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Bicycle Accidents

Evansville Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Injured in a bicycle accident in Indiana? Contact Chapman Injury Lawyers today to learn how we can help you.

Bicycles have seen a resurgence in popularity in metropolitan areas with people using bikes more frequently to get to and from work and other destinations. The use of bikes as transportation or for exercise in more rural areas also remains popular. While bicyclists often have the same rights and responsibilities as the drivers of motor vehicles, most severe bicycle accidents are caused by careless, distracted, intoxicated, or aggressive motorists.

Were you severely hurt in a bicycle accident in Indiana, Kentucky, or Illinois? Did someone else’s negligence cause the accident? Make sure you are working with an experienced lawyer who has successfully handled bicycle accidents and who has helped other injured cyclists get the compensation they need.

Chapman Injury Lawyers has a team of attorneys admitted to courts in Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois. We can review your case when you call (812) 461-6261 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

Do I Need A Bike Accident Lawyer?

Many bicycle accident victims believe that negligent drivers were clearly at fault, and attorneys will not be necessary because the negligent driver’s insurance company has already promised to take care of everything. You need to know that insurers process thousands of claims every year with the one goal always being to pay as little as possible to resolve the claims.

Insurance companies can take different approaches to accomplish this goal, but it is always the victim who ends up losing out when they do not have a lawyer. One of the most efficient ways for an insurer to limit its payout is by getting an accident victim to admit to negligence that effectively makes them at fault for their injuries.

When a claims adjuster contacts you and asks you to provide a recorded statement, you should always refuse. Try not to say anything to any insurer until you have an attorney.

Some insurance companies will also offer victims lump sum settlements that can initially seem rather generous at first glance. Insurers always hope that victims will be desperate enough to accept these lowball offers without thinking because the amounts are rarely sufficient to cover any future expenses, which victims must then pay out of pocket.

Why Choose Chapman Injury Lawyers To Handle My Case?

Neil Chapman is a member of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association and Evansville Bar Association. He has nearly a quarter-century of legal experience.

Stephen Thomas is licensed in Illinois, Kentucky, and Indiana. He is a member of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, Evansville Bar Association, and Kentucky Justice Association.

Chapman Injury Lawyers will negotiate a full and fair settlement that provides for all of your needs following your accident. When an insurance company refuses to provide an adequate amount, we will not hesitate to file a lawsuit.

Our team of knowledgeable trial attorneys handles every case on a contingency fee basis. This means that you do not pay any legal fees until you receive a monetary award.

Types of Bicycle Accident Cases We Handle

Collisions with motor vehicles account for a significant number of bicycle crashes. Some of the most common kinds of accidents include, but are not limited to:

It is essential to understand that not all bicycle accidents involve motor vehicles. Some crashes are entirely isolated incidents, but other parties could still be liable in these cases.

A couple of the most common kinds of scenarios in which another party could be responsible for a bicycle accident include:

Bicyclists often suffer life-changing injuries in most accidents. Victims will face very long and challenging roads to recovery.

In addition to the enormous costs for immediate medical care, there can often be several rounds of follow-up care. All of this occurs while a victim is unable to return to work.

Some of the most common kinds of bicycle accident injuries include, but are not limited to:

When a bicyclist is killed in a crash, that person’s family should explore whether there might be a liable party who could be the defendant in a wrongful death lawsuit.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bicycle Accidents

What should I do if I was hurt in a bicycle accident?

You will always want to contact the local law enforcement agency to file a police report after any bicycle accident, but your primary concern always needs to be getting medical attention. Even if you do not think that you were harmed in a bicycle crash, you should still visit a hospital and undergo an evaluation to ensure you did not suffer an injury with delayed symptoms.

Whenever possible, you should also try to take as many pictures as you can at the scene of your accident. If any people saw your collision, try to get some contact information from these individuals in case they serve as witnesses when there is any dispute over liability. Finally, try not to talk to anybody about your accident and be especially careful not to post anything about the crash on social media websites. Make sure that you talk to a lawyer before you talk to an insurance company.

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit?

Indiana Code 34-11-2-4 and 735 Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS) 5/13-202 both establish that a bicycle accident victims have two years from the date of an accident to file a lawsuit, but Kentucky Revised Statute § 413.140(1)(a) only gives a person one year to commence legal action. All three of these states provide specific exceptions to their respective statute of limitations, however.

For example, Kentucky Revised Statute § 413.170 provides that when a victim is “an infant or of unsound mind” (meaning under 18 years of age or legally incapacitated), the person will have one year to file from the date they turn 18 years of age or are no longer incapacitated. Indiana Code § 34-11-6-1 and 735 ILCS 5/13-211 similarly allow for the limitations period to be tolled (or delayed) when a victim is under disability, such as being a minor or being incapacitated. Victims will have two years to file from the dates their disabilities are removed.

Indiana Code § 34-11-4-1, Kentucky Revised Statutes § 413.190, and 735 ILCS 5/13-208 also provide that when a defendant leaves the state, their period of absence will not be counted against the limitations period.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for my bicycle accident?

This will depend on the state that your accident occurred in. For bicycle accidents in Kentucky, victims are always able to obtain damages because the state uses a pure comparative fault system, which means the people can file lawsuits even if they were predominantly at fault. A victim’s percentage of negligence will reduce awards, so a bicyclist who is awarded $100,000 in an accident they were found to be 75 percent at fault for will have their award reduced by $75,000 and receive $25,000.

Indiana and Illinois both use modified comparative fault systems, which means you can only file a lawsuit when you were not more than 50 percent at fault. People who are 51 percent more at fault are prohibited from recovering damages, and all victims can again have their damages reduced in proportion to their own negligence.

Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

Did you sustain catastrophic injuries or was your loved one killed in a bicycle accident in the greater Evansville area? You will want to work with a law firm capable of handling cases in Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois.

Chapman Injury Lawyers will take care of everything involved in your case so you can focus on your recovery. Call (812) 461-6261 or contact us online to receive a free consultation.

Don’t face this alone.

Insurance companies handle thousands of claims each year. They treat you like a number. We treat you like family. We take care of your case so you can take care of you.

We represent people on a no recovery–no fee basis. This means we front all the costs of taking on the insurance company and if we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us anything. We are always available to discuss your injury case with you. Call, text or email for a free consultation.

NEIL CHAPMAN, LAWYER

neil@chapmanlaw.com

(812) 426-0600

Ashley Ratcliff

I was so grateful to have Neil Chapman on my side when I was involved in a car accident. Thank you for everything!

Daniel Farris

Neil Chapman took care of everything for me. If I had any questions they answered them and got back with me quick. If I had to recommend anyone in town I would recommend them. I’m very happy with the way they took care of my case and me. If your looking for a good law firm then they are the ones to go to. I hope this help anyone who needs them.

Anthony Beamon

They treat you like you should be treated

Lisa Yates

I am so blessed to have had Neil represent me after a really bad car accident. He was always there every time I needed to talk. It took me a long time to heal physically from my accident. Neil was there the whole time.

Walter Frost

Neil was excellent and so was his staff. Got me more than I expected. Very satisfied with Chapman Injury lawyers will definitely use him again if ever needed and would recommend him to anyone.

Jean Mayberry

Noah did an amazing job! He was very informative and thorough in all the processes of the injury lawsuit. I would highly recommend him.

Rebecca Stock B.

Noah did a marvelous job representing me. I feel like he went above and beyond taking care of my interest. He is a fine young man and a great attorney.

Kaide Pine

They showed care and concern about my situation and were willing to freely give advice more than once without asking for anything in return.

Brina Vidal

Steve Thomas has been my go to attorney for any of mine or my families legal needs. I also suggest Steve to my clients who feel they have been wronged by the insurance companies. He is conscientious and professional in everything he does!

Stefan Jacquot

The attorneys that work for this firm are top-notch. Steve and Neil are incredibly knowledgeable and took the entire burden of my case off my shoulders. These men are incredibly personable and were there for me any time I had questions or concerns. Over a two year working relationship I never had to wait for a returned call.

Starr Sands

My daughter and I were ecstatic with the results of our case. Neil and Steve were both extremely professional and helpful. No question went unanswered, no matter how many times I asked them the same question.

Anonymous

After meeting with me, Neil Chapman was respectful but honest in helping me understand there wasn't much monetary value in my case. And knowing there wasn't enough money in my case to warrant me getting representation, he still took time to give me advice on how to proceed forward which was very helpful to me. He was courteous and professional. If I ever become involved in a more serious injury, I...