Injured On A Bike? Get A Trial-Tested Legal Team To Fight For Your Rights.

Last updated on March 2, 2026

When a cyclist decides to go for a ride, the last thing they are expecting is to be blindsided by a careless driver. Bicycle collisions can cause riders to suffer devastating injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, the Toledo bicycle accident attorneys from Williams DeClark Tuschman Co. L.P.A. are prepared to represent your interests in court and fight to secure the compensation you deserve for your suffering.

Our various accomplishments and awards speak for themselves:

• Inclusion in the list of the prestigious Super Lawyers®
• Over half a billion dollars recovered on behalf of our clients
• More than 100 years’ worth of experience
• U.S. News – Best Lawyers
• AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®

Call 419-719-5195 today to get the legal counsel you deserve.

Causes Of Bicycle Accidents

A bicycle collision can be caused by several factors, though most often they are a direct result of driver error. Cyclists will almost always get the worst of a collision with a car, truck or motorcycle, simply due to the stark difference in mass between a bicycle and a motor vehicle. The following negligent actions of drivers can all lead to a collision:

• Speeding
• Failing to check blind spots
• Driving without headlights on
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

If you have been struck by a careless driver, you may be entitled to recover monetary damages for your injuries as compensation for things such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Since compensation will vary depending on the extent of your injuries, it is crucial that you consult with our firm to get a more accurate representation of your eligible damages. Upon thorough evaluation of your case, our firm’s attorneys can determine the most appropriate legal strategy to pursue and guide you toward filing a claim.

Bicycle Laws In Ohio

Ohio law provides specific guidelines for cyclists and motorists to promote safety on shared roadways. Understanding these regulations can help prevent accidents and protect your rights as a cyclist.

All road users must follow traffic signals and signs. Cyclists cannot ride on freeways and should be aware that local authorities may have additional regulations specific to their area.

Rules For Motorists

When passing cyclists, drivers need to follow traffic laws to avoid accidents. They should:

• Allow at least three feet of space between their vehicle and the bicycle
• Cross solid yellow lines when safe to pass cyclists
• Avoid driving in designated bike lanes
• Yield to cyclists when turning at intersections

At intersections, vehicles must stop at marked lines or before crosswalks and should not block bike boxes. Right turns on red require a complete stop and yielding to cyclists in the crosswalk or bike lane.

Rules For Cyclists

Meanwhile, cyclists also have their own set of guidelines to follow. They must:

• Ride on the right side of the road with the traffic flow
• Position in the middle of narrow lanes or when hazards exist on the right
• Ride no more than two abreast within a single lane
• Yield to pedestrians when riding on sidewalks or shared-use paths

Ohio law allows bicycle riding on sidewalks, though many cities restrict this to children. No jurisdiction can require cyclists to use sidewalks instead of streets.

Bicycle Parking

Cyclists must follow similar parking rules as motorists. Bicycles cannot block:

• Intersections
• Areas within 20 feet of crosswalks
• Driveways
• Areas within 10 feet of fire hydrants

While bikes may be parked on sidewalks, they should not obstruct pedestrian traffic, including people using wheelchairs.

Understanding these laws helps establish liability in bicycle accident cases and supports your claim for compensation if you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence.

E-Bike Laws In Ohio

An e-bike is an electric bicycle. They look like bicycles but feature a small electric motor and battery that reduce the need to pedal. E-bikes are different from motorized bicycles or mopeds, which have small gas engines attached. They are also different from micromobility devices, such as electric scooters.

Ohio recognizes three distinct categories of e-bikes, all of which should have fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.

• Class 1 e-bikes only provide power assistance to the rider while they actively pedal the bicycle and are designed to cut the engine off once the bicycle reaches 20 miles per hour (mph).
• Class 2 e-bikes provide assistance regardless of whether the driver pedals or not, but they are still designed to cut off electric support once the bicycle reaches 20 mph.
• Class 3 e-bikes only provide assistance while the rider pedals, but they allow for a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph.

State law imposes certain restrictions on e-bike riders. There is no minimum age for a person to operate a Class 1 or Class 2 e-bike, but riders under the age of 18 must wear helmets. People must be at least 16 years of age to operate a Class 3 e-bike. Additionally, the law requires that every Class 3 e-bike operator wear a helmet, regardless of age.

There are rules regarding where people can ride e-bikes. They are legally allowed on all public roadways, with exceptions for limited access highways and interstates, where the devices likely do not reach minimum speeds. State law permits people to ride bicycles and e-bikes on sidewalks without using the motor. It is important to note that municipalities across Ohio may have their own rules restricting sidewalk riding.

E-bikes are not allowed on nature trails and unpaved paths intended for mountain biking, hiking or horseback riding. They are also not allowed on natural surfaces and must be ridden on paved paths. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are legal to ride on bike lanes, side paths or shared use paths, provided that local statutes do not prohibit e-bikes on those paths.

Class 3 e-bikes are generally not allowed on shared-use paths unless they are adjacent to a roadway. You may need to verify local statutes in areas where you intend to ride your e-bike to ensure compliance with both state and local laws.

Let A Toledo Bicycle Accident Lawyer Protect Your Rights

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, it is highly likely that you and your family have suffered a massive financial blow due to expensive medical bills and your inability to work. At Williams DeClark Tuschman Co. L.P.A., we understand your situation; therefore, we choose to offer no-cost initial consultations to all who approach us for help. Our Toledo bicycle injury attorneys are here to help you get through this difficult time as smoothly as possible. Let our firm handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on your recovery.

The Time To Act Is Now

Call 419-719-5195 or send a note to request your free consultation today!

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.