You may have been cruising through Indianapolis on your bike, and you were feeling good about it. You were getting some exercise, you were helping the environment, and you could better avoid heavy traffic. At least, you could until a car hit you in an intersection, swerved into your lane, or otherwise collided with you. 

You got hit by a car on your bike—can you sue? Luckily, the answer is often yes. Someone else was careless with your safety, and you shouldn’t have to pay for the suffering they caused. But what do you need to know before you sue? Check out the biggest steps below before you file a personal injury lawsuit for your injuries. 

Identifying the At-Fault Party in a Bike Accident 

When you’re hurt in a serious Indianapolis bike accident, you may first need to identify the at-fault party. Typically, this isn’t so difficult in a bicycle accident. Often, the person at fault for your injuries is the driver who struck you. 

But it’s not always that simple. For example, what if that driver was on the clock? Employers may be responsible for their employees’ actions, and rideshare companies make that even more difficult. 

Because of these factors, you may need a little help determining who caused your bicycle accident. Your bicycle accident lawyer in Indianapolis can help you gather evidence against the at-fault party, including locating them so you can file your claim notice. 

Compensation for Your Bicycle Accident Injuries

One of the most difficult parts of your claim may be calculating your compensation. You’ve lost a lot in the accident, which makes it difficult to determine how much your claim is worth. Luckily, your Indiana bike accident lawyer can help you calculate your damages and get compensated fairly. 

Below are some of the damages you may be due for your injuries: 

• Economic Damages – If you’ve suffered financially because of your bicycle accident, you may be eligible for economic damages. These damages include medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, among others. 
• Non-Economic Damages – The intangible losses you suffer in an accident can be difficult to calculate. Because of this, you may need a lawyer to help you calculate your pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-financial losses. 
• Punitive Damages – Punitive damages aren’t meant to compensate you. They’re instead meant to punish the at-fault party for their actions. These damages are rare, but they may be available if the at-fault party intentionally harmed you or were excessively reckless. 

Call a Bike Accident Lawyer in Indianapolis for Help 

When you’re hurt in a bike accident because a driver wasn’t looking, it can leave you with severe trauma, both mental and physical. You shouldn’t have to deal with those losses without support. 

Luckily, the lawyers at Kooi Law are here to help. If you got hit by a car on your bike, you may be eligible to sue. To get started, take advantage of our free consultations by calling 317-569-1335 or by completing the contact form below.