Bicycle Accidents

"When vehicle-bicycle collisions occur, bicyclists are the ones most likely to be injured or killed. If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle accident, we can help.”
- Todd Barsumian

As the popularity of bicycling increases, both for recreational purposes and to get to and from work, more and more people will be involved in bicycle accidents.

Barsumian Armiger Injury Lawyers handles personal injury claims arising from bicycle accidents, which according to recent statistics account for over 2% of traffic-related fatalities in the U.S. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), deaths from bicycle accidents occurred most frequently in the early evening and a majority of them in urban areas. Fatalities from bicycle accidents have increased in both urban and rural areas over recent years. In one recent year, over 930 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes.

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Driving while fatigued or falling asleep
• Driving at an unsafe speed
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Disregarding traffic control signals
• Driving left of center or on the wrong side of the road
• Improper passing
• Improper turning
• Improper lane usage
• Following too closely
• Unsafe backing
• Overcorrecting
• Driving while texting or talking on the phone
• Driver distractions
• Driving too fast for weather conditions
• Unsafe lane movement

Drivers of cars, vans, and trucks have to share the roadway with bicyclists. Under Indiana law, “[a] person riding a bicycle… upon a roadway has all the rights and duties… applicable to a person who drives a vehicle,” with the exception of any special regulation or any inapplicable provisions governing Indiana’s traffic regulation. Ind. Code § 9-21-11-2.

While the most common bicycle accidents are from falls, the most serious bicycle accidents are from accidents and collisions with other vehicles, which can cause injuries like bone fractures and compressions, amputations, concussions, and other traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and death.

Drivers can help reduce the likelihood of bicycle accidents by keeping a proper lookout, appropriately yielding the right of way, obeying traffic control signals, obeying the speed limit, and giving plenty of room to bicyclists.

Bicyclists can reduce the likelihood of accidents and serious injuries by using appropriate bicycle equipment, wearing appropriate clothing, riding defensively and predictably, and improving one’s bicycle riding skills. Under Indiana law, “[a] bicycle operated on a [road] from one-half (1/2) hour after sunset until one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise must be equipped with… (1) [a] lamp on the front exhibiting a white light visible... at least five hundred (500) feet to the front [and] (2) a lamp on the rear exhibiting a red light visible from a distance of five hundred (500) feet to the rear or a red reflector visible from a distance of five hundred (500) feet to the rear.” Ind. Code § 9-21-11-9.

Bicyclists are especially vulnerable sharing the road with cars and trucks, and when drivers are not paying attention, serious injuries and death can occur.

The injury attorneys at Barsumian Armiger Injury Lawyers have extensive experience handling vehicle-bicycle collisions, including bicycle crashes in which liability is disputed by the vehicle driver. If you have been hit by a motor vehicle while biking, or crashed as a result of a motorist’s improper driving, you may fill out our contact form for one of our Indiana bike accident attorneys to review. We will reach out to you to gather more information about you and your case and to discuss how we can help you obtain compensation for your injuries. You may also call one of our bicycle injury lawyers at (844) 268-7775 for a free consultation today.