According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 698 bicyclists were killed, and another 44,000 were injured, as the result of traffic accidents in 2007.1 In Indiana alone, there were 15 such deaths in 2007.1

Although in Indiana bicycles generally have the same rights and responsibilities when operated on the roadway as vehicles, many communities have begun to install special lane striping on busy roads. These lanes designate bicycle zones to separate bicyclists from motorists, but this does not prevent negligent motorists from driving in such lanes.

Often, bicycle accidents involving cars occur due to negligent driving by motorists who do not pay attention to bicyclists. Negligent driving means that the driver causing the accident did not exercise reasonable care, for example, by crowding a bicyclist off the roadway. Many motorists may not even be aware that bicycles have the same rights when operated on a roadway as vehicles, which is why bicycle traffic accidents can occur even when the bicyclist is experienced and exercises the utmost care.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, you should not hesitate to seek advice from an attorney experienced in handling such cases in order to best protect your interests. Our firm has successfully handled bicycle accident cases on behalf of our clients.

Please contact Paul Kruse, Tony Patterson or Pete Obremskey, by e-mail or toll free at 888.532.7766 for a free, no obligation discussion of your bicycle accident case.

¹ National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Traffic Safety Facts: Bicyclists and other Cyclists (2007 Data) (http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/810986.PDF)