Jami S. Oliver voted 2024 “Lawyer of the Year”, Columbus, OH

Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs by Best Lawyers in America

Jami S. Oliver also named Best Lawyers 2024 in three areas of practice:
Litigation – Labor & Employment, Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs, and Product Liability Law – Plaintiffs

What’s Behind the Bicycle Accidents in Columbus?

| Bicycle Accident

Columbus stands out as a haven for cyclists in Ohio, sporting a bronze Bicycle Friendly Community label from the League of American Bicyclists. Still, cyclists know the hazards they encounter whenever they hit the road. Negligent motorists don’t always respect cyclists, despite their equal rights. Below, our Columbus bicycle collision attorney delves into the primary ways in which motorists cause bicycle collisions.

Distracted Driving

Using any part of the body to interact with a handheld device is illegal in Ohio while driving, whether it’s reading, responding to messages, dialing numbers, or talking on the phone. When drivers prioritize their phones over their surroundings, the likelihood of collisions skyrockets. However, distractions stretch beyond our phones: adjusting vehicle controls, disruptive passengers, and eating while driving all increase the chance of a collision.

Failing to Leave Adequate Room

Motorists often tailgate bicyclists or overtake them without allowing for the recommended three feet of clearance. This unnecessarily endangers everyone while leaving both cyclist and driver with limited options to avert potential collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians.

Speeding

When motorists speed, they limit the amount of time they have to make important decisions that could allow them to avoid a crash. Speeding also means drivers need more time to stop than they would otherwise. Speeding not only contributes to bicycle accidents, but also often increases the severity of a crash and the seriousness of injuries.

Dangerous Lane Changes

A distracted driver making an improper lane change can result in catastrophe for cyclists. These incidents typically result from motorists merging into a cyclist’s lane without first verifying the way is clear.

Ignoring Traffic Signals

Disregarding stop signs or red lights is one of the gravest transgressions a motorist can commit. Cyclists who possess the right of way rely on everyone adhering to traffic laws. When other road users fail to yield, cyclists bear the brunt of the consequences.

Impaired Driving

Impaired driving is illegal for a reason – it weakens a driver’s judgment and often blinds them to cyclists. A tragically high number of bicycle collisions are caused by impaired drivers each year.

Uncovering the Cause of Your Bicycle Crash with Our Columbus Attorney

Bicycle accidents unfold in the blink of an eye – if you’ve been hurt, it may not be immediately clear what caused the collision. At Oliver Law Office, our Columbus bicycle accident lawyer can investigate and pinpoint the root cause of your crash so you know who to hold liable for damages. Call or text us today at 614-220-9100 or chat with us online to schedule a case evaluation.

Sources:

codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4511.204

codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4511.19

Related Links:

  1. Top Five Bicycle Crash Injuries
  2. Who is Liable for Bicycle Accidents in Columbus?
  3. What Causes Bicycle Wrecks?
  4. Top Five Injuries In Bicycle Crash Claims

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