Cleveland has spectacular attractions, from the Cleveland Metropark Zoo to the Botanical Gardens. Even the city streets are beautiful, laden with astonishing architecture and brilliant artwork.
It’s no wonder cycling is so popular here.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, one out of every 213 commuters Bike to work in Cleveland. Cleveland initiated “Bike Rack,” which offers bike commuters convenient parking and other amenities to accommodate these commuters.
For those who bike to work, the fastest way by vehicle is not always the safest route for cyclists.
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, hire a Cleveland bicycle accident lawyer who knows the ropes.
Cleveland Bicycle Accident Attorneys Who Care
Choosing a qualified lawyer with extensive experience handling bicycle accident cases can make all the difference in securing your financial recovery and ensuring justice is served.
Crandall & Pera Law is a highly regarded legal firm serving the Cleveland area, known for our commitment to representing bicycle accident victims. Our team of bicycle accident attorneys is well-equipped to handle cases in Cleveland and surrounding communities.
We’ve earned recognition and accolades for our outstanding work in this field. Learn more about our lead attorneys, Steve Crandall and Marc Pera, on our Attorney Q&A page.
Why We Stand Out: Our bicycle accident attorneys in Cleveland are known for their unwavering dedication to each case, refusing to settle for anything less than our clients deserve.
We are the legal team the opposing side does not want to face. Our track record of successful verdicts and settlements underscores our commitment to achieving the best outcomes for our clients.
When it comes to fighting for your rights and future after a bicycle accident, you can trust Crandall & Pera Law to be there with you every step of the way.
Our in-house registered nurses bring valuable medical insights to complex bicycle accident cases. Understanding the full extent of your injuries and evaluating the actions that those responsible should have taken is indispensable.
We leverage their skill while building your case and collaborate with other medical professionals who can provide testimony during the trial.
Insight into Our Approach: With a background as former insurance and healthcare defense attorneys, we deeply understand how the opposing side approaches these cases.
This insight allows us to craft compelling arguments to support your claim, identify weaknesses in the opposing party’s strategy, and select experts, including safety and medical professionals, who are highly respected and can provide unbiased professional testimony.
We offer a free consultation to discuss your legal options. Contact us by phone or email to schedule your appointment.
Visiting Our Office
Our Cleveland office is conveniently situated in the vibrant downtown area, nestled within The City Club Building.
Arriving by car? You’ll find numerous parking garages nearby. We highly recommend the Euclid Prospect Gateway Garage, conveniently located at 740 Euclid Ave.
You’ll find our office on the 11th floor, in suite 1122.
If your injuries make it difficult to come to our office, our attorneys can arrange home or hospital visits to discuss your case.
We offer the flexibility of remote appointments conducted via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Facetime, ensuring your convenience and accessibility in seeking legal assistance.
The Most Dangerous Roads for Cleveland Cyclists
The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) identified ten areas of concern for targeted action within this plan, including intersections, roadway departures, young and older drivers, speeding, impaired driving, pedestrians, motorcycles, distracted driving, and bicycles.
As part of their report, NOACA identified ten particularly dangerous corridors in Northeast Ohio:
- Mentor Avenue (U.S. 20) in Mentor between Hopkins and Old Johnnycake Ridge roads, with 229 crashes, including five with fatalities or serious injuries.
- St. Clair Avenue in Cleveland between East 93rd and East 115th streets, with 168 crashes, including 12 with fatalities or serious injuries.
- Lorain Road in North Olmsted between Dover Center Road and Great Northern Boulevard (162 crashes, five with fatalities or serious injuries).
- West 117th Street in Cleveland between Lorain Avenue and Berea Road (162 crashes, five with fatalities or serious injuries).
- St. Clair Avenue in Cleveland between East 115th Street and Casper Road, with 161 crashes, including 12 with fatalities or serious injuries.
- Dille and Nottingham roads in Cleveland and Euclid between Euclid Avenue and South Waterloo Road, with 160 crashes, including ten with fatalities or serious injuries.
- West 25th Street in Cleveland between Clark and Lorain avenues, with 155 crashes, including five with fatalities or serious injuries.
- Superior Avenue in Cleveland and East Cleveland between East 108th Street and Hayden Avenue, with 153 crashes, including five with fatalities or serious injuries.
- Cedar Road in Cleveland Heights, University Heights, South Euclid, and University Heights between Goodnor and Fenwick roads, with 150 crashes, including five with fatalities or serious injuries.
- East 93rd Street in Cleveland between Prince and Bessemer avenues, with 138 crashes, including nine with fatalities or serious injuries.
The primary contributor to accidents is driver behavior, emphasizing the importance of improving driver knowledge and behavior.
What are the Most Common Causes of Cleveland Bicycle Accidents?
Bicycle accidents can occur due to various factors, and the most common causes include:
Motor Vehicle Collisions: One of the leading causes of bicycle accidents involves collisions with motor vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and motorcycles. These often occur when drivers fail to notice or yield to cyclists at intersections, during turns, or when passing.
Dooring: This happens when a driver or passenger in a parked car opens a door without checking for approaching cyclists. Cyclists can collide with open car doors, leading to accidents.
Intersection Conflicts: Intersections are high-risk areas for cyclists. Accidents can occur when drivers run red lights or stop signs, fail to yield to cyclists or make sudden turns without checking for riders.
Unsafe Passing: Drivers who pass cyclists without leaving sufficient space or who pass too closely can cause accidents. Cyclists need space for safety, and improper passing can lead to collisions.
Riding Against Traffic: When cyclists ride against traffic flow, it increases the risk of accidents. Drivers may not anticipate cyclists coming from the wrong direction, leading to collisions.
Distracted Driving: Drivers distracted by their phones, GPS devices, or other distractions are less likely to notice cyclists on the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
Speeding: Excessive speed by motor vehicles reduces the time drivers have to react to cyclists, making it more difficult to avoid collisions.
Drunk Driving: Impaired drivers pose a significant risk to cyclists. Alcohol or drug impairment can lead to erratic driving behavior and a higher likelihood of accidents involving cyclists.
Poor Road Conditions: Cracks, potholes, debris, or poorly maintained roads can cause cyclists to lose control and crash. Inadequate road signage or lack of dedicated bike lanes can also contribute to accidents.
Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or ice, can reduce visibility and road grip, increasing the risk of accidents for both cyclists and drivers.
Inadequate Lighting: Riding a bicycle without proper lighting or reflective gear, especially at night, can make it difficult for drivers to see cyclists, leading to accidents.
Driver Inattention: Even when drivers are not necessarily distracted, they may fail to pay enough attention to their surroundings, making it more likely they will miss cyclists.
Inexperienced Cyclists: Novice cyclists may not be fully aware of the rules of the road or may lack the skills to navigate traffic safely, which can contribute to accidents.
Aggressive Driving: Aggressive behavior from drivers and cyclists, such as road rage, can lead to dangerous situations and accidents.
Cyclists and drivers should be aware of these common causes to reduce the risk of bicycle accidents and take appropriate precautions. Drivers should be attentive, share the road, and give cyclists adequate space and respect.
Most Common Injuries in Cleveland Bike Accidents
Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity from minor scrapes and bruises to life-threatening injuries. Some of the most common injuries in bicycle accidents include:
Abrasions and Road Rash: Scrapes and abrasions, often called road rash, occur when the skin encounters the road surface during a fall. These injuries can range from minor to severe, depending on the speed and circumstances of the accident.
Contusions and Bruises: Contusions, or bruises, can result from impact on the ground, a vehicle, or other objects during a bicycle accident. While usually not life-threatening, they can be painful and lead to swelling.
Fractures and Broken Bones: Broken bones are common in bicycle accidents, with the collarbone, wrist, and hand being particularly vulnerable. Fractures may require surgical intervention, casting, or immobilization to heal correctly.
Head Injuries: Head injuries are a significant concern in bicycle accidents, especially if the cyclist is not wearing a helmet. These injuries can range from minor concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which can have long-lasting or permanent effects on cognitive function and quality of life.
Facial Injuries: Cyclists may sustain facial injuries, including lacerations, fractures, or dental injuries, from contact with the ground, the bicycle, or other objects.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe accidents can result in spinal cord injuries, which may lead to paralysis, loss of sensation, or long-term disability.
Neck Injuries: Whiplash and other neck injuries can occur if a cyclist is involved in a collision or is thrown off their bicycle. These injuries can lead to pain and restricted movement.
Internal Injuries: Impact with a vehicle or the road can cause internal injuries, including damage to the organs, internal bleeding, or abdominal injuries, which may require immediate medical attention.
Pelvic and Hip Injuries: Pelvic and hip fractures or injuries can result from direct impact or falls during a bicycle accident.
Knee and Leg Injuries: Cyclists may sustain knee injuries, including ligament tears or fractures, and leg injuries, such as muscle strains or fractures.
Nerve Damage: Trauma from a bicycle accident can lead to nerve damage, causing pain, numbness, or loss of function in affected areas.
Psychological Trauma: Bicycle accidents can also have psychological effects, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or other emotional and mental health issues.
Wearing appropriate safety gear, especially a well-fitted helmet, can significantly reduce the risk and severity of head and brain injuries in bicycle accidents.
How Can Our Cleveland Bicycle Accident Lawyers Help You?
Our Cleveland bicycle accident lawyer can provide valuable assistance after a bicycle accident.
Here are some of the ways:
Legal Representation: A bicycle accident lawyer will serve as your legal advocate, representing your interests and protecting your rights throughout the legal process.
Investigation: They will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, collecting evidence such as witness statements, accident reports, photographs, and any available surveillance footage to establish liability.
Determining Liability: Your attorney will work to determine who is at fault for the accident. This may involve identifying negligent actions by the driver of a motor vehicle, a defective bicycle component, or hazardous road conditions.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Bicycle accident lawyers have experience dealing with insurance companies and can handle negotiations on your behalf. They will work to secure a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Filing Insurance Claims: Your lawyer will help you navigate the process of filing insurance claims, ensuring that you submit all necessary documentation and meet deadlines to maximize your chances of a successful claim.
Maximizing Compensation: Bicycle accident lawyers have experience in calculating the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future rehabilitation costs. They work to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
Support and Advocacy: Throughout the legal process, a bicycle accident lawyer provides emotional support, guidance, and reassurance, helping you focus on your recovery while they handle the legal aspects of your case.
Trial Preparation: If your case goes to trial, your attorney will prepare you for court appearances, help you understand courtroom procedures, and advocate aggressively on your behalf.
Contingency Fee Arrangement: Many bicycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you receive compensation for your injuries. This fee arrangement can alleviate financial stress during your case.
Hiring a Cleveland personal injury lawyer can significantly improve your chances of obtaining a fair settlement or favorable court verdict, ensuring that you receive the compensation you need to recover from your injuries and move forward with your life. Call us today at (216) 220-0000 for your free consultation.