Woman Injured in Indiana Bicycle Accident Involving Dump Truck
As the country is still reeling from the pandemic, many employers continue to shift their expectations for employees. These changes have drastically impacted traffic patterns and commuting methods. Many Indiana commuters are finding alternative ways to commute to work and their daily activities. While biking continues to be a popular mode of transportation, it has also led to the steady increase of Indiana bicycling accidents.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that bike accidents comprise approximately two percent of all traffic fatalities in the country. Historically the majority of the fatalities involve young children; however, the rise in bike commuters has impacted the affected demographic. The NHTSA reports that around 700 individuals die every year in bike accidents, and nearly 48,000 suffer serious injuries. The average age of fatal bike accident victims is between 55 and 59 years old. Statistics also indicate that a disproportionate number of accident victims are males riding their bikes in urban settings. The majority of fatal bike accidents occur along major roadways. Further, historically, the evening rush hour is the most dangerous time of day for bikers. This may be because of the large numbers of commuters traveling home tired after a long workday. Finally, the most recent accident reports show that nearly 25 percent of fatal bike accident victims had a blood alcohol content of 0.01 or higher.
Not surprisingly, collisions between cyclists and large trucks typically result in the most catastrophic outcomes. For example, local news reports described a harrowing accident between an Indiana cyclist and a dump truck. Law enforcement received reports of the bicycle accident around 12:45 p.m. When they arrived, they discovered that a dump truck rear-ended the 67-year-old bicyclist. The woman suffered several broken bones and a head injury. She was life-flighted to a hospital; however, she later died from her injuries. Police do not believe that alcohol or drugs were involved in the accident; however, the case is still under investigation.
Although each bicycle accident has its own unique set of circumstances, bike accidents often involve the same underlying themes. For example, most bike accidents result in strained and broken bones, and the trauma is only exacerbated when the biker is not wearing a helmet. Additionally, bike accident victims often suffer road rash, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, whiplash, and psychological trauma.
Have You Been Involved in an Indiana Biking Accident?
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in an Indiana bike accident, contact the personal injury law firm of Padove Law. In addition to bicycle injuries, Padove Law handles various complex Indiana personal injury lawsuits, including those involving defective drugs, defective products, dog bites, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, slip and falls, vehicle accidents, and work-related accidents. Through Attorney Padove’s skilled representation, his clients have recovered significant amounts of compensation for their injuries. He has represented clients in all stages of a personal injury claim, including settlement negotiations with at-fault parties and their insurance companies, litigation, and appeals. Contact Padove Law at 219-836-2200 to schedule a free initial consultation with Attorney Padove.