Columbus Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Holding Negligent Motorists Accountable Legally & Financially in Ohio

A bicycle crash can upend everything in a moment, from medical bills and time off work to the fight with an insurer that wants to minimize your injuries. Our Columbus team focuses on the unique challenges cyclists face on city streets and trails, moving fast to secure evidence, protect your rights under Ohio law, and pursue full compensation from the drivers and companies responsible.

Rourke & Blumenthal has the resources necessary to investigate the crash and win your case. Bicycle accident cases often involve disputed facts and contested liability. If warranted by the facts in your case, the Columbus bicycle accident lawyers at Rourke & Blumenthal will work with top professionals in accident reconstruction and human factors to obtain the information needed to prove your case. If we are not successful in obtaining a recovery for your cycling accident case, you will not be responsible for repaying Rourke & Blumenthal for the expenses advanced by Rourke and Blumenthal to pursue your claim.

Make negligent drivers pay. Call our Columbus bicycle crash team at (614) 321-3212 for a same-day attorney consultation.

Ohio Bike Laws

Cyclists face unique challenges while sharing the roadway with motorists. 

Examples of bicycle laws in Ohio include:

• Required lighting: Bicycles ridden from sunset to sunrise must have a white front light, a red rear light, and a rear red reflector.
• Yielding at intersections: Cyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks and other vehicles in the intersection.
• Position on the roadway: Cyclists are generally required to ride as close to the right side of the road as practicable, while still being allowed to move left to avoid hazards such as parked cars, debris, or potholes.

Since the term “practicable” is flexible, insurance companies and defense attorneys may argue that a cyclist contributed to a collision by where they were riding or by lacking proper lighting or safety equipment.

In Columbus and throughout Franklin County, these issues often arise after crashes on roads such as High Street, Broad Street, or near The Ohio State University campus. A Columbus bicycle accident lawyer can help explain how Ohio law applies to your situation and challenge unfair attempts to place blame on the cyclist.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Columbus

Many bicycle collisions in and around Columbus share similar causes, and understanding these patterns can help riders and families recognize when another party may be legally responsible.

Common causes of bicycle crashes include:

• Failure to yield
• Car occupants opening doors into the cyclist's path
• Passing too closely
• Poor visibility
• Distracted driving
• Speeding 
• Unsafe road design
• Missing signage
• Poor road maintenance

Roads such as Cleveland Avenue, Parsons Avenue, and sections of I-71 access roads can involve fast-moving traffic that leaves little room for error when a cyclist is present. By reviewing the scene, traffic camera footage when available, and witness accounts, a bicycle accident attorney can determine whether a driver, employer, or other entity failed to follow the rules of the road.

Why Insurance Companies Are Not on Your Side

Our attorneys have the knowledge necessary to effectively negotiate with insurers. It is not the job of insurance companies to give you a fair deal. They will do their best to pay as little as possible and to undermine your claim. Insurance adjusters know that the attorneys at Rourke & Blumenthal passionately pursue our clients’ cases during negotiations and, if necessary, in litigation. This allows us to achieve strong results for our clients.

After a serious bicycle crash, adjusters may contact you quickly and seem friendly, but their questions are designed to collect statements that can be used to reduce your recovery. They might ask for broad medical authorizations, push you to accept an early settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries, or suggest that you do not need a bicycle accident lawyer to resolve the claim. By letting our Columbus bicycle accident attorney handle communications, you can focus on your medical care while we document your losses, work with medical professionals, and push back against tactics aimed at minimizing what you are owed under Ohio law.

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