Legally Reviewed by:
Mark S. Gervelis, Esq.
Last Updated:
- April 22, 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Factors That Influence Bicycle Accident Compensation
- Types of Damages You Can Seek in a Bicycle Accident Case
- How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Ohio?
- The Settlement Process for Bicycle Accident Claims in Ohio
- How To Maximize Your Bicycle Accident Settlement
- What Happens if You Cannot Reach a Settlement?
- The Importance of Hiring a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
- Why Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Gervelis Law Firm?
- Contact Gervelis Law Firm Today
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Ohio caused by someone else, you might be entitled to significant compensation. It is difficult to pinpoint the average bicycle accident settlement in Ohio because numerous factors influence settlement amounts. Some bicycle injury cases are worth a few thousand dollars, while others are worth several million. Each case is unique, and we work to maximize our clients’ settlements based on their individual circumstances.
In 2021, 30 bicyclists died from Ohio traffic crashes, and many more were injured. At Gervelis Law Firm, we’re dedicated to helping injured cyclists and their families get the most compensation possible for their damages. If you or a loved one has been harmed in a bicycle accident, we can estimate your case’s value and help you pursue a favorable settlement.
Factors That Influence Bicycle Accident Compensation
Your bicycle accident settlement amount depends on factors such as injury severity, liability, insurance coverage, and more.
Nature and Severity of the Injury
Severe injuries typically result in higher compensation due to their impact on the victim’s life. For example, a spinal cord injury may result in a higher settlement than a simple bone fracture.
Liability
Ohio is an at-fault state for traffic accidents, meaning you must seek compensation for your bicycle accident injuries from the at-fault party. If the at-fault party is clearly responsible, you may receive a higher settlement than if there are evidence-backed disputes about liability.
If you share some of the fault, it will affect your compensation. While Ohio’s modified comparative fault law allows you to still recover compensation if you’re less than 51 percent at fault, your settlement will be reduced by your share of the blame.
Violations of state bicycle laws can contribute to your fault percentage. For example, Ohio law requires bicyclists to ride with traffic rather than against it. If you were riding against traffic at the time of the accident, this could be considered a contributing factor and decrease your compensation.
Insurance Coverage
The at-fault driver’s liability insurance policy limits can affect your compensation. If your damages exceed the driver’s liability limits or the driver doesn’t have insurance, your uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist coverage, known as UM/UIM, may provide additional compensation.
However, Ohio doesn’t require UM/UIM coverage. Without it, your only option may be to sue the driver directly.
Medical Expenses
The extent of medical treatment your injuries require can affect your settlement amount. This includes both past and future medical needs. For example, someone receiving a few weeks of physical therapy may receive less compensation than someone requiring multiple surgeries.
Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity
Each day you miss work due to your injuries adds to your compensation. Your settlement may also be higher if your injuries limit the type of work you can do in the future. In that case, your age and career prospects before and after the accident will affect your case’s value.
Pain and Suffering
The more pain your injuries cause, the higher your settlement value will be. Both immediate and chronic pain can play a role in your compensation.
You may also receive compensation for emotional distress. If you develop post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental health issues as a result of the accident, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
Types of Damages You Can Seek in a Bicycle Accident Case
You can seek compensation for any past and future losses caused by your bike accident. These include economic damages, which are financial losses such as medical expenses, lost income, and property damage.
Your settlement may also include non-economic damages. These compensate you for the more subjective ways the accident affects your life, such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
You may also seek punitive damages if the at-fault party acted with malicious intent or reckless indifference to the rights and safety of others. These damages differ from compensatory damages because they aim to punish the defendant and deter future misconduct.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Ohio?
Ohio’s personal injury statute of limitations is two years. That means you must file a bicycle accident claim within two years of the accident date.
Exceptions sometimes apply, but acting quickly is best to avoid missing the deadline. If you do not file suit in time, you will likely be barred from recovering compensation for your damages. The sooner you contact our lawyers, the more time we have to build a strong case.
The Settlement Process for Bicycle Accident Claims in Ohio
While each bicycle crash case takes a slightly different path, yours may look something like this:
- Initial consultation: Our personal injury attorneys will meet with you for free to discuss your injury and explain your legal options.
- Investigation and evidence gathering: If we agree to proceed with a claim, we’ll investigate the accident to determine how it happened and who’s at fault. Our team will gather evidence along the way to support your claim.
- Negotiation and settlement: We’ll negotiate a settlement amount with the insurance company on your behalf. Most bicycle accident compensation claims end in a settlement without going to court.
- Lawsuit, trial, and verdict: If the insurance company is uncooperative, we may file a lawsuit and take the case to trial. After evaluating our evidence and arguments, a jury will decide how much compensation to award you.
We’ll update you on the progress of your case as it develops. Consistent communication between our attorneys can help you get a fair settlement more quickly.
How To Maximize Your Bicycle Accident Settlement
Your actions after a bicycle collision can impact your settlement amount. Consider the following steps to maximize your compensation:
- Seek immediate medical attention. Bike injuries often take time to become symptomatic. See a doctor as soon as possible, even if your injuries appear mild. Getting your injuries documented can help you prove their link to the accident.
- Document everything. Gather evidence at the scene, such as photos and witness details. Keep track of your accident-related expenses, such as medical bills and bike repair costs.
- Don’t accept early offers. The driver’s insurance company may contact you with a settlement offer. This amount is likely well below what your case is worth. You may benefit from declining the initial offer and waiting for your attorney’s guidance.
- Understand the full scope of your damages. Settlements often overlook lost earning capacity, future medical needs, and pain and suffering. Before accepting a settlement, make sure it accounts for your long-term damages.
- Be open to negotiation. The insurance company doesn’t want to pay you more than you’re willing to accept. Negotiating with the insurance adjuster can lead to a higher settlement.
- Hire a lawyer. An experienced attorney can prevent the insurer from taking advantage of you.
What Happens if You Cannot Reach a Settlement?
If negotiations don’t result in a favorable settlement offer, we may explore other legal options, such as mediation. During mediation, a neutral third party facilitates further negotiations and helps both sides reach an agreement.
Another option is to file a lawsuit. In this case, we’ll file a complaint outlining our argument for liability and the compensation we believe you deserve.
Next is the discovery phase, where both sides can request information and evidence. Discovery may include depositions, which involve asking witnesses and experts questions under oath. We’ll eventually go to trial and present your case to the judge and jury before they decide the verdict.
The Importance of Hiring a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
While insurance exists to cover your damages after an injury, insurers are more concerned about their bottom line than your well-being. As a result, they’ll use a variety of tactics to minimize your compensation. This might include blaming you for the accident, claiming a preexisting condition caused your injuries, or creating a sense of urgency to accept a lowball offer.
Our attorneys can serve as a buffer between you and the insurance company. We’ll communicate with the insurer on your behalf and protect you from its tactics. Our knowledge of Ohio bicycle laws, investigation skills, and strong negotiation strategies can significantly improve your odds of receiving a fair settlement.
Why Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Gervelis Law Firm?
Our attorneys have been advocating for injured Ohioans and their families for decades, including many bicycle accident victims. We’re here for you when you need us most, ready to seek maximum compensation for your losses.
When you turn to our firm, we’ll work tirelessly to earn your trust every step of the way. We put our clients’ needs first, so you can count on us to fight for your best interests. Our Rapid Investigation Team will be at the accident scene within 24 hours to gather fresh evidence to present using our aggressive negotiation skills.
Our reputation for effective advocacy has earned us professional recognition. Founding attorney Mark S. Gervelis was designated as a Super Lawyer nearly every year between 2007 and 2024. Additionally, attorney David M. Tschantz was selected as a Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2014 to 2020.
Contact Gervelis Law Firm Today
At Gervelis Law Firm, we work with Ohio accident victims every day. Let us put our experience and knowledge to work for you.
We’re ready to seek the most money available for your bicycle accident settlement. Contact us online or call 866-792-2728 to start moving forward with a free consultation.
