LaPorte County Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Common Injuries From Bicycle Accidents

Because bicyclists have virtually no protection in a crash, they are at a higher risk of severe injuries. Some common injuries resulting from bicycle wrecks include:

• Head injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Lacerations and abrasions
• Internal injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Torn ligaments

Care for these life-altering injuries can be costly and long-term. A LaPorte County bicycle accident lawyer can help you seek compensation to cover these expenses.

Causes of Bicycle Wrecks

Reckless behavior from drivers or road hazards are common causes of bicycle accidents in LaPorte County. Other ways bicycle wrecks happen in Indiana include:

• Unsafe road conditions: Potholes, debris, or poorly maintained roads
• Dooring accidents: Drivers opening car doors without checking for bicyclists
• Failure to follow traffic laws: Drivers running red lights or stop signs
• Driving under the influence: Motorists impaired by alcohol or drugs
• Weather conditions: Rain, fog, or snow can create slippery surfaces and reduced visibility
• Inadequate signage: Poorly marked bike lanes or intersections that don’t account for cyclists’ safety.

As long as an accident and injury was caused by the negligence of another, a LaPorte County bicycle accident lawyer can review your case and determine if you can seek compensation.

Negligence Law in LaPorte County Bicycle Accident Cases

Bicycle accidents fall under personal injury law, which is based on the concept of negligence. Negligence refers to the failure to exercise reasonable care, which results in harm to another party. Indiana follows a modified comparative negligence standard, meaning a person can recover damages as long as they are less than 50% at fault for the accident.

• If the motorist is partially at fault: For example, if the driver is found to be 20% responsible, they can only recover 80% of their claimed damages.
• The 51% Rule: If a bicyclist is found to be 50% or more at fault, they are barred from recovering any damages.

Negligence law has five key elements that must be proven for a successful claim:

• Duty of care: The defendant had a legal obligation to act with caution
• Breach: The defendant violated this duty through action or inaction
• Cause in fact: The breach directly caused the accident
• Proximate cause: The accident was a foreseeable result of the breach
• Damages: The plaintiff suffered actual financial harm as a result of the accident.

A skilled lawyer can help prove negligence by thoroughly reviewing evidence such as witness statements, accident reports, and video footage. By building a strong case with this information, your attorney can fight for your compensation.

How a LaPorte County, Indiana Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Help

A LaPorte County bicycle accident lawyer can investigate the accident by searching for evidence to prove negligence. This includes collecting documents, such as a police report, insurance information, and other important records. In addition to gathering evidence, your attorney will evaluate the full extent of your injuries, considering both immediate and long-term recovery needs. This includes calculating future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and any diminished earning capacity caused by the injury. Your lawyer will use this information to negotiate with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement.

f the case goes to trial, your attorney will represent you in court, presenting the evidence and advocating for the maximum compensation to cover your physical, emotional, and financial damages.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, contact us today for skilled legal representation and let us help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.

Set up your free case evaluation and consultation by calling 219-999-0122, filling out this FREE online form or using LiveChat.