Indianapolis Sideswipe Bicycle Accident Lawyer

As Indiana’s residents become increasingly conscious of their health, finances, and the environment, bicycling has become increasingly popular. More and more people are hopping on bikes for exercise, sightseeing, and commuting to work while beating traffic in places like Indianapolis.

Unfortunately, more bikes on the roads have also led to more accidents between cyclists and motor vehicles. These collisions, particularly sideswipe incidents caused by a passing motorist, are often devastating for victims and their families, causing serious injuries and death.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), more than 1,100 cyclists died on America’s roadways. Of these fatalities, nearly 90 percent were caused by a collision with a motor vehicle. Cyclists fortunate enough to survive an accident with a motor vehicle often suffer severe injuries, emotional challenges, and financial hardships that make an already difficult situation even worse.

Vaughn A. Wamsley and his team have seen the devastation of sideswipe bicycle accidents on victims and their families. We pride ourselves on assisting victims through their recovery by fighting to recover the compensation they deserve while bringing justice to those who caused their damages.

The first step is to contact our experienced Indianapolis bicycle accident lawyer to schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim.

Understanding Sideswipe Bicycle Accidents

A sideswipe bicycle accident occurs when a motor vehicle traveling in the same direction as the cyclist does not leave enough room when passing and either collides with the bicycle or forces it into other objects or off the road entirely.

Though many sideswipe incidents involve a collision between the overtaking car and the cyclist, sideswipe crashes frequently occur without impact. Non-impact sideswipe crashes happen when a vehicle fails to give the bicycle enough room to operate safely, causing the cyclist to crash.

Causes of Sideswipe Bicycle Accidents

Most sideswipe bicycle accidents are avoidable and are frequently caused by the negligence of other parties. Cyclists often cannot avoid these collisions as they typically don’t have anywhere else to go on the road and can’t see and react quickly enough to the vehicle passing them too closely.

Common causes of sideswipe accidents we have seen include:

• Failure to Leave a Safe Distance – Indiana law requires motorists to leave at least three feet of space between the car and any bicycles. Failure to abide by this regulation leads to many sideswipe crashes.
• Distracted Driving – Drivers distracted by texting or other technologies in the car often don’t see cyclists until it is too late.
• Aggressive Driving – Motorists who dangerously operate their vehicles or get impatient with bicycles may recklessly or intentionally cause a sideswipe accident with a cyclist.
• Speeding – Vehicles traveling faster than posted speed limits have much less time to safely go around a bicycle, especially when traffic is approaching from the opposite direction.
• Driving Under the Influence – Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs have reduced ability to operate a motor vehicle, particularly around cyclists, safely.
• Road Conditions—Sometimes, road conditions suddenly become dangerous for motorists and cyclists due to potholes, lane narrowing, or design. In these instances, the government agency responsible for the roadway may be negligent.

As Indianapolis’s most trusted sideswipe bicycle accident attorney, Vaughn A. Wamsley understands the factors that can contribute to a sideswipe crash. We work tirelessly to hold all negligible parties accountable while fighting for the compensation you are entitled to.

Common Injuries Resulting From Sideswipe Bicycle Crashes

Cyclists’ injuries in a sideswipe accident are often severe. They are particularly vulnerable in these types of crashes due to the disparity in size between motor vehicles and bicycles and the speed at which the car and bike are traveling.

Common injuries from sideswipe bicycle accidents include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Even though most cyclists wear helmets, severe head injuries are common in these incidents, including concussions and other traumatic brain injuries.
• Spinal Cord Injuries – Sideswipe accidents can lead to severe injuries to the neck, back, and spinal cord, including full and partial paralysis.
• Broken Bones – The impacts sustained in sideswipe crashes frequently leave cyclists with multiple fractures and broken bones throughout their bodies.
• Internal Injuries – Bike riders often suffer damage to their internal organs that can be life-threatening following these types of crashes.
• Lacerations and Road Rash – With little to protect their bodies, cyclists often have severe lacerations across their bodies along with road rash from sliding on the road surface.
• Emotional Trauma – The devastation and physical injuries can cause severe emotional trauma for victims, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Victims of sideswipe bicycle accidents often suffer a long list of serious injuries, which can leave them hospitalized for long periods and a long medical journey to recovery. This physical recovery time also keeps victims from work and extracts an emotional toll as all the financial costs continue to mount.

As the Indianapolis sideswipe bicycle accident lawyer of choice, Vaughn A. Wamsley is ready to assist victims and their families during these most challenging times. We help accident victims rebuild their lives by fighting for the justice and compensation they 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 Relevant to Sideswipe Biking Accidents

Indiana supports the continued growth in the use of bicycles and promotes safety through several laws. This legislation governs the actions of both motorists and cyclists on the road to reduce the risk of accidents while also helping determine fault and negligence in the event of a crash.

Relevant state laws pertaining to sideswipe bicycle accidents include:

• Safe Passing Distance – In 2019, Indiana enacted legislation requiring motorists to leave at least three feet of space when overtaking a cyclist to reduce sideswipe incidents.
• Comparative Fault Rule – Indiana features a modified comparative fault rule, which means that an accident victim may file for damages if they are less than 51 percent at fault for the accident. However, their compensation may be reduced by the same percentage at which they are at fault.
• Statute of Limitations – Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of the accident, according to state law.
• Damages Available – Victims of sideswipe accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and punitive damages.

As the top-rated bicycle accident lawyer in Indianapolis, Vaughn A. Wamsley understands how difficult it is for victims and their families to move forward following such a traumatic event. We aim to provide compassionate representation while fiercely advocating for the maximum compensation.

How Vaughn A. Wamsley Can Help

Victims of sideswipe bicycle accidents face many challenges when attempting to piece their lives back together. Recover and rehabilitation can be arduous and exhausting. Financial pressures quickly increase, adding additional strife to an already emotionally difficult time.

The experienced team at Vaughn A. Wamsley is ready to help you recover by guiding you through the complex legal aspects of your case. We keep you updated at every step so you know exactly what is happening and what to expect, and if you have any questions, we are ready to take your call.

We have a proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients through negotiation and litigation. We’ve built this success by treating each client as we would family members, thoroughly investing in every aspect of their case to determine all negligible parties. We build compelling cases that arm us for success in securing maximum compensation for you.

Contact Us Today

You have many options regarding legal representation following a sideswipe bicycle accident. An internet search for “bicycle accident lawyer near me” will yield hundreds of results, but you deserve the best.

What sets Vaughn A. Wamsley apart is our comprehensive and compassionate approach to each case, which positions your claim for success. Our experience and results are second to none, and we are committed to bringing you the justice and compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a sideswipe bicycle accident, contact us today for a free consultation.