Columbus Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle crashes have the potential to cause severe trauma. Riders have far fewer protections from injury than occupants of motor vehicles, which leaves them vulnerable to severe harm in the event of a crash.

If you were struck by a vehicle while riding your bike, our Columbus bicycle accident lawyers can advocate for compensation on your behalf. If you have questions regarding the next steps, our skilled personal injury attorneys will explain your legal rights and walk you through the litigation process.

What are Common Injuries in a Bicycle Crash?

The injuries sustained in a bicycle crash range in severity, varying from relatively mild injuries to catastrophic. Common examples of bicycle accident injuries include fractured bones, soft tissue injuries, lacerations, contusions, and road rash. Severe injuries associated with bicycle collisions include spinal cord injuries, paralysis, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, scarring, and disfigurement.

Recoverable Damages

Our Columbus accident attorneys help bicyclists injured by negligent drivers recover compensation for their different losses. You could collect a recovery for your economic damages, including lost wages, hospital expenses, therapy and treatment costs, and other bills related to the accident.

Non-economic losses such as pain, suffering, and decreased quality of life may also be available. Punitive damages could also be awarded in certain cases. However, if you fail to file a suit within two years from the crash date, you could be barred from recovery, per Oh. Rev. Code § 2305.10.

Establishing Negligence in Bike Wreck Claims

Often, bike crashes are attributed to someone else’s reckless or negligent behavior. Speeding, following too closely, failure to yield, and distracted driving are common behaviors that could cause a motorist to collide with a cyclist. Bicycle accidents are also frequently caused by intoxicated driving, sideswiping, improper lane changes, and careless driving.

Drivers owe other people on the roadway a legal duty to use reasonable care to prevent injury. If  you suffered harm in a bike crash that was caused by a motorist’s negligence, our Columbus attorneys can build a case to hold the at-fault driver accountable.

What if the Biker is Partially Responsible?

If both the injured bicyclist and the at-fault party are found responsible for the collision, the injured party’s compensation could be diminished or removed, depending on their percentage of liability. Under Ohio Revised Code § 2315.33, if the injured party is 50 percent or less negligent, their recoverable compensation would be reduced by their portion of fault. If most of the fault falls on the claimant, they would be prohibited from monetary recovery.

Laws Governing Bicyclists in Columbus

Bicyclists must comply with certain laws and rules of the road. This includes a legal obligation to comply with the traffic laws governing other motorists. While Ohio law permits bicyclists to ride on highways, they may not ride on a freeway.

Cyclists must also use the proper signals before coming to a stop or making a turn. When a bicyclist is turning right, for example, they must put their right hand and arm outward or hold their left hand and arm up. Before coming to a stop, the rider should position an arm downward to alert other motorists. Bicyclists must ride in a single file line if there are more than two going down a single lane.

Speak with Our Columbus Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Since the harm done in a bike wreck can be catastrophic, the potential recovery could be substantial. Our Columbus bicycle accident attorneys will review your case, collect and preserve evidence, and hold the at-fault party accountable for your damages. Speak with one of our dedicated attorneys today by scheduling a free consultation.