Muncie Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicyclists in Muncie have the same rights as motorists but are often at greater risk for severe injuries in an accident. You may be entitled to compensation if you have been hurt due to a bicycle crash due to someone else’s negligence.

Our team at Vaughn A. Wamsley focuses on helping injured cyclists recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our Muncie accident lawyer can help protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Muncie

Bicycling is a fun way to stay active in Muncie, but comes with risks. Many cyclists share the road with larger vehicles, leading to dangerous encounters. If you were injured, a bicycle accident attorney in Muncie, IN, can help you understand your options and seek compensation for your injuries.

Distracted Driving

Drivers who text, eat, or focus on other tasks often fail to see cyclists. This can lead to sudden collisions, especially in blind spots. A driver who isn’t paying attention may drift into a bike lane or fail to notice a cyclist crossing an intersection. When they react, it may be too late to prevent an accident.

Speeding

Exceeding the speed limit makes reacting if a cyclist appears difficult, greatly raising the crash risk. A driver traveling too fast may not have enough time to brake if a cyclist enters their path. The impact at high speeds also makes injuries much more severe, even if a helmet is worn.

Unsafe Lane Changes

Changing lanes without signaling or checking mirrors can sideswipe cyclists, forcing them off balance and causing them to fall. Drivers may not expect a bicycle to be in their blind spot and move over too quickly. If a cyclist is forced to swerve into traffic, it can lead to even more dangerous collisions.

Failure to Yield

Some drivers rush through intersections or ignore traffic signs, which can lead to sudden impacts and seriously hurt cyclists. For example, a driver making a left turn might not see a cyclist coming straight through the intersection. Even in marked bike lanes, failing to yield can cause direct and devastating crashes.

Poor Road Conditions

Potholes, loose gravel, and uneven surfaces can cause a bicycle to swerve or flip. Riders might lose control, especially if they have no time to adjust. If a road is poorly maintained, cyclists may struggle to maintain balance or avoid dangerous obstacles. A simple bump in the road can lead to a serious accident if a rider is forced into traffic.

Dooring

Parked cars can be dangerous when their doors open into a cyclist’s path, sending the rider into traffic. Many drivers and passengers forget to check for cyclists approaching them before opening a door. A cyclist moving at even a moderate speed has little time to react, increasing the likelihood of a high-impact crash.

Riding Without Proper Lights

At night or in low light, a bike without lights can be nearly invisible. Drivers may turn or change lanes and cause a collision. A cyclist might not be seen without reflectors or headlights until it’s too late. A driver may assume the road is clear and make a sudden move that puts the cyclist at risk.

Any of these actions can lead to accidents with severe injuries. Even one small mistake—by a driver, a cyclist, or poor road maintenance—can have life-changing consequences.

If you have been injured in a cycling accident, an attorney near me can offer support and guidance. Cyclists should always remain cautious and take precautions, but drivers must also do their part to prevent devastating accidents.

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

Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

Because cyclists lack the protection of a car, injuries sustained in a bike accident can be severe. Some common injuries include:

• Head and Brain Injuries: Regardless of whether a rider is wearing a helmet, there is still a chance that they may suffer concussions or traumatic brain injuries.
• Broken Bones: Fractured arms, legs, and ribs are common due to the impact of a crash.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis and long-term disability.
• Road Rash: Skin abrasions from sliding on the pavement can result in painful injuries and infections.
• Internal Injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding can occur in serious crashes.

A Muncie bike injury lawyer can help you get the medical care you need while building your case for compensation.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Muncie

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, taking the proper steps can protect your health and legal rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, injuries can appear later. Always get checked by a doctor.
2. Call the Police: A police report can provide valuable evidence for your claim.
3. Gather Evidence: Take photos of your injuries, the accident scene, and vehicles involved.
4. Get Contact Information: Collect names and phone numbers of witnesses and the driver.
5. Avoid Speaking with Insurance Companies: The insurance company may try to minimize your claim. Let a cycling accident attorney near you handle communications.
6. Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer: The sooner you hire an attorney, the stronger your case will be.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

If someone else was responsible for your bicycle accident, you may be eligible for compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses: Covers the costs of emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: You can recover lost income if you cannot work due to your injuries.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
• Property Damage: Covers repairs or replacement of your bicycle and gear.
• Wrongful Death Damages: If a loved one was killed in a bicycle accident, their family may seek compensation.

A top-rated bike accident lawyer in Muncie can evaluate your case and determine the full value of your claim.

Why Choose Vaughn A. Wamsley as Your Muncie Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

When dealing with the aftermath of a bicycle accident, you need an attorney who understands the challenges cyclists face. Vaughn A. Wamsley is dedicated to fighting for injured cyclists in Muncie and has a strong track record of success. Here’s what sets our firm apart:

• Personalized Attention: We take the time to understand your case and provide individualized legal strategies.
• Proven Results: Our firm has helped many injured cyclists recover fair compensation.
• No-Win, No-Fee Representation: You don’t pay unless we win your case.
• Local Knowledge: We understand Muncie’s roads, traffic laws, and court systems.

When you work with our firm, you get a bicycle accident attorney in Muncie, IN, who truly cares about your recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accidents

Understanding your legal rights is essential, especially when dealing with insurance companies or disputes over fault. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about bicycle accident claims in Indiana to help you through the process with confidence.

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Indiana?

Knowing how long you have to file a claim is essential. In Indiana, you must file a claim within two years from the date of the accident. However, exceptions may apply, so it’s best to contact a Muncie bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.

What if the driver blames me for the accident?

Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover damages. Indiana follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can seek compensation if you were less than 51% responsible for the crash.

Do I require legal assistance to manage my bicycle accident claim?

While you can file a claim independently, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. A cycling accident attorney near you can negotiate on your behalf and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.

How much does a bicycle accident lawyer cost?

Our firm operates on a no-win, no-fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we successfully recover compensation for you.

Contact Our Muncie Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, don’t wait to get legal help. At Vaughn A. Wamsley Law Firm, we are committed to helping injured cyclists recover the compensation they deserve. Call us today for a free consultation and let us fight for your rights.

Your recovery is our priority. Contact our Muncie bicycle accident lawyer now.