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Can You Sue Someone If They Hit You on a Bike?

Post By Corey Heit
Can You Sue Someone If They Hit You on a Bike?

Cycling as a mode of transportation, exercise, and just for fun has always been popular. As of 2021, Ohio is home to more than 1,500 miles of biking routes that are a part of the US Bicycle Route System – a system of bicycle routes that are marked by signs that can take cyclists across Ohio and other states.

And as the popularity of cycling continues to grow, you might find yourself worried over the possibility of being in an accident while you’re on your bike.

In 2019 alone, there were 846 bicyclists were killed due to traffic crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This raises the question of what exactly you can do in the aftermath of a traffic accident where you were riding your bike to seek bike accident compensation.

Below, we take a look at the question of if you can sue someone if they have hit you while you were on a bike.

Ohio Bicycle Laws

As is typical across the United States, bicycle riders do need to follow the same rules that motor vehicle drivers do.

Under Ohio law, bicycle riders have specific rights and have to adhere to specific laws. These laws can be found in Chapter 4511 of the Ohio Revised Code. Some of the more relevant laws that bikers need to follow include:

  • Bicyclists need to ride as close to the ride side of the road as possible when it is safe to do so.
  • A bicycle should not be used to carry more “persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped.”
  • When a bicyclist is going to turn left, they need to extend their left hand and arm horizontally. And they need to do the same with their right hand and arm when going to turn right. These signals need to be given continuously more than 100 feet before their turn.

For you as a bicyclist, it can be helpful to keep these cycling laws in mind.

In the case of you being hit by a car while on your bike, each case will vary depending on the circumstances. But typically, if you receive injuries, you will be able to seek fair compensation for your losses.

Can I Sue Someone If They Hit Me On A Bike?

If you are hit by a driver while you are on your bike, you do have the right to seek compensation from them by filing bike accident compensation claims or by potentially filing a lawsuit. Typically filing a claim through the insurance companies will be done first.

Filing a lawsuit will usually be a last resort.

As detailed in Section 2305.10 of the Ohio Revised Code, you have the ability to take legal action about any personal injuries you have sustained within two years of the incident. If you choose to pursue filing a lawsuit against the driver who was involved in your accident, it can be best to get started on the process as soon as possible.

Working with a personal injury lawyer to determine the best course of action regarding your bike accident compensation should be your first step.

Speak with a bicycle accident lawyer from Heit Law, LLC for more specific assistance regarding your case.

Were You Recently Hit By A Driver While On Your Bike? Speak With A Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have recently been in a cycling accident where you were hit, reach out to Heit Law, LLC today to speak with a personal injury lawyer. We can answer any questions you may have and look at the specifics of your case to best determine what your next steps might be.

We work completely on a contingency fee basis – meaning that you do not pay anything unless we win. You can reach us at 614-898-5300 or contact us online today to step up an appointment.

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