Bicycle Accident Attorneys Indianapolis, IN
Experienced Indianapolis Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Whether you bike for fun, for sport or to commute, bicycling is an enjoyable, “green” way to get around. With miles of accessible bike lanes in Indianapolis and Marion County, energy conservationists have an easier — and presumably safer — time cycling in the city. However, careless motorists still pose a serious threat to bike riders’ health and well-being; a collision could cause and catastrophic injuries or even death. Not all cycling accidents are caused by motorized vehicles. Cyclists are also injured because of poor surface maintenance, faulty engineering, inadequate or non-existent signs.
If your bicycle is crashed as the result of driver negligence, your bike accident lawyer may make a claim of compensation for the following damages:
Economic Damages – economic damages include compensation for monetary losses that are quantitatively measured and objectively verifiable such as:
- Property damage – includes cost to repair or replace your bicycle, loss or damage to personal property
- Injuries – including, but not limited to brain and spinal cord injuries, etc.
- Medical bills – these may include ambulance, emergency room (ER), emergency room physicians and radiologists, imaging, hospital, surgery, rehab, physical therapy, etc.
- Lost wages – loss of wages and/or future earning capacity (expert consulting witnesses may be employed to formulate a reliable and trustworthy monetary value)
Non-Economic Damages – unverifiable and subjective losses for harms and may include:
- Pain and suffering – including chronic severe pain and physical trauma, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, etc.
- Loss of consortium – this is a claim that may be made by your spouse for loss of companionship or affection
- Death of a loved one – this is a claim that might be brought by a spouse, child or other family member of the deceased person
Choose a firm experienced with bicycle accident cases
Cycling becomes very dangerous when bike riders share the roads with cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Even with the addition of bike lanes and right of way laws, many drivers are reckless around bicycles. Many motor vehicle drivers do not notice bicycles. Their inattentiveness leads to many injuries in bicycle crashes. Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers is dedicated to helping bike accident victims obtain just compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and other accident-related expenses. Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers understands bicycle accidents could possibly result in serious injuries; damage that could require costly medical procedures, therapy, and even long-term medical care.
Bicycle injuries may be similar to motorcycle accident injuries as bicycle accident victims have very little to protect them during an encounter with another vehicle or crash. Victims tend to suffer from broken bones, head trauma, internal injuries, crushed limbs, spinal cord injuries, and even death. An Indianapolis personal injury attorney from Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers will make sure that you receive the fair compensation you deserve to pay for expenses resulting from injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in or around Indianapolis, or anywhere in the state of Indiana, contact attorney Charlie Ward to learn more about your rights. Call Charlie today at 317-639-9501 for an evaluation of your case.
Wrongful Death Bike Accident Lawyer
Cycling can be a healthy and enjoyable activity. Unfortunately, it can end in a needless fatality because of the negligent actions of another driver or party. Every year, cyclists of all ages die on major roads, bike paths, and small side streets. Sadly, a number of these victims are children and teenagers. In 2015, 818 people lost their lives while riding a bicycle. The increase between 2006 and 2015 was 6 percent. Because cycling is becoming increasingly popular, and more drivers are driving a vehicle under the influence of distractions, this number will sadly rise in the coming years. When such heartbreaking accidents occur, and negligence is the major factor, justice is the only solution. The bicycle accident attorneys Indianapolis, IN trusts at Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers are committed to holding drivers and other responsible parties accountable for their actions. If you would like a free case review with an experienced bike accident lawyer, call Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers
Common Causes of Bike Accident Fatalities
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 69% of cycling fatalities happen in urban areas. Regardless of where a cyclist perishes, whether in the city or countryside, the following causes are often a factor in the accident:
- Poor judgment
- Speeding
- Failing to yield
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- The driver turns right or left ahead of cyclist
- Door-opening accidents
- Clipping accidents
When a Fatality Occurs
Under Indianapolis law, cyclists have the right to ride a bike on the road. When a driver of a vehicle causes a fatal bike accident, they may be liable for a wrongful death claim. This is particularly true when negligence is a factor. In general immediate family members can file a wrongful death bike accident claim. Although it is possible to do so without Indianapolis bicycle accident attorneys, we don’t recommend it. When choosing a bike accident lawyer, you should ensure the firm has experience in both vehicle and bicycle law as well as wrongful death claims. Compensation for any medical expenses, lost future income, loss of consortium, funeral costs, and more may be available. There are statutes of limitations to filing a wrongful death claim. The sooner you start, the better the chances of recovering the compensation you need and deserve.
Indianapolis Bicycle Accident Attorneys You Can Rely On
Losing a beloved family member because of negligence can be devastating to the surviving family members. Many casualties are young and had their entire life ahead of them. Regardless of the circumstances, our bicycle accident attorneys in Indianapolis, IN will remain sympathetic and respectful of your family’s loss. We will be honest about your legal options and let you know what you can expect. If we are unsuccessful in recovering a settlement through negotiations, we may proceed to a trial by jury. It is our goal to recover maximum damages. Although it cannot bring your loved one back, you may feel that a wrongful death claim provides some justice. If you would like to learn more about a wrongful death bike accident claim, please call the bicycle accident attorneys Indianapolis, IN trusts from Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers today. There are NO FEES unless we win your case.