Bicycling is a popular form of transportation, recreation, and exercise throughout Indiana. From commuting to work to enjoying Indiana’s trails and roads, more people are choosing bicycles as part of their daily lives.
Unfortunately, sharing the road with motor vehicles can expose cyclists to serious risks. Because bicycles provide significantly less protection than passenger vehicles, collisions can result in severe injuries, even when the cyclist is following the rules of the road.
So, how common are bike accidents in Indiana? While bicycle crashes represent a smaller percentage of overall traffic crashes than motor vehicle accidents, they can have devastating consequences for those involved. Understanding why these crashes happen, and what cyclists and motorists can do to prevent them, is an important part of creating safer Indiana roads.
Indiana has continued to promote bicycling through expanded trails, bicycle infrastructure, and efforts to make communities more accessible to cyclists. However, cyclists remain vulnerable when sharing roadways with motor vehicles.
Unlike occupants of passenger vehicles, bicyclists do not have the protection of a vehicle’s frame, airbags, and seat belts. A collision with a motor vehicle can therefore result in serious injuries, including broken bones, head injuries, spinal injuries, and other long-term complications.
Even a crash that initially appears minor can result in significant medical treatment, missed work, and other expenses.
“A bicycle crash can have consequences that extend far beyond the accident itself,” says Attorney Caleb Fleschner of Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin. “Cyclists are particularly vulnerable when they are involved in a collision with a motor vehicle, and understanding what happened and who was responsible can be critical when an injured cyclist is pursuing a claim.”
Bicycle crashes can happen for many different reasons. In some cases, the cyclist or motorist may make an unexpected maneuver. In others, unsafe road conditions or inadequate infrastructure may contribute to the crash.
Some common causes of bicycle accidents include:
Distracted driving is a significant concern for everyone sharing the road. A driver looking at a phone, adjusting the radio, eating, or otherwise diverting their attention from driving may fail to see a cyclist.
Because bicycles can be smaller and more difficult to see than other vehicles, drivers need to remain particularly attentive when approaching intersections, bike lanes, and areas commonly used by cyclists.
Drivers may cause bicycle accidents by failing to yield the right of way when required. This can occur at intersections, when turning, when entering or leaving driveways, or when crossing a bicycle lane.
A failure to recognize a cyclist’s presence can result in a collision before the cyclist has an opportunity to react.
Motorists should exercise caution when passing bicyclists. Passing too closely or failing to account for the cyclist’s position on the roadway can create a dangerous situation.
Drivers should remain alert and provide cyclists with appropriate space when passing.
Excessive speed can make bicycle accidents more likely and can also increase the severity of injuries when a collision occurs.
A driver traveling too quickly may have less time to recognize a cyclist, slow down, or avoid a collision.
Road design and maintenance can also contribute to bicycle accidents. Potholes, debris, inadequate lighting, poorly designed intersections, and insufficient bicycle infrastructure may create additional hazards.
As communities throughout Indiana continue to accommodate more cyclists, safe roadway design and appropriate infrastructure can play an important role in reducing the risk of crashes.
If you are involved in a bicycle accident, your first priority should be obtaining appropriate medical attention.
If possible, you should also document the accident and preserve evidence. This may include:
It is also important to remember that injuries may not always be immediately apparent. Some injuries can develop or become more noticeable in the hours or days following a crash.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have questions about your legal rights and potential compensation.
An attorney can investigate the circumstances of the crash, gather evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and help determine whether another party may be legally responsible for your injuries.
An attorney can also help you understand the types of damages that may be available depending on the circumstances of your case, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and compensation for pain and suffering.
“After a serious bicycle accident, it can be difficult to know what steps to take next, especially when you’re focused on recovering,” Fleschner says. “Having an attorney review the circumstances of the crash can help an injured cyclist understand their options and protect their interests throughout the claims process.”
Bicycle accidents can result in serious injuries and significant financial and emotional challenges. While cyclists and motorists can take steps to make Indiana roads safer, accidents caused by negligence still occur.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, an experienced Indiana personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options.
Contact Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin to discuss your bicycle accident and learn more about how the firm may be able to help.
Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin
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The financial burden that often comes with a serious injury can be too much for many people to bear. Unexpected medical debt, damaged personal property, and the sudden loss of income can impact the budgets of most families. The good news is that a successful injury claim could help reduce that financial strain after a serious accident. Get in touch with a Terre Haute personal injury lawyer with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin to learn more.
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