Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Akron, OH
Bicycling is a popular way to get around Akron and enjoy the outdoors. It’s easy to see why. Riding a bike is great exercise, reduces your carbon footprint, and makes it easier to get around without a car. But despite its many advantages, cycling can also be dangerous – particularly when careless motorists are around.
Hundreds of cyclists die each year in bicycle accidents in the U.S., and thousands more are injured. Many bike accident victims suffer life-threatening injuries that require costly medical care. If you have been hurt in a bicycle accident in Akron, you should know that help is readily available.
Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law can represent you in your accident claim and demand that you be fairly compensated for your medical bills and other losses. We understand the unique challenges cycling accident victims face and are here to handle the legal details while you focus on your recovery.
Ready to speak with an Akron bicycle accident lawyer about your case? Contact us today for a free initial case review.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Cyclists are extremely vulnerable to serious injury in traffic collisions. Even when wearing helmets, they have far less protection in crashes than vehicle occupants. Bicyclists lack the steel frames, seatbelts, and protective airbags that shield vehicle occupants from the worst of a wreck. They are also exposed to road hazards like potholes and gravel, which can increase the risk of injury.
Bicycle accidents can leave victims with injuries that impact not only their health and quality of life but also their means of earning a living. Common types of bicycle crash injuries in Ohio include:
- Head and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Back and shoulder injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Abdominal and internal injuries
- Dislocated or broken bones
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of limbs
- Bruises, lacerations, and puncture wounds
- Soft tissue strains, sprains, and tears
- Road rash and other burn injuries
- Emotional and psychological injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Many bicycle accidents occur due to the reckless or negligent behavior of motorists. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), two of the most common bicycle accidents involve motorists who don’t yield the right of way and motorists who turn or merge into cyclists.
Some other common causes of bicycle accidents in Ohio include:
- Distracted driving
- Texting while driving
- Driving under the influence
- Driver fatigue
- Driving too fast
- Following too closely
- Not checking blind spots
- Not yielding the right of way
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Improper turning or merging
- Driver inexperience
- Defective car parts
- Poorly maintained car parts
- Poor road conditions
Ohio’s Three-Foot Rule for Bicyclists
One of the most important Ohio bicycle laws protecting cyclists is the three-foot rule. Under this law, drivers must leave a safe distance between their vehicles and others as a buffer when passing and overtaking others moving in the same direction. The law explicitly states that a minimum of three feet is a safe passing distance for bikes.
The three-foot rule protects those bicyclists by requiring drivers to leave plenty of room for error when passing. It also helps prevent sideswipe collisions and car-door accidents, which occur when vehicle occupants open car doors into the paths of oncoming cyclists.
Proving Liability in a Bicycle Accident
Proving someone else caused the bicycle accident and is liable for the harm you suffered requires strong evidence, which might include the following:
- Photos of visible injuries from the crash
- Photos of the accident scene and surroundings
- Photos of damage to your bike or the vehicle that hit you
- Video footage of the collision from a helmet cam, dashcam, or traffic camera
- Information in the police accident report
- Results from toxicology tests for the driver
- The driver’s cell phone and GPS records
- The driver’s vehicle maintenance records
- Statements from witnesses to the accident
- Testimony from accident reconstruction specialists, doctors, and other expert witnesses
Time Limits on Legal Action
If a driver hits you while you’re biking, you might have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit against them. In that case, Ohio law says you would need to file your suit within two years of the date the accident occurred. If you file after that deadline passes, the court will likely refuse to hear your case. You may lose your ability to recover fair payment for your injuries.
While this deadline does not apply directly to insurance claims, it provides an important incentive for the at-fault party or their insurer to offer a fair settlement. If they know the two-year limit has passed, they know you cannot take them to court if you are unsatisfied with their offer. Without the ability to force them into court, you have little leverage when negotiating with liable parties.
It’s always a good idea to consult an experienced bike accident attorney as soon as possible. An Akron personal injury lawyer can help you understand how the law applies to your situation and handle every aspect of your insurance claim. They can also take charge if a lawsuit is necessary, preparing your case for court and arguing it persuasively in front of a judge and jury.
Talk to an Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney in Ohio Today
A bicycle accident can leave you with painful injuries, expensive medical bills, and lost income from time off work. At Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we strongly believe you deserve compensation for a collision someone else caused. And we are ready and eager to fight on your behalf.
Contact us for a case review session with an Ohio bike accident lawyer. We do not charge for initial consultations and will only collect a fee if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
