Bicycle Safety and Preventative Measures in Terre Haute

Practicing bicycle safety and preventative measures in Terre Haute involves more than just wearing your helmet. Following traffic laws, staying visible, and avoiding distractions are key parts of defensive cycling.

However, taking all the precautions possible cannot prevent every crash. Many bicycle collisions happen because of driver inattention or aggressive behavior. A driver who fails to yield, speeds through an intersection, or turns without checking blind spots can cause severe injuries, even if you acted responsibly. In those cases, the driver may be liable for the resulting harm, and you can file a personal injury claim against them.

What Safety Measures Can You Take to Protect Yourself?

Following the rules of the road in Terre Haute is important for bike safety and avoiding crashes. Cyclists must ride with the flow of traffic, signal their turns, and stop at intersections if required, just like a motorist. Maintaining awareness of your surroundings and avoiding distractions like your phone or noise-canceling headphones helps keep you focused and ready to react. You should also wear bright or reflective clothing and use both front and rear lights while riding in dark conditions.

Conditions That Increase Bicycle Accident Risk

The Terre Haute environment also plays a significant role in bike safety and accident prevention. Some streets and intersections may not have proper bike infrastructure, and poor road conditions can increase your risk of an accident. Common hazards that cause cyclists to lose control include:

• Uneven pavement.
• Loose gravel.
• Large potholes.
• Broken sidewalks.

Additionally, inadequate road lighting makes it harder for drivers to see cyclists at night. Roadways without designated bike lanes or shoulders can also force cyclists to ride closer to moving traffic, leaving little room for error.

Vehicle and bicycle crash cases often result in a driver being liable for the accident. However, if a government agency or property owner failed to fix a known hazard and that failure led to your injuries, they may be held legally responsible. Our attorneys understand how to gather the right evidence and identify who may be liable in these types of claims.

Injuries and Damages Resulting from Bicycle Crashes

Cyclists hit by vehicles or thrown from their bikes often suffer injuries that affect them for months or the rest of their lives. Practicing bicycle safety and wearing a helmet can help, but they cannot prevent all harm in a collision in Terre Haute. Common injuries include broken bones, bruises and abrasions, and brain trauma—all injuries that can be severe enough to leave permanent disfigurement and/or disability. Economic damages you can claim for these injuries may include medical bills, lost wages, and future health care needs.

Beyond physical pain, many cyclists experience a loss of enjoyment of life. You may be unable to return to work for weeks or longer, which can lead to lost wages and mounting financial stress. Activities that once brought you joy may no longer be possible. All of these losses can be part of a claim as non-economic damages for the pain and emotional trauma suffered due to someone else’s negligence.

Let our lawyers work to recover compensation that reflects the full scope of your experience, not just the initial medical expenses.

Discuss Bicycle Safety and Preventative Measures with Our Team in Terre Haute

You can reduce your risk of accidents on the road by practicing bicycle safety and preventative measures in Terre Haute, but not every danger is within your control. If another person or entity caused your bicycle crash, you deserve legal support to help you move forward. Contact Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin to learn how our attorneys can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.