Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Columbus, Ohio

If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in Columbus, Ohio, you deserve an experienced and dedicated law firm to fight for your rights.

The bicycle accident lawyers at Wolfe & Mote Law Group, LLC in Columbus, Ohio, are experienced in helping injured cyclists like you work through the complicated legal system with the compassion you need. 

Attorneys Stephen Wolfe, Elizabeth Mote, Hailey Doliveira, and Nicole Good understand the unique dynamics of bike-related incidents and are committed to delivering personalized, results-driven legal representation. 

Whether you’ve suffered from physical injuries, emotional distress, or financial losses, Wolfe & Mote Law Group, LLC is here to provide the support and advocacy you need to get back on your feet. Contact the firm today to schedule a consultation with bicycle accident lawyers you can depend on.

Types of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can occur for many reasons and take various forms. Cyclists are vulnerable to a range of hazards on the road, and understanding the types of accidents that commonly occur can help you better grasp your situation if you’ve been involved in one. Some of the most common types of bicycle accidents include:

Motor Vehicle Collisions

Whether it’s a car, truck, bus, or motorcycle, the impact of a vehicle can cause severe injury or even death to a cyclist. These accidents may occur in several ways, such as:

• Rear-end collisions: When a driver fails to notice a cyclist and crashes into the rear of the bicycle, typically due to distractions or impaired driving.

• Left-turn and right-turn collisions: Drivers may fail to yield to cyclists when turning left or right at an intersection, resulting in accidents.

• Side-impact collisions: Often referred to as “T-bone” accidents, these occur when a vehicle strikes a cyclist from the side, usually at intersections or when a vehicle changes lanes without checking for cyclists.

• Opening car doors: Also known as “dooring,” this type of accident happens when a driver or passenger opens their car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, causing them to crash into the door.

In some cases, bicycle accidents occur without the involvement of another vehicle. 

Single-Vehicle Accidents

These types of accidents are often caused by road conditions. These accidents include: such as:

• Potholes or road hazards: A cyclist may lose control of their bike after hitting a pothole, debris, or an uneven road surface. Even minor imperfections in the road can quickly escalate into dangerous situations, especially at higher speeds or during adverse weather conditions.

• Obstructions in the roadway: Unmarked or poorly maintained obstacles, such as fallen tree branches or construction debris, can cause a cyclist to crash or fall. These hazards are often difficult to spot, particularly during nighttime or in poorly lit areas, increasing the likelihood of a severe accident.

These types of accidents often go hand-in-hand with poor road conditions. In some cases, cyclists may be unaware of the hazards until it’s too late, leading to serious injuries. As a result, it’s crucial to hold responsible parties accountable for their failure to maintain safe roads and prevent such incidents.

Accidents Caused by Poor Road Conditions

Bicyclists are at a disadvantage when using poorly designed or maintained roads. Accidents can occur when roads or bike lanes are uneven, damaged, or don't provide adequate space for cyclists to ride safely. 

In these instances, it may be possible to hold government agencies or municipalities responsible for failing to maintain safe conditions, especially if they also involve pedestrians.

Cyclist Collisions With Pedestrians

While pedestrians and cyclists should always be aware of each other, sometimes accidents occur when pedestrians unexpectedly step into a cyclist’s path. Cyclists can suffer injuries when they're forced to take evasive action, or when they collide with pedestrians while traveling on crowded streets or walkways.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Cyclists are particularly vulnerable to injuries because they lack the protection that motor vehicle drivers and passengers have. Bicycle accidents can result in a range of injuries, including:

• Head injuries: Despite wearing helmets, head injuries are among the most common and serious types of injuries cyclists suffer. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions can have lasting effects, including cognitive impairments and emotional or behavioral changes.

• Spinal cord injuries: A fall or collision can cause damage to the spine, resulting in paralysis or other severe long-term physical disabilities.

• Fractures and broken bones: Cyclists are prone to broken bones, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones, as they attempt to break their fall or protect themselves during the accident.

• Road rash: When a cyclist is thrown from their bike and slides across the road, they may experience severe abrasions to their skin, which can lead to infection if not properly treated.

• Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and bruises are common in bicycle accidents, especially when the cyclist’s body is thrown from the bike or they’re struck by another object or vehicle.

• Internal injuries: In severe accidents, cyclists may suffer internal injuries such as organ damage or internal bleeding, which may not be immediately obvious but can have life-threatening consequences.

If you've been involved in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages.

Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim for Bicycle Accidents

A personal injury claim can help you recover the costs of medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages. The process of filing a personal injury claim can be complicated, and having an experienced bicycle accident lawyer on your side is crucial for maximizing your recovery.

Filing a Claim Against a Negligent Driver

If your bicycle accident was caused by a motor vehicle, your primary option for compensation will be to file a claim against the driver’s insurance company. This claim will help you recover medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. 

In cases where the driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may need to pursue your own insurance policy (such as an uninsured motorist policy) or take legal action against the driver directly.

Filing a Claim Against a Municipality for Poor Road Conditions

If road conditions played a role in your bicycle accident, you may be able to file a claim against the local government responsible for maintaining the roadway. However, suing a government entity can be complicated, as municipalities often enjoy immunity from certain types of lawsuits. 

Experienced bicycle injury lawyers can help you determine if a government entity is liable and guide you through the process of filing a claim.

Defective Bicycle Claims

If your accident was caused by a defect in the bicycle or its components, you may have grounds to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of the bike. Product liability claims can involve defective design, manufacturing errors, or failure to warn consumers about potential risks.

Bicycle accidents can have life-changing consequences, and it’s essential to seek legal help if you’ve been injured. Whether the cause of the accident is driver negligence, hazardous road conditions, or defective bike parts, the bicycle accident lawyers of Wolfe & Mote Law Group, LLC are dedicated to helping you pursue compensation.