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Kentucky has a lot more bike commuters than it used to and is continually providing proper updates to cycling safety. Unfortunately, bicycle accidents still occur leaving room for improvement. When a bike is involved in an accident the cyclist can suffer severe, even fatal, injuries.

What Are The Causes Of Bicycle Accidents in Kentucky?

Most bike accidents happen during non-rush hour times. These accidents mostly happen due to neglect from drivers being distracted and not paying attention to the cyclists.

Common issues of negligence include:

  • A bicyclist being hit by a door.
  • Car turning in front of the biker.
  • Car driving too close to the bicyclist.
  • Cars running a stop sign or light.
  • Cars pulling into traffic without looking for bikers.

One of the most common causes of accidents is with the car door. The person leaving the vehicle opens the door without looking around to ensure safety.  A bicycle rider is protected by law. If you are injured by a motor vehicle while riding your bike you can take legal action. It is the responsibility of every driver to remain alert and share the road with cyclists.

Your Rights As A Cyclist

  • Can ride 2 across on the road.
  • Have the right of way when going straight, in the event the vehicle is turning left.

It Is Illegal For Drivers Of Vehicles To…

  • Make a right hook (hitting a cyclist).
  • Cut off a bicyclist.
  • Force a biker in a narrow lane.
  • Hit the bicyclist with their door.

Common Injuries From Bike Accidents

  • Bruises and scrapes
  • Concussion
  • Fractures of skull
  • Broken bones
  • Injuries to the spinal cord

After an accident with a vehicle, you should visit the hospital and then consult with an injury attorney, even if you feel fine.

What To Do If You Have Been Hurt in A Bicycle Accident

You may wonder who will pay for the medical bills or be concerned about wages lost due to not being able to work? These are pertinent questions that we can help you with. We are experienced lawyers that know the laws and can use them to protect your rights. We will be with you and get you the compensation you deserve. A bike accident can occur at any time while riding for pleasure or to work. If you or someone you know has been in an accident while riding their bicycle, you need an attorney who knows the laws and is experienced in taking legal action against vehicle drivers to make sure you get what you are entitled to. You can take legal action yourself, but it is more difficult since you do not have the experience and expertise that the lawyers have to help you be better represented in court. If a vehicle or truck was involved in your accident, their insurance company will have lawyers that will try to keep them from having all the responsibility.

Frequently Asked Questions Following A Bicycle Accident

  1. Do I need a bicycle accident attorney? Even If your insurance company has its own attorney, keep in mind that they are looking out for their interests. If you get your own attorney, you can be sure that someone is looking out for your interests. Your bicycle attorney will ensure you get the compensation you deserve, but your insurance company will compensate you for the least they can. After all, your claim costs your insurance company money.
  2. How soon should I file an injury claim? You should contact a lawyer as soon as you can after your accident. If you are severely injured, a family member should contact one for you. The sooner the better. You don’t want to risk the statute of limitations running out before you get your claim filed.
  3. What does compensation cover? When your claim is settled, or the court rules in your favor, you may get payments for medical bills and rehab care, as well as property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. You might even get lost wages, and if your injuries are disabling future lost income.

Recovery In Kentucky Personal Injury Lawsuits

You might wonder how to take legal action while you are recovering from your injuries. A bicycle accident attorney is there to help you so that you can focus on your rehab while they take care of your claim. They will keep you updated and advise you on each step of the process.

Wrongful Death And Bicycle Accidents

When a loved one dies it is difficult. We will take the legal part and work to recover what you are entitled to so that your family can take time to grieve your loss.

If you have a family member that passed on as a result of a bike accident, the family may be able to get financial reimbursement for one, or more of these:

  • Medical expenses
  • Property damage
  • Loss of income
  • Losing a partner, spouse, or parent, resulting in loss of affection, help, and companionship
  • Punitive damages

Make sure to contact us as soon as possible so we can start your claim right away. We will need you to assist in recovering the evidence and keeping it until it is time for it to be used in court. We will do everything we can to make this an easy process for you, while still honoring your loved one and getting the compensation you are entitled.

Sharing The Road With Passenger Cars

Bicyclists make up about 2% of all fatalities from traffic in the United States every year. More people are relying on this mode of transportation to get to work and school; therefore, bike safety needs to be a concern for everyone in the United States. Some states have stricter bike safety laws and lots of bike trails, while others do not. It is amazing to see how different it is among different states. More bike trails are needed to provide the safety needed for all bike riders on the road today. In Kentucky, the cyclist must follow the same road rules as the drivers of vehicles. There aren’t enough bike trails in Kentucky, so they are sharing the road with motor vehicles. Some cities have made bike-friendly plans, but others have nothing in place for the safety of cyclists. Bike safety precautions are lacking in Kentucky and even only riders younger than 16 are required to wear protective gear. The fact that riders do not wear helmets is a reason for the high number of fatalities each year.

Contact (859-746-0500) Michael O’Hara, PLLC for a Consultation

About Michael A. O’Hara, PLLC

When you have to deal with the justice system – whether related to a civil or criminal matter – you need more than the truth on your side. You need a skilled attorney who can employ sound legal strategies to produce the results you are hoping for. I am attorney Michael A. O’Hara, and I am licensed to practice in Kentucky and Ohio at the state level, as well as in Federal District Court and the Federal Court of Claims. I have been representing clients in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati area since 1994.