Ohio Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Bike Crashes in Ohio

Things are getting better as drivers become more aware of changing rules and bicyclists advocate for their safety, but the risks remain high. Last year there were over 1,500 collisions in Ohio involving bicycles, with over 1,200 of those accidents resulting in some type of injury. That’s because bicyclists have virtually no protection against injury other than wearing a helmet, while cars and trucks offer significant bodily protection by comparison.

Just this year in Brecksville, five cyclists with the Akron Bicycle Club collided with a truck. Two of the cyclists died. A club spokesman said the deaths were “sad, but not surprising,” given the physical trauma that a collision between a bicycle and a truck can cause. Last year alone, a dozen people were killed in bicycle-related accidents in the state of Ohio.

What Causes Bicycle Accidents?

Too often, cyclists are injured or killed by drivers who fail to operate their vehicles in a safe manner. Some dangerous behaviors by drivers of passenger vehicles or commercial trucks include:

• Failing to check a vehicle’s blind spots when changing lanes
• Making right or left turns suddenly in front of oncoming cyclists
• Sideswiping bicyclists who are traveling on the shoulder
• Opening doors in front of bicyclists in busy urban centers
• Failing to come to a complete stop at stop signs
• Pulling out from driveways or parked positions without looking
• Failing to yield to a bicyclist when it is appropriate
• Driving too fast, driving aggressively, or antagonizing bicyclists
• Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or other incapacitating influences
• Talking on a cell phone or otherwise engaging a mobile device while driving

Bike Accident Injuries

Unfortunately, collisions between bikes and cars can often result in catastrophic injuries for a cyclist. That’s because cyclists have little protection outside of their helmets, which are only mandated in a handful of Ohio towns.

Common injuries that a cyclist might experience after being struck by a car, SUV, or truck may include:

• Head or brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Neck, back, or spinal cord injuries
• Disfiguring lacerations
• Tendon, ligament, or muscle injuries

Ohio Bike Laws

Ohio’s laws protect drivers and cyclists from harm, but many drivers don’t realize bicyclists are entitled, by law, to the same rights on our streets and roadways. When a driver engages in any of the behaviors above, or generally fails to follow the rules of the road, and you are injured as a result, you may have a claim for compensation under Ohio personal injury laws.

Why Work With a Lawyer after a Bicycle Accident

Bicycle accidents can be frustrating for victims because insurance companies are quick to blame cyclists. Let’s face it — insurance companies are in the business of generating a profit, and the primary way they accomplish their goal is by denying or delaying compensation to victims that deserve fair payment for their injuries.

The Ohio personal injury attorneys at Kisling, Nestico & Redick are extremely experienced in dealing with insurance companies and will fight to obtain fair compensation for your injuries.

What Is Your Bicycle Accident Worth?

If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be able to obtain compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Disfigurement
• Loss of consortium, which is the effect of your injuries on your relationship with your spouse

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What our Legal Team Offers

We have the knowledge and skill to read and understand accident reports, engage accident investigators and expert witnesses, and help you get the fair and correct amount of compensation that is equivalent to your injuries and/or property damage.

We will also help you get an appropriate medical examination to reveal the full extent of your injuries. Remember that bike crashes can cause serious physical damage, but some injuries may not be noticed immediately.