Bicycle Accidents in Indiana
If you were injured in an Indiana bicycle accident, you have legal rights and deadlines to protect.
What you should know
Indiana treats bicycles as vehicles with rights to the road. The 2-year statute of limitations applies.
What typically causes them
- Drivers failing to check for cyclists before turning
- Opening car doors into cyclists' path (dooring)
- Distracted driving and failure to maintain safe distance
- Unsafe passing or squeezing cyclists off roadway
- Right-hook collisions at intersections
- Road defects and hazardous conditions
- Failure to yield at crosswalks or bike lanes
Injuries we see
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
- Facial fractures and dental injuries
- Clavicle and shoulder fractures
- Road rash and severe skin injuries
- Spinal injuries and vertebrae fractures
- Wrist, hand, and upper extremity injuries
- Hip and lower extremity fractures
Steps to take after a bicycle accidents
- 1
Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance, especially for head injuries.
- 2
Stay at the scene and move to a safe location away from traffic if you are able.
- 3
Document everything with photographs including bicycle damage, vehicle damage, road conditions, and bike lane markings.
- 4
Exchange information with the driver and obtain insurance, license, and contact details.
- 5
Identify and obtain contact information from any witnesses who observed the collision.
- 6
Seek medical evaluation even for seemingly minor injuries, as concussions and internal injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Indiana law grants bicyclists the same rights and responsibilities as vehicle operators under IC 9-21-11-2. Bicyclists may use the full lane when necessary for safety, though IC 9-21-11-5 requires riding as near to the right as practicable when moving slower than traffic. Drivers must maintain at least three feet of clearance when passing bicyclists under IC 9-21-8-1. Modified comparative fault under IC 34-51-2-6 applies to bicycle accidents, meaning cyclists can recover damages if less than 51% at fault. Common defenses include allegations that the cyclist violated traffic laws or was not visible, making thorough documentation crucial. Failure to wear a helmet does not bar recovery for adult cyclists, though it may factor into comparative fault. Municipal liability under IC 34-13-3-3 may exist if dangerous road conditions contributed to the accident.
Indiana bicycle accident victims may recover economic damages for medical expenses, rehabilitation, bicycle replacement costs, lost income, and future earning capacity if permanent injuries affect work ability. Non-economic damages include compensation for pain and suffering, permanent scarring or disfigurement, disability, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life. Bicycle accidents frequently cause serious injuries requiring extensive treatment, justifying substantial damages. Your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault under IC 34-51-2-6. When the at-fault driver lacks insurance or has insufficient coverage, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may provide recovery. There are no statutory caps on damages in bicycle accident cases in Indiana.
IC 34-11-2-4 requires bicycle accident personal injury lawsuits to be filed within two years from the accident date. Failure to file within this period generally results in losing the right to compensation, with limited exceptions.
Don't let an Indiana bicycle accidents ruin your future.
The clock is ticking on Indiana's 2-year statute of limitations. Get a free, no-obligation case review now.