Cleveland Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Cleveland Bicycle Helmet Laws

Ohio does not have a bicycle helmet law. However, Cleveland requires minors under 18 to wear a bicycle helmet or face a fine.

How Did Your Bike Accident Happen? Common Causes

Negligent drivers often cause Cleveland bicycle accidents. However, car accidents involving bikes can happen due to any of the following:

• Failing to check a vehicle’s blind spots when changing lanes
• Making the 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

Common Cleveland Bike Injuries

Bicycle accident injuries in Cleveland are often extremely painful and traumatic. These injuries can take many forms, some of which may include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and other signs of emotional trauma such as insomnia, nightmares, flashbacks, and substance abuse
• Loss of limbs, broken and fractured bones, soft tissue injuries, back injuries, neck injuries, spinal cord injuries, herniated discs, quadriplegia, paraplegia, paralysis, and loss of motor function
• Traumatic brain damage, concussion, coma, diffuse axonal injuries, hemorrhage, stroke, internal bleeding, and organ failure

Seek Medical Care ASAP after a Bike Accident

Initially, your bicycle accident injuries may seem minor. However, they could become significantly worse or even life-threatening if left untreated. For this reason, it is essential to obtain medical treatment and care soon after your bicycle accident to begin documenting the extent of your injuries and protect your right to financial compensation.

What to Do After a Bike vs. Car Collision?

After a bicycle accident in Cleveland, your next steps are critical. Here’s what to do:

1. Call 911
2. Document the scene of the bicycle accident
3. Gather evidence, insurance, and contact information
4. Take photos of your injuries and the damage at the scene
5. Obtain your medical evaluation and treatment
6. Contact an experienced attorney in Cleveland for help

Who’s at Fault for Your Bike Accident?

Establishing fault and financial liability is critical if you hope to recover compensation for the damages related to your accident. This can be challenging in bicycle versus car accidents since multiple parties could share responsibility.

Your Cleveland bicycle accident attorney will be tasked with showing that another party’s negligent actions were the cause of your bicycle accident damages. To prove liability, the elements of negligence must be met.

How to Prove Negligence for a Bike Accident

The elements of negligence must be proven based on a preponderance of the evidence for your claim to be successful. The characteristics of negligence in bike crash claims include:

• The party accused of causing your injuries must have owed you a duty of care. For example, if you were struck by a car, motorists owe all pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers a duty of care.
• The defendant in your case must have reached their obligation to you, violating the duty of care. Anytime a motorist drives unsafely, this could be a breach of duty.
• The defendant’s violation of their duty of care must have directly or indirectly caused your bicycle accident injuries and resulting damages.
• Your accident lawyer must show that you have suffered considerable financial damages, emotional trauma, or physical injuries to pursue your bicycle accident insurance or civil claims.

Filing a Bicycle Accident Injury Claim in Cleveland

The claims process for a bicycle accident can be complex. However, once you move forward with a Cleveland bike accident claim, you can expect:

• Your lawyer to thoroughly investigate how your bicycle accident occurred, determine who is at fault, and obtain supporting evidence to prove liability based on a preponderance of the evidence
• Your attorney to review all the ways your life has been affected by your bicycle accident injuries to ensure you are being compensated fairly
• To pursue a claim with the defendant’s insurance company, where applicable, and for your attorney to handle the negotiations process on your behalf
• To file a lawsuit against the liable party if they do not have insurance coverage or your insurance settlement does not adequately cover your damages

Bicycle Accidents Recoverable Damages & Compensations

You have the right to recover from all the ways your life has been affected by your injuries when you were involved in a bicycle accident in Cleveland. Some damages in bike accident cases that you may be entitled to recoup are:

• Bicycle repair costs
• The costs of purchasing a new bicycle
• Mental anguish related to the trauma of the crash
• Total coverage of your medical expenses both now and in the future
• Reduced quality of life when your injuries prevent you from participating in activities, including bike riding that you once found joy in
• Loss of consortium
• Disfigurement and skin scarring
• Diminished earning capacity and lost wages

Cleveland Bike Accident FAQs

Our Cleveland Law Firm Will:

• Investigate, collect evidence, and find those at fault.
• Interview witnesses, medical professionals, and experts to show how your life was impacted.
• Communicate with the insurer, clarify liability, and pursue max compensation.
• Determine your accident’s full and fair value – what you lost and deserve.
• Keep you informed and involved. KNR is available by phone, text, email, or Zoom.
• Protect your rights and, if necessary, take your case to court.
• Never charge you upfront. If there’s no recovery, there’s no cost.