What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in NWI?

Jun 28, 2023

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are more than 840,000 bicycle accidents each year in the United States. Of those, about half result in injuries to the bicyclist. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, it is important to understand your rights as a bicyclist and what you need to do to protect those rights. Below are some key points to know for anyone that rides a bicycle or has been involved in a bicycle accident in northwest Indiana.

Rights and Responsibilities of Bicyclists

As a bicyclist, you have the same rights and responsibilities on the road as motorists. That means you must obey all traffic laws, including stop signs, traffic signals, and yield signs. You should also ride with traffic, not against it. In Indiana, bicycles are considered vehicles and are subject to the same rules of the road as cars and trucks. Always make sure to signal your intent to other drivers on the road. Not only is this lawful, but it increases safety when other drivers know what to expect from your actions.

Do bikes have the right-of-way in Indiana?

Bicyclists do not have automatic right-of-way when they encounter motor vehicles. However, state law does require motorists to exercise due care when operating their vehicles around bicycles. That means drivers must use caution and avoid reckless or dangerous behavior that could result in an accident.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident With a Motor Vehicle

If you are involved in a bicycle accident with a motor vehicle, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention for any injuries you may have sustained. Once you have been seen by a medical professional, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can protect your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

How should I document my bicycle accident?

It is also important to document the accident as much as possible. If there are witnesses, get their names and contact information. Take pictures of the scene of the accident, including any damage to your bicycle or injuries you may have sustained. Keep all medical records and bills related to your injuries. The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be.

Understand Your Rights Before Talking to an Insurance Company

Finally, before talking to an insurance company, whether it is your own insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurance company, you should speak with an attorney. Insurance companies are notoriously difficult to deal with and often try to lowball victims of accidents. An experienced attorney will level the playing field and make sure you are treated fairly by the insurance companies involved.

If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, it is important that you understand your rights as a bicyclist and take steps to protect those rights. You should seek medical attention for any injuries sustained, document the accident as much as possible, and contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you recover compensation for your injuries. Reach out to the experienced attorneys at Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock today for a consultation.