Best Bicycle Accident Attorneys in South Bend

FAQs

• 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 reports 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 state that the same rights and duties as other motor vehicle riders also apply to bikers, and a Class C infraction, which typically carries a fine of $500, will be applied to anyone who violates these laws.

• 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 and minors to wear helmets while riding bicycles. However, to promote safety and prevent traumatic head injuries from happening, the League of American Bicyclists recommends the wearing of helmets.

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

  In Indiana, which includes South Bend, personal injury claims are governed by a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that an accident victim's actions can have a significant impact on their compensation eligibility. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, an insurance adjuster or defense attorney will likely argue that your conduct played a role in causing the crash. Even if you were not at fault for the collision, if a jury determines that your behavior contributed to the accident, it could significantly reduce the amount of compensation you receive.

• What are the most frequent causes of bicycle accidents in South Bend?

  Common factors leading to bicycle accidents in South Bend encompass various aspects such as distracted driving, particularly texting while driving, driving too closely to bicycles, disregarding stop signs and traffic signals, and operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.