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June 27, 2014

As you may be aware, most traffic signals in the State of Indiana are controlled by sensors under the pavement that detect weight. Often times, these sensors are not able to detect lightweight modes of travel like bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, etc. This poses a problem to cyclists, as we are required under Indiana statutory bicycle law to obey all the traffic laws that apply to motor vehicles – like stopping at red traffic signals.

Hence, the introduction of a new Indiana bicycle law: House Bill 1080, also known as the “120 second rule” or the “dead red law.” This new law, which becomes effective July 1, 2014, provides:

(D)  If the operator of a motorcycle, motorized bicycle, motor scooter, or bicycle

approaches an intersection that is controlled by a traffic control signal, the

operator may proceed through the intersection on a steady red signal only if

the operator:

(i)  comes to a complete stop at the intersection for at least one hundred twenty

(120) seconds; and

(ii)  exercises due caution as provided by law, otherwise treats the traffic signal as

a stop sign, and determines that it is safe to proceed.

 

The Indiana Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Caress Law Group view House Bill 1080 as a success for cyclists, and we salute the Indiana legislature for its action. Although waiting at a red light for 2 minutes seems like a dreadfully long time to wait, it is carving out exceptions in Indiana law that behoove cyclists. We believe that this is progress and a step in the right direction.

Will Indiana one day gain enough support to enact a law similar to the “Idaho Stop Law?” For those who are not familiar, the Idaho Stop is a law that allows cyclists to treat a stop sign as a yield sign and a red light as a stop sign. Obviously, there are pros and cons to such a law, which we plan to outline in an upcoming article for our readers. Feel free to Contact Us with your thoughts regarding these laws. We appreciate hearing from you.

The Indiana bicycle attorneys at Caress Law Group currently represent a number of cyclists who have been injured as the result of a bicycle crash or accident. We take great pride in representing Indiana bicyclists, and we focus our entire practice of law on Indiana personal injury and medical malpractice. If you have any questions or if we can be of assistance at any time, feel free to call us at 317-255-5400 or Contact Us by submitting an online inquiry. All communication with our office is free and confidential.

As always, ride safe!

April 28, 2014

The Marion County Coroner’s office has identified the victim of the April 24, 2014 bicycle accident involving a school bus. Neil Kelty, a 23 year-old Indianapolis resident and biking enthusiast, has been identified as the operator of the bicycle that collided with a school bus at the intersection of Westlane Road and Ditch Road on the northwest side of Indianapolis at around 7:30 am that day. It was reported that Neil Kelty was in the designated bicycle lane at the time of the collision.

This is tragic and saddening news to the Indiana bicycle community, as Neil Kelty had just recently made the commitment to live a lifestyle devoted to riding his bicycle and becoming more active. According to his obituary, Neil was a graduate of the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. Neil left behind the love of his life, a fiancé, Kelsea Nicholson, his two parents, and siblings. A funeral was held for Neil Kelty on April 28, 2014 at Northview Church at 2 pm in Carmel, Indiana.

While there is no good news to report regarding this incident, we want to urge cyclists and drivers alike to always remember to keep a keen lookout while on the roadways. Indiana statutory law allows both automobile drivers and cyclists to be on all the roadways (aside from highways). Please remember to share the road – and look out for your fellow Hoosiers.

The Indiana Bicycle Accident Lawyers of Caress Law Group extend our deepest sympathies and all our prayers to the family and friends of Neil Kelty.

April 24, 2014

Caress Law Group’s Indianapolis Bicycle Accident Lawyers are deeply saddened to inform our readers that a fellow Indianapolis bicyclist was been pronounced dead this morning, April 24, 2014. While further investigation is still taking place, it is currently known that the bicycle crash occurred at the intersection of Westlane Road and Ditch Road in Indianapolis, near Westlane Middle School, sometime before 7:30 am.  Indianapolis Metropolitan Police have reported that the cyclist was hit by a school bus.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of this local cyclist. As most of you know, Indianapolis leaders have created a vast amount of opportunities for riders to have an enjoyable cycling experience when riding throughout the town. While our City and State have made great strides in making Indianapolis and the entire State of Indiana more “bike friendly,” drivers and cyclists alike need to maintain caution when on the roadways, particularly in the spring and summer months.

If you or a loved one has been injured in any way in a bicycle accident in Indiana, please feel free to contact Indiana’s premier bicycle lawyers at Caress Law Group by calling 317-255-5400 or by clicking here. Seeking advice from our experienced attorneys is free and easy – and we look forward to hearing from you. As always, please remember to ride safe, be aware of your surroundings, and check your mirrors before turning.

February 27, 2014

 

In our over 20 years of personal injury litigation experience, we have seen a number of different kinds of bicycle collisions. In our role as Indiana bicycle accident lawyers, the details of each individual bike crash are vital to our legal analysis of liability and causation. Therefore, we analyze each client’s case based on the type of crash the bicyclist was involved in. Most of the accidents involving cyclists in Indiana involve motor vehicles, but this is not always the case. Pedestrians and other cyclists can potentially be just as responsible for a collision as a careless, negligent motor vehicle driver. Based on our experience, the most common types of bicycle crashes are the right hook, the left cross, the drive-out, the rear-end, the overtake, the dooring, and the careless cyclist or pedestrian.

        1.  The Right Hook

A right hook bicycle collision occurs when a driver passes a cyclist on the left and proceeds to make a right-hand turn directly in front of the cyclist’s right-of-way.

        2.  The Left Cross

Left cross bike accidents take place when a motorist makes a left turn directly in front of the biker’s pathway. In Indiana, these often occur at cross-walks and intersections with heavy bike, pedestrian, and motor vehicle traffic, like downtown Indianapolis and other heavily populated areas in Indiana.

         3.  The Drive-Out

A drive-out bicycle accident happens when a driver pulls out directly into the cyclist’s right-of-way. These often occur at intersections but are also common in parking lots when a driver is attempting to enter or exit a parking spot and fails to notice the oncoming cyclist. Both drivers and cyclists should be cautious when operating in parking lots, as our Indiana bicycle attorneys have found parking lots to be an extremely underrated location for the occurrence of bike vs. automobile collisions.

          4.  The Rear-End

Rear-end collisions occur most frequently in areas of heavy, stop and go traffic when the motorist operates his or her vehicle into the back of a cyclist. These crashes can cause serious injury, even when the force of the impact is minimal.

           5.  The Overtake

Overtake bicycle crashes take place primarily when a motorist attempts to pass a cyclist on the open road. Many cities in Indiana have adopted the “3 foot rule,” requiring motorists to leave at least 3 feet of space when attempting to pass a cyclist. Unfortunately, motorists occasionally come too close to bikers when attempting to pass them on the road, and serious collisions can occur that can lead to devastating injuries to the cyclist.

           6.  The Dooring

Dooring bicycle crashes occur when a driver opens the door of his or her parked vehicle directly into the pathway of an oncoming cyclist, causing the cyclist to collide with the door, often at a high rate of speed. The unfortunate reality of dooring crashes is that they frequently cause the cyclist to flip over the door, leave him or her vulnerable and exposed to oncoming traffic.

Dooring collisions take place most frequently in highly populated areas like New York City and Chicago, but they are becoming more and more prevalent in places like downtown Indianapolis.

           7.  The Careless Cyclist or Pedestrian

Yes, it is true: cyclists and pedestrians are not perfect! Cyclists and pedestrians who carelessly enter a fellow bicyclist or pedestrian’s pathway can be liable for the resulting injuries. Beware of such accidents on places like the Monon Trail!

 

Caress Law Group’s Indiana Bicycle Accident Lawyers, Tim Caress and Lance Worland, understand that the lives of cyclists and their families can be drastically changed as a result of accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in an Indiana bicycle crash or if you have a question about this post or any of Indiana’s bicycle laws, please feel free to contact Caress Law Group by clicking here, calling our office at any time at 317-255-5400, or by email at lance@caresslaw.com. We represent injured cyclists throughout the State of Indiana. All calls and emails are returned promptly, and we offer free, confidential consultations to discuss your case and your options. We look forward to assisting you, and be sure to ride safe!

 

February 13, 2014

Just recently, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) awarded the City of Shelbyville, Indiana a $2.1 million dollar grant to develop a bicycle and pedestrian trail that is scheduled to extend from Babe Ruth Park to Blue River Memorial Park, which is a total distance of about 3.5 miles. Shelbyville city officials are excited about this new addition to the City, especially due to the possibility of connecting part of the trail with downtown Shelbyville, which is one of the project’s major goals.

The Indiana Bicycle Injury Lawyers of Caress Law Group salute INDOT and the City of Shelbyville for their efforts in promoting bicycle usage and wellness. Not only will this bicycle trial increase the quality of life for Shelbyville and other Indiana residents, but it will also present citizens with more options for travel and another route to access downtown Shelbyville. Our Indiana bicycle lawyers are riders themselves and could not be prouder of the State of Indiana’s recent efforts to promote bicycle access and safety through the implementation of new bicycle trails, bicycle lanes, and even bike laws, including Indiana’s “3 foot law.”

Caress Law Group’s Indiana bicycle accident attorneys are proud to be Indiana’s premier advocates for bicyclist’s rights when it comes to personal injury incidents stemming from bike crashes, including bicycle vs. car collisions, hit and run collisions involving bikes, and any other incident causing injury to cyclists. We have over 20 years of experience in handling personal injury and medical malpractice claims, both against insurance companies and at trial as well.

We view the opportunity to assist you or a loved one who has been injured in a bicycle accident as an honor and a privilege. If we can be of assistance in any way, please feel free to Contact Us or give us a call at 317-255-5400. All consultations and case reviews are free and easy. Remember to ride safe – and check all mirrors for bikers and pedestrians before turning!

Caress Law Group’s Indiana Bicycle Lawyers are the leading Indiana personal injury attorneys who dedicate a significant portion of their law practice to representing victims of bicycle accidents. Please contact us at any time at 317-255-5400 or by clicking the "Contact Us" tab above.
We look forward to helping you on your path to recovery.