Catastrophic Personal Injuries > Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents are a persistent problem. Cyclists, even those obeying all traffic laws and adequately equipped with a helmet, are at risk. Collisions between cyclists and vehicles often have catastrophic, sometimes fatal, consequences for the cyclist. It’s important to share the road and for motorists and cyclists to respect each other’s road rights. Montross Miller is a bicycle accident attorney steeped in Indiana personal injury law and determined to help you hold those responsible for your bicycle accident accountable. 

 Nationally, deaths in bicycle accidents rose 9.2 percent in 2020. In Indianapolis, there was an uptick in bicycling fatalities in 2021. 

Even when driving declined, traffic fatalities went up 10.5 percent in general. Despite advances in driver-assist technology, modest improvements in cycling infrastructure, and improved bike helmet tech, the U.S. recorded nearly 50,000 injuries from bicycle accidents annually, almost 900 of which are fatal.

What are some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents?

Driver inattention

• Distracted driving
• Impaired driving

Speeding

• Illegal turns
• Disregarding signs/signals

Disregarding school zones

• Bad brakes, mechanicals
• Opening a door into traffic

Add poor road conditions, cracks in the pavement, potholes, and narrow or poorly maintained shoulders to the list, and you can see cycling has a range of external dangers. Of course, bicyclists share responsibility for keeping roads safe. Cyclists should obey traffic laws, ride safely, know proper hand signals, wear a good helmet, use lights at night, etc. No matter how careful you are as a cyclist, it’s not a fair fight when comparing a 25-pound bike to a vehicle weighing several tons, so extra vigilance is required! 

WHAT HAPPENS TO BICYCLISTS INJURED IN ACCIDENTS?

Common cycling injuries include:

• A fractured jaw or eye socket
• Broken or lost teeth
• Brain injury
• Spinal injury
• “Road rash” – scarring
• Broken nose

While not invariably fatal, many of these injuries are life-altering and have long-lasting effects. The reckless, negligent, or intentionally harmful behavior of a motorist can result in immediate harm and lost income, pain and suffering, post-traumatic stress syndrome, and the time and costs of physical rehabilitation, to name a few. 

WHAT TO DO IF INJURED IN A BICYCLE ACCIDENT

If you are involved in a catastrophic bicycle accident, there’s likely not much you can do at the scene. However, if you’re with a cycling partner and have responsibility for their welfare, you can take a few actions at the scene of an accident.

1. Identify the responsible party. Get the car make, model, and license. Far too many bicycle accidents or dangerous passes are hit-and-run incidents. 
2. Call the police. 
3. Get contact information from eyewitnesses.  
4. Contact Montross Miller. 
5. Take pictures.
6. Collect the insurance information from the parties involved.

Your bicycle accident lawyer from Montross Miller can review your information and determine potential liability and if you have a case. This case review is quick and done at no charge. If we proceed, we will interview participants, review all information, and build a case. We’ll also negotiate with the insurance companies or go to trial if necessary.

WERE YOU INJURED IN A BICYCLE ACCIDENT?

Montross Miller attorneys have a wide range of experience in catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases, including bicycle accidents. Our experience with medical malpractice, road accidents, and product liability cases makes us uniquely qualified to see every conceivable angle of your case. Complex personal injury is our reputation. Many of our cases originate at other law firms who come to us because we have a track record of success in complex personal injury and wrongful death cases.

TIPS FOR DRIVERS TO ACCOMMODATE CYCLISTS

Drivers can be better friends with cyclists on the road by being aware, driving defensively, and knowing the road rules. Indiana bicycle accident lawyer tips for drivers:

• Don’t follow bicyclists too closely. It will not save you time and may force them to react in an unsafe manner. 
• Don’t “punish pass” bicyclists by passing too closely or at high speed. 
• Use rearview mirrors to keep cyclists in your line of sight, and always look before opening your car door on streets populated with cyclists. 
• Look twice at intersections. Cyclists are smaller than vehicles and sometimes blend into the scene.

RESOURCES FOR CYCLISTS IN INDIANA

If your goal is to enjoy cycling for any reason in Indiana—whether it’s transportation to school or work, the physical exercise of mountain biking or trail-based tourism—there are resources available to improve the safety and experience of your ride. Statewide organizations can also be a resource to connect you with regional and local groups.

Bike Indianapolis https://bikeindianapolis.org

Bike Indiana https://www.bicycleindiana.org

Central Indiana Bicycling Association https://cibaride.org

Bike Carmel https://www.carmel.in.gov/living/fun-things-to-do/bike-carmel

League of American Bicyclists https://www.bikeleague.org

People for Bikes https://www.peopleforbikes.org

 

THE BOTTOM LINE

Cases involving bicyclists and harm require urgency to ensure victims can afford medical bills and other costs that may come with the injury. Our bicycle accident attorneys work with both urgency and precision to recover your losses in every way possible. We enlist the expertise of skilled industry experts and forensic investigators to uncover the full scope of the accident. Compensation must match all damages. 

If you or a loved one is suffering from a bicycle injury or wrongful death due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional behavior of another, contact us for a free case evaluation.

Our goal is to find justice and a path forward when you have suffered a loss while on a bicycle seat. Montross Miller has a track record of success in on-the-road accidents. Our attorneys leave no stone unturned—to bring your strongest case to the negotiating table or courtroom.