Any sort of traffic accident can be overwhelming. After an accident on your bicycle, you may have questions about exercising your legal rights. Many bicyclists have questions after an accident, and because collisions are relatively common, some questions tend to come up more often than others. Here are answers to some of the most important questions you may have after your bike accident.
- What Are Some of the Most Serious Injuries That Can Occur?
Compared to the occupants of a car, you have very little to shield you from injury if you get into an accident on your bike. Common injuries resulting from a bike crash that can be serious are head trauma, abdominal injuries, and injuries to the extremities.
- What Should You Do After a Bike Accident?
In a collision with another party, whether a driver, pedestrian, or another bicyclist, you should exchange relevant information. If possible, talk to witnesses and get pictures of the scene. Get appropriate medical attention as soon as possible. Do not say anything that could be interpreted as an admission of fault. Do not speak to insurance adjusters without an attorney.
- Who Can You Hold Liable for the Accident?
Generally speaking, anyone whose negligence contributed to the accident can be held liable with a lawsuit. This can include the other party in the collision, the engineers who designed the road, the maintenance company responsible for its upkeep, and more. Suing municipal government can be a tricky matter, however.
- What Types of Damages Can You Recover?
You may be able to receive recompense for your medical bills, lost wages at work, and damage to your bicycle. You may also be able to claim noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, in relation to your bike accident.
- What Are Your Rights as a Bicyclist?
Bicycles are considered vehicles under the law, even if not motorized. Therefore, bicyclists have the same rights that the drivers of automobiles do, as well as the same responsibilities. The laws of some states have a provision that automatically deems a bicyclist not at fault for a collision with a motor vehicle. However, this is not universal.
- Is It Legal to Ride on the Sidewalk?
Though some states may have broad laws regarding bicycles on sidewalks, the decision whether or not to allow it is usually left up to individual municipalities. Therefore, you should refer to the laws of the community where you live.
If you are injured in a bike accident, you have the right to pursue civil action against the responsible party. Contact a lawyer, like a bicycle accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IN from Ward & Ward Law Firm, to find out how an attorney may be able to assist you.