Cleveland Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Name: Ohio Personal Injury Lawyers - Joseph Law Group, LLC
Brand: Joseph Law Group
Rating: 4.8 (101 reviews)

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Joseph T. Joseph, Jr.

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“The Joseph Law Group and it’s staff were knowledgeable and courteous while handling my case. They stayed in touch with me to see if everything was alright. I highly recommend my family and friends to utilize their services.”
Robert Lawson

Experienced Representation For Bicycle Accident Victims

Riding a bicycle is eco-friendly and a great way to get fresh air and exercise. Unfortunately, cyclists often share the road with negligent drivers who either don’t expect or respect them. Injured cyclists can end up with tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills (or more) and often suffer extensive and debilitating injuries. As bleak as your situation may seem, you are not out of options. You may be able to seek compensation for your serious injury with the help of our knowledgeable personal injury attorney.

Contact our experienced Cleveland bicycle accident lawyers at Joseph Law Group by calling (216) 522-1600 today to schedule a free consultation.

Ohio Bicycle Laws

Under Ohio law, bicycles are a type of vehicle. As such, bicyclists and drivers have to obey traffic laws and follow the same right-of-way rules. In addition, a bike rider should ride with traffic and stop at red lights and stop signs.

Ohio law also has rules specifically for bike riders to make them more visible to other motor vehicles on the road. Bicycles must have a white light on the front of the bike and both a red light and a red reflector on the back of the bike. Helmet laws vary by city; in Cleveland, adults do not have to wear bicycle helmets while riding.

Common Causes Of Bike Accidents In Cleveland

Cyclists make up 2% of all traffic fatalities. This number may seem insignificant, but cyclists only account for 1% of all trips made in the US. Plus, cyclists, like victims of pedestrian accidents, are at a much higher risk of death or catastrophic injury than those in regular motor vehicle accidents.

Driver negligence (like speeding, impairment, and distraction) accounts for many of these accidents. In addition, due to their small size, cyclists are often overlooked by drivers until it’s too late. Another common cause of bike accidents is “dooring.” This is when a passenger or driver opens a car door without paying attention to their surroundings and a bicyclist collides with the open door.

Bicycle Accident Injuries

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 130,000 bicyclists are injured in crashes every year. Bicyclists don’t have the added protection of doors, windows, and seatbelts, and a helmet is often the only type of safety equipment that offers them any protection.

Plus, cars and trucks outweigh bicycles by thousands of pounds and often travel at much higher speeds. As you might imagine, this can lead to catastrophic injuries, including:

Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Internal organ damage
Broken bones
Road rash
Amputations

In severe cases, bicycle accidents result in wrongful death. If your loved one was killed while riding a bicycle, our experienced Cleveland wrongful death attorneys can help you and your family seek compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit. This can help cover unexpected funeral costs and other financial and emotional losses.

At Joseph Law Group, our personal injury lawyers know that recovering from an accident can be overwhelming. Adding legal work on top of that already mounting stress can simply be too much. While you focus your energy on resting and healing, we can focus on recovering fair compensation for you.

We know that even the more ‘minor’ injuries can result in time off work and expensive medical bills. You shouldn’t have to suffer because of someone else’s negligence. Call us today to begin working on your Cleveland bicycle accident case with the Ohio personal injury lawyers.

What Should I Do After A Bicycle Accident?

A bicycle crash often results in severe injuries, so it’s important for injury victims to seek medical attention right away. Shock and adrenaline can hide many injuries, and some injuries may not even develop until days after the initial accident. So even if you think you walked away unscathed, it’s important that you have a doctor assess any potential injuries as soon as possible following the accident.

After a bicycle accident in Cleveland, you should also try to document what you can as soon as possible; potential head injuries can cause issues with memory and recalling details later. As long as you are physically able, information should be collected at the scene of the accident:

Get the name and contact information of the driver of the motor vehicle.
Get the contact information of eyewitnesses who saw the accident.
Call 911 to file a report.
Take pictures of visible injuries.
Take pictures of the accident scene.

Once you have been treated for any injuries and have completed a police report, we highly recommend equipping the help of our experienced Cleveland bicycle accident attorney. The sooner you reach out, the sooner our legal team can begin investigating your bike accident case, obtaining medical records and witness statements, and overall strengthening your personal injury claim.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Get From a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit?

Bicycle crashes can result in injuries that cause serious financial and emotional losses. The personal injury attorneys at our law firm fight aggressively for all recoverable compensation, including:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Loss of enjoyment in life
Wrongful death damages, such as funeral and burial expenses
And more

How Can A Lawyer Help Me?

After a bicycle accident, your injuries may be severe and require extensive medical care. You shouldn’t have to juggle fighting for compensation alone on top of healing. When you hire our Ohio bicycle accident lawyer from Joseph Law Group, we can gather all the evidence needed for your case and explore all liable parties. We’ll help you determine the amount of compensation you can recover and will handle all communication with the insurance companies of the at-fault party. We even provide a free case evaluation to give you confidence that your case is worth pursuing.

Determine Liability For Bike Accidents

Liability in a bicycle or motor vehicle accident in general can be a tricky situation. Sometimes the negligent driver isn’t the sole liable party–if they were a commercial driver, their employer could be the liable party. Head injuries resulting from a defective helmet can also mean the manufacturer is responsible. Regardless, our attorneys gather evidence and reports to reconstruct exactly what happened when the accident occurred. Determining liability requires your legal team to prove that negligence occurred and how the physical injuries caused financial losses.

Calculate Damages For Bicycle Accident Compensation

Calculating damages for a bicycle accident includes requires looking at both the cost of direct financial losses and the additional non-economic damages. Economic damages can include lost wages, medical expenses, and other costs that are a direct result of the accident or injury. Economic damages intend to return you to the same financial status you had before the accident. Non-economic damages, however, are intended to provide compensation for hard-to-measure factors, such as emotional and mental suffering. In cases of extreme recklessness or gross negligence, courts may even award punitive damages. This type of compensation is meant to punish the responsible party and discourage others from making the same mistakes in the future.

Negotiate With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to contact injured bicyclists after an accident and ask for a statement. We always strongly encourage victims to decline to give a statement. The insurance company is not fighting for you; it’s looking for a way to deny the claim or offer you the barest settlement possible. A Cleveland bicycle accident lawyer from our firm can take over all communication with the car insurance companies so they don’t take advantage of you during this delicate time.

Secure A Fair Settlement Or Litigate On Behalf Of Your Claim

Insurance companies will do everything possible to pay as little as possible. If the insurance company refuses to agree to a fair settlement, we have no issue taking them to court and getting the maximum amount of compensation possible.

I Got Hit By A Car On My Bike. Can I Sue?

If you were hit by a negligent driver and sustained injuries, you may be able to recover financial compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Contact our skilled Cleveland bicycle accident lawyer at Joseph Law Group today to explore your legal options.

Call an Experienced Cleveland Bicycle Accident Attorney

At Joseph Law Group, our compassionate team does everything we can to seek justice from negligent parties and pursue full compensation. We know money can’t reverse time and prevent a tragedy, but we also know that devastating injuries often leave people unable to work and provide for themselves and their families. That’s why, since 2003, our personal injury attorneys at Joseph Law Group have been serving injured victims throughout the Cleveland area and helping them recover damages for their losses. With our five-star approach, we handle every case with the utmost care and dedication.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a Cleveland bike accident, you have legal options available. Call our dedicated injury attorneys at Joseph Law Group for a free legal consultation today at (216) 522-1600. After establishing an attorney-client relationship, we can begin working aggressively to help you recover compensation for your injuries.

Cleveland Bicycle Accident FAQs

Bicycle accidents can lead to serious injuries, financial stress, and long-term disruptions to daily life. When someone else is responsible, it’s natural to have questions about what to do and how to protect your rights. At Joseph Law Group, LLC, we’ve supported injured cyclists through the legal process and helped them pursue compensation for medical bills, property loss, and more. Below are some of the most common questions our Cleveland bicycle accident lawyers receive, especially from people searching for answers on their phones after an accident.

Is It Necessary To Report A Bicycle Accident To The Police?

Yes, it’s important to file a police report even if the accident seems minor at first. The report creates an official record of what happened, which can support your legal claim. It may include details about the scene, the people involved, and any witnesses. If injuries or property damage occurred, having that documentation strengthens your position when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing compensation in court. Accident lawyers will often use the police report as a foundation for building a case. If you are involved in an accident, contact the police to establish a report.

What If The Driver Who Hit Me Fled The Scene?

If the driver left the scene, it’s still possible to pursue a claim. First, try to record as much information as you can about the vehicle, such as the make, model, or license plate number. Also speak with any witnesses nearby who may have seen what happened. In hit-and-run cases, your own insurance policy may offer coverage through uninsured motorist protection. We can help review your policy and identify possible paths forward. These cases can be difficult, but they are not impossible to resolve. Our attorneys stand ready to help you if you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident.

Are There Specific Laws Protecting Bicyclists On The Road?

Yes, Ohio law requires drivers to treat bicycles as vehicles and provide at least three feet of clearance when passing. Bicyclists also have the right to use most roadways and must follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicles. Drivers are expected to yield to cyclists in crosswalks and take extra caution near bike lanes or intersections. If a driver fails to follow these rules and causes an accident, they may be held responsible. Cleveland bicycle accident lawyers often refer to these laws when establishing liability.

Can I Claim For Damage To My Bicycle And Gear?

Yes, a claim can include compensation for property damage, including your bicycle, helmet, clothing, and other gear. Be sure to take photos of the damage and save any receipts or documentation related to repairs or replacement costs. Even if the items seem minor, they can be included as part of a broader personal injury claim. We help clients organize and present this information clearly so that the value of their property loss is not overlooked during settlement discussions. Just be sure to take lots of photos and videos of all damages sustained.

What Evidence Is Crucial To Support My Bicycle Accident Case?

Strong evidence includes photos of the accident scene, damage to the bicycle, your injuries, and any road conditions that may have contributed. Witness statements, medical records, and the police report are also valuable. If possible, collect contact information from those who saw the crash happen. These details help paint a clear picture of what occurred and support your claim. Working with bicycle lawyers gives you the advantage of knowing how to use that evidence effectively during the legal process.

At Joseph Law Group, LLC, we’ve been recognized by Super Lawyers and named among America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys. We understand how life can change after a serious bicycle crash, and we’re here to help you take the right steps toward recovery. If you or a loved one has been involved in a cycling accident, connect with Cleveland bicycle accident lawyers today to discuss your legal options and next steps.

Bicycle Accident Glossary

When you’re involved in a serious bicycle crash in Cleveland, you may be left with more than just injuries. These incidents often create long-term physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Speaking with Cleveland bicycle accident lawyers may be an important step in protecting your rights and understanding your options. On this page, we explain key terms you may encounter if you’re thinking about pursuing legal action after a bike accident. Our goal is to help make sense of the legal process and provide guidance you can rely on throughout your case.

Catastrophic Injury

A catastrophic injury refers to a severe, long-term injury that significantly impacts a person’s ability to function on a daily basis. Common catastrophic injuries from bicycle crashes include traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, and amputations. These injuries typically require extensive medical treatment and may result in permanent disability or reduced quality of life. Because of the life-altering nature of these injuries, they often play a central role in bicycle accident cases and significantly affect the compensation sought.

Dooring Incident

A dooring incident occurs when a bicyclist crashes into a car door that has been suddenly opened into their path. This type of accident is especially common in city settings where cars are parked along the side of the street. Drivers or passengers who open their doors without checking for oncoming cyclists can cause serious harm. These collisions often result in the rider being thrown from the bike and sustaining injuries such as fractures, head trauma, or road rash. In legal claims, dooring incidents are often supported by witness statements or surveillance footage to show the sequence of events.

Ohio Vehicle Code For Cyclists

Under the Ohio Revised Code, bicycles are legally considered vehicles. This means cyclists must follow the same traffic laws that apply to motor vehicles, including stopping at traffic lights and riding in the same direction as traffic. Additionally, state law requires specific lighting and reflector equipment for night riding. While helmet use is not required for adults in Cleveland, visibility rules such as front and rear lights are legally enforced. These laws are often used in legal proceedings to help determine whether all parties were in compliance with roadway regulations at the time of the crash.

Road Rash

Road rash is a skin injury that occurs when a cyclist is thrown off the bike and slides across the pavement. These abrasions can range from minor scrapes to deep wounds that require surgical treatment. Although road rash may not sound serious at first, it can lead to long-term complications like infection, scarring, and even nerve damage. Photographs taken at the scene, medical records, and treatment plans are typically used to document road rash injuries during a claim.

Wrongful Death Lawsuit

A wrongful death lawsuit is a legal action brought when a person dies due to the reckless or harmful actions of another party. In bicycle accident cases, this often applies when a cyclist is fatally injured by a motor vehicle. These lawsuits are typically filed by the surviving family members, such as a spouse, child, or parent, and can seek compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and emotional distress. Ohio law outlines who can file such claims and the type of losses that may be compensated, making it important to work with an attorney familiar with these specific legal processes.

If you’ve suffered injuries in a bicycle accident or lost a loved one due to one, it’s important to speak with legal counsel as soon as possible. At Joseph Law Group, LLC, we’ve helped clients across Cleveland pursue rightful compensation with personalized, attentive legal support.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you take the next step in recovering after your bicycle accident.

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Eliminate Your Worry & Ease Your Mind

The insurance industry is built on the avoidance of making any payments on claims. They see claims as liabilities, and initially deny, defend, and delay a claim to limit that liability and save money for the company. Ultimately, it is the job of the attorneys at Joseph Law Group to advocate on behalf of our clients and to give the insurance companies and adjusters enough reason to pay an amount of money that is fair under all circumstances. When you hire Joseph Law Group to represent your claim, you are getting a full-service team of dedicated attorneys and paralegals who will be committed to pursuing the best outcome for you from day one until trial.
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