April 25, 2017 | Bicycle Accidents
According to U.S. census data, riding a bicycle was the fastest-growing way of getting to work between 2000 and 2008-2012. While riding a bike is unquestionably a fuel-efficient, healthy, and often fun way to get from place to place, it also exposes riders to a significant risk of serious injury. In fact, according to a research letter published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), bike-related injuries increased by 28 percent in the period from 1998 to 2013.
While bicycling has become significantly more popular in recent years, federal funding for bicycle-related infrastructure has stayed relatively stagnant. Even in bicycle-friendly cities that have invested in dedicated bike lanes and other improvements, it is not uncommon for older roads to be in a condition that makes them unsafe for bicyclists. As a result, a substantial number of bicycle accidents are attributable to unsafe roads every year, and victims are often able to recover compensation for their injuries.
When a bicyclist is injured by dangerous road conditions, he or she may be able to file a claim against the person or party responsible for the maintenance of the road. If the road on which the accident occurred is private property, the case can proceed as any other personal injury claim would. If the accident occurred on public property, the case will be subject to a specific set of rules that are outlined in IC 34-13-3. Those rules impose strict time limits on when a claim may be brought as well as limits to the amount victims can recover.
In some bicycle accident cases, a combination of poorly maintained or designed roads and the negligence of motorists can be the legal cause of an accident. Some examples of the kinds of driver negligence that can cause serious bike accidents include:
At the Fountain Law Firm, P.C., we have successfully helped many bicycle accident victims obtain the compensation they deserve for their injuries and related losses. To make sure that you receive all of the compensation to which you are entitled, it is important to have an experienced bicycle accident attorney handling your case. Attorney Merry Fountain can help you today by meeting in her office or by meeting in your home. Call Merry Fountain anytime at 1-888-242-HURT (4878) for a free consultation.