As a bicyclist, you have a right to occupy the same amount of space on local roads as anyone in a motor vehicle does, and people driving cars and trucks have a legal duty of care requiring them to give you that space and act responsibly around you. If someone violated that duty and caused you to get hurt in a bicycle wreck, you very likely have grounds to take legal action against them and demand comprehensive compensation for every form of harm their misconduct has caused. A Munster bicycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
However, as any attorney will tell you, knowing you have grounds to file a civil suit and actually getting a positive result from this type of claim are two very different things. If you want a fair shot at getting fair financial restitution for the losses your unique crash has caused, you should make contacting and retaining an experienced personal injury attorney from the Law Offices of David W. Holub one of your top priorities.
What to Do Immediately After a Bicycle Crash
Of course, the reason why speaking with an attorney should be one of your top priorities after a bicycle accident in Munster rather than your singular top priority is because getting professional medical care is always the first thing anyone involved in this type of incident should do. On top of diagnosing and properly treating all your crash-related injuries so that they do not cause preventable long-term harm, your doctors will also produce documentation of your injuries and the treatment you receive, which will serve as vital evidence in support of a civil lawsuit or settlement demand later on.
If possible, individuals involved in bicycle accidents should gather preliminary evidence before leaving the scene. Taking photos of the crash site and any resulting damage, collecting witness contact information, and identifying nearby surveillance or dashboard cameras can help establish how the injury occurred and determine fault more effectively.
Getting Paid Fairly Within Filing Deadlines
A comprehensive civil claim over a bicycle accident can and should account for every negative effect that wreck will ever have on the person filing suit. While the specific nature of these compensable damages will change from case to case, examples of losses that a skilled lawyer will likely be able to help incorporate into a Munster bike wreck lawsuit include:
- Medical bills
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish and trauma
- Lost working capacity and/or short-term income
- Bike repair/replacement costs and other out-of-pocket expenses
It is crucial to act quickly after an injury, as Indiana Code §34-11-2-4 generally allows only two years to identify and file a lawsuit against the responsible party. Missing this deadline typically results in being time-barred from seeking civil compensation for the accident.
Contact a Munster Bicycle Accident Attorney for Legal Support
Bicyclists are much more likely to suffer serious injuries in collisions with motor vehicles compared to anyone inside the vehicle involved in that crash. However, that does not mean courts will always side with bicyclists who try to file civil suit over incidents like this, or that you will have an easy time enforcing your right to restitution even if you have strong grounds for your claim.
A Munster bicycle accident lawyer from the Law Offices of David W. Holub can be your ally to obtain the fair financial recovery you deserve. Call today to learn what we could do to help with your unique claim.