Proving Negligence in Columbus Bicycle Accident Cases

Despite efforts by the city to encourage bicycling for fun as well as transportation, there are still many areas around Columbus where bicycle accidents are common, including Carver Heights and the areas around Macon, Buena Vista, and Forrest roads. Many of the hazards in these places involve fast-moving traffic and a lack of separation between vulnerable cyclists and motor vehicles. When accidents occur, the bicyclist has a much higher likelihood of being injured than occupants of motor vehicles. Proving negligence in Columbus bicycle accident cases is one of the important services an experienced bike crash lawyer like David Bence may provide when riders are injured due to the careless actions of other roadway users.

Negligence and Why It Matters If You Have Been Injured in a Bike Collision

In many types of activities, including using a public roadway, people are required to take reasonable actions to ensure they do not cause harm to others. This is often referred to as a duty of care. When a driver fails to act in a way that a reasonable person would act under similar circumstances and their actions cause a bicycle accident where someone is injured, they are considered negligent.

Proving negligence in a Columbus bicycle crash case is a key part of the personal injury claims process. Bicyclists who are injured due to the negligent actions of a driver may be eligible to file a claim against the liability coverage of the driver’s auto insurance policy. If the insurance company that services this policy fails to fairly compensate the claim, it can be filed as an injury lawsuit generally within two years of the date of the accident.

Through the claim, the claimant can demand compensation for both the financial as well as the psychological costs of the accident. Some types of compensation that are common in bicycle accident cases include medical costs, wage loss and lost earning capacity, physical pain and suffering, and loss of the enjoyment of life.

The Elements of Negligence in Bicycle Accident Cases

To prove negligence in bicycle accident cases, the Columbus legal team at Bence Law Firm must show the following elements:

Duty: The at-fault driver had a duty to avoid causing harm to other roadway users, including bicyclists.
Breach: The driver failed to take actions consistent with their duty, such as failing to travel at a safe speed, yield the right-of-way when the law requires, or provide ample space when passing a bicyclist.
Cause: Because of the driver’s careless actions, an accident occurred in which a bicyclist was injured.
Damages: The bicyclist incurred losses as a result of the injury.

Several types of evidence can be used to prove negligence, and our team understands the need to act quickly to preserve the evidence of the case. Some of the types of evidence used to prove negligence include the police report, eyewitness testimony, photos from the accident scene, medical records, employment records, the results of blood alcohol tests in cases involving suspected impaired drivers, and much more.

Learn More About Proving Negligence in Columbus Bicycle Accident Cases. Contact Bence Law Firm

Securing compensation relies on proving negligence in Columbus bicycle accident cases. If you were injured in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver, let our team help you understand your legal right to compensation and the type of services we may be able to provide to handle your case. Contact us for a free consultation today.