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Can you hold a bicyclist responsible for your crash?

On Behalf of | Mar 14, 2024 | car accidents

Most drivers do their best to give the bicyclists who share the road with them plenty of room. Everyone knows that vehicle vs. bike collisions can end catastrophically for the cyclist.

Not all cyclists, however, are always as careful as they should be. They can become distracted just like drivers can. Some cyclists get complacent and even careless. That can be especially true when they’re in a bicycle-friendly area where there are bike lanes or shared vehicle/bike lanes marked by sharrows. 

Cyclists riding in groups can be more focused on keeping up with their buddies than with what’s going on around them on the road. They may not always obey the law. In addition to state laws, some Indiana cities have local bike codes as well. 

A cyclist can cause a crash in which they aren’t involved  

This isn’t necessarily true for most cyclists. However, it only takes one negligent or reckless cyclist to cause a collision. The collision may not even involve them. A car may swerve into another lane to avoid hitting a cyclist that suddenly moves in front of them and collide with another vehicle. They may crash into trees, stop signs or any number of solid objects. The driver can end up with serious and even fatal injuries.

If you have been injured in a crash caused by a bicyclist, you have the right to hold them liable. They may even have insurance that will cover their liability for a bike collision. Further, if they have a camera on their bike or their helmet, those images can help you make your case. With experienced legal guidance, you can better determine your options for seeking compensation for your medical costs and other expenses and damages.