Columbus Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Skilled representation for Central Ohio bicycle riders and families
Learning to ride a bicycle is one of the sweet joys of childhood. Riding a bicycle means the freedom to see friends, enjoy the great sights of Columbus, and get exercise. Bicycle riders can enjoy local roads, local parks, and local hills. Bicycle riding is dangerous. Car drivers often fail to see or respect the right of a bicycle rider to be on the road or cross an intersection. When bicycle riders are struck, they are either likely to fall to the hard ground or be pinned against the metal of a vehicle. Most bicycle accidents cause severe injuries or deaths.
At Soroka & Associates, LLC, our lawyers are experienced trial lawyers. We understand why bicycle accidents happen, and who is responsible. Our Columbus bicycle accident lawyers work with your doctors to understand how devastating your injuries are, and why you need long-term help. We have earned the respect of former clients, insurance companies, and defense lawyers because of our preparation, understanding of the law, and ability to argue your case.
How can we help?
- How often are people injured in bicycle accidents?
- What are the common causes of bicycle accidents in Columbus?
- What are common injuries from bicycle accidents?
- How can bike riders protect themselves from accidents?
- Who is liable for my Columbus bicycle accident?
- What is the value of my Columbus bike accident case?
- What is the time limit for filing a personal injury claim in Ohio?
- Do you have a bicycle accident lawyer near me?
How often are people injured in bicycle accidents?
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, close to 1,000 people die in bicycle accidents every year, and 130,000 riders are injured every year. The age group with the highest death rates are riders between 55 and 69 years of age. The age group with the most injuries, about 1/3 of all bicycle-related injuries in the US, are between 10 and 24 years old. Most bicycle fatalities occur in urban areas. More than 60% of all bicycle fatalities happen at parts of the road other than intersections. 1/3 of all bicycle deaths involve a vehicle or bicycle driver who was intoxicated.
A car or truck doesn’t even have to strike the bicycle rider to cause a fatality or serious injury. Just slamming on the brakes can cause the rider to fall – causing the rider to strike his head against the road or other severe injuries.
What are the common causes of bicycle accidents in Columbus?
At Soroka & Associates, we understand that proving a driver was liable means showing how he/she was negligent – we show what the driver failed to do or should have done. Our lawyers work with investigators, speak with the police, question witnesses, examine smartphones, and use many other methods to show what happened.
Bicycle accidents are often caused because a driver:
- Failed to respect the right of the bicycle rider to travel on the same street.
- Drove while distracted by text messaging, using a smartphone, eating, looking at a GPS system, or other distractions.
- Operated a vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol.
- Sped, ran a red light, drove through a stop sign, or violated other Ohio traffic laws.
- Drove too fast for traffic or weather conditions.
- Drove while he/she was tired.
- Opened a door while a bicycle rider was passing by.
Bicycle accidents may also be caused by defective brakes and other defective car parts.
What are common injuries from bicycle accidents?
Most bicycle accident injuries are very serious. Many injuries are life-threatening. A human body is no match for the steel of a car or truck. We represent bicycle accident victims who suffer the following types of injuries:
- Concussion, head trauma, and traumatic brain injuries
- Traumatic amputation/limb loss
- Damage to the spinal cord including paralysis
- Multiple fractures, dislocations, compound fractures, and other bone injuries
- Internal bleeding and internal damage to kidneys and other organs
- Severe burn injuries
- Back, neck, and shoulder pain
- Muscle, nerve, ligament, and tissue damage
- Road rash
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Psychological injuries such as PTSD
- Dental injuries
Our Columbus bicycle accident lawyers also represent families in wrongful death actions when a bicycle accident tragically kills a member of your family.
How can bike riders protect themselves from accidents?
Bicycle riders should make every effort to avoid being struck by a driver – because bicycle accidents are often deadly or cause catastrophic injuries. Ohio has specific bicycle riding laws including:
- Section 4511.55 | Operating bicycles, electric bicycles, and motorcycles on roadway. Riders should ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable. They must obey all the traffic laws that apply to vehicles. Riders should ride no more than two abreast in a single line – except where parts of the road are set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
- Section 4511.56 | Bicycle signal devices. Bicycles should be equipped with a lamp on the front that emits a white light, a red reflector on the rear of the bike, and brakes. Other lamps may be required.
There are additional regulations for electric bicycles. Ohio does not have a helmet requirement for standard bicycles, though some cities do require helmets.
Bicycle riders should consider the following bicycle safety steps:
- Inspect and maintain the bicycle on a regular basis
- Wear visible clothing
- Know the Ohio traffic laws
- Ride with traffic
- Stay off busy streets
- Know how to use hand signals
Riders should avoid unpaved or uneven roads.
Who is liable for my Columbus bicycle accident?
At Soroka & Associates, we file personal injury and wrongful death claims against all responsible defendants – when a bicycle accident happens in Columbus. The defendants usually include the car driver and the owners of the car if they are different than the driver. Other defendants may include an employer of the driver and a business that sold alcohol to a driver who was visibly intoxicated or a minor – if that driver’s intoxication causes the accident.
A negligent driver’s liability insurance normally pays for your damages. If the driver did not have insurance, the bicycle rider’s health insurance policy pays the medical bills. Our attorneys can explain all the ins and outs of securing compensation for your medical expenses.
What is the value of my Columbus bike accident case?
Injured bicycle accident victims often require surgeries and long-term rehabilitation with many different types of therapists. Many victims of bicycle accidents in Central Ohio never fully recover. Many victims live with a lifetime of pain.
At Soroka & Associates, we focus on all the small details that often add up to large awards. Damages in bicycle accident cases include:
- Current and future medical bills
- Income loss – now and future losses
- Daily physical pain and emotional suffering
- Loss of function of any body part
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of life’s pleasures and loss of consortium
If the driver was driving while intoxicated or was traveling well over the speed limit, we will likely file a claim for punitive damages.
If a loved one died in a Columbus bicycle accident, we will file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the family.
What is the time limit for filing a personal injury claim in Ohio?
All accident claims must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. It is best to contact our skilled Columbus bicycle accident lawyers as soon as possible. We need to investigate the accident, speak with witnesses, and place the defendants on notice. Our lawyers also need to speak with your doctors to discuss your injuries and treatment.
Do you have a bicycle accident lawyer near me?
The Columbus office of Soroka & Associates is located at 503 South Front Street, Suite 205 – near I-71 and Rt. 23. We meet clients away from the office when necessary.
Get answers to your questions now. Contact our Columbus bicycle accident lawyers today
Contact the Columbus attorneys at Soroka & Associates, to assert your rights. Our personal injury lawyers have a strong record of success in obtaining high jury verdicts and settlements. We will calmly and clearly guide you through each phase of the claims process. You can call us at 614-358-6525 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We handle bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis.