Bicycle Accidents Lead To Serious Injuries
With ever-increasing gas prices and growing interest in “green” living, more and more people are taking up bicycling as a means to commute. Like pedestrians, cyclists are in a precarious position with respect to other vehicles. A collision can be extremely injurious. Every year, more than 50,000 cyclists are injured on the road – and fatal injuries are on the rise.
If you or someone close to you has been injured in a cycling accident because of someone’s negligence, it is important to protect yourself and your rights. Insurance companies will try to take advantage of laws, statements and other methods to deny paying injured cyclists. Insurance companies are looking out for their own interests, and we are here to look out for yours.
Franklin County Bike Accident Attorneys
We are lawyers who are ready to bring our decades of experience obtaining tens of millions of dollars for clients to help you obtain the compensation you deserve if you or someone close to you has suffered injuries such as:
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue injuries
- Injuries causing hidden pain – not visible on the surface
- Concussions
- Mild to severe brain injuries
- Shoulder tears
- Back injuries
- Herniated disks
Regardless of the complexity of your case, we will bring our comprehensive experience and investigation skills to optimally build your case for aggressive negotiation or litigation.
An example of our success.
- $1.6 million: Our client was riding his bicycle at night in downtown Columbus. He was passed by a truck that then turned in front of him as he was crossing the crosswalk. Ohio law does not permit a bicycle to use a crosswalk. We hired an accident reconstruction expert who is also a bicycle enthusiast. He was able to prove – based on speeds and markings on the roadway – that our client was, in fact, run over by the truck. Our client suffered a brain injury but made a spectacular recovery. The case was complicated by the fact that our client had no memory of the accident.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accidents
Our clients often have some common questions when they first approach us. Here are the top ones we hear:
What does it cost to hire a bicycle accident lawyer in Columbus?
At Colley Shroyer Abraham, we offer free consultations, so it costs nothing to talk your situation over with an attorney and determine if you have a claim. We also take accident claims on a contingency fee basis, so there are no fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you through a settlement or via litigation.
Can I still pursue a bicycle injury claim if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence rule when it comes to liability for bicycle wrecks and other accidents. As long as you were not more at fault (51% or above) for the accident than the other party, you can still pursue a claim. Your damages would merely be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your injuries were worth $50,000 and you were 10% responsible for the crash, you would only receive $45,000.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Columbus, Ohio?
Ohio has a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, generally starting with the date of the accident. You do not want to wait that long, however, to begin your claim. Waiting can lead to difficulties in securing important evidence, obtaining eyewitness testimony and more.
If I’m hit by a motor vehicle while on my bicycle, what kind of insurance applies?
Typically, bicyclists who are injured in accidents with motor vehicles are entitled to make a claim against the driver’s auto insurance policy.
Do I really need an attorney to pursue a claim after a bicycle accident?
Absolutely. Insurance companies are not exactly interested in fairness – or paying out expensive claims. They often seek to devalue or deny injury claims, especially if they can shift the blame for the accident back onto the victim. You need an attorney who can protect your interests and aggressively pursue fair compensation.
Let Us Help You Move Forward After A Devastating Bicycle Accident
At Colley Shroyer Abraham, we are dedicated to helping you get the financial recovery you need to start moving forward. Please call us at 614-678-5072 or send us an email to arrange a free consultation. There are no fees unless we’re successful.