Lakewood Bicycle And Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Careless or distracted drivers can change someone’s life forever in an instant. Catastrophic injuries suffered by bicyclists and pedestrians can be devastating, requiring months or years of recovery. When a driver’s negligence injures you or causes the death of a family member, we can help you fight for the justice you deserve.
Ohio bicycle and pedestrian accident attorney Stephen T. Keefe Jr. has over 25 years of experience helping families in the greater Cleveland area. Based in Lakewood and Hinckley, The Keefe Law Firm, LLC, takes a limited number of these catastrophic injury cases. This approach ensures every client receives the focused attention necessary to pursue fair compensation and hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions.
Why Bicycle Accidents Often Cause Catastrophic Injuries
Bicyclists are incredibly vulnerable to serious injuries when hit by a car. A collision between a vehicle and a bicycle often results in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. In most cases, these accidents are the result of driver negligence. Common causes include:
- Failing to yield to bicyclists
- Being distracted while using their cellphones
- Hitting bicyclists while making a right turn
- Failing to check for bicyclists before opening their car doors
- Making dangerous lane changes
- Failing to give bicyclists the required three feet of space
- Ignoring traffic signals and stop signs
- Misjudging a bicyclist’s speed and distance
We work to establish a driver’s duty of care and prove fault. A skilled attorney understands how to build a strong case to pursue the bicycle accident compensation you need to recover.
How Pedestrians Suffer Catastrophic Injuries In An Accident
Pedestrians are also extremely vulnerable on Ohio roads and suffer catastrophic injuries and wrongful death at the hands of negligent motorists. Drivers who fail to pay attention or follow traffic laws cause many of these accidents. Motorists exhibit negligent behavior by:
- Focusing on their phones or other passengers
- Failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
- Failing to stop for pedestrians while turning left or right
- Ignoring traffic signals and stop signs
- Speeding through residential areas and school zones
- Failing to look for pedestrians while backing up
- Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
A knowledgeable Ohio bicycle and pedestrian accident attorney helps you prove fault and hold the negligent driver accountable. Our goal is to secure a fair pedestrian accident settlement in Ohio to help you with your recovery.
Common Catastrophic Injuries After A Bicycle Or Pedestrian Accident
A severe accident can result in a wide range of catastrophic injuries. The human body has no protection against a moving car. This vulnerability often leads to life-altering injuries and, in the worst cases, wrongful death in Ohio. The following are some common injuries in these accidents:
- Traumatic brain injury is often caused by a collision or a fall
- Spinal cord injury can lead to partial or total paralysis
- Bone fractures can take months to heal and require multiple surgeries
- Internal injuries can be difficult to diagnose and can be life-threatening
- Disfiguring injuries can require extensive skin grafts or other procedures
- Wrongful death often occurs because of a driver’s negligence
- Severe injuries can lead to debilitating emotional distress
We understand the physical and emotional toll that these injuries have on families. Our team will support you as we pursue justice and compensation from the responsible party.
How Much Is My Accident Case Worth?
Determining the value of an Ohio bicycle or pedestrian accident case is a complex process. There is no average settlement amount, as each case is unique and depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries and the specific circumstances of the accident.
That’s why you need a powerful advocate in your corner. Working with a skilled Ohio bicycle and pedestrian accident attorney is essential for filing a claim and dealing with insurance companies. Your attorney must investigate the accident and collect the evidence to build a strong case. This evidence helps prove fault and supports the demand for a fair settlement.
The compensation you receive is divided into two categories:
- Economic damages: This compensation includes tangible financial losses associated with your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages and out-of-pocket costs.
- Noneconomic damages: This is compensation for intangible losses that are not easily calculated, including pain and suffering, as well as the inability to enjoy life’s activities.
Ohio’s modified comparative negligence law can affect the amount of compensation you receive. According to this law, if you are more than 50% at fault for the accident, you are barred from any recovery. That’s why you need someone who can stand up to insurance company tactics when they try to blame you for the accident.
Attorney Keefe has a proven record of success in pursuing challenging cases for people who suffer catastrophic injuries. Over his nearly 30-year legal career, he has recovered over $45 million for clients.
Schedule A Free Consultation With Our Firm
The Keefe Law Firm, LLC, supports people injured in bicycle and pedestrian accidents. As a dedicated Ohio bicycle and pedestrian accident attorney, Mr. Keefe recognizes the challenges you face after a serious accident. Our firm will fight for the compensation you need to move forward. If a negligent driver injures you in an accident, contact us online or call 216-815-3574 to schedule a free consultation.