Common bicycle accident injuries include brain trauma, spinal cord damage, broken bones, cuts, abrasions, nerve damage, and bleeding. Bicycle accident victims can face substantial medical care expenses for these injuries—not to mention lost income and property damage—after an accident. Ohio’s at-fault laws permit accident victims to seek financial compensation for their losses and damages if they were harmed by the actions of another party.

If you were involved in a bicycle accident, our team wants to help. The Fitch Law Firm, LLC can be reached at (614) 545-3930. A Columbus bicycle accident lawyer can assist clients who have been in accidents involving bicycles, vehicles, and personal injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Based on the specifics of your case, we may be able to help you file for the damages you might be legally entitled to collect.

Certain Factors May Lead to Higher Bicycle Fatalities

The National Safety Council (NSC) has found that bicycle accident fatalities increased by 30 percent between 2009 and 2018. Bicyclist fatalities correlate with the seasons, and more people are killed in bicycle-related mishaps in summer than in other months. Bicycle accidents are also more common in urban areas than in rural areas.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bicycle fatality rates are the highest for adults aged 50 to 59. As for non-fatal accidents, children and adolescents between the ages of five and 19 suffer the highest rates of non-fatal bicycle injuries. Accident fatality rates correlate with the age of the rider, the speed at which a victim was struck, and whether the victim was wearing protective gear at the time of the accident.

Men are at a higher risk of being injured or killed in a bicycle accident than women. Also, over one-third of bicycle-related fatalities involving motor vehicles and bicyclists involve some level of alcohol consumption by either the motorist or the bicyclist.

Common Causes

Common causes of bicycle accidents include:

Damaged, slippery, uneven, or poorly marked roads
Errors made by the bicyclist or other road users
Driver or rider distraction
Alcohol consumption by the motor vehicle driver or bicyclist
Poor lighting or weather conditions
Bike failures or malfunctions

Breaking down and understanding the causes of your bicycle accident are critical first steps of any personal injury case. Based on how your accident was caused, you might be able to hold several parties liable for your damages.

Fault and Liability

Ohio’s bicycle riding laws are contained within the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) §4511.01. These laws outline everything from who has the right of way between bicyclists and motor vehicles at intersections to local regulations regarding licensing and the operation of bicycles on public roads.

Any party who causes or contributes to an accident via negligence, errors, or illegal actions may be held liable for the accident victims’ damages.

To illustrate how this rule would work in practice, consider a motor vehicle driver who speeds, drives aggressively, or drives while intoxicated or distracted. If such a driver causes an accident, they may be held liable for the damages of the accident victims. Similarly, if a municipality responsible for road repairs in a certain area does not maintain roads within its jurisdiction, and road damage contributes to an accident, it may be held liable for damages.

As a victim, you must show that the party you believe is at fault for your accident was negligent, made mistakes, or broke the law and caused an accident in the process. If you can prove this, you may sue for damages.

For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accidents lawyer serving Columbus, call 614-545-3930

You May Be Able to Seek Compensation Through Insurance Coverage

According to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), all motor vehicle operators in Ohio are required to carry:

$25,000 in personal liability coverage for injuries or death of one person
$50,000 in personal liability coverage for injuries or death to two or more people
$25,000 in property damage coverage per accident

It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle without insurance, and it is also illegal for a vehicle owner to permit anyone else to drive their vehicle without insurance. However, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III), about one in eight drivers in Ohio drive without insurance.

If you were struck by a motorist, you might be able to seek compensation using the at-fault driver’s personal liability policy. In some cases, you may be able—or required—to seek compensation using your health insurance coverage, a relevant home insurance policy, or third-party liability insurance.

Contact the Fitch Law Firm, LLC, at (614) 545-3930 to discuss your case. A Columbus bicycle accident lawyer can help you understand the driving laws and insurance rules that apply to your case. Our team can also help you gather evidence to substantiate your claims, which we discuss in more detail below.

Columbus Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 614-545-3930

Your Case Needs to Meet Certain Evidence Requirements

You must provide proof of your losses and the other party’s fault for the accident to the other party’s insurer when you file for compensation.

To prove fault and liability, you may use:

Photos or videos of the accident
Eyewitness statements
Cellphone usage records
Medical records
Official police reports

To prove your losses, you may use:

Medical treatment expense invoices
Bicycle repair estimates
Proof of lost income, such as salary statements or wage slips
Proof of any other accident-related expenses or losses

Call the Fitch Law Firm, LLC to Work on Your Case

Contact the Fitch Law Firm, LLC at (614) 545-3930 for a free case evaluation. A Columbus bicycle accident lawyer can help you gather evidence and estimate your losses.

Our team can also help you file a lawsuit within the statutes of limitations for personal injury cases, which is two years in Ohio, per the ORC §2305.10. Do not hesitate to call us today to start the process of evaluating your case.

Call or text 614-545-3930 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

Shawn G

2021-06-15

Kristin Peterson did a great job!

Mindy Michael

2021-05-20

Had them for my son and I they were quick to respond to any emails or messages and very helpful to help us get what we deserved. All of the girls on staff were very thoughtful and helpful. Thankful for Becky who even offered personal services!!

Steve Rogers

2021-05-14

When we looked into seeking representation after my son's car accident we did not know anybody who had experience with as an attorney with car wrecks. So we looked online at all the firms that specialize in auto accidents, then by using as our criteria the reviews we selected The Fitch Law firm. Right from the start they were extremely helpful . They explained how the process would go based on our specifics of the accident and then basically did all the work to file a claim and get all that we were entitled to. Working with Becky and Kirstin was perfect, they kept us informed every step of the way and if we had questions they had time to explain them making sure we understood each time. Our case was not a high dollar amount but they still offered above average service and looked out for us like it was. I highly recommend The Fitch Law firm without hesitation.

Julianna Poole-Sawyer

2021-02-28

Our experience with the Fitch Law Firm was incredible. We worked with Kirstin, and she's really gone above and beyond for us. I cannot recommend them highly enough. After our car accident, we were so overwhelmed by the insurance companies, and Kirstin made everything so easy for us. We never would have gotten such a good settlement without her. They seem to really care about their clients, and they are very responsive. They worked hard to answer our questions thoroughly and in a timely manner.

Nicholas Mavromatis

2020-12-17

I was involved in an accident as the passenger of the responsible party during Feb. of 2020. I completed physical therapy in June of the same year. I worked with a firm that was not as responsive as I would have liked, so I sought representation elsewhere to ensure the claim was handled correctly. I couldn’t have been more fortunate to task The Fitch Law Firm with this case. Associate attorney Kirstin Peterson was assigned to my case, and I couldn’t have asked for someone so thorough, professional, responsive and down right genuinely caring than her. There were some unforeseen obstacles, but throughout my doubts she maintained consistent in reassuring me she was doing everything she could to make sure things were going as smoothly as possible. I highly recommend this firm and having nothing but more than positive things to say about the associate attorney assigned to my case. Thank you so much Fitch Law Firm, and Kirstin Peterson. You guys are extraordinary in what you do!

William Hafford

2020-12-07

I simply gave you guys a good rating due to information i received from a friend. Your right iv never been a client of yours but if I need a good attorney I will keep you in mind.

Latisha Mcgary

2020-11-11

I was in a car accident on 10/21/2018 that was not my fault. I googled different accident laywers. And came across the fitch law firm. From the first time i walked thru the doors mr fitch and becky made me feel at ease. Mr fitch thought my case woukd be good to take on. The other parties insurance was extremely difficult to deal with.and i can say mr fitch represented me well. And Becky checked in on me and kept me updated on the case. Its been 2 years and my case finally settled i was ok with the amount given. And i will use the fitch law firm again if ever needed.

Mariah Mason

2020-09-29

They were very helpful and responsive. I loved how professional they were & how I wasn’t just another “Number” to them. I thank everyone in the office for their help ESPECIALLY my time I spent & got to know Attorney Kirstin. Thank you Fitch Law Firm :)