Sandusky Bicycle Crashes: How To Hold Negligent Drivers Accountable
Many Sandusky residents enjoy cycling, eitheras a fun hobby, a way to keep fit, or as an inexpensive form of transportation. While it offers many benefits, unfortunately, the reckless behavior of motorists puts bicyclists at risk.
When a careless or inattentive driver causes a bicycle crash, the results can be life-changing. Broken bones, head injuries, and long recoveries are common, and the financial strain can be overwhelming. Our experienced Sandusky bicycle crash lawyers represent injured cyclists throughout Ohio and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Reckless Driving Increases Sandusky Bicycle Crash Risks
Cyclists share the road with vehicles that weigh thousands of pounds more, which means even a low-speed collision can cause serious harm. According to the state Department of Transportation, nearly 200 bicycle crashes occur in Ohio each year, and Sandusky ranks fifth in terms of risk.
While bicyclists have an obligation to obey the rules of the road and take precautions, such as wearing a helmet at all times, potentially life-threatening crashes can happen due to reckless drivers. Dangerous behaviors that put Sandusky cyclists at risk include:
- Failing to maintain the required three-foot passing distance under Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.27.
- Distracted driving, including texting or phone use.
- Failing to yield at intersections or when making turns.
- Speeding in areas where cyclists are present, leaving insufficient time to react.
- Driving intoxicated or while under the influence of drugs.
- Opening car doors into an oncoming cyclist’s path.
Bicyclists are entitled to safety on the road. When reckless drivers put them at risk, they can be held liable.
We Hold Reckless Drivers Accountable for Sandusky Bicycle Crash Injuries
If you get hurt in a bicycle crash in Sandusky, you have the right to hold the at-fault driver accountable. However, it’s important to be aware that the actions you take in the hours and days after can have a significant impact on your ability to recover compensation.
To protect yourself and your rights in an Ohio bicycle crash injury claim, take these steps:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Get the driver’s contact, vehicle, and insurance information, as well as information from witnesses.
- Take pictures or videos to document the crash scene, if possible.
- Get medical care right away and don’t downplay the severity of your injuries.
- Follow your doctor’s recommendations, including work and activity restrictions.
- Keep records documenting your losses and a journal describing how your injuries impact your life.
Sandusky bicycle crash injuries can becatastrophic. While you focus on your recovery, our experienced bicycle accident lawyers work to get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Experienced Sandusky Bicycle Crash Lawyers Today
Bicycle crashes in Ohio happen regularly and can leave victims suffering severe injuries. At Murray & Murray, our Sandusky bicycle accident lawyers investigate what happened, gather the evidence needed to prove that reckless drivers are to blame, and fight for the maximum amount of compensation you need to cover your losses.
Call or contact us online to request a consultation. We serve clients throughout Sandusky, Ohio, and the surrounding areas. Reach out today.
Sources:
dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/transportation.ohio.gov/walk-bike/Walk.Bike.Ohio.BicyclistSafetyAnalysis.pdf
codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4511.27
codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4511.55