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Category: Indiana Bike News


October 17, 2014

According to reports, on the early morning of Friday, October 17, 2014, a sixteen year-old Indianapolis resident became the victim of a hit-and-run when he was struck while riding his bicycle near the intersection of Shelby Street and Raymond Street in Indianapolis, Indiana. Members of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department indicated that a motor vehicle struck the male cyclist before driving away from the scene. The extent of the cyclist’s injuries is unknown and the investigation into this matter is ongoing.

The sad reality of any hit-and-run accident, especially one involving a bicycle vs. motor vehicle collision, is that, if the perpetrator is not caught by police, the victim of the hit-and-run is almost certainly left with injuries without any means of receiving compensation for them. The result is the same if a cyclist is struck by a motor vehicle operator who does not possess any insurance to cover the injured person’s injuries and damages.

As a result of those exact circumstances, the Indiana bicycle attorneys at Caress Law Group strongly encourage all cyclists (and all motorists for that matter) to obtain uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage as part of their automobile insurance policies. Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is insurance that protects an insured even if the liable party did not have insurance or if the liable party flees the scene. Even though it is illegal in Indiana for a driver to operate a motor vehicle without insurance coverage, there are many drivers who do not have coverage, and it is a very real problem for injured persons who are entitled to have their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering paid for.

Our lawyers also recommend that all Indiana cyclists (and drivers) obtain Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage, which is insurance that protects an insured despite the liable party not having enough insurance to cover the injured person’s injuries and damages. In Indiana, the minimum bodily injury insurance requirement is $25,000.00 per person and $50,000.00 per incident. This means that even if a cyclist is severely injured, or even killed, by a motor vehicle, the absolute maximum amount that the cyclist and/or his family can obtain from the at-fault party is $25,000.00, even though the injuries and damages are worth hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars.

For these reasons, we recommend you check your automobile insurance policy’s declaration page and make sure you have adequate Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage. If you have any questions about this article or about Indiana bicycle law, feel free to contact our Indiana bicycle crash lawyers, Tim Caress or Lance Worland. Call us for free at 317-255-5400 or click here to submit an online inquiry. We take great pride in assisting Indiana cyclists, and we wish this cyclist a speedy recovery.

October 16, 2014

On Monday, October 13, 2014, two separate Indiana cyclists in their twenties were involved in separate bicycle crashes that ended up taking both of their lives. Devon Lehman, a 26 year-old resident of Goshen, Indiana, was riding his bicycle on State Road 13 near Millersburg, Indiana, when a Jeep Liberty being driven by Matthew Kid collided with him. Sadly, Mr. Devon Lehman was pronounced dead at the scene of the bicycle accident.

That very same day on Monday, October 13, 2014, Ryan Richardson, a 27 year-old resident of Anderson, Indiana, was riding his bicycle northbound on Madison Avenue over an Interstate 69 overpass when he was struck by the passenger side of a vehicle traveling in a northerly direction being operated by Ricky Stohler of Alexandria, Indiana.

Mr. Ryan Richardson initially survived this collision and was taken by ambulance to St. Vincent Anderson Hospital before being lifelined by helicopter to St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. Tragically, Ryan Richardson died on the evening of Tuesday, October 14, 2014 from injuries related to the bike crash. Following the accident, residents living near the location of Ryan Richardson’s bicycle collision indicated that cyclists and pedestrians often use the overpass as a means of travel.

While all Indiana bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles are tragic, the bike crashes that took the lives of Devon Lehman and Ryan Richardson are particularly difficult to accept, as they were both young, twenty-somethings who had years upon years of life ahead of them. Further, these incidents were entirely preventable, as they both appear to be the result of motor vehicles attempting to pass the cyclists. As many of you know, many Indiana communities have adopted the “3 foot rule,” which requires motor vehicles attempting to pass cyclists to leave at least 3 feet of space.

The Indiana bicycle accident lawyers at Caress Law Group offer our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Mr. Devon Lehman and Mr. Ryan Richardson during this difficult time.

If you have any questions regarding this post or any question regarding Indiana bicycle laws or Indiana personal injury, feel free to call our experienced Indiana bicycle injury lawyers at 317-255-5400 or click here to submit an online inquiry. Please remember to ride safe!

August 27, 2014

On August 23, 2014, Anthony Schoettle of the Indianapolis Business Journal (IBJ) published an article spotlighting the work of Caress Law Group’s very own Indiana bicycle accident attorneys, Tim Caress and Lance Worland.

As many of our readers are aware, Caress Law Group’s lawyers focus a large part of their practice assisting victims of cycling accidents. Often times, cyclists involved in collisions are left with their lives being turned completely upside down due to the serious injuries and life disruption that follow thereafter.

Our bicycle personal injury lawyers have found that a fair and reasonable outcome of a bicycle injury case requires a thorough and complete understanding of Indiana’s bicycle laws, as well as each Indiana city’s local ordinances and the standard elements of negligence that govern all personal injury cases in Indiana. As cyclists ourselves, we take great pride in assisting victims of bicycle collisions throughout the State of Indiana. If you have any questions regarding the article provided below or any questions regarding Indiana bicycle law, please do not hesitate to call us at 317-255-5400 or submit an online inquiry at by clicking here.

Check out the article below:

http://www.ibj.com/broad-ripple-lawyer-represents-cyclists-involved-in-personal-injury-accidents/PARAMS/article/49157?utm_source=eight-at-8&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=2014-08-27#.U_3c8lV2IDA.twitter

July 14, 2014

On July 11, 2014, Brian Eason of the Indianapolis Star published an enlightening and well-written article on the confusion caused by Indiana’s cycling laws. We highly recommend that all Hoosier cyclists and motorists read this article, as it may shed light on information that was previously unknown to you.

We are also proud of Caress Law Group’s own, Lance Worland, for the information he was able to provide for this article. Both Lance Worland and Tim Caress have worked tirelessly in their careers to represent victims of bicycle accidents across the State of Indiana, and during that time, they have gained invaluable information regarding bicycle safety. Further, they have proudly had the opportunity to advocate for bicycle accident victims – making sure they are fairly and appropriately compensated for their injuries as a result of a wide array of different types of bicycle accidents.

Check out the article below:

http://www.indystar.com/story/news/2014/07/10/collision-course-confusing-laws-vex-indiana-drivers-cyclists/12489675/

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 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!

January 2, 2014

Origination of the Idea

After a recent news article was published in late December, many Indiana bicyclists have questioned whether there will ever be a tax on bike usage in Indiana. The talk of possible bicycle taxes stems from the extreme growth of bicycle use among city dwellers across the United States. Cities like Chicago, New York, and Portland have documented spikes in the amount of citizens using bicycles for transportation. Indianapolis and other cities and towns across the State of Indiana are no different – people have begun to rely more and more on bikes as an alternative to driving a car, resulting in better health, better air quality, and less money spent on gas.

Due to this increase in biking across the country, local governments, like Indianapolis and other Hoosier cities, have started accommodating to cyclists on public roadways by adding bicycle lanes, bike sharing systems, bike boxes, and even mini snow plows purchased for the sole purpose of clearing bike lanes. Because of this, a select group of folks across the United States are questioning why local legislatures have not yet required a tax on bicycle usage and/or a bicycle registration fee to help cover the costs of these bicycle-accommodating initiatives. Currently, the State of Hawaii and the City of Colorado Spring, Colorado are the only governments we know of that have instituted a bicycle registration fee; no state or local government has started to tax bicycle users yet.

Will it Happen in Indiana?

Like many other municipalities across the country, Indiana cities like Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, Lafayette, Bloomington, and South Bend have noted a substantial spike in residents’ use of bicycles. While there has been no talk of instituting a bicycle registration fee or a bicycle-use tax anywhere in the State of Indiana, it will be interesting to see how this issue pans out across the country. Most Indiana bikers also own cars and therefore pay fuel taxes, as well as the property taxes paid by homeowners, which partly pays for road improvements, causing many bicycle users to question whether they should have to pay an additional tax for riding bikes. Talk of Indiana bike taxes and the like led one bicycle blogger to sarcastically wonder why pedestrians aren’t charged a shoe tax to use the sidewalks.

Indiana Bicycle Lawyers

The Indiana bicycle accident lawyers at Caress Law Group want to wish all Indiana cyclists an exciting and happy 2014. We look forward to making sure all Hoosier riders are aware of all Indiana bicycle updates that occur this year. We will continue to take great pride in acting as the premier Indiana bike accidents attorneys and promise to passionately represent injured bicyclists across Indiana. If you have any questions about Indiana bicycle law or if you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle crash, other personal injury matter, or medical malpractice incident, please Contact Us by clicking here or give us a call for a free and easy initial consultation at 317-255-5400. We look forward to speaking with you – and remember to ride safe this New Year!

December 6, 2013

Because Caress Law Group’s Indiana Bicycle Accident Lawyers dedicate our practice to representing victims of bicycle accidents throughout Indiana, we most often assist our clients with obtaining the compensation they deserve for the bodily injuries they sustain. This includes restitution for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and lost enjoyment of life that results from bicycle accidents. However, due to the destructive nature of these bike crashes, our clients are frequently left with heavily damaged bikes or their bikes are completely totaled. That is where our Indiana bicycle lawyers step in to make sure our clients are fairly reimbursed for their damaged property as well.

It’s not always easy to value a used bicycle, but it is becoming a more popular market, especially in Indiana as bicycle usage continues to rise at a rapid rate thanks to the State’s efforts in increasing the number of trails and bike-designated areas. With that being said, we would like to introduce our readers to www.bicyclebluebook.com. Much like www.kellybluebook.com acts as a database for used automobiles, Bicycle Blue Book does the same thing, but for used bicycles. While the site is still somewhat young, we feel that the used bike values are fair and consistent with market prices that we have seen, particularly around the Indianapolis area.

With Christmas around the corner, if you don’t feel like splurging for a new bicycle, what could make a greater gift for your loved ones than a used a bicycle? The good weather will be back before we know it, and the exercise that riding a bike can provide makes for a well-executed New Year’s resolution. Simply go to the site and choose your bike’s make, model, and year to obtain an estimated value. If interested, Bicycle Blue Book also offers a bicycle marketplace for registered users to buy and sell their new or used bikes.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Indiana or if you have questions about the insurance company’s valuation of your bicycle after a crash, contact the Indiana bike attorneys at Caress Law Group. We are the premier bicycle injury lawyers in Indiana and dedicate our practice to representing those who have been injured by another’s negligence. All contact with us is free and easy and we are happy to provide you with assistance. Contact us online by clicking here or give us a call (317-255-5400) or e-mail at lance@caresslaw.com. Ride safe!

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.