A 19-year-old Indiana University student remains in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle in rural Monroe County on Friday afternoon, December 5, 2024. The collision occurred at approximately 3:45 p.m. near the intersection of North Bottom Road and West Maple Grove Road, located roughly seven miles north of Bloomington in southern Indiana. According to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, the student was cycling in the area when he was struck by a Honda Accord operated by a 20-year-old driver. Emergency responders transported the injured cyclist to IU Health Bloomington Hospital, where medical personnel reported his condition as critical. The driver of the Accord remained at the scene following the collision and is fully cooperating with investigators. Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash and have issued a public appeal for assistance. Anyone who witnessed the incident or possesses video footage is urged to contact the Monroe County Sheriff's Office at 812-349-2781.

Location and Infrastructure

The crash occurred on North Bottom Road near its intersection with West Maple Grove Road, a rural area situated approximately seven miles north of downtown Bloomington in Monroe County. This section of roadway traverses agricultural and wooded terrain characteristic of south-central Indiana, with limited shoulders and infrastructure typical of county roads. The area lies outside Bloomington's urban core, where traffic volumes are generally lower but vehicle speeds may be higher due to the rural setting. North Bottom Road serves as a connector route for residents traveling between outlying communities and the greater Bloomington area, which includes Indiana University's main campus. Rural cycling routes in Monroe County often present challenges including narrow lanes, limited visibility around curves, and minimal separation between motor vehicle traffic and cyclists. The late afternoon timing of this incident coincided with increased traffic as commuters traveled home from work.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Indiana law, bicyclists are generally afforded the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle operators when traveling on public roadways. Indiana Code establishes specific duties for motorists when passing cyclists, including maintaining safe distances. Individuals injured in bicycle-vehicle collisions may be entitled to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages through insurance claims or civil litigation. Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system, meaning an injured party's recovery may be reduced proportionally if they are found partially responsible for an accident. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Indiana is generally two years from the date of the incident, making timely consultation with legal counsel advisable. Victims should document all medical treatment, preserve evidence, and obtain copies of official accident reports. Insurance considerations may involve the motorist's liability coverage, the cyclist's own health insurance, and potentially uninsured or underinsured motorist provisions.

Related Resources

• Monroe County Sheriff's Office: 812-349-2781 (for accident reports and investigation updates)
• IU Health Bloomington Hospital: 812-353-9555
• Monroe County Emergency Management Agency: 812-349-2549
• Indiana State Police – Bloomington District: 812-332-4411
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (crash reports): in.gov/bmv
• Indiana Criminal Justice Institute – Traffic Safety Division: in.gov/cji/traffic-safety
• Bicycle Indiana (cycling safety resources): bicycleindiana.org
• Indiana Code Title 9 – Motor Vehicles (state traffic laws): iga.in.gov