Bicycle accidents can result in serious, life-altering injuries, and figuring out who is legally responsible isn’t always easy. Bike lanes are specifically intended to protect cyclists, but after a crash, their design and usage quickly become part of the legal discussion about fault. Whether or not a bike lane was present, and if all parties were using it correctly, can heavily influence how blame is assigned.
If you’ve been injured in a bike lane crash, it’s important to understand how those lanes could impact your rights and what compensation you may be owed. Speaking with an experienced Indianapolis bike accident lawyer can help you navigate these complexities and protect your legal interests.
Common Types of Bicycle Accidents Involving Bike Lanes
Accidents in bike lanes happen for a variety of different reasons. Here are some of the most common reasons:
Your Case Will Get
The Attention It Deserves
“Dooring” Accidents
These occur when the occupant of a parked car opens their door into the bike lane without checking first, leaving cyclists no time to avoid a collision.
Right-Turn Collisions
A driver who is not paying attention may turn right across a bike lane, cutting off a cyclist who is riding straight and has the right of way.
Left-Turn Crashes
Crashes often happen when a driver turning left through an intersection fails to see (or properly judge the speed of) a cyclist in the bike lane and turns right into their path.
Lane Obstructions
Bike lanes blocked by delivery trucks, maintenance vehicles, equipment, or even just piles of debris can unexpectedly push riders into traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
Knowing about these common scenarios can keep you more alert and help build a solid case if you ever need to prove fault after a bike lane accident.
Determining Fault After a Bike Lane Crash
After a bicycle crash in or near a bike lane, figuring out who is legally to blame becomes vital to any insurance or legal claim. Fault is assigned by carefully examining each party’s actions leading up to the accident.
When the Driver Is at Fault
Drivers are often held responsible when they:
- Don’t check mirrors or blind spots for bikes before turning across or away from a bike lane
- Open car doors into an oncoming cyclist’s path without looking
- Drive too fast or aggressively in areas marked for bicyclists
- Fail to yield at intersections where state or local law requires drivers to let cyclists in bike lanes cross safely
When the Cyclist May Share Fault
Cyclists can share the blame or be found at fault when they:
- Leave the bike lane for no safety reason and suddenly enter the stream of motor vehicle traffic Ignore signals or run stop signs meant for both bicycles and cars
- Ride directly against the flow of traffic on streets or bike paths
- Ride at night without proper lights or visible reflectors, making it harder for drivers to spot them
Shared Fault Situations
In Indiana, if both the driver and cyclist make mistakes, fault may be split between the parties. Indiana uses modified comparative fault rules – if you are less than 51% responsible, you can still recover damages, but your award will be reduced by your portion of fault.
For example, if the biker is 25% at fault, their award will be reduced by 25%.
Establishing fault requires a thorough investigation from an experienced Indianapolis personal injury lawyer from Vaughan & Vaughan. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
