Bloomington Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Like many cities nationwide, Bloomington has seen more bicycles on the roads in recent years. More and more cyclists enjoy the health benefits, financial savings, and freedom of commuting by bicycle while favoring this environmentally friendly travel method.

Unfortunately, this rise in cycling has also been accompanied by increased traffic accidents between motor vehicles and bicycles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 50,000 people are injured annually in bicycle accidents, with 1,105 cyclists losing their lives in 2022.

As the most trusted accident attorney in Bloomington, Vaughn A. Wamsley has seen how devastating bicycle accidents can be. These incidents often result in severe injuries that require lengthy and costly recoveries, while victims also face challenging emotional burdens.

We advocate for the safety of cyclists and strive to make our cities safer for everyone by holding motorists accountable for causing bicycle crashes.

Bicycle Accidents Are Too Common in Bloomington

According to the Indiana University Public Policy Institute, nearly 800 people are injured in bicycle accidents on Indiana roads each year. Most of these incidents occur in and around cities like Bloomington, where busy streets and heavy automobile traffic increase the risk cyclists face daily.

Bicycle accidents are on the rise not because of increased traffic but rather primarily due to motorists’ negligence. Despite laws designed to protect cyclists, drivers who fail to abide by these regulations may cause sideswipe, rear-end, or head-on collisions with cyclists or recklessly or intentionally force them off the road.

Indiana has made many advances in enhancing bicycle safety measures through legislation and the construction of bike trails and lanes. However, the state and cities still have work to do to make our roadways safer for cyclists, as Indiana ranks in the middle of the pack among the safest states for bicycles in the U.S.

At Vaughn A. Wamsley, you can be assured that you have a bicycle accident lawyer near me who constantly advocates for bicycle safety in your city. We hold at-fault drivers accountable for their negligence so that cyclists injured in accidents get the justice and compensation they deserve.

Bicycle Accidents Devastate Lives

Bicycle accidents can permanently alter lives in the blink of an eye. Cyclists involved in collisions with motor vehicles are at an extreme disadvantage due to the size difference between vehicles and having little to protect them from initial and secondary impacts.

Injuries suffered by cyclists in traffic accidents are often devastating and life-altering. Some of the most common injuries we have seen when representing bicycle accident victims include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Even when wearing helmets, cyclists often suffer severe head injuries, including concussions and other trauma to the brain.
• Spinal Cord Injuries – Riders thrown from their bikes often injure their back, neck, and spinal cord and may be fully or partially paralyzed.
• Internal Injuries – The impacts of an accident frequently lead to damage to internal organs that can be severe and even life-threatening.
• Broken Bones – Impacts from accidents often cause multiple fractures and broken bones across the body.
• Road Rash – Bicycle accidents often end with the rider sliding on the traffic surface, leading to severe road rash and additional lacerations.
• Emotional Trauma – The mental toll following a bicycle accident adds emotional trauma to the victims and may include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

As the leading Bloomington bicycle accident lawyer, Vaughn A. Wamsley supports victims in their recovery by handling complex legal battles so they can focus on their physical and mental well-being.

While we understand that no amount of money can undo the injuries suffered, we fight to secure the compensation you deserve to help ease the financial stress following an accident.

What Causes Bicycle Accidents in Bloomington?

The vast majority of bicycle accidents in Bloomington are caused by others’ negligence. While motorists are often at fault due to carelessness, failure to abide by traffic laws, or impatience, other conditions can contribute to these accidents, leaving additional parties liable.

The most common causes of bicycle accidents in Bloomington are:

• Distracted Driving – Motorists distracted by texting, phone calls, or technologies pose a significant risk to cyclists.
• Failure to Yield – Drivers are required to yield to cyclists just as they do to other vehicles. Failure to do so often causes accidents.
• Dooring Incidents – When drivers or passengers do not look around before opening their doors or opening them into bike lanes, it can cause a bicycle to crash.
• Aggressive Driving – Motorists are sometimes impatient with cyclists and may recklessly or deliberately collide with a bike or force it off the road.
• Speeding – Motorists who exceed posted speed limits have reduced reaction time to avoid cyclists.
• Impaired Driving – Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs may cause a bicycle accident due to impaired judgment and reduced reaction time.
• Road Conditions – Poorly maintained roads with potholes, large cracks, and debris are under construction or feature a design flaw that may create the conditions that cause an accident. In this case, the entity responsible for maintaining or designing the road may be liable.

As the top-rated bicycle accident lawyer in Bloomington, Vaughn A. Wamsley thoroughly investigates each case to determine all the factors that contributed to the accident. We hold all responsible parties accountable so that you can receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

Vaughn Knows What You Are Going Through

You Don’t Pay Unless We Win

Time Is Not On Your Side After An Accident. Call Vaughn Wamsley NOW.

317-846-1080

Indiana’s Laws Protecting Cyclists

Indiana supports the growing use of bicycles, promoting healthy lifestyles and environmentally conscious transportation methods. Additionally, the state strives to keep cyclists safe through laws it has passed that provide the framework for legal claims following an accident.

Relevant state laws include:

• Bicycles Are Vehicles – Bicycles are treated the same as other vehicles on Indiana’s roads and have the same rights and responsibilities to ensure their safety.
• Safe Passing Distance – Passed in 2019, this Indiana law requires vehicles to leave at least three feet of space when overtaking a bicycle.
• Comparative Fault Rule – Indiana features a modified comparative fault rule. This law means that accident victims may be entitled to compensation if they are less than 51 percent at fault. Their compensation may be reduced by how much they contributed to the incident.
• Statutes of Limitations – Personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident date in most cases, according to state law.
• Damages Available – Compensation accident victims are entitled to include medical costs, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.

Bicycle safety is only possible when everyone on the roads follows the law, but unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. As the top bicycle accident attorney in Bloomington, Vaughn A. Wamsley understands motorists who don’t follow the rules need to be held accountable for these laws to be enforced.

Our experienced and desiccated team thoroughly investigates each accident to determine fault while building a strong case to achieve justice and get victims the compensation they are entitled to.

What To Do If You Are In a Bicycle Accident

The immediate aftermath of a bicycle accident can be chaotic and overwhelming. However, understanding what to do following a bike crash is critical for your physical well-being and to protect your legal rights.

If you’ve been in a bicycle accident, be sure to:

• Call 911 – First responders will assist anyone who is injured while police will begin gathering evidence and documenting the accident.
• Get Medical Attention – Medical professionals can diagnose and treat obvious and non-apparent injuries while filing medical reports on your health.
• Document the Scene – Take pictures of the scene, including visible injuries, property damage, and any conditions that may have led to the accident.
• Secure Contact Information – Get contact information from anyone involved in the crash, their insurance information, and any witnesses.
• Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney – A top-rated bicycle accident lawyer in Bloomington can provide valuable guidance regarding your legal options.

As the most-trusted Bloomington bicycle accident lawyer, Vaughn A. Wamsley compassionately supports victims and strives to ease their burden after an accident. Our team will fight the difficult legal battles so you can focus on your recovery.

We Are Ready to Fight for the Justice and Compensation You Deserve

Following a bicycle accident, victims need a compassionate advocate who understands the breadth of their damages. That’s where Vaughn A. Wamsley comes in. We treat each client as a family member, offering personalized attention and keeping them updated at each step.

We have a proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes through negotiation and litigation, securing maximum compensation for the damages accident victims suffer through no fault.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, contact us today to discover how we can help you move forward.