Dayton Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Unfortunately for cycling enthusiasts, bicycling accidents are common in Dayton and throughout the United States. Many bicyclists suffer extensive injuries, with some leading to permanent disability.
Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, can help you or a loved one after a bicycle accident in Dayton. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for injury victims harmed by someone else’s negligence, compensating them for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Contact Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, for a free consultation with a Dayton bicycle accident lawyer.
Bicycle Laws in Dayton, OH
The Ohio Department of Transportation has developed a guide outlining the state traffic laws that cyclists must follow. Bicycles are vehicles under Ohio law, so all traffic laws apply. These laws help ensure the safety of cyclists on the road. The laws include:
- Bicyclists should ride on the right side of the road, riding with traffic instead of against it. However, bicyclists may ride in the middle of a lane when it is safer than riding on the right side.
- Bicycles are generally allowed wherever cars and other motor vehicles are allowed. However, bicycles are not permitted on the freeway.
- Cyclists must signal when changing lanes or making turns.
- Bicycles must be equipped with a white front light, a red rear light, and an additional red rear reflector on the rear if the red light doesn’t double as a reflector.
- Bicycles are generally allowed on the sidewalk, though some local laws limit sidewalk use to cyclists under a specific age.
- Cyclists must yield to pedestrians when bicycling on a sidewalk or shared-use path.
- Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in a crosswalk.
- The rules that apply to parking vehicles generally apply to bicycles.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Distracted drivers: Drivers who text, adjust the GPS, or are distracted are likelier to hit a cyclist. These distractions require drivers to take their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel, preventing them from noticing cyclists or having the time to avoid collisions.
- Unsafe lane changes or turns: A driver who fails to check their blind spots or use their mirrors before changing lanes risks colliding with a cyclist in the adjacent lane. Likewise, a driver must ensure the coast is clear before turning.
- Impaired driving: About one-third of fatal bicycle crashes involve alcohol. Alcohol and drugs delay reaction times and impair judgment.
- Drowsy driving: A drowsy driver’s reaction times will be slower, which increases the likelihood of bicycle accidents. They may also fail to see a cyclist if they cannot keep their eyes on the road.
- Aggressive driving: Drivers who swerve in and out of lanes, tailgate, or otherwise drive aggressively put cyclists and other road users at risk.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
There were nearly 300,000 preventable, nonfatal bicycle accident-related injuries in one recent year. Common bicycle accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): TBIs are the result of a bump or blow to the head, causing an interruption in regular brain activity. TBIs often lead to long-term physical, emotional, and cognitive damage. A concussion is a mild form of TBI.
- Broken bones: Bicycles lack protection from the impact of a car and pavement, resulting in broken or fractured bones.
- Internal bleeding: Riders have an increased risk of internal bleeding and organ damage when objects, ribs, or bones puncture vital organs upon impact.
- Road rash: Road rash is a painful and often extensive injury resulting from the friction of the pavement and debris scraping into exposed skin.
- Dislocated joints: Any place on the body where the musculoskeletal system joins together, like a shoulder or knee, is vulnerable to dislocation after a bicycle crash.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Dayton
The first step after a bicycle accident is seeking medical attention, whether at an emergency room, urgent care center, or your family doctor. After you get medical treatment:
- Preserve your damaged bicycle, helmet, and other items from the crash.
- Keep all medical bills, test results, and insurance explanation of benefits (EOB) if you have insurance.
- Follow your healthcare provider’s prescribed treatment course.
- Track your pain levels in a daily diary.
- Contact a Dayton bicycle accident lawyer to discuss potential compensation from the person responsible for your injuries.
Compensation after a Dayton Bicycle Accident
You should not have to pay for someone’s negligence after a bicycle accident in Dayton, Ohio. With the help of an experienced bicycle accident injury attorney, you could recover money to cover the cost of:
- Medical care and treatment, including emergency room care, hospitalization, and prescriptions
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
How Is Fault Determined in Ohio?
An attorney can investigate the accident and gather evidence to determine who is at fault in your bicycle accident case. Some of the evidence they might collect includes:
- Cell phone data showing usage at the time of the crash
- Results of drug or alcohol field tests
- Police report
- Evidence from the crash scene, such as photos of property damage, skid marks on the road, or debris
- Footage from traffic cameras, surveillance cameras, or dashcams
- Witness statements
- Expert testimony
Statute of Limitations to File a Personal Injury Claim in Ohio
Generally, plaintiffs in Ohio have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you file a bicycle accident claim after the statutory deadline, the court could dismiss your case. If so, you will lose your right to seek compensation in civil court. Thus, you should contact an experienced bicycle accident lawyer immediately after a bicycle accident to get started on your case.
Contact Our Dayton Bicycle Accident Lawyers for Help
At Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, our Dayton personal injury lawyers have years of experience helping injured people recover compensation from those responsible for their physical, emotional, and financial losses. We can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to make sure you’re being treated fairly. If you have injuries from a bicycle accident and want to explore your legal options, contact Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, for a free consultation.
