damages.

Many entities may share liability in the event of a bicycle accident, though it’s important to remember that as a cyclist, you are not protected by several tons of steel surrounding you. You are at the greatest risk while riding a bicycle, so always operate with extreme caution. You may be able to collect damages from liable parties such as government entities responsible for maintaining the roads and pedestrians.

1. Always follow the law and obey stop signs and traffic laws
2. Ride predictably and let other motorists on the road know your intentions. Always signal turns and check before changing lanes
3. Ensure you are visible, avoid drivers’ blind spots when possible, stay off of sidewalks, wear bright reflective clothing
4. Ride defensively and predict what others on the road will do
5. Wear a helmet

Navigating personal injury cases alone can quickly become overwhelming, especially when you’re focusing on healing from your injuries. Team members of the Crossen Law Firm want you to focus on recovery after a bicycle accident and let them handle your compensation case. Crossen has the experience and determination to fight for the compensation to which you are entitled.

Bicycle accidents are unfortunately common. While the injuries and suffering after an accident cannot be undone, the right assistance from a dedicated legal team can help to make sure you are justly compensated following such a traumatic event. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to see how we can help you after your bicycle accident.