Signs of Whiplash After a Car Accident & What to Do Next
Posted in: Car Accidents
KNR Legal Blog
Ohio legislators are trying to reduce the number of bicycle accidents in the state by amending the rules of the road. House Bill 154, which was signed into law in late December and becomes effective on March 19, changes Ohio Revised Code section 4511.132, operation at intersections with malfunctioning lights, and section 4511.27, overtaking and passing vehicles. The hope is that changes to certain traffic laws will decrease the chance of a collision between a vehicle and cyclist.
However, there will always be drivers who behave carelessly, recklessly, or intentionally dangerous behind the wheel. They will put motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians in harm’s way. If you are hurt by one of these drivers while riding your bike, do not hesitate to reach out to an Ohio bicycle accident lawyer from Kisling, Nestico & Redick. We will investigate your accident and help you gain compensation for your injuries. Our mission will be to get you the recovery you deserve so that you can move forward with life and get back on the road.
Call 1-800-HURT-NOW to find out how we can help you.
Under HB 154, a vehicle that wants to pass a cyclist must do so with a safe passing distance. Under revised section 4511.27, a safe passing distance is now considered 3 feet or greater. Like before, vehicles should still pass on the left and not return to the right side of the road until they are completely beyond the other vehicle or bike.
This change is highly celebrated by Ohio’s cycling community. According to the Ohio Bicycle Federation press release, the organization had been working since 2009 to have the 3-foot passing zone law passed.
The bill also altered how vehicles and cyclists can proceed at an intersection where the stop lights are not working properly. A vehicle can proceed through the intersection after stopping and yielding to the right-of-way. This is now allowed even if the device meant to change the signal from a red to a green does not do so.
Most crashes are not caused by rogue bike riders. Instead, vehicle drivers need to be on the lookout for bikes and learn how to give them room on the road in accordance with the law and what is safest. The new law requiring a 3-foot passing zone may help cyclists and save lives by ensuring vehicles give them plenty of room and do not side swipe them or force them off the road. However, this rule may have come too late for you and others injured in bicycle accidents.
If you were hit by a car and injured, contact us at Kisling, Nestico & Redick as soon as possible. We will thoroughly investigate your accident to learn whether the vehicle was compliant with the law. If the vehicle broke a traffic law, whether or not the driver was ticketed, this can help us prove negligence, which will enable us to gain you compensation for your injuries. Our goal will be to obtain compensation for your:
To learn more, call us at 1-800-HURT-NOW to schedule a free initial consultation.