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Ohio Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Representing those injured in a bicycle accident in Ohio
Riding a bike requires you to share the road with cars and trucks, which comes with great risks. Bicycle accidents in Ohio happen more than most people realize. If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle accident, you should understand your rights, the common causes of these accidents, and what steps you can take to seek compensation for your injuries.
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Table of Contents
- How common are bicycle accidents?
- What are some common causes of bicycle accidents?
- What are some common injuries from Ohio bicycle accidents?
- What should I do after an Ohio bicycle accident?
- Who is liable in an Ohio bike accident?
- What is the value of my Ohio bicycle accident claim?
- How can your Ohio bicycle accident lawyers help?
- How can I prevent bicycle accidents?
How common are bicycle accidents?
Bicycle accidents occur throughout Ohio, especially in cities like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, where bicyclists often share the road with motor vehicles. Hundreds of bicyclists are injured in crashes every year, with some accidents resulting in fatalities. These accidents are often caused by driver negligence, road hazards, or a failure to follow traffic laws.
What are some common causes of bicycle accidents?
Here are some of the major factors contributing to bike accidents in Ohio.
- Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention may fail to see a bicycle rider until it’s too late.
- Many accidents happen when drivers don’t yield to bicyclists at intersections or while making turns.
- Dooring accidents happen when a parked driver opens their car door without checking for approaching cyclists. A bicycle rider can be seriously injured in one of these accidents.
- Drivers who exceed the speed limit have less time to react to cyclists, which can make accidents more likely and severe.
- A driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs poses a serious risk to everyone on the road, especially bicyclists.
- Potholes, debris, or a lack of proper bike lanes can make roads unsafe for cyclists.
- Rain, snow, and ice can create slippery conditions that can increase the chances of an accident.
No matter how your bike accident happened, the lawyers at Crandall & Pera Law are here to help.
What are some common injuries from Ohio bicycle accidents?
Cyclists have little protection in comparison to motorists, which means they often suffer serious injuries in a crash. Some of the most common injuries from bike accidents include the following:
- Even with a helmet, bicyclists can experience concussions or traumatic brain injuries.
- Fractured arms, legs, and ribs are also common in bike crashes.
- When a cyclist is thrown off their bike, they may suffer from road rash, which is painful scrapes and burns from hitting the pavement.
- Severe accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, leading to full or partial paralysis.
- Damage to internal organs, which may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an Ohio bicycle accident, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be obvious at first, but delaying treatment can make them worse.
What should I do after an Ohio bicycle accident?
If you’re injured in an Ohio bike accident, take the following steps to protect your health and your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:
- Call 911 and report the accident to police. Ask for medical help if needed.
- Take photos of your bike, the vehicle(s) involved, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Collect names, phone numbers, and insurance details from the driver and any witnesses.
- Avoid making statements that could be used against you later – don’t admit fault.
The experienced attorneys at Crandall & Pera Law can guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation to which you’re entitled.
Who is liable in an Ohio bike accident?
In many cases, the driver of the vehicle is at fault for your bicycle accident, but other parties can also be held responsible, depending on the circumstances. Some potentially liable parties include:
- If a motorist was speeding, distracted, or violating traffic laws, they can be held liable for the crash.
- If poor road conditions contributed to the accident, the city or state responsible for maintaining roadways may be held accountable.
- If a defective bike part caused the accident, the manufacturer may be responsible for your damages.
The state of Ohio follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that if you’re found to be partially responsible for the accident, your compensation may be reduced based on your degree of fault. As long as you’re less than 51% at fault, however, you can still recover damages.
What is the value of my Ohio bicycle accident claim?
If you’ve been injured in a bike accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses, which cover hospital bills, doctor visits, rehabilitation, and future medical treatment.
- If your injuries prevent you from working, you can also recover lost income and earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering, which is compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and a reduced quality of life.
- Property damage covers the cost of repairing or replacing your bicycle and any damaged personal belongings.
Our attorneys can help calculate the full extent of your damages and negotiate with insurance companies, working to make sure you secure full compensation for your injuries and losses.
How can your Ohio bicycle accident lawyers help?
It can be difficult to deal with insurance companies after an accident. Insurance adjusters often attempt to minimize payouts or deny your claim altogether. Having skilled Ohio bike accident attorneys on your side can make a world of difference in your case. Our lawyers can:
- Investigate the accident and gather valuable evidence.
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies.
- Work to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
- If necessary, we are always ready to represent you in court.
At Crandall & Pera Law, we understand the challenges you’re facing and are here to fight for your rights.
How can I prevent bicycle accidents?
Although you can’t control the actions of others, you can take several precautions to reduce your risk of injury:
- Wear a helmet – a properly fitted bike helmet can reduce the risk of head injuries.
- Stick to designated bike lanes whenever possible.
- Follow all traffic signals, laws, and signs.
- Wear bright clothing and use lights or reflectors, especially at night.
- Always be aware of your surroundings and keep a lookout for potential hazards.
Get legal help for your Ohio bicycle accident case now
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bike accident in Ohio, you don’t have to go through the legal process alone. At Crandall & Pera Law, we’re dedicated to helping injured cyclists secure the justice and compensation to which they’re entitled. Our experienced legal team can guide you through the legal process and fight to protect your rights. Let us help you get back on the road to recovery. To schedule your free consultation, call our offices or fill out our contact form. We have offices in Cleveland, Cincinnati or Chagrin Falls.