South Bend, IN Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycles are becoming more prevalent in our eco-conscious world. These efficient vehicles save on gas, eliminate traffic congestion, and provide daily exercise. People rely on their bikes for getting to work or for recreational riding. Municipalities, such as South Bend, have increased the number of bike lanes to provide safe thoroughfares for cyclists to travel. Unfortunately, with the increase in the number of bicycles on the road, the number of accidents has also increased.

Until it happens to you or someone you know, few people appreciate the risks involved in riding a bike or the seriousness of the injuries a rider can suffer in an accident. Every accident does not result in a few scrapes or bruises. In some cases, bicycle accident injuries can be severe and even life-threatening. When another’s negligent conduct caused the accident, you have every right to seek financial compensation.

Even the most careful and prudent bicyclist could be injured in an accident through no fault of their own. At the law offices of Wruck Paupore, our experienced South Bend, IN bicycle accident lawyers understand that every case is unique and every injured client has different needs. To make an appointment to evaluate your case, call (219) 322-1166.

Bicycle Accident Victims in South Bend Have Rights

As a bicycle accident victim, your legal rights and remedies are similar to someone hurt in a car crash. If you were in a bicycle accident, the first thing you should do is call 911 and request medical help. Next, if you are physically capable, you should take photographs of the accident scene, including your bike, any cars involved, the road conditions, and your injuries. This information will be helpful if you contact our South Bend personal injury lawyers or choose to work directly with an insurance company.

You should accept any medical treatment that is offered at the crash site. Treatment is crucial for your health and to prove that your injuries were a result of the crash. The initial treatment is only a part of the equation. You should see your doctor within a day or two and continue with any prescribed treatment. Some injuries will be so serious that an injured cyclist will be transported to a hospital emergency room or trauma center.

Next, you need to contact an experienced bicycle accident lawyer to understand your rights and options. At Wruck Paupore, we have the attorneys, staff, and resources to fight for your just compensation, including both past and future medical expenses, income lost because of the injury or your diminished earning capacity, and your emotional and physical pain.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in South Bend, IN

Every bicycle accident case is unique. However, if you want to hold another party financially responsible for your injuries and damages, our South Bend bicycle accident lawyers will have to prove that another party acted negligently. How your accident occurred will impact what is necessary to prove to hold the at-fault party liable.

Distracted Driving

One of the leading causes of automotive vehicle accidents is distracted driving. When a motorist is not paying attention or is focused on something other than driving, they present a heightened risk to others on the road, especially bicyclists. Glancing at a phone to read a text message could easily cause a driver to drift into a cyclist.

Driving Too Closely to a Bicycle

A driver who fails to leave an adequate buffer or drives too close to a cyclist creates an unnecessary risk. These types of drivers are not only likely to collide with a bicycle, but they also leave a cyclist very few options to avoid an accident.

Ignoring Traffic Signals and Signs

Another common cause of accidents at intersections is running red lights or stop signs. Many drivers have picked up the habit of rolling through a stop sign if they do not see another car. Unfortunately, bicycles are much smaller and can appear to come “out of nowhere.” Any time a driver fails to follow a posted traffic sign or signal, they put others at risk.

Driving While Impaired

Driving drunk, high, or even exhausted means your mental and physical capabilities are not functioning properly. Impaired drivers make poor decisions and often fail to judge distances or speeds properly. This type of driving could prove catastrophic or deadly for a bicyclist in the vicinity.

Can the Bicyclist’s Conduct Jeopardize a Personal Injury Claim in South Bend?

Indiana follows a modified comparative negligence rule regarding personal injury claims. Under this rule, an accident victim’s conduct could significantly impact their ability to obtain compensation. An insurance adjuster or defense attorney will likely allege that your conduct contributed to or caused the crash if you were injured in a bicycle accident. Even if you did not cause the collision, if a jury determines that your behavior contributed to the crash, your compensation could be substantially reduced.

A jury will be asked to determine damages and fault. Fault is proportioned by percentage among the parties involved in the crash. If you are found to be 45% to blame, your total compensation will be reduced by 45%. In cases where the bicyclist is found to be 51% or more to blame, they are prohibited from receiving any compensation. Our South Bend personal injury lawyers have years of experience combating these types of allegations.

South Bend, IN Bicycle Accident Lawyers Fighting For Your Rights

While many people walk away from a bicycle accident with a few minor cuts, others are not so lucky. You deserve to be compensated for your financial losses and pain if another person caused the accident. Our South Bend, IN bicycle accident lawyers are dedicated to fighting for injured riders. To see how Wruck Paupore can help you, call (219) 322-1166.