Fishers Bicycle Accident Attorney
Helping residents throughout Fishers, Indiana
Do You Need Legal Help?
Fishers Bicycle Accident Attorney
Helping residents throughout Fishers Indiana
Do You Need Legal Help?
Attorney Christopher Wyant is here to help you.
An injury can be devastating to you and your family. Attorney Christopher Wyant believes that lawyers should be approachable and easy to talk to. It shouldn't be difficult to get advice about a situation that might be unfamiliar to you and to have your rights explained to you. Contact Chris for help with your injury case.
Client Reviews
My experiences with this law firm was amazing. They kept me in touch with how my case was doing and was always reachable. They proved they were working for me and always put me first. I would definitely recommend them if you’re seeking a great attorney!👍
Rose Maxey
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Fishers Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Riding your bicycle should be an enjoyable way to get exercise and explore our beautiful community. Whether you are navigating the Nickel Plate Trail, enjoying a scenic ride around Geist Reservoir, or commuting through the bustling Town Center, you have a right to feel safe. Unfortunately, a peaceful ride can turn into a life-altering event in an instant when a driver is careless or distracted.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle crash, you are likely facing physical pain, mounting medical bills, and a great deal of uncertainty. The compassionate Fishers bicycle accident lawyer at Wyant Law can help you understand your rights and pursue the accountability you deserve.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that follow a serious bicycle accident. Our team is here to provide clear guidance and dedicated advocacy for injured cyclists and their families throughout Fishers and Hamilton County. Please contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.
Key Takeaways for Fishers Bicycle Accidents
- Motor vehicle drivers in Indiana have a legal responsibility to share the road safely with bicyclists and can be held accountable for accidents caused by negligence.
- Compensation in a bicycle accident claim can cover economic losses like medical bills and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
- Indiana’s comparative fault law may still allow an injured cyclist to recover damages even if they were partially responsible for the accident.
- Insurance companies often make initial settlement offers that are far below the actual value of a claim, making it important to understand the full extent of one’s injuries and losses.
- An injury attorney can manage all aspects of a legal claim, including evidence collection, negotiations with insurance adjusters, and litigation if necessary.
Why Choose Wyant Law for Your Fishers, IN Bicycle Accident Claim
After a traumatic bicycle accident, choosing the right legal representative is a critical step on your path to recovery. You need someone who is not only knowledgeable and experienced but also genuinely cares about your well-being. Attorney Chris Wyant founded Wyant Law on the principle that people who have been injured deserve an honest, approachable, and dedicated advocate on their side.
With over 16 years of experience handling personal injury cases across Indiana, Chris Wyant has a deep understanding of the tactics insurance companies use to minimize claims. He is committed to leveling the playing field for his clients. When you work with Wyant Law, you receive personalized attention directly from Chris. He will take the time to listen to your story, answer your questions in plain English, and keep you informed every step of the way.
We believe that our role is to handle the legal complexities of your case so you can focus on what matters most: your health and your family. We are prepared to:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of your bicycle accident.
- Gather crucial evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and medical records.
- Handle all communications and negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
- Work with medical and financial analysts to calculate the full, long-term cost of your injuries.
Our goal is to help you secure the financial resources you need to rebuild your life. We are committed to providing compassionate support and determined representation for every client we serve.
How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in Fishers, IN?
While Fishers is recognized as a bike-friendly community, cyclists remain incredibly vulnerable when sharing the road with cars, trucks, and motorcycles. The sheer difference in size and weight means that when a collision occurs, the bicyclist almost always suffers the most severe consequences. The statistics on a national and state level highlight the serious risks that cyclists face every day.
According to the latest data from the National Safety Council’s Injury Facts, 1,377 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes last year in the U.S., marking a significant increase over the past decade. Thousands more suffer from debilitating injuries that can require extensive medical treatment and change the course of their lives forever.
Here in Indiana, the situation is also concerning. While state-level data can fluctuate year to year, traffic safety reports consistently show that dozens of cyclists are killed or seriously injured on Indiana roads annually. These are not just numbers; they represent our neighbors, friends, and family members in communities just like Fishers. A bicycle accident can lead to devastating injuries, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal Cord Damage and Paralysis
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- Internal Organ Damage
- Severe Lacerations and Road Rash
These injuries can result in long-term disabilities, chronic pain, and an inability to work or enjoy activities you once loved. At Wyant Law, we approach every case with a full appreciation for the profound impact a bicycle accident can have on a person’s life and family.
What Duty Do Motorists Owe to Bicyclists
In Indiana, the law is clear: bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as the operators of motor vehicles. This means they are allowed to use the roadways and must follow traffic laws. Correspondingly, drivers of cars and trucks have a legal “duty of care” to operate their vehicles safely and watch out for more vulnerable road users like cyclists.
When drivers fail to uphold this duty, they can be considered negligent. Negligence is a legal term that simply means someone acted carelessly, and their carelessness caused harm to another person. Many bicycle accidents in Fishers are the result of driver negligence. Some specific rules motorists must follow include:
- Providing a Safe Passing Distance: Under Indiana Code § 9-21-8-5, drivers are required to give bicyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing them on the road.
- Yielding the Right-of-Way: Drivers must yield to bicyclists in bike lanes and at intersections, just as they would for another car. Many accidents happen when a driver turns left in front of an oncoming cyclist.
- Checking Blind Spots: Before changing lanes, turning, or opening a car door into a street, drivers must check for bicyclists. “Dooring” accidents are a common and dangerous cause of serious injuries.
- Avoiding Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in any other distracting behavior behind the wheel significantly reduces a driver’s ability to see and react to a cyclist.
Understanding these rules is a key part of establishing who was at fault for an accident. An experienced Fishers bicycle accident lawyer can investigate your crash to determine if the driver violated their duty of care.
The Insurance Company Made Me an Offer. Should I Take It?
Shortly after an accident, you may be contacted by an insurance adjuster from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The adjuster might seem friendly and concerned, and they may even make a quick offer to settle your claim. While it can be tempting to accept this money, especially when medical bills are piling up, it is crucial to proceed with caution.
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Their primary goal is to protect their bottom line by paying out as little as possible on claims. The first offer they make is almost always lower than the true value of your case. It is a tactic used to resolve the claim quickly and for a minimal amount before you have a chance to understand the full extent of your injuries and losses.
Accepting a settlement offer is final. Once you sign the release, you give up your right to seek any further compensation for your injuries, even if you later discover you need another surgery or will be out of work longer than you expected.
Before you agree to any offer or sign any paperwork from an insurance company, it is highly advisable to discuss your situation with a Fishers bicycle accident attorney. We can help you understand the potential long-term costs associated with your injuries and work to make sure any settlement fully and fairly compensates you.
Compensation Available in a Fishers, Indiana Bicycle Accident Lawsuit
If you were injured because of a driver’s negligence, Indiana law allows you to seek compensation for the harm you have suffered. This compensation, known in the legal world as “damages,” is intended to help make you whole again by covering your financial losses and acknowledging your non-financial suffering. Every case is unique, but damages in a bicycle accident claim are typically broken down into two main categories.
The first category is economic damages. These are the tangible, out-of-pocket financial losses that have a clear monetary value. They often include:
- Medical Expenses: This covers everything from the initial emergency room visit and ambulance ride to surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any future medical care you may need.
- Lost Wages or Income: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can be compensated for the income you have lost.
- Loss of Future Earning Capacity: If your injuries are permanent and affect your ability to earn a living in the future, you can seek damages for this diminished capacity.
- Property Damage: This includes the cost to repair or replace your bicycle, helmet, and any other personal property damaged in the crash.
The second category is non-economic damages. These are intangible losses that do not have a specific price tag but are just as real and damaging. They compensate you for the human cost of the accident and can include:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
- Emotional Anguish: This can include anxiety, depression, fear, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies, activities, or relationships you once enjoyed, you may be compensated for this loss.
Calculating the full value of both economic and non-economic damages is a complex process. A dedicated Fishers bicycle accident lawyer at Wyant Law can help ensure that all of your losses are properly documented and accounted for when pursuing your claim.
What if I’m Partly to Blame for My Injuries?
This is a common concern for injured cyclists. You might worry that because you were not wearing a helmet or because you made a minor mistake, you have no right to compensation. However, in Indiana, this is not necessarily true. Indiana operates under a legal rule called “modified comparative fault.”
This rule means that you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. The key is that your percentage of fault must not be greater than the fault of the other party or parties involved. As long as you are determined to be 50% or less at fault, you can still pursue a claim.
Here is a simple example of how it works:
Imagine a court determines that your total damages are $100,000. The court also finds that the driver who hit you was 80% at fault, but that you were 20% at fault for not using a proper hand signal before a turn. Under Indiana’s modified comparative fault rule, your total compensation award of $100,000 would be reduced by your percentage of fault (20%). This means you would be eligible to receive $80,000.
However, if you were found to be 51% or more at fault, you would be barred from recovering any compensation at all.
Insurance companies often try to use this rule to their advantage by unfairly shifting as much blame as possible onto the injured cyclist to reduce or deny a claim. This is another reason why having a knowledgeable attorney is so important. A Fishers bicycle accident lawyer can protect your rights and fight back against unfair allegations of fault.
Fishers Bicycle Accident Lawyer FAQs
We understand you have many questions right now, and we are here to provide clear answers. Below are some frequently asked questions about bicycle accident claims in Indiana.
What is the deadline for filing a bicycle accident lawsuit in Indiana?
In Indiana, there is a time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit, which is known as the “statute of limitations.” Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation forever. There can be exceptions to this rule, so it is vital to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Do I still have a case if the driver who hit me was uninsured?
Yes, you may still be able to recover compensation. You might have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage as part of your own auto insurance policy. This is a type of coverage that steps in to protect you if you are injured by a driver who has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your damages. We can review your policy to see what coverage may be available.
How much does it cost to hire Wyant Law for my bicycle accident case?
At Wyant Law, we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees to hire us. We only receive a fee if we successfully recover compensation for you, either through a settlement or a court award. Our fee is a percentage of the total recovery. If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing.
Contact Our Trusted Bicycle Accident Attorney at Wyant Law Today
If you suffered injuries in a bicycle accident, you should not have to face the legal process and aggressive insurance companies while also trying to heal from your injuries. Let Wyant Law stand by your side and handle the legal burdens for you. Attorney Chris Wyant is a dedicated and experienced Indiana injury attorney who is committed to helping his clients recover the compensation they need to move forward.
When you entrust your case to us, you can rest assured that a determined advocate is working tirelessly on your behalf. We will:
- Thoroughly investigate your accident to establish fault.
- Calculate the full and fair value of your past, present, and future damages.
- Handle all paperwork and communications with insurance providers.
- Prepare your case for trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
You deserve to have your story heard and your rights protected. Contact Wyant Law today to schedule a free, confidential, and no-obligation consultation with a compassionate Fishers bicycle accident lawyer. Contact us today at 317-683-0333 or through our online form to get started.
Client Reviews
Chris was awesome from the very first meeting. Very professional and knowledgeable. He knew what needed to be done and what he needed from us. He was exceptionally easy to work with and very patient with all of the questions we had. All we had to do was either call or email him with a question and he responded as quickly as he could. I couldn’t be happier with his services. I would definitely recommend his practice to anyone.
Rita Bridge
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