Bicycle Accidents in Ohio
In recent years, bicycles have seen a dramatic increase in popularity. Partly due to environmental concerns, partly due to people seeking cheaper methods of transportation, and partly due to efforts to be more physically fit, the number of bicyclists across the nation has grown considerably.
Ohio is no different, but the one downside to more bicycles is that there have also been more bicycle accidents. Bicyclists who are involved in crashes with motor vehicles rarely fare well in such collisions, as they are often susceptible to extremely serious—possibly fatal—injuries.
Types Bicycle Accident Injuries in Ohio
Bicyclists who are struck by motor vehicles often sustain catastrophic injuries. In addition to enormous medical bills, victims are unable to return to jobs—if they are able to work at all.
Fractures or broken bones are among the most common kinds of injuries bicyclists suffer, but some of the other types of very serious injuries people may sustain include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Paralysis
- Herniated Discs
- Internal Organ Damage
- Disfigurement
- Road Rash
Bicycle Laws in Ohio
Bicycles are considered vehicles in Ohio, and as such, bicyclists are expected to obey the same rules of the road that apply to motor vehicles as it relates to stoplights and other traffic control devices. Ohio Revised Code § 4511.55(A) states that all individuals operating bicycles must “ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable.”
In addition to state laws relating to bicycles, Ohio also provides communities the power to enact their own local laws applying to bicycle operation. The drivers of motor vehicles are also required to obey the rules of the road, but many bicycle accidents are the result of motorists violating state traffic laws—whether it is speeding, operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (OVI), or reckless driving.
Not all crashes involve underlying traffic offenses though. One of the most common causes of bicyclist injuries involves “dooring”—situations in which people open doors to exit motor vehicles without looking for oncoming bicyclists. When a door swings open in front of a bicyclist, he or she rarely has the time or ability to avoid a collision, and the crash results in serious injuries.
Ohio Lawyers for Bicycle Accidents
After a bicycle crash in Ohio, victims can seek compensation from a negligent motorist’s insurance company. Even when drivers are clearly at fault, insurers may argue bicyclists were somehow to blame for their injuries. Although some insurance companies may reach out and express a willingness to take care of victims, the settlements that are offered are typically much less than what people are actually entitled to.
Need an Injury Attorney Ohio represents individuals who suffered serious injuries or whose loved ones were killed in bicycle accidents. Our firm can be contacted 24/7 to help you with your personal injury claim following a bicycle crash. You can take advantage of a free, no- obligation consultation that will let out personal injury lawyers provide a complete evaluation of your case and answer all of your legal questions.