The rules of the road exist to protect all people who make use of public streets. While most people recognize that this extends to people operating cars and trucks, they may not realize that this protection also applies to people on bicycles.
Bike riders must be sure to follow the same traffic laws as all other travelers. In exchange, they should expect that other drivers respect their rights while on the road. This includes the right to demand compensation for injuries that result from another driver’s negligence.
A Fort Wayne bicycle accident lawyer could help if you have suffered injuries on your bike as a result of another person’s conduct. A personal injury attorney based in Fort Wayne could take the necessary steps to prove another driver’s fault for the incident, connect that incident to your losses, and demand proper compensation in or out of court.
Who is At-Fault After a Collision with a Cyclist?
Like drivers of motor vehicles, bicyclists have obligations under the law to follow traffic laws. If it is determined they violated one of these laws, they may share some or all of the blame for a crash. Under Indiana Code § 34-51-2-5, if a bike rider is more than half to blame for a crash, they cannot collect any compensation for their losses. As a result, it is vital to be able to show that the driver was at fault for the crash.
A Fort Wayne attorney could help injured cyclists prove this concept by performing a thorough investigation into the incident and gathering all relevant evidence. In some cases, other parties may play a role in a bike crash, such as the manufacturer of the bicycle if it were defective or a government entity of poor roadways contributed to the accident.
Time Limit to File in Fort Wayne
Bicycle accidents can have a profound impact on a person’s life. At the minimum, they may require care at an emergency room and lose out on a few day’s wages while making a recovery. In more serious incidents, a cyclist may require emergency surgery or suffer a permanent disability. This could impact their overall quality of life or severely impact their ability to earn a living.
No matter how severe a bicycle wreck is, there is a limited time in which a cyclist could file a claim for damages. Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4 gives most people only two years after a crash to demand recompense. Talking with a Fort Wayne attorney as soon as possible after a bike crash gives injured cyclists the best chance of fully recovering compensation.
Get in Touch with a Fort Wayne Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
Accidents involving cyclists can result in catastrophic injuries that could substantially alter your life. You may be unable to continue your line of work which can make paying for medical treatment extremely challenging.
If your accident was the result of another person’s reckless or careless actions, you could be eligible for financial compensation that could help you afford the treatment you need. Contact a Fort Wayne bicycle accident lawyer at our firm to learn more about the civil process.
