As people living in the great state of Ohio become more health-conscious and environmentally responsible, the number of cyclists on the road has steadily increased. This is why bicycle accidents are now a common occurrence in Cincinnati.
Ohio bicycle laws allow the victim of a bike accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault parties and seek fair compensation for their injuries and other expenses.
However, not every negligent driver or insurance company will accept blame so easily. Victims will need an experienced Ohio bicycle accident lawyer to fight for their rights and win maximum damages.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys is one of the top-rated Cincinnati law firms with a deep understanding of Ohio law. Victims can set up a free case review today to discuss the merits of their bicycle accident claim. They can help with how to file a lawsuit for motorcycle accident in Ohio too.
Important Bicycle Accident Statistics
According to a recent report, the Buckeye State of Ohio is considered the 18th most bike-friendly state in America. This makes it a haven for cyclists.
However, accidents still occur regularly. Here are some important statistics riders need to know:
Based on stats from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 857 cyclists lost their lives in bicycle accidents in 2018 (the highest number since 1990)
Cyclists hit by trucks or SUVs are 50% more likely to be killed compared to those hit by passenger vehicles
About 938 cyclists lost their lives in 2020
Ohio averages about 16 fatal bike accidents annually from 1,500 crashes
Cycling Accidents Can Cause Horrific Injuries
The exposed riding position of cyclists when they are hit by larger fast-moving vehicles makes them likely to suffer some of the most severe bicycle accident injuries, such as:
Traumatic brain injuries
Severe lacerations
Neck and back injuries
Broken bones
Head injuries
Loss of limb
Internal injuries, including organ damage
Spinal cord injuries
Wrongful death
Potential Damages in a Bike Accident Claim
When bicycle accidents occur, victims are entitled to file an insurance claim or launch a lawsuit against the negligent party. The injured bike rider can receive a wide range of economic, non-economic, and punitive damages, such as:
Economic Damages
These damages are monetary compensation awarded to the victim to cover any bicycle accident-related expenses they have incurred, for example:
Medical bills
Lost wages
Property damage
Burial and funeral costs
Cost of future medical care
Non-economic Damages
A good Cincinnati bicycle accident lawyer can also argue that the victim deserves non-economic damages to cover the pain and suffering caused by their injuries or the mental anguish of losing a loved one due to the negligent actions of a reckless motor vehicle driver.
It is often up to the judge to determine how much money to award victims for non-economic damages according to the specifics of the bicycle accident case.
Punitive Damages
If the at-fault party is deemed to have acted in a manner that requires further punishment, such as attempting to deceive the court or behaving maliciously toward the victims, the judge may decide to award further punitive damages to deter other would-be offenders.
How to File a Lawsuit for Bicycle Accident in Ohio
Filing a bike accident lawsuit can be complicated without the help of an experienced Ohio bicycle accident lawyer.
However, to increase their chances of walking away with a huge settlement offer, bike crash victims need to take the following steps:
Seek medical attention
Alert law enforcement officers and obtain an official accident report
Gather evidence, such as photos or video footage of the accident scene
Keep all medical records and receipts of medical bills
Talk to potential witnesses and obtain their contact details
Obtain the names and insurance information of all parties involved in the bike accident
Avoid speaking to the other party's insurance company
Hire a competent and reliable bicycle accident lawyer
Go for a free consultation to discuss the case and the potential compensation that can be received
File a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault parties
An Ohio Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Prove Negligence
Proving negligence is not always a straightforward thing when dealing with a bike accident case. However, it is an essential part of the process to recover damages.
To prove negligence, a good Ohio bicycle accident lawyer will have to show that the at-fault driver:
Had a duty of care to the bike rider and other road users
Breached that duty of care by acting recklessly or failing to act
Showed negligence resulting in the accident and injuries to the cyclist
Caused the victim to suffer damages that need to be compensated
Why Victims Need a Strong Ohio Bicycle Accident Attorney
Just because a cyclist has suffered serious injuries after being involved in a collision with one or more motor vehicles does not mean the injured party will automatically be compensated for their medical expenses and other damages.
The other party can easily shift the blame for the accident onto the cyclist which is very common in personal injury cases.
As such, bicycle riders seeking compensation need the help of a strong personal injury attorney when it comes to filing a lawsuit within the statute of limitations, proving negligence, negotiating a fair settlement, and fighting for their rights in court.
One thing that victims of bike accidents can count on is that the insurance company or the at-fault driver will come fully prepared for a fight. They will have a legal team representing them too.
In such cases, the chances of the injured bicyclist winning without help from a good lawyer are very slim. Only an experienced attorney will be able to break down Ohio's traffic laws and ensure the injured cyclist walks away with a fair settlement. They can also help with how to file a lawsuit for pedestrian accident in Ohio.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys Will Go to War for Victims of Bicycle Accidents in Ohio
Victims of biking accidents in Ohio can receive huge sums of money for damages suffered due to a negligent driver's actions.
However, the other party will likely fight very hard to avoid paying, which is why injured cyclists need the help of a strong, compassionate, and determined bicycle accident lawyer.
With many years of experience fighting for the rights of Cincinnati cyclists, Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys offers free consultations to bike accident victims seeking fair compensation in Ohio civil courts.
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