A Bike Accident Lawyer Indianapolis, IN Relies On Can Help
For decades, we have been representing:
- Families of cyclists who lost their lives to a cycling accident
- Bicyclists who were doored or struck by a motor vehicle
- Delivery cyclists who were injured while working
- Cyclists who were hit by an uninsured driver
- Recreational bicyclists injured from road debris or a defect
- Cyclists whose bike malfunctioned while riding
- Victims of road rage
Whether you are a family member or victim, if you were injured while riding a bicycle, our law firm would like to listen to what you have to say.
Meet Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers
Since opening our law firm in 1994, we have been representing personal injury victims, including bicyclists. As cycling enthusiasts, our bicycle injury lawyers have a real-world understanding of the issues that cyclists face every day on the roads, bike lanes, and paved pathways. A cyclist must pay close attention to obstacles, pedestrians, other cyclists, animals, road defects, and, of course, drivers. When an accident does happen, the cyclist often faces serious injuries that could be debilitating, permanent, or life-threatening. We understand the medical, financial, and legal issues that can plague an injured cyclist, and are ready to step in to help.
Why Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers?
When you choose to retain a bike accident lawyer from our firm, you can feel confident in knowing we:
- Are well-versed in the cycling laws, as well as personal injury laws, that apply in Indianapolis, IN
- Continue to educate ourselves on recent changes in legislation
- Understand how the local court procedures work (as they can vary from one city to another)
- Have a skilled team of associates, paralegals, and staff to assist us in our casework
- Are equipped with the necessary resources to build a case
- Take the discovery process seriously and will leave no stone unturned
- Are not afraid of insurance companies threats, manipulation, or tactics
- Will be ready to go to trial
- Have recovered substantial settlements in personal injury claims
- Can offer you support and honesty
- Will not settle for less than what you deserve
Call now for a complimentary consultation, or read more about why cyclists choose our firm to represent them.
The Needs of Our Clients Comes First
We don’t measure our success by case numbers and settlement amounts; we measure it by our clients’ objectives. Every client who comes to our firm has a transparent relationship with the lawyer who is handling their case. Together, they will review the finite details and ensure that everything is carefully considered. We understand that our clients are often seeking more than money — they often want some kind of justice, especially when serious injuries or a death is a factor. Our clients’ needs and wishes are considered throughout the case process, and we seek to do whatever is legally possible to reach a fair outcome.
Treatment and medical expenses concerns
One of the most common concerns of cyclists is getting the right medical treatment without any delays. Depending on the state you are in, this could be very difficult. For example, some states have no-fault laws, which makes a victim rely on their own no-fault insurance. Other states have capped health premiums for cycling accidents. In both scenarios, the victim may have to pay out-of-pocket medical bills that can easily cost thousands of dollars.
Money for your medical bills
The thought of having to find money to cover exorbitant medical bills for something you were not at fault for can be very upsetting. Rest assured, we believe that you should not have to worry about these costs, or other losses, and we work diligently to recover as much compensation as possible.
What should I do if I was hit by a car?
The first thing you should do is to call the police and obtain a police report. Take photos of the accident and your injuries, and besides asking for contact information, do not speak to anyone but the officer on the scene.
It is important you then seek medical treatment, as not all of your injuries could be visible. Some personal injury victims think they have to wait until after their trial is over to see a doctor, but your health and wellness comes first!
Is there anything I shouldn’t do when it comes to my accident?
You will want to refrain from speaking to anyone, especially if bike accident lawyers in Indianapolis, IN representing the driver call you. This is because it is easy to say something that may jeopardize your case down the road — it is always better to have your lawyer speak on your behalf and work as your legal advocate in all forms of communication.
What happens if I don’t have car insurance?
You don’t have to worry about being represented by a car insurance company if you have been hit by a car. The driver’s car insurance will cover any damages awarded to you.
How long do I have to contact an attorney?
It is important that you contact an attorney as soon as possible after you have been injured. This is because personal injury cases have a specific statute of limitations and if you wait too long, you may not have all the evidence you need to make a specific case.
How much is my case worth?
It is hard to estimate the value of your case simply because every case differs with what kind of damages can be awarded.
What types of damages can I expect to receive?
In most personal injury cases, it is common to receive compensation to cover your pain and suffering, medical and insurance bills, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity.
Do I have to accept the first offer I am given?
No, you do not have to accept the first offer. If you do not feel that your offer is representative of what you deserve, you may wish to deny it and have your bike accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IN continue to negotiate a settlement.
Will I have to go to trial?
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court, but if the parties involved cannot come to an agreement, you may have to bring your case to a judge to decide.
A personal injury lawsuit doesn’t have to be complex when you have a legal advocate navigating the road ahead of you. Our bike accident lawyers in Indianapolis, IN are here to help protect your rights, so schedule a consultation today to learn more.
Damages Victims Can Recover
Indianapolis, IN cyclists who have been injured by a negligent driver or road obstacle may be entitled to a broad range of compensation. Compensatory damages are typically separated into two different categories: economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
Injuries you receive while riding a motorcycle may entitle you to recover economic damages. These damages refer to financial losses that you can calculate in monetary terms based on the circumstances of your case. A bike accident lawyer can review your case and help you to recover the following economic damages.
Medical Treatment
This includes all past, future, and current expenses related to the injury. Examples would consist of ambulance, airlift, hospitalization, surgery, medical visits, medication, rehabilitation, and so forth.
Loss of Earning Capacity/ Lost Wages
If you are unable to work or have a permanent disability, you may seek compensation for the inability to earn an income in the future. Any necessary time off from work may become part of the claim.
Loss of Personal Property, Repair, and Replacement
You may recover damages to your bicycle, gear, phone, helmet, cam, or anything else of value.
Missed Duties or Activities
If you had duties to, for example, clean your house, and you now need a housecleaner, you may include this in the claim. Furthermore, if you missed out on a concert, vacation, retreat, sporting event, or other expensive activity, you can ask your lawyer to recover the costs.
Non-Economic Damages
The most distressing consequences of injuries are the loss of pleasure and the enjoyment of daily life. As a result, mental anguish can lead to losses considered as non-economic damages. Non-economic damages, also known as general damages, compensate for harms that are subjective and difficult to quantify. Examples include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment in daily life
Pain and Suffering and Loss of Enjoyment in Daily Life
These non-economic damages are two completely different legal concepts. Pain and suffering refer to mental and physical pain, anguish, and inconvenience that resulted from the injury. Loss of enjoyment refers to compelling and necessary alterations to make in your lifestyle. For example, if you receive a disability from an accident, you may no longer be able to ride a bicycle. And if biking was your passion, this would exemplify a loss of enjoyment.
Emotional Anguish
Emotional anguish can be related to pain and suffering.
Loss of Consortium
A bike injury could lead to problems in a relationship with your spouse or partner. Damages for loss of consortium are the loss of your spouse’s companionship. We define these losses as care, affection, protection, and moral support.
Other damages may be available depending on your case. Turn to a bike accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IN that clients trust to discuss your options.
Contact Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers
Client Review
“All of my interactions with Charlie Ward have been very good. He is very knowledgeable in his field of expertise. He is personable and practical in his approach to situations and issues.”
Sandra B.
