Indianapolis Riding Against Traffic Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycling has become increasingly popular in Indiana over the past decade as more and more people take advantage of the numerous benefits this form of transportation offers. Whether commuting to work or school, going for a long ride for exercise, or a leisurely ride to enjoy the outdoors, cyclists are more frequently seen on the roads, and that trend is expected to continue.

Cyclists enjoy physical, economic, and environmental benefits. Riding a bike is an excellent form of exercise, and commuting by bicycle is a cheaper commuter option that allows riders to bypass heavy traffic conditions, particularly in busy urban centers like Indianapolis. This alternative is also a much cleaner option for the environment than cars.

Unfortunately, one of the most significant consequences of increased bicycle traffic is an increase in bicycle and motor vehicle accidents. The consequences of crashes between a bike and a car are often catastrophic, especially when the cyclist is riding in the wrong direction toward oncoming traffic.

As the Indianapolis bicycle accident lawyer of choice, Vaughn A. Wamsley is right to assist those affected by these devastating events. Our experienced team will fight for the justice you deserve while holding the responsible parties accountable.

Bicycle Accidents are Increasingly Common

Accidents between bicycles and cars are hazardous for cyclists due to the disparity in vehicle size, speed, and protection offered. The outcomes from these collisions are often highly devastating for the cyclists involved, causing severe or fatal injuries while upending the lives of both victims and their families.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 1,100 cyclists died as a result of accidents, representing 2.6 percent of all fatalities on the roads. That figure marked an 11 percent increase from the previous year, and the trend is expected to continue to rise in correlation with increased bicycle usage.

Indiana falls right in line with the national trends in bicycle crashes and fatalities, as the NHTSA noted 16 cyclist deaths in the state in 2022. The majority of accidents involving bikes in vehicles occurred in the most populated areas like Indianapolis.

Devastating bicycle accidents are unpredictable, but they continue to occur. If you or a loved one has been involved, know you can find a trusted and experienced bike accident lawyer near me who will advocate for you and your family.

Understanding the Dangers of Riding Against Traffic

Indiana has taken many steps to support the increase in cycling as a transportation mode, promoting active lifestyles while reducing pollution from motor vehicles. These steps include developing trails and supporting cities like Indianapolis in designating bike-specific lanes. However, bikes and motor vehicles are often nearby, creating dangers for cyclists with much less protection than drivers.

Some cyclists believe riding in the opposite direction of traffic is safer because they can see oncoming traffic. However, this is much more dangerous. Just the opposite is true. Riding against traffic increases the chances of an accident while reducing reaction and stopping time for oncoming vehicles.

Additionally, wrong-way cycling can lead to a head-on collision with an oncoming vehicle, which is the most devastating for cyclists. According to the NHTSA, more than 82 percent of all fatal bicycle accidents involved a collision with the front of a motor vehicle in 2022.

Indiana law follows the safety data in mandating cyclists ride in the same direction as traffic. However, failure to follow these guidelines does not excuse other parties, including vehicle operators, for negligence contributing to an accident.

Therefore, if you’ve been involved in a wrong-way cyclist crash, you’ll want to contact a top-rated bike accident lawyer in Indianapolis to learn more about your legal rights.

Common Injuries in Wrong-Way Bicycle Accidents

Cyclists are at a tremendous disadvantage when involved in a collision with a motor vehicle, particularly a head-on collision occurring when riding against traffic. The oncoming vehicle, which is much heavier than the bike and often travels faster, creates dangerous impacts for the cyclist, who has little protection beyond a helmet and padding.

We have successfully represented clients whose injuries included:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) -Wrong-way cyclist accidents often lead to severe head injuries, including concussions and other severe brain trauma.
• Spinal Cord Injuries – Victims may suffer severe injuries to their neck, back, and spinal cord, including full or partial paralysis.
• Broken Bones – The impact of these collisions frequently results in multiple broken bones and fractures.
• Severe Lacerations and Road Rash – Impacts with motor vehicles and the resulting fall onto the road often result in severe wounds, lacerations, and road rash while sliding on the highway.

• Internal Injuries – The force of these collisions often causes damage to internal organs.
• Emotional Trauma – Such devastating accidents leave victims with severe emotional trauma and could include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Injuries sustained in a wrong-way bicycle accident are often very severe and require prolonged hospital stays, ongoing medical treatment, and rehabilitation. This recovery also leads to missed time at work and even reduced earning potential, which can quickly add a substantial financial burden to you and your family.

As the most trusted riding against traffic bike accident attorney in Indianapolis, our role is to assist you in your recovery by fighting legal battles to ensure you receive compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial challenges brought about by your accident.

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 Bicycle Laws

Indiana is mindful of the increasing reliance on bicycles as a transportation method and exercise activity. The state promotes cyclists’ safety through several laws. This legislation guides the actions of both bike riders and motor vehicles operating in the vicinity of cyclists.

Some relevant laws include:

• The Same Rules Apply to Cyclists—Cyclists must adhere to the same laws that apply to motorists, including traveling in the same direction as traffic on their side of the road and following appropriate traffic control signals.
• Motorists Must Share the Road—When passing beside a bicycle, Motorists must leave at least three feet of clearance.
• Modified Comparative Fault – Indiana follows a modified comparative fault rule, which states that accident victims may claim damages if they are less than 51 percent at fault for the incident. Compensation may be reduced by the percentage of the victim at fault in the collision.
• Statute of Limitations—According to Indiana’s statute of limitations, Personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of the accident in most cases.

As the top-rated riding against traffic bike accident attorney in Indianapolis, Vaughn A. Wamsley understands the complex legal statutes governing wrong-way bike accidents.

Even if you were traveling against traffic, we can help you secure compensation based on the negligence of drivers and other parties, which could have prevented the accident.

What to Do If You’re In a Wrong-Way Bike Accident

Following a ride against a traffic bike accident, the steps you take are vital for your health and well-being and for protecting your legal rights.

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

1. Call 911 – First responders can quickly aid injured parties while police will gather evidence and file a report of the accident.
2. Get Medical Attention – Make sure a medical professional evaluates you to diagnose and treat injuries, including non-apparent ones.
3. Document the Scene – Take pictures of the accident scene, property damage, and any visible injuries to provide visual evidence of the conditions of the crash.
4. Collect Contact Information – Get contact information for the driver, their insurance company, medical providers, and police who assist at the scene.
5. Call a Bike Accident Lawyer – A bike accident lawyer near me can provide valuable guidance on how to move forward with your case.

We understand that you are likely to be overwhelmed in the aftermath of an accident and that attending to your medical needs is paramount. We pride ourselves on helping victims recover by compassionately guiding our clients through the legal process following a crash.

How Vaughn A. Wamsley Can Help

Here at Vaughn A. Wamsley, we understand that most riding against traffic bike accidents could be prevented if drivers used proper caution and followed Indiana’s motor vehicle laws. Traffic patterns and bike lines are sometimes poorly designed and force cyclists to ride toward oncoming traffic.

We fight on behalf of our clients to hold all negligent parties accountable and make the roadways safer for everyone. We have a strong track record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients, securing maximum compensation for all of your damages suffered, including:

• Medical care, including short-term, ongoing, and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and reduced earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage

Our experienced team leaves no stone unturned as we build compelling client cases. We thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your case, establish negligible parties, and work tirelessly to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has been involved in a wrong-way cyclist accident, you deserve to have the most trusted Indianapolis riding-against-traffic bike accident lawyer on your side. Contact us today for a free consultation.

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident while riding against traffic, you don’t have to face this challenging time alone. As a bicycle accident lawyer near you, we are ready to fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Together, we can take the first step toward justice and healing. Let us show you that you are not just a client to us—you are part of our community, and we are here to support you.