Best Bicycle Accident Attorneys in South Bend

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in South Bend, Indiana?

  The non-emergency contact number for the South Bend Police Department is (574) 235-9201.

• Where can I get a copy of police report for incidents related to my case in South Bend, Indiana?

  Police report copies can be obtained by submitting a request in person at the South Bend Police Department Records Bureau located at 701 W. Sample St. South Bend, IN 46601. The Records Bureau is open from 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. on weekdays and until 5:00 P.M. on weekends.

• What regulations regarding bicycle equipment and accessories are in place in South Bend?

  When biking in South Bend, bicycles must have a front lamp with white light and a rear lamp with red light or red reflector visible from a distance of 500 feet. Additionally, bicycles must have a brake and the rider is not permitted to let a passenger sit on anything other than the bicycle's regular, securely-fastened seat.

• What happens if a person violates the bicycle laws in South Bend?

  South Bend abides by Indiana Code Chapter 11 Article 21's bicycle regulations which basically state that the same rights and duties as other motor vehicle riders also apply to bikers. A class C infraction, which typically carries a fine of $500, will be applied to anyone who violates these laws, including the rules regarding bicycle use and equipment.

• Are adults required to wear bicycle helmets when biking in South Bend?

  As of the moment, South Bend and the rest of Indiana do not have laws requiring adults to wear helmets while riding bicycles. The same is true for children. However, to promote safety and prevent traumatic head injuries from happening among its locals, the wearing of helmets has been included in the recommendations given by the Indiana Department of Health.

• Can a personal injury claim in South Bend be affected by the bicycle accident victim's behavior?

  A modified comparative negligence rule is used in South Bend and throughout the state of Indiana, which means that each party responsible for the accident bears a proportionate share of the fault. Therefore, the behavior of an accident victim may have a significant impact on their ability to receive compensation.

• What are the most frequent reasons for bicycle accidents in South Bend?

  With the increase in the number of bicycles on the road, the number of accidents has also increased in South Bend. The common causes include texting while driving or other forms of distractions, driving too close to a bicycle, ignoring stop signs and other traffic signals, and driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs.