Bicycle riders should be alert of the many dangers of going out on the road alongside motor vehicles, trucks and motorcycles. Each year, thousands of cyclists, including young children, are injured in auto accidents.
If you or someone you love suffered serious injuries after being hit by a motor vehicle while riding a bicycle, you may have legal recourse. Our experienced Cincinnati bicycle accident lawyers can guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our experienced Cincinnati bicycle accident lawyers have obtained millions on behalf of our clients, including a $4.9 million settlement for a student severely injured in a bicycle accident.
Ohio Bicycle Laws
Chapter 4511 of the Ohio Revised Code contains laws on the operation of all vehicles on Ohio roads, including bicycles.
Certain states require cyclists to wear helmets while riding, however, Ohio has no such requirement. Visibility is key when riding a bicycle, which is why Ohio riders are required to have rear reflectors and white front lights at night.
Bicycle riders must also adhere to the rules of the road when operating this type of vehicle. Riders should always use the proper hand signals to warn motorists when they are turning and stopping.
Furthermore, the law dictates that riders should ride on the far-most right-side of the road that is headed in the direction they are traveling; going against traffic is illegal and dangerous.
Who is at fault for a bicycle accident depends on the circumstances of the collision. Often, a party who receives a police ticket for a traffic violation will be found liable for the ensuing accident. Cyclists must follow the same traffic laws as motorists and can be ticketed for similar infractions such as running a stop sign or riding under the influence.
Common Causes Of Bike Accidents
Errors on the part of a motorist or a cyclist can cause these devastating collisions. Each of these accidents though is most commonly caused by a human error. Some of the most common causes of a bike accident include:
- Passing too closely to a cyclist
- Failing to “see” a cyclist
- Riding at night without lights
- Riding against traffic
- Failing to obey traffic signs and signals
- Driving under the influence
- Texting and driving
- Backing over cyclists
- Aggressive driving
Types of Cycling Injuries
Safety gear such as a helmet and pads are a great way for riders to protect themselves, however, not all riders choose to use such equipment.
Brain injuries are common among bike riders and can often lead to lifelong complications. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that wearing a safety helmet can reduce the chances of a head injury by 85 percent and reduce the risk of brain injury by 88 percent.
Some other common types of bike accident injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Facial injuries
- Road rash
- Concussions
- Dislocations
- Dental Injuries
- Spinal cord damage
According to information from the NHTSA, males are most commonly injured in bike accidents and the average age of these victims is 31. However, 20 percent of persons injured were under the age of 16. Cyclists come in all ages, from older adults riding about town to young children going to and from school. It is important to give riders room while they share the roads with motorists.
If you have been hurt by a reckless driver in a bicycle accident, contact us to schedule a free case evaluation with a knowledgeable Cincinnati lawyer.
How A Cincinnati Bicycle Accident Attorney Could Help
When an accident happens, it is important to not lay blame on anyone. Determining liability will depend on the circumstances of the situation, which is why it is important to contact a Cincinnati bicycle accident lawyer after a crash. Your attorney can gather witness statements, review accident and medical reports, recreate the scene of the crash, investigate the at-fault party’s driving history, and much more.
To claim for a bicycle accident, you should reach out to an experienced attorney to discuss your case. A skilled legal professional can complete the process for you and file a lawsuit to ensure you are receiving the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to.
The Cincinnati personal injury attorneys at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy are dedicated to fighting for our client’s rights. We can review every detail of your incident and build a strong case in your favor. Our experienced attorneys offer free legal consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, which means we do not get paid unless we win. Call today.
