Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Dayton, OH

Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Dayton, OH

Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Dayton, OH

Bike accident fatalities and injuries are far from unheard of on Cincinnati roads. Our state’s struggles with bicycle safety aren’t quite as severe as some others, but it’s still a serious enough issue that local and state officials have a duty to take steps to mitigate the risks. The city of Cincinnati has a variety of local ordinances pertaining to bike riders and how drivers are expected to interact with drivers on the road.

When drivers fail to adhere to those strict rules, it’s almost always the bike rider who is severely injured. Riders on a bike don’t have the added protection of a steel frame, shatter-resistant glass, seat belts, and airbags. That’s why having Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Dayton, OH on your side can make all the difference when seeking justice.

Drivers have an implicit duty of care every time they get behind the wheel. When they breach that duty and cause crashes, they are expected to pay for the injuries and damages they cause. Those injuries can be particularly severe in bicycle accident cases. Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t usually jump at the chance to do what’s right by the victims of their policyholders. They care more about their investors and the company’s bottom line. Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Dayton, OH understand this challenge and are prepared to fight for your compensation.

Bike accident injury lawyers in Cincinnati are committed to ensuring people who are injured in those accidents receive the compensation they deserve for the medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering they’ve been forced to endure due to a driver’s mistake.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Negligent drivers pose a significant risk to bicyclists. Common causes of bicycle accidents include:

• Drivers failing to yield the right of way
• Drivers making improper turns
• Opening car doors without checking for cyclists (known as “dooring”)
• Driving under the influence
• Distracted driving

Poor road conditions, such as potholes or inadequate signage, can also contribute to bicycle accidents. These types of bicycle accidents can be a bit more complicated from a claim and litigation standpoint because the at-fault party might be a government agency or business, but you still might be able to recover damages. Don’t hesitate to consult with our bicycle accident lawyers for more information.

Bicycle Accident Injuries

Due to their relative lack of protection, bicyclists often suffer severe injuries in collisions with motor vehicles. Common injuries include:

• Fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Lacerations
• Contusions
• Fatal injuries in severe crashes

The severity of bike rider injuries often results in medical costs and other damages that far exceed the policy limits of the at-fault driver. This can make it difficult for bike riders to get all the funds they need to recover from their crash. There are scenarios in which a skilled accident attorney can identify third parties who may share in liability for your accident, like manufacturers of bike or car components or municipalities that didn’t clearly delineate bike lanes with adequate signage.

Every case is different, and you likely won’t know how much compensation is available until you speak with an attorney. Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Dayton, OH are ready to help.

Ohio Bike Laws

In Ohio, bicycles are considered vehicles, and bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. This includes obeying traffic signals, riding near the right-hand edge of the road and using proper hand signals before making turns. Importantly, motorists are required to give bicyclists a minimum of three feet of space when passing.

There’s an obvious disparity of consequences when a car, truck or SUV driver fails to adhere to traffic laws, resulting in an accident involving a bicyclist. While bike riders are technically beholden to many of the same laws, their violations are unlikely to result in debilitating injuries.

Insurance Companies and Bicycle Accident Claims

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize the compensation paid to bicycle accident victims. They may argue that the bicyclist was at fault, was not following traffic laws or even that their injuries are not as severe as they claim. Our experienced attorneys know how to counter these tactics and will advocate for your right to fair compensation.

Investigation is often key – which is why it’s so important injured riders seek medical care right away. A doctor can diagnose your injuries and attribute them to the auto accident, making it difficult for the insurance company to allege your injuries were from a different cause. A skilled injury doctor can also provide medical records to justify your recovery costs, making it easier to pursue the full damages your owed.

A doctor can also testify to how your injuries affect your quality of life and ability to work, which may be particularly important for pain and suffering damages and lost wages.

Proving fault in bike accidents and clearly justifying damages isn’t always easy. Having a skilled Ohio bike accident lawyer in your corner may go a long way toward a successful claim outcome.