Bicycle accidents are a serious concern in Ohio, where cyclists frequently face significant risks when sharing the road with motor vehicles. Due to the disparity in size and protection, collisions between bicycles and cars often result in severe injuries for cyclists. Determining the amount of compensation after a bicycle accident can be complex, as it involves assessing medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and the long-term effects of injuries.

A skilled Ohio bicycle accident attorney can assist in navigating the legal process, ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. They will help gather the necessary evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate on your behalf to secure the compensation that you deserve.

At the law offices of Brandon J. Broderick, we are dedicated to offering honest and reliable legal representation to our clients. Our approach includes a comprehensive investigation of your case, handling all communications with insurance companies, and building a strong claim that supports your recovery. With decades of experience in personal injury law, our team is equipped to help you focus on healing while we fight for the compensation and justice you deserve. We are committed to ensuring you receive the best possible outcome and will be by your side every step of the way.

Failing to file a claim could result in your insurance company offering insufficient compensation for your injuries or even denying certain claims altogether, potentially leaving you responsible for covering some of the expenses. Our firm has successfully supported many individuals facing challenging situations through no fault of their own. Contact us today at (877) 941-2767, and let us help you achieve the outcome you need.

Below, you’ll find essential steps for filing a claim and key legal considerations for bicycle accidents in the state of Ohio.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Bicycle Accident in Ohio?

If you've been injured in a bicycle accident in Ohio and believe it was due to someone else's negligence, it's important to explore your legal options with an attorney experienced in handling bicycle accident cases. In addition to the challenges of physical recovery, victims with serious injuries often face mounting healthcare costs, lost wages, and emotional distress. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, build a strong claim for compensation, and ensure that your rights are protected throughout your recovery.

Expert Representation With Decades of Experience

At Brandon J. Broderick Attorney at Law, we are fully committed to building a solid case for you. Our dedicated team meticulously gathers critical evidence, interviews witnesses, and collaborates with experts to establish the negligence of the responsible party. By handling all the complexities, such as negotiations with the at-fault party, insurance companies, and other involved parties, we aim to alleviate your burdens, allowing you to focus on healing and honoring your loved one.

If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, rest assured that we are fully prepared to take your case to court and win. Our goal is to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve, ensuring the best possible outcome.

We Offer No-Cost, Confidential Consultations in Ohio

We offer no-cost, confidential legal consultations to help you assess your situation and explore your legal options. If you choose to move forward with us, we work on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid if you receive a settlement. Many of our clients experience relief and peace of mind after reaching out to us for guidance. Let us support you through this difficult time with the compassion and expertise you deserve. You can trust that we are fully committed to securing the compensation you need while you concentrate on your recovery.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in Ohio

Bicycle accidents can be alarming, but staying calm and taking the right steps afterward is essential for your well-being. The first priority is to seek medical attention, even if you feel fine initially. Symptoms of injuries may be delayed due to shock, and getting medical care not only ensures your health but also creates an official record of your injuries, which can be vital for any future claims.

After a bicycle accident, it’s important to take the following steps:

  • Gather Evidence: If possible, collect all available evidence at the scene. Take photos of the accident location, involved vehicles, road conditions, weather, and traffic signs or signals. Get the contact details of the other driver, passengers, and any witnesses.
  • File a Police Report: Ohio law requires drivers to report accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage. Filing a police report helps document the incident and strengthens your legal case.
  • Consult an Ohio Bicycle Accident Attorney: Speaking with a lawyer experienced in bicycle accidents can help you understand your legal options, the potential compensation you may be entitled to, and guide you through the process of seeking damages.
  • Keep Records of Expenses: Maintain detailed records of all medical bills and related costs. This includes doctor visits, therapy sessions, medications, medical devices, and any other expenses tied to your recovery. Keep all receipts and documents in one place for easy access.

Common Injuries from Bicycle Accidents in Ohio

Cycling outdoors is a reliable means of transportation for many, but it also increases the risk of accidents. While minor injuries such as cuts and bruises are frequent, cyclists can also face more serious or potentially life-threatening harm. Severe injuries might include head trauma, fractures, spinal cord injuries, and damage to soft tissues, all of which can have long-lasting physical and emotional consequences.

Head Injuries

Head injuries are among the most severe and common outcomes of bicycle accidents, especially if the cyclist isn’t wearing a helmet. Concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and skull fractures can result from direct impact with a vehicle or the ground.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Collisions often cause significant trauma to the back and neck, leading to spinal cord injuries. These injuries can result in chronic pain, mobility issues, or even paralysis, depending on the severity of the damage.

Broken Bones

The force of impact in a bicycle accident frequently leads to fractures. Commonly broken bones include the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone, as cyclists are often thrown from their bikes during a collision.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, can occur when a cyclist experiences a high-impact collision. These injuries may not be immediately apparent and require urgent medical attention.

Road Rash and Lacerations

When a cyclist is thrown to the ground, friction against the pavement can cause severe abrasions, known as road rash. Deep lacerations can also result from contact with the vehicle, bike parts, or debris on the road.

Facial and Dental Injuries

Facial injuries, such as broken noses, jaw fractures, or chipped teeth, are common in bicycle accidents. These injuries can occur if a cyclist strikes the handlebars, the vehicle, or the pavement face-first.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Sprains, strains, and contusions often occur during bicycle accidents. These injuries may affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons, leading to pain, swelling, and limited mobility.

If you or a loved one has suffered a severe injury in a bicycle accident in Ohio, don't hesitate to contact Brandon J. Broderick for a free consultation. Our experienced legal team is ready to assist you and guide you through your legal options, ensuring you receive the support and compensation you deserve.

Leading Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Ohio

Bicycle accidents in Ohio often occur due to a variety of factors that compromise the safety of cyclists on the road. Understanding the leading causes of these accidents can help highlight the importance of safety measures and adherence to traffic laws for both drivers and cyclists.

  • Distracted Driving: Drivers texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other distractions often fail to notice cyclists, leading to collisions.
  • Failure to Yield: Many drivers neglect to yield the right of way to bicycles at intersections or during turns, causing accidents.
  • Speeding: High speeds reduce a driver’s ability to react to cyclists and increase the severity of crashes.
  • Dooring: Drivers or passengers opening car doors into the path of an oncoming cyclist is a common and dangerous cause of accidents.
  • Driving Under the Influence: Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and poorer judgment, increasing the likelihood of hitting a cyclist.
  • Unsafe Lane Changes: Failing to check blind spots or ignoring cyclists when changing lanes often leads to dangerous collisions.
  • Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, and poorly marked bike lanes create hazards that can cause cyclists to crash or swerve into traffic.

Determining Fault in an Ohio Bicycle Accident

Accidents involving cyclists are frequently caused by a motorist's negligence. As a driver, it is essential to remember your responsibility to uphold a "duty of care" toward all road users, including other drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Driving with reasonable care is not only a moral obligation but also a legal one. Failing to meet this standard and causing an accident that results in injuries can lead to liability for the damages suffered by the victim.

Examples of negligent driving that could contribute to a cycling accident include:

  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Using a mobile device or other distractions while driving
  • Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions
  • Failing to check blind spots before turning or changing lanes
  • Ignoring cyclists' right of way at intersections or crosswalks
  • Running red lights or stop signs
  • Aggressive driving or tailgating cyclists

These actions significantly increase the risk of accidents and can result in serious injuries for cyclists.

For negligence to be established in an Ohio personal injury case, four key elements must be proven:

  1. Duty: The defendant (the party at fault) has a legal responsibility to exercise a reasonable duty of care toward the plaintiff (the injured party). This duty typically applies to any situation where the defendant's actions could foreseeably cause harm to others, such as driving safely on the road.
  2. Breach: The defendant breached their duty by failing to act with reasonable care. For instance, this could involve violating traffic laws, such as speeding or failing to yield to a cyclist.
  3. Causation: The breach of duty must be the direct cause of the plaintiff's injury. For example, if the defendant ran a red light and collided with a cyclist, their negligent actions caused the injury.
  4. Damages: The plaintiff must have suffered measurable damages, such as physical injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, or property damage, as a result of the defendant’s breach of duty.

Establishing all four elements is necessary for a successful personal injury claim.

Ohio’s Modified Comparative Negligence and Bicycle Accident Cases

In Ohio, the "modified comparative fault" rule applies when both parties share responsibility for an accident. In such cases, the jury determines two key aspects based on the evidence: the total damages sustained by the plaintiff and the percentage of fault assigned to each party. Under Ohio's modified comparative negligence law, the plaintiff's compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault. However, if the plaintiff is found to be 51% or more at fault, they are barred from recovering any damages through a legal claim.

Despite this rule, it’s important not to be discouraged from seeking legal action after a bicycle accident. Consulting with an experienced OH bicycle accident attorney can help clarify your legal options and ensure that your rights are protected, even if you share some level of fault.

Potential Compensation After an Ohio Bicycle Accident

Personal injury claims resulting from bicycle accidents can include both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover tangible financial losses, such as medical expenses and lost wages, while non-economic damages address intangible losses like pain and suffering.

At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, our Ohio bicycle accident attorneys are dedicated to securing fair and comprehensive compensation for our clients. The value of your claim will depend on the specific details of your case, including the severity and long-term effects of your injuries. In cases involving serious injuries, it’s critical to consider future medical costs and the potential impact on your ability to earn an income.

It’s important to remember that you are allowed only one personal injury claim per accident, and the full scope of your injuries may not be immediately clear. Recovery may take weeks or even months, and you might require ongoing medical care or specialized equipment. Key questions include how long your recovery will take and whether you will need home modifications or other medical accommodations during your healing process.

Accurately estimating the total value of your damages can be difficult without a clear understanding of your medical outlook. For this reason, it’s essential to avoid accepting an insurance company’s initial settlement offer too quickly. Insurance providers often push for fast settlements without having all the details of your condition, potentially leaving you with uncovered medical expenses in the future. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer before agreeing to any settlement ensures that your current and future needs are fully accounted for, preventing any unforeseen financial burdens.

Ohio Bicycle Accident Claims: Filing Deadlines

In Ohio, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is outlined in Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10, which provides individuals with two years from the date of their injury to file a lawsuit. This period serves as the timeframe to pursue legal action if someone's negligence or intentional act has caused harm, beginning on the date of the accident. Failing to file within this two-year window could result in losing the opportunity to seek compensation. While two years may seem like sufficient time, building a strong legal case requires thorough investigation and preparation. If you've been seriously injured in a bicycle accident, it's essential to consult a knowledgeable bicycle accident attorney in Ohio as soon as possible to begin the legal process.

Bicycle Safety Tips for Bicyclists in Ohio to Avoid Crashes

It is always important to follow basic safety practices and adhere to all bicycle laws when biking in Ohio.

Before You Ride:

  • Ensure that your bike fits you properly. A bicycle that is too large or too small can be difficult to control.
  • Check that your bicycle is in good working order, particularly the brakes, before starting your ride.
  • Wear appropriate safety gear for visibility and protection. A helmet, reflective clothing, and lights are essential for your safety.
  • Avoid carrying loose items. Use a backpack to store your belongings, allowing both hands to remain on the handlebars for full control.
  • Ensure that your clothing and shoelaces are not too loose and won’t get caught in the bike’s chain.
  • Plan a route that offers the safest path with bike lanes whenever possible.

While You’re Riding:

  • Always ride in the same direction as traffic, staying as far to the right as safely possible.
  • Use a bell or verbally announce yourself when passing pedestrians to avoid surprises.
  • Ohio allows cyclists to ride on sidewalks, though local laws may have specific restrictions. Always check local ordinances.
  • Signal your turns and lane changes, and look over your shoulder before making any moves.
  • Use proper hand signals to alert drivers to your intentions, ensuring they can anticipate your next move.
  • Be vigilant around cars that are backing out of driveways, exiting parking lots, or making turns to avoid collisions.

Following these tips and practicing safe riding habits can help ensure a safe and enjoyable biking experience while reducing the risk of accidents.

Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Bicycle Accidents

When I was injured while riding my bike, I was not wearing a helmet. Can I still file a claim? 

Yes, you can still file a claim. While wearing a helmet is essential for protecting your head and is legally required for riders 16 and under in Ohio, not wearing a helmet does not prevent you from pursuing compensation for injuries sustained in an accident caused by a driver's negligence. Even if you were not wearing a helmet, you may still be entitled to file a claim or lawsuit for your injuries.

How much compensation does the average bicycle accident claim receive? 

The amount of compensation you may receive after a bicycle accident depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, and any lost wages. For minor injuries, compensation may be relatively modest. However, more serious injuries—those requiring hospitalization, long-term treatment, or time off work—may result in a higher settlement or award.

How long does it typically take to file a claim after a bicycle accident? 

The timeframe for resolving a bicycle accident claim varies from case to case. Some claims may be settled within a few months, while more complex cases—especially those involving severe injuries—can take a year or longer to resolve. The specific circumstances of your accident, as well as negotiations with insurance companies, will play a significant role in determining the timeline.

When an accident occurs, is the cyclist ever to blame?

In some cases, the cyclist may share partial or full responsibility for the accident. Cyclists, like drivers, must follow traffic laws and avoid impaired riding. If a cyclist is found to have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol or to have violated traffic rules, they could be deemed partially or fully liable for the accident.

Does Ohio law mandate the use of bicycle helmets? 

Ohio law does not require helmets for cyclists of any age, though individual cities or municipalities may have their own regulations. While helmets are not legally mandated for adults, it is highly recommended to wear one to reduce the risk of head injuries. Studies show that wearing a helmet can lower the risk of head injuries by as much as 85%.

Brandon J. Broderick Is Ready To Help You Today if You Have Been Involved in a Bicycle Accident in Ohio

We recognize the overwhelming stress and uncertainty that comes after an accident, especially when it involves a cyclist and a vehicle. Whether you're coping with injuries or concerned for a loved one, the emotional and physical toll can be significant. Our priority is to provide compassionate support to accident victims, guiding them through the legal process and helping them seek the compensation they need to move forward.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation and consultation. We look forward to helping you.

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