The roads that deserve the most caution from cyclists in Toledo are those on the city’s High Injury Network list, including Central Avenue, Dorr Street, Alexis Road, Byrne Road, and Broadway.
Toledo created the High Injury Network to identify streets where fatal and serious traffic crashes are concentrated. Although the network is not a ranking of bicycle crashes, it highlights roads where cyclists should use extra caution.
After a bicycle wreck, questions may arise about fault, insurance coverage, and whether more than one party shares responsibility. Ohio law allows an injured cyclist to file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company. If you are recovering from a crash, our Toledo bicycle accident lawyer can handle your claim while you recover.
What Is Toledo’s High Injury Network?
Toledo’s High Injury Network is part of the city’s Vision Zero Initiative, a traffic safety program that aims to reduce fatal and serious crashes. The network highlights roads where these crashes are concentrated, and City leaders use this data to help prioritize safety improvements.
For cyclists, the High Injury Network identifies areas of the city where extra caution may be necessary. Other roads on Toledo’s High Injury Network include Bancroft Street, Douglas Road, Heatherdowns Boulevard, Lagrange Street, Manhattan Boulevard, Navarre Avenue, Stickney Avenue, Sylvania Avenue, Telegraph Road, and Woodville Road.
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Why Are Some Toledo Roads More Dangerous for Cyclists?
Toledo is one of the major urban areas in Ohio with a high concentration of bicycle crashes, according to the Walk.Bike.Ohio. Bicycle Safety report. Many of the city’s busiest roads were designed to move large numbers of vehicles.
Cyclists often must share those roads with fast-moving traffic, commercial trucks, buses, and drivers turning into shopping centers or side streets. Under state law, bicycles are considered “vehicles,” and riders can operate them on nearly all of Ohio’s roads except freeways or limited access roadways. Cyclists must also follow the rules of the road.
Still, even when they are careful and follow the rules, several conditions increase the risk of a bicycle collision, including:
- High volumes of traffic
- Higher speed limits
- Multiple travel lanes
- Frequent driveways
- Busy intersections
- Limited bicycle infrastructure
- Drivers making left or right turns across bike traffic
Driver Errors Increase the Risk of Bicycle Collisions
Many bicycle crashes happen because of driver mistakes, not because the cyclist did something wrong. Drivers may fail to yield, speed, become distracted, change lanes without checking for a cyclist, or turn across a rider’s path.
Some crashes happen when someone opens a vehicle door into a cyclist or runs a stop sign or red light. Intersections deserve extra attention because vehicles are turning, merging, and crossing paths at the same time.
These areas account for many serious traffic crashes throughout the Toledo area.
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Who May Be Responsible for a Bicycle Accident?
In many cases, the driver who caused the crash is responsible, but other parties can share liability. A claim may involve:
- A commercial vehicle company
- An employer
- A government agency responsible for road maintenance
- A contractor working on the roadway
- A manufacturer of defective bicycle or vehicle parts
- A motorcyclist, pedestrian, or even another cyclist
A detailed investigation can help us determine whether more than one party contributed to the crash.
What Damages May Be Available After a Bike Crash?
For many people, a bicycle crash can affect more than the cost of repairing or replacing a bike. Depending on the circumstances, a personal injury claim may include damages for:
- Medical bills and ongoing treatment
- Lost income from missed work
- Reduced earning capacity if the injuries affect future employment
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Permanent disability or scarring
- Damage to the bicycle, helmet, clothing, and other personal property
The value of a claim depends on the injuries, the available evidence, and how the accident has affected daily life.
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How Long Do You Have to File a Bicycle Injury Lawsuit in Ohio?
Most personal injury claims settle outside of court. However, if moving to trial is the next step, you must file your lawsuit within two years from the date of the accident, per Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10(A). Failing to meet the filing deadline may prevent an injured cyclist from pursuing damages.
We will tell you how much time is left to file once we learn more about the accident. We will also file your lawsuit on time and handle the process from start to finish.
Get Help From Our Toledo Bicycle Accident Lawyer After a Crash
A bicycle crash on a road included in Toledo’s High Injury Network or another busy street can mean dealing with injuries, medical expenses, missed work, and insurance questions.
Our experienced personal injury lawyer in Toledo will work to recover the damages available while you or your loved one focuses on your health and well-being. Since 2001, Groth & Associates has served injured people throughout northwest Ohio.
With more than 100 years of combined experience, our firm’s trial attorneys understand the challenges bicycle accident victims face in the Toledo community. We will build your case, negotiate with the insurance company, and take your case to trial when necessary. Call the Groth & Associates team today for a free consultation.
Call or text (419) 930-3030 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form