Cincinnati Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Biking is a great way to exercise, avoid traffic, and enjoy all that Ohio offers. The number of cyclists on the roadways has significantly increased in recent years. Unfortunately, this has also contributed to a steep rise in bicycle-related collisions in our community.

Our Cincinnati bicycle accident attorneys at Slater& Zurz understand the challenges bicycle accident victims face and will do everything we can to help. We will work with you, your family members, doctors, psychologists, and others to ensure you receive quality legal representation as well as the finest medical care. Our compassionate legal team will guide you through this challenging chapter from start to finish while also advocating to make our community a safer place to ride.

Let our qualified team at Slater & Zurz work tirelessly on your behalf. Contact us at (513)496-3331, fill out our online form, or begin an online chat.

Recovering Compensation After a Bicycle Accident

If you have been injured in a Cincinnati bicycle accident, it is essential to consider your legal options because you may be entitled to a significant amount of compensation. Recovery in your case may include the following:

• All medical expenses related to the accident
• Costs of future medical treatment
• Costs for rehabilitation, such as physical therapy
• Costs of in-home or long-term care needed as a result of the accident
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Disability
• Disfigurement
• Impairment
• Loss of consortium
• Lost quality of life
• Wrongful death

Common Causes of Bike Accidents

Bicycle accidents occur in a variety of manners and for a variety of different reasons. Often motorists don’t realize that bicyclists, by law, have the same rights as motorists. They fail to exercise the caution needed to ensure a cyclist’s safety. Factors that often contribute to a bicycle accident include:

• Speeding
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Failing to yield to a cyclist
• Distracted driving, such as texting while driving
• Fatigued driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Following too closely to a cyclist
• Failing to provide adequate space for the cyclist while passing
• Making unsafe left turns, including failing to signal
• Turning right before making sure there isn’t a cyclist present
• Opening vehicle doors in the path of an oncoming cyclist
• Improperly maintained or poorly designed roadways
• Poorly designed or manufactured bicycles and bicycle parts
• An improperly serviced bicycle

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident

In a bicycle crash, your life can change in an instant. You will likely face a challenging recovery ahead of you and be left to deal with a significant financial burden. If you feel a negligent motorist may have caused your accident, take these steps to ensure they are held accountable for their actions and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Seek medical attention right away – It is essential to have a thorough medical assessment after any bicycle accident. The adrenaline – or simply the shock of the experience may hide the true extent of your injuries. Even if you feel fine, it is always best to see a doctor right away.

Call 911 – Report your accident to the police, provide an accurate account of the accident, and obtain a copy of the police report for your records.

Obtain the information of all parties involved– Get the name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance information of all parties involved in the accident. Speak with any eyewitnesses and obtain their contact information as well.

Write down what happened – It is important to write down every detail of the accident soon after it occurs. As time goes on, you may forget important information that could strengthen your claim.

Retain all medical bills and records – To maximize your compensation in your bicycle accident case, it is essential to show your injuries’ true costs, nature, and extent.

Speak with a Cincinnati personal injury lawyer right away – Insurance companies will generally try to get you to settle quickly and for less than what you are entitled to. An experienced bicycle accident attorney will look after your best interests and negotiate aggressively to get you the maximum compensation.

Bicycle Accidents Caused by Unsafe Road Conditions

Cyclists face considerable dangers on the road. While many bicycle accidents involve negligent drivers, bicyclists also rely on safe road conditions. When the state, county, city, or other public agency fails to provide safe conditions, cyclists risk becoming seriously injured. Our experienced attorneys have successfully handled cases involving:

• Cracked or uneven pavement
• Potholes
• Unsafe bike lanes
• Debris on the roadway
• Confusing roadway signs
• Broken/malfunctioning traffic signals
• Hazardous storm grates
• Trees, signage, and poles too close to the roadway
• Unclear or faded lane markings
• Poor street drainage
• Unfinished shoulders
• Construction site hazards