Carmel Bike Accident Lawyer

Getting hit while riding your bike is terrifying. One second you’re enjoying Carmel’s trails or bike lanes. The next, you’re on the pavement with a car driving away.

Maybe you were cycling on the Monon Greenway. Or riding through downtown Carmel. Perhaps you were following every traffic law when a driver turned right without looking. Now you’re dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and an insurance company that seems more interested in denying your claim than helping you recover.

Cyclists get treated unfairly after accidents. Insurance adjusters assume you were partially at fault simply because you were on a bike. They’ll offer settlements that barely cover your emergency room visit—let alone your ongoing medical care, lost wages, or the fact that you might never ride comfortably again.

At Pavlack Law, we’ve spent decades fighting for injured people throughout Hamilton County and Central Indiana. Our team has secured millions in settlements and verdicts for our clients. We know how to counter the tactics insurance companies use against cyclists. And we’re ready to put that experience to work for you.

Whether you were hit by a distracted driver on US-31, struck by a door opening into the bike lane downtown, or injured by a reckless motorist who failed to yield, we’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Why Injured Cyclists Choose Pavlack Law

Choosing the right attorney after a bicycle accident matters. What sets us apart is straightforward—we’ve built a proven track record over decades, but we also treat every client like they’re our only client.

Attorney Eric Pavlack leads our team. He’s been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star and Super Lawyer consistently from 2009 through 2025. Between our three attorneys, we bring 50 years of combined experience to every case we handle.

Here’s what truly distinguishes how we work:

Proven Results: We’ve recovered millions for Carmel and Hamilton County families. Our case results include a $6,000,000 settlement for the widow and surviving children of a man who died due to negligence, and a $4,000,000 settlement for a woman paralyzed from the waist down in a car collision.

Zero Financial Risk: We work on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay unless we recover compensation for you. No consultation fees. No retainers. No hourly bills. We advance all case costs upfront.

Direct Attorney Access: When you work with Pavlack Law, you get direct access to experienced attorneys. We intentionally limit our caseload so every client receives the attention and communication their case demands. You won’t be handed off to paralegals or support staff.

Trial-Ready Advocacy: While many cases settle, insurance companies know we’re fully prepared to take your case to court if they won’t offer fair compensation. We’re admitted to practice in Indiana state courts, the U.S. District Courts for both the Southern and Northern Districts of Indiana, and the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

How Bicycle Accidents Happen in Carmel

Carmel has invested heavily in bicycle infrastructure. The city earned recognition as a Bicycle Friendly Community. The Monon Greenway runs right through town. Bike lanes connect neighborhoods throughout the area.

But even with this infrastructure, bicycle accidents still happen. Often, they’re caused by drivers who simply aren’t paying attention to cyclists on the road.

Distracted Driving

This is the leading cause of bicycle accidents we see. Drivers texting, adjusting their GPS, eating, or talking on the phone don’t notice cyclists until it’s too late. Unintended distractions can negatively affect drivers in ways that prove deadly for cyclists.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives in 2022 alone. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable because drivers aren’t actively looking for them.

Failure to Yield Right of Way

Many serious accidents happen at intersections where drivers fail to yield to cyclists who have the right of way. A driver making a left turn often doesn’t see an oncoming cyclist. Or a driver rolls through a stop sign without checking for bicycle traffic.

Indiana law is clear. Under Indiana Code § 9-21-11-2, every person riding a bicycle on a roadway has all the rights and duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle. That means cyclists have the same legal right to the road as cars.

Dooring Accidents

These happen when a parked car’s door suddenly opens into a cyclist’s path. The cyclist either crashes into the door or swerves into traffic to avoid it. Both scenarios often result in serious injuries.

Dooring accidents are common in downtown Carmel where parallel parking lines the streets. They’re particularly dangerous because they happen without warning.

Right Hook and Left Cross Collisions

A right hook occurs when a vehicle passes a cyclist and immediately turns right, cutting across the cyclist’s path. A left cross happens when a vehicle turning left across traffic doesn’t yield to an oncoming cyclist.

These are textbook examples of driver negligence. Yet insurance companies often try to blame the cyclist for not being visible enough or riding too fast.

Unsafe Lane Changes

Drivers who change lanes without checking their blind spots can force cyclists off the road or directly into their vehicle’s path. This is especially dangerous on busy roads like Keystone Parkway or Range Line Road where traffic moves quickly.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

When drivers exceed posted speed limits, they have less time to react to cyclists on the road. Aggressive driving behaviors—tailgating cyclists, honking, or passing too closely—create extremely dangerous conditions.

According to Indiana crash data, speeding contributes to thousands of serious accidents across the state each year.

Road Defects and Poor Maintenance

Potholes, uneven pavement, cracked asphalt, and debris in bike lanes force cyclists into traffic or cause them to lose control. When poor road conditions contribute to your accident, the city or county responsible for maintenance may share liability.

Impaired Driving

Drunk and drugged drivers pose a massive threat to cyclists. Their reaction times are slower. Their judgment is impaired. They’re more likely to drift into bike lanes or fail to see cyclists entirely.

Opening Car Doors Without Looking

Similar to dooring but worth emphasizing—drivers and passengers who exit their vehicles without checking for cyclists create sudden, unavoidable obstacles. These accidents often result in head injuries and broken bones.

Common Injuries We See in Bicycle Accidents

Cyclists lack the physical protection that car occupants have. No airbags. No seatbelts. No metal frame absorbing impact. When a bike collides with a vehicle, the cyclist’s body absorbs the full force.

The injuries we see range from minor to catastrophic:

Traumatic Brain Injuries: Even with a helmet, cyclists can suffer concussions and TBIs in collisions. These injuries can cause cognitive impairment, memory problems, personality changes, and long-term disability. Some brain injuries aren’t immediately apparent but develop into serious complications later.

Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. These are life-altering injuries that require extensive medical care and rehabilitation. Common causes of spinal cord injuries include high-impact collisions between cyclists and motor vehicles.

Broken Bones and Fractures: Cyclists commonly suffer broken collarbones, arms, wrists, legs, ribs, and pelvic bones. Many fractures require surgery, pins, plates, or screws. Recovery can take months and often involves extensive physical therapy.

Road Rash and Soft Tissue Injuries: When a cyclist slides across pavement, the friction causes severe skin abrasions. Serious road rash can require skin grafts and leave permanent scarring. Infection is a significant risk with these injuries.

Facial Injuries: Impact with the ground, a vehicle, or other objects can cause facial fractures, dental damage, and jaw injuries. These often require reconstructive surgery and result in permanent disfigurement.

Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can damage internal organs including the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs. Internal bleeding isn’t always immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

Shoulder Injuries: Separated shoulders, torn rotator cuffs, and clavicle fractures are extremely common in bicycle accidents. These injuries often require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.

Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, many cyclists develop anxiety, PTSD, and fear of riding again. The psychological impact of a serious accident can be just as debilitating as physical injuries.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

When you’re injured in a bicycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, Indiana law allows you to pursue several types of compensation. Understanding your legal rights after an injury is essential to recovering what you deserve.

Economic Damages

These are the tangible, calculable losses you’ve suffered:

Medical Expenses: Every dollar you’ve spent or will spend on medical care. Emergency room visits. Ambulance transport. Hospitalization. Surgery. Medications. Physical therapy. Future medical care and rehabilitation. Medical equipment like wheelchairs or prosthetics.

Keep every medical bill and receipt. These documents form the foundation of your economic damages claim.

Lost Wages: If your injuries prevented you from working, you can recover compensation for lost income. This includes wages you’ve already lost and income you’ll lose in the future if you can’t return to work immediately.

Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation or limit your ability to earn at the same level, you can recover compensation for this permanent reduction in earning capacity.

Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your bicycle. Damaged cycling gear, helmets, clothing, phones, and other personal property.

Non-Economic Damages

These compensate you for intangible losses that don’t have a specific dollar amount:

Pain and Suffering: Physical pain during recovery and any ongoing chronic pain. Courts recognize that serious injuries cause real suffering that deserves compensation.

Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and fear of cycling again. The psychological impact of being hit by a car can last years.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you previously enjoyed—whether that’s cycling, sports, or playing with your kids—you deserve compensation for this loss.

Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: Scars, limb loss, or permanent physical limitations significantly impact your quality of life.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases involving extreme negligence or intentional conduct, Indiana courts may award punitive damages designed to punish the defendant. However, these are capped under Indiana law at the lesser of $50,000 or three times your compensatory damages.

Indiana’s Comparative Fault Rule—What Cyclists Need to Know

Insurance companies love to blame cyclists for their own accidents. They’ll claim you were riding too fast, didn’t have proper lights, or shouldn’t have been in the road at all.

Here’s what you need to understand about Indiana law.

Indiana follows a modified comparative fault rule under Indiana Code § 34-51-2-6. This means you can still recover compensation even if you share some responsibility for the accident—but only if you’re 50% or less at fault.

If you’re found to be 20% at fault and your total damages equal $100,000, you’d recover $80,000. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

But here’s the critical limitation: if you’re found to be 51% or more responsible, you cannot recover anything.

This is why having experienced legal representation is so important. Insurance adjusters are trained to inflate your percentage of fault. They’ll scrutinize every detail looking for ways to shift blame onto you. They might claim you weren’t wearing bright enough clothing, or that you rode through an intersection too quickly, or that you should have anticipated the driver’s negligence.

We build strong cases that accurately establish liability and protect your right to fair compensation.

Understanding Your Rights as a Cyclist in Indiana

Cyclists have the same legal rights as motorists under Indiana law. Under Indiana Code § 9-21-11-2, every person riding a bicycle on a roadway has all the rights and duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle.

This means:

• You have the right to use the full lane when necessary for safety
• Drivers must treat you like any other vehicle on the road
• You must obey traffic signals, stop signs, and other traffic control devices
• You have the right to ride on most public roads (except limited-access highways)

Carmel has also adopted specific local ordinances governing cyclists and motorists. These ordinances require drivers to exercise due care to avoid collisions with cyclists and mandate that drivers give cyclists adequate space when passing.

But knowing your rights and getting insurance companies to respect them are two different things. That’s where we come in.

The Two-Year Deadline to File Your Claim

Indiana law imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits. Under Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4, you generally have two years from the date of your bicycle accident to file a lawsuit.

Miss this deadline and your right to pursue compensation disappears forever. It doesn’t matter how severe your injuries are or how clear the other party’s negligence might be. The courts will dismiss your case.

There are limited exceptions. If the injured person is under 18, the statute of limitations doesn’t begin until they reach age 18. Claims against government entities require filing a tort claim notice within 270 days for state agencies or 180 days for local entities.

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses’ memories fade. You might inadvertently make statements to insurance representatives that undermine your case. The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your legal rights.

What to Do Immediately After a Bicycle Accident

The steps you take right after an accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation later. Here’s what you should do:

1. Prioritize Safety

Move to a safe location if you can do so without risking further injury. Check yourself and others for injuries.

2. Call 911

Report the accident immediately. Even if your injuries seem minor, you need an official police report. Call the Carmel Police Department at 317-571-2500 if you’re within city limits.

3. Seek Medical Attention

Get evaluated by medical professionals even if you think you’re okay. Some injuries—like concussions, internal bleeding, and soft tissue damage—don’t show immediate symptoms but can become serious complications later.

4. Document Everything

Take photos and videos of:

• The accident scene from multiple angles
• All vehicles involved and their license plates
• Your bicycle and any damage
• Your visible injuries
• Road conditions, traffic signals, and bike lane markings
• Skid marks or debris

5. Gather Information

Get the driver’s name, address, phone number, insurance information, and driver’s license number. Collect contact information from any witnesses. Exchange information with other parties involved.

6. Preserve Evidence

Don’t repair or dispose of your damaged bicycle or gear yet. These are important evidence in your case. Keep your torn or bloodied clothing.

7. Report to Your Insurance

Notify your own insurance company about the accident. But be careful—don’t give detailed recorded statements without consulting an attorney first.

8. Don’t Admit Fault

Don’t apologize or make statements that could be interpreted as admitting responsibility. Stick to the facts when speaking with police and other parties.

9. Avoid Social Media

Don’t post about your accident on Facebook, Instagram, or other platforms. Insurance companies monitor social media looking for content they can use to undermine your claim.

10. Contact Pavlack Law

Call us at 317-733-5171 before you give any recorded statements to insurance adjusters. We’ll protect your rights from day one.

Why Insurance Companies Treat Cyclists Unfairly

Insurance adjusters aren’t on your side. They work for profit-driven companies focused on minimizing claim payouts.

When it comes to bicycle accidents, they employ specific tactics to reduce or deny your claim:

Victim Blaming: They’ll suggest you were partially at fault simply because you were on a bike. They might claim you weren’t visible enough, weren’t wearing a helmet, or were riding recklessly—even when none of that is true.

Lowball Offers: They’ll make quick settlement offers that barely cover your immediate medical bills. Why you shouldn’t accept the first insurance offer becomes clear when you realize these offers ignore future medical care, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.

Delay Tactics: They’ll drag out the claims process hoping you’ll become frustrated and accept less than you deserve.

Recorded Statements: They’ll ask for recorded statements designed to get you to say something that undermines your claim. Every word you say can be used against you later.

Medical Records Requests: They’ll request extensive medical records looking for pre-existing conditions they can blame for your current injuries.

Surveillance: They may hire investigators to follow you and record video that they’ll use to argue your injuries aren’t as serious as claimed.

At Pavlack Law, we handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf. You can focus on recovering while we fight for fair compensation.

Our Process: How We Handle Your Case

When you choose Pavlack Law to represent you after a bicycle accident, here’s what you can expect:

Step 1: Free Consultation

Your initial consultation is completely free with no obligation. We’ll listen carefully to your account of what happened, review any documentation you have, answer your questions, and provide an honest assessment of your case.

We can meet at our Indianapolis office, speak by phone, or come to your home or hospital if you’re unable to travel due to your injuries.

Step 2: Investigation and Case Building

Once you retain our services, we immediately begin investigating your case. This includes:

• Obtaining police reports and accident scene documentation
• Collecting comprehensive medical records and billing statements
• Photographing and videotaping the accident scene
• Interviewing witnesses while their memories are fresh
• Consulting with accident reconstruction experts when necessary
• Working with medical experts to understand your prognosis
• Identifying all potentially liable parties and available insurance coverage
• Securing surveillance footage before it’s deleted

This investigation phase is critical. Insurance companies have teams of investigators working to minimize their liability. We level the playing field.

Step 3: Demand and Negotiation

Once we’ve built a comprehensive case and you’ve either reached maximum medical improvement or we have a clear understanding of your future medical needs, we calculate the full value of your claim.

We then prepare and submit a detailed demand package to the insurance company. Our experience and reputation provide significant leverage in negotiations. Insurers know we’re fully prepared to pursue litigation if they won’t make a fair settlement offer.

Many cases resolve at this stage. But only when the insurance company offers compensation that genuinely reflects the harm you’ve suffered.

Step 4: Litigation (If Necessary)

If the insurance company refuses to make a reasonable settlement offer, we don’t hesitate to file a lawsuit. Most bicycle accident cases in Carmel are filed in Hamilton County Superior Court.

The litigation process includes discovery, depositions, expert witness testimony, mediation attempts, and comprehensive trial preparation. We’re experienced trial attorneys. Insurance companies take our cases seriously because they know we’re prepared to go to verdict.

Step 5: Recovery

When we secure a settlement or verdict in your favor, we handle all aspects of finalizing your recovery. This includes resolving medical liens, negotiating reductions in medical bills when possible, and disbursing your settlement proceeds promptly.

Our Case Results Speak for Themselves

Over the years, we’ve helped rebuild lives for families throughout Carmel and Hamilton County after devastating injuries. These are actual results we’ve achieved for our clients:

$19,000,000 — Settlement with numerous ready mix concrete suppliers in western Iowa who conspired to fix and inflate their prices to customers.

$6,000,000 — Settlement for the widow and surviving children of a man who died due to negligence.

$4,000,000 — Settlement for a woman paralyzed from the waist down in a car collision.

$1,800,000 — Settlement in medical malpractice case for family of married father of four who died due to failure to diagnose a serious cardiac condition.

$1,250,000 — Settlement for family of young man who was killed in collision with a negligently operated semi.

$925,000 — Settlement for construction worker who was badly injured when he fell through an unmarked opening in roof of commercial construction project.

$750,000 — Settlement for woman who was injured at work when she slipped on untreated ice.

These results represent our commitment to securing maximum compensation for every client. While past outcomes don’t guarantee future results—every case has unique circumstances—they demonstrate our ability to handle complex cases and win against well-funded insurance companies and corporate defendants.

What Our Clients Say

Nothing speaks more powerfully than the experiences of people we’ve represented:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Eric Pavlack handled my father’s case with the level of professionalism and care it required. He worked with us for a long while and kept up communication extremely well. Eric oversaw the situation with care even after long periods of waiting. We appreciate all he’s done for us. He is truly exceptional!” — Desirae Michaels

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Eric and his team are top notch. Handled my son’s case with the upmost professionalism. Great communication and responsiveness. Would highly recommend his services.” — Jennifer Hart

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I give my upmost recommendation to Eric and the Pavlack Law team. At my age, 65, when I first inquired about services due to a work injury, I was not optimistic about what could happen for me and my situation. The first thing I can say about my experience is that Eric put my mind at ease. He did not promise the world, but had real conversation and discussed what the best and worst outcomes could be in this situation. Expectations were set not on the outcome, but on the process. I felt he was going to battle for me with his demeanor and explanations the whole way through the experience. During mediation, he helped me get fully prepared and made sure I was aware that the final say was totally up to me. Rest assured you are in good care with Eric and his team. I was extremely happy with the outcome.” — Randy Hartley

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Eric was always there for our family. I highly recommend his law office. A very professional law firm. Thank you and God Bless you” — Joyce Kendall

You can read additional reviews from our clients on our Google Business Profile.

Other Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle

Our three attorneys handle the full spectrum of personal injury cases throughout Carmel and Hamilton County. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we have the experience to help.

For more information about our comprehensive Carmel personal injury lawyer services, visit our main practice area page.

Car Accidents

Hamilton County experiences thousands of traffic collisions each year. We represent clients injured in rear-end collisions, T-bone accidents, multi-vehicle pileups, and hit-and-run crashes. Understanding what to do after an accident in a rental car can become complicated quickly—we guide clients through these situations.

If you’ve been injured in a traffic collision, our experienced Carmel car accident lawyer team can help you navigate the claims process and fight for maximum compensation.

Truck Accidents

Commercial truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries. How to protect your rights after a truck accident includes preserving critical evidence before trucking companies destroy it.

Our Carmel truck accident lawyer team understands the complex federal regulations governing commercial vehicles and knows how to hold trucking companies accountable for their negligence.

Motorcycle Accidents

What a personal injury lawyer can do after a motorcycle accident includes fighting against unfair bias that riders contributed to their own injuries. We also understand that benefits of physical therapy for motorcycle accident victims play a critical role in recovery.

If you ride a motorcycle and have been injured by a negligent driver, contact our Carmel motorcycle accident lawyer for experienced representation.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Property owners have a legal obligation to maintain safe premises. When determining is a business to blame for a recent slip and fall, we gather important evidence in slip and fall cases—surveillance footage, maintenance records, and witness statements.

Medical Malpractice

We’ve recovered millions in medical malpractice cases, including birth injuries and medical malpractice claims in Indiana where mothers or newborns are harmed during delivery.

Wrongful Death

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is devastating. Families often ask us can parents sue if their child dies wrongfully—the answer is yes. It’s also important to understand the connection between criminal charges and wrongful death suits.

Construction Site Injuries

We represent workers injured in common types of construction site injuries, helping them pursue compensation beyond workers’ compensation. We also assist families in understanding lost wages after a construction site accident.

Burn Injuries

Severe burns require specialized treatment. Understanding the important steps to take after a burn injury protects both your health and your legal rights.

Dog Bites

We help victims recognize potential signs of a dog bite infection and pursue compensation through homeowners’ insurance policies.

About Attorney Eric Pavlack

Attorney Eric Pavlack leads our firm. He has devoted his entire legal career to representing injured people throughout Indiana.

Eric graduated from Indiana University in 1996 with a B.S. in Biology, then earned his Juris Doctor from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 1999. He’s practiced personal injury law exclusively since entering the profession.

Credentials and Recognition

Bar Admissions:

• State of Indiana
• United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana
• United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana
• United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit

Professional Memberships:

• Indiana State Bar Association
• Indianapolis Bar Association
• American Association for Justice

Awards and Honors:

• Super Lawyers (2015-2025)
• Super Lawyers Rising Star (2009, 2011-2013)

Attorney Pavlack’s legal work has been featured in prominent media outlets including IndyStar, WRTV Indianapolis, WFYI Public Media, Chicago Tribune, and FOX59 Indianapolis.

His cases have addressed significant legal issues—nursing home negligence, environmental lead contamination, wrongful death in police custody, and major consumer protection matters.

A Personal Commitment to Justice

Eric didn’t choose personal injury law by accident. He entered this field because he’s genuinely committed to helping people navigate the most difficult times in their lives.

Eric and his wife Lorrie are proud parents of two college students. When he’s not advocating for clients in court, Eric enjoys outdoor activities, cooking, home improvement projects and woodworking, sports, and playing guitar in bands.

This personal approach shapes how we operate the entire firm. We treat every client with respect and attention because we understand that behind every case is a real person dealing with genuine pain, financial stress, and uncertainty about their future.

Serving Carmel and Hamilton County

Carmel is home to approximately 102,000 residents. The city’s growth and prosperity have unfortunately brought increased traffic density and higher risk of serious accidents.

Common Accident Locations in Carmel

We regularly represent clients who’ve been injured in high-traffic areas throughout Carmel. According to the Federal Highway Administration, many serious accidents happen at intersections where visibility is compromised and traffic patterns become complex.

Major roadways where we see frequent bicycle accidents include:

• Interstate 465 — The beltway circling Indianapolis sees frequent serious collisions
• U.S. Route 31 — This major north-south corridor through Carmel is the site of numerous accidents
• State Road 431 (Michigan Road) — Heavy commercial and residential traffic flow
• State Road 32 (136th Street) — Busy east-west route with multiple complex intersections
• Keystone Parkway — Major thoroughfare with high-speed traffic
• Range Line Road — Connects numerous residential and commercial areas
• The Monon Greenway — Despite being designated for cyclists and pedestrians, accidents still occur

When public events become the source of personal injury disputes, we help victims hold the appropriate parties accountable.

Important Local Resources

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Carmel or Hamilton County, here are essential contacts:

Carmel Police Department 3 Civic Square Carmel, IN 46032 317-571-2500

Hamilton County Superior Courts One Hamilton County Square Noblesville, IN 46060-2229

Major Medical Facilities:

• IU Health North Hospital
• St. Vincent Carmel Hospital
• Riverview Health

Areas We Serve

While our office is located in Indianapolis, we represent bicycle accident victims throughout:

• Carmel
• Fishers
• Westfield
• Noblesville
• Zionsville
• Indianapolis
• All of Hamilton County
• Marion County
• Central Indiana

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a bicycle accident lawyer cost in Carmel?

We work exclusively on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront fees, no retainers, and no hourly bills. We only receive compensation if we successfully recover damages on your behalf.

Our fee is calculated as a percentage of your recovery. This aligns our interests completely with yours—the more we recover for you, the more we earn. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Indiana?

Generally, Indiana law provides a two-year statute of limitations from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit under Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4. However, important exceptions exist.

Claims against government entities have significantly shorter deadlines—270 days for state agencies, 180 days for local government entities. If you were a minor when injured, the statute of limitations doesn’t begin running until you reach age 18.

The Indiana Court of Appeals has addressed calculating statutes of limitations for actions accruing on February 29th, clarifying how leap years affect filing deadlines.

Don’t risk missing your filing deadline. Contact us as soon as possible after your accident.

What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

Indiana doesn’t require adults to wear helmets while cycling. However, insurance companies will try to use your lack of a helmet against you—especially if you suffered head injuries.

The reality is that not wearing a helmet doesn’t mean the driver wasn’t negligent. The accident still happened because of the driver’s actions. We know how to counter these arguments and protect your right to compensation.

What is my bicycle accident case worth?

Every case has unique circumstances that affect its value. The worth of your claim depends on multiple factors including the severity of your injuries, extent of medical treatment, lost wages and future earning capacity, degree of permanent impairment, the defendant’s level of fault, and available insurance coverage.

During your free consultation, we can provide a more informed assessment based on your specific situation.

What if the driver left the scene?

Hit-and-run bicycle accidents are unfortunately common. If the driver fled, you may still have options for recovery through your own uninsured motorist coverage if you carry it on your auto insurance policy.

We’ll also work to identify the driver through police investigation, witness accounts, and surveillance footage. Even if the driver is never found, your UM coverage can provide compensation.

Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?

Yes, as long as you’re 50% or less at fault. Indiana’s modified comparative fault system allows you to recover compensation even when you share some responsibility. Your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

However, if you’re found 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything. This makes skilled legal representation critical. We know how to present facts accurately and push back against attempts to unfairly assign blame to you.

What if my injuries didn’t appear until days after the accident?

Delayed injury symptoms are common, particularly with concussions, internal injuries, and soft tissue damage. Seek medical evaluation immediately when symptoms develop. Make certain you inform the healthcare provider that these symptoms are related to your bicycle accident.

As long as you file your claim within Indiana’s two-year statute of limitations and can establish a medical causal connection between the accident and your delayed symptoms, you can still pursue full compensation.

Will my case go to trial?

Most bicycle accident cases settle without going to trial. That said, we prepare every case as though it will be tried before a jury. This thorough preparation provides significant leverage during settlement negotiations.

Insurance companies know we’re experienced trial attorneys who are ready and willing to take cases to verdict if they won’t make reasonable settlement offers. If we cannot negotiate a fair settlement, we won’t hesitate to take your case to court.

How long does a bicycle accident case take?

The timeline varies considerably depending on your specific case. Some cases resolve within a few months. Others may take a year or longer, particularly if litigation becomes necessary.

The timeline depends on how long it takes you to reach maximum medical improvement, the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate reasonably, whether we need to file a lawsuit, and court scheduling. We work as efficiently as possible while ensuring we build the strongest case for maximum recovery.

What should I bring to my consultation?

Bring any documentation you have related to your accident:

• Police report
• Photos of the accident scene, your bicycle, and your injuries
• Medical records and bills
• Insurance information
• Witness contact information
• Any correspondence with insurance companies

However, don’t worry if you don’t have all these documents yet. We can help you obtain them. The most important thing is to contact us as soon as possible.

What if the accident happened on a trail like the Monon Greenway?

You can still pursue compensation. The legal analysis depends on what caused the accident. If another cyclist, pedestrian, or vehicle caused your injuries through negligence, you can pursue a claim against that party.

If poor trail maintenance contributed to your accident, the entity responsible for maintaining the trail may share liability.

Do I really need a lawyer for my bicycle accident case?

While you’re not legally required to hire an attorney, having experienced representation significantly increases your chances of receiving fair compensation. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize payouts. Without an attorney, you’re at a serious disadvantage.

We know the tactics they use. We understand how to accurately value your claim. And we’re not afraid to take your case to trial if necessary.

What if the driver’s insurance company is already offering me money?

Don’t accept anything before consulting with us. Initial settlement offers are almost always far below what your case is actually worth. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you cannot reopen your claim—even if you later discover your injuries are more serious than you thought.

Let us review the offer and evaluate whether it’s truly fair.

Take Action Today: Protect Your Rights

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident anywhere in Carmel or Hamilton County, time is a critical factor. Physical evidence disappears. Witnesses’ memories fade. Indiana’s statute of limitations could bar your claim entirely if you wait too long.

Don’t attempt to face insurance companies on your own. They employ teams of lawyers and trained adjusters working to minimize what they pay you. You need an experienced Carmel bicycle accident lawyer advocating for your rights and interests.

Here’s what Pavlack Law offers:

• Free consultations with absolutely no obligation
• No upfront costs—we only get paid when you win
• 50 years of combined experience handling all types of injury cases
• Proven results with millions recovered for clients
• Direct attorney access—not just support staff
• Genuine trial experience in Indiana state and federal courts

You have nothing to lose by calling us. We’ll provide straightforward answers about your case and help you understand all your legal options.

Contact Pavlack Law Today

Call us anytime at: 317-733-5171

Or visit our office: Pavlack Law Firm 8955 S Meridian St Indianapolis, IN 46217

We’re available 24/7 for emergencies. If you cannot travel due to your injuries, we’ll come to you.

Don’t allow insurance companies to take advantage of you. Don’t settle for less than fair compensation. Don’t miss your opportunity to hold responsible parties accountable.

Contact Pavlack Law today for your free consultation. Let us handle the legal fight while you focus on your medical recovery.

Remember: You pay nothing unless we win your case. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.