Steve’s Bicycle Law Practice

STEVEN MAGAS – THE BIKE LAWYER

“…Protecting The Rights of Cyclists…”

513-484-BIKE           513-444-2199

Steve Protects The Rights of Cyclists.

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident you may be worried paying for your medical bills, you may be incurring lost wages, and experiencing pain and suffering. Remember, the insurance company you are dealing with wants to pay you NOTHING, if possible, or the least amount of money it can get away with!  If you don’t protect your rights, you may not be able to make a claim. Insurance companies have highly skilled attorneys and adjusters whose goal is to protect the company’s money and pay you as little as they can. You need an experienced OHIO bike lawyer to protect your rights and fight for you.

An Experienced Bike Lawyer can Reduce Your Stress Level

Being injured in a bike accident can be an ordeal.  You are hurt – possibly undergoing surgery and rehabilitation.  You can’t do the things you used to do.  You life gets turned upside down. The bills for your medical care are mounting – but you don’t think YOU should have to pay them since the crash was not your fault.  The insurance adjustor can be aggressive and obnoxious – minimizing your injuries and questioning your integrity.  You may be off work.  You may not have health insurance.  You may be angry, upset and stressed out.

The first thing I do when I take your case is notify the insurance adjustor that he/she is prohibited from calling you any more.  ALL communication comes to my office.  This allows you to focus on recovering from your bicycle accident injuries. My job is to deal with the paperwork, investigate the crash, interview all witnesses, get the police report and police photographs, take more video or photographs, gather up your medical bills, medical records, proof of property damage and other documents, and negotiate with the insurer.  Your job is simply to get better!

Rear End Collision - smaller

Q:  Do I Need a Lawyer At All? What does a Lawyer do that I can’t do?

The short answer is, “It Depends, but…”

If your injuries are anything more than truly “minor” or the accident you were involved in was in any contested, then you should retain counsel.  In every case involving fractures, a head injuries, wage loss, treatment by specialists, ongoing medical bills, months of treatment, physical therapy, MRI’s or other tests, or if your recovery takes longer than a week or two  you should work with a lawyer.

Insurance companies will challenge your claim on every level.  In my experience of handling more than 100 “bike cases” I have found that insurance companies tend to blame the cyclist for the crash, in whole or in part, in many cases.  The insurance investigator will argue that you were not riding “as far right as practicable” or lacked a “horn” or other required safety device.  They will argue that you could have avoided the crash, that you weren’t paying attention, that you failed to “signal,” or committed some violation of the traffic law that renders your case worthless.

Insurance companies will also challenge your injuries and damages.  Insurance adjustors, claims representatives and investigators are highly trained specialists with one job – to minimize the amount of money it takes to resolve your claim.  They will contend that your injuries are not supported by the medical records, that you are “malingering,” that your injuries should have resolved quicker or that some prior injury or condition is the real cause of your problems.

Remember, the insurance company only has one goal – to minimize its payment of money to you.

You need someone on YOUR side, aggressively fighting to protect YOUR rights.  As your attorney my ONLY obligation is obtain the best result possible for YOU.  Unless you have knowledge and experience in law, medicine, physics and the handling and negotiation of personal injury claims, you probably do not have the skill set necessary to maximize your recovery.

Bike - "Left Hook" Crash

Q: Can’t I do what a lawyer does?

Most of it, perhaps, if you really want to!

A lawyer wears many hats.  Initially, the lawyer is an investigator – interviewing witnesses, evaluating the police conclusions as to liability and, if needed, working with a special bicycle accident reconstruction expert to properly analyze the crash.  A lawyer also works as an “analyst” – obtaining, reviewing, organizing and analyzing every single piece of paper related to the crash and your injuries.  This includes all medical records and bills from all of your care providers – a time-consuming experience! Our office gathers up records every day and has the experience to expedite this often tedious process.  A lawyer also operates as a buffer between you and an often aggressive, or even obnoxious, insurance adjustor.  Of course, your lawyer uses years of study and experience to analyze the legal issues in your case.  Your lawyer is a professional negotiator, presenting your claim in a manner designed to maximize your recovery and handling all communications.  Finally, if needed, your lawyer is a litigator, steering your case through the court system.

Q:  Why do I need a “Bike Lawyer?

I am an avid cyclist.  I have logged many miles on Ohio’s roadways and am familiar with the issues facing riders every day – errant motorists, trucks, snarling dogs, bad road conditions – I’ve seen it all.  I’ve participated in club functions and national rides.  I’ve attended rallies.

My law practice centers around two wheels!  As a cyclist with 25 years of trial experience and more than 200 “bike cases” under my belt, I am uniquely qualified to aggressively pursue your claim.  I have resolved “bike cases” ranging in value from $500.00 to more than $1,000,000.00.  These cases have involved virtually every form of incident – cars, busses or trucks hitting cyclists, dog attacks, product failure, bad roads, sewer grates.

I am also an advocate for cycling – locally, regionally and nationally.  I represent the Cincinnati Cycle Club and work with many Ohio bike clubs and national rides on risk, insurance, liability and business issues.  I sit on the Board of the Ohio Bicycle Federation  – a non-profit group dedicated to protecting YOUR right to ride on Ohio’s roadways.  I helped write the 2006 “Better Biking Bill” that unanimously passed by the Ohio legislature and signed into law by Gov. Taft.  I have traveled to Washington, D.C. to lobby our senators and representatives on “pro-bike” policies and legislation.  I regularly write “op-ed” pieces in newspapers educating the motoring public and promoting the “Share The Road” theme.

My “Bike Law” practice has been recognized and featured in several national and local publications including:  Lawyer’s Weekly USA, Cincinnati magazine, Cincy Business magazine and the Cincinnati Post.Bicycling & the Law by Bob Mionske & Steve Magas

I literally helped “write the book” on Bike Law!  I was the co-author of “Bicycling and the Law” with Olympic cyclist-turned-author Bob Mionske.  The book was recently published and has garnered outstanding reviews.  Lance Armstrong wrote the forward and said, “Now cyclists everywhere can use Bicycling & the Law as a resource for protecting their own right to the road.”  Rep. Jim Oberstar, one of cycling’s heroes in Congress, said, “This book should be read, digested, and practiced by cyclists and motorists alike. It should be a part of driver education and bicycle safety programs. Bicycling & the Law has one further, rare quality: it is eminently–and delightfully–readable.”

I also assisted Ironman triathlete and Bike Engineer Jim Green write the book, “Bicycle Accident Reconstruction and Litigation.”

I don’t just handle bike cases, I LIVE “BIKE” and THINK “BIKE!”

Q:  What about property damage to my bike and other gear?

A: For many of my clients, their first question after getting hit by a car is, “How’s my bike?”

Insurers often don’t understand how to value a bike and make very low offers to settle your property damage claim.  Under Ohio law, you are entitled to your cost of repair, up to the “value” of your bike.  Unlike many lawyers and insurance adjustors, I know how valuable bicycles can be.  I work with many local shops to put together a package of information for the insurer that is designed to maximize what you receive for your bike.  I recently settled a pDamaged Bike roperty damage claim for almost $7,000.00 based on an outstanding report I secured from a local pro bike shop.

Q:  Why do I need an experienced Ohio TRIAL lawyer?

There are more than 40,000 lawyers in Ohio.  Most of them have never tried a case to a jury.  I have more than 25 years of trial experience and have been “Trial Counsel” in hundreds of cases.  I have appeared in cases in many of Ohio’s 88 counties and have tried many cases to verdict during my career as a trial lawyer.

Unlike many “personal injury” lawyers, my legal experience covers both sides of the fence.  I spent several years as in-house trial counsel for a multi-billion dollar international insurer defending its insureds in all types of state and federal court litigation.  I also worked as an insurance defense lawyer for an aggressive litigation law firm which handled cases for some 20 different insurance companies defending personal injury, fire loss and bad faith claims.

This “defense” experience provided me with an opportunity to watch insurance adjustors work and learn how decisions are made.  I can put that knowledge to work for YOU as your Bike Lawyer!

Insurance companies know which lawyers try cases and which do not.  I am not afraid to take your case to trial if that is what it takes to maximize the value of your bike accident claim.  I have tried cases to verdict in many Ohio courtrooms.  Further, I remain fully involved and responsible for your case at all times and never pass your case along to younger or more inexperienced lawyers.

Q:  How soon after my bicycle accident should I call you?

A: Call me immediately. Do not talk to the other person’s insurance companies until after you have consulted a lawyer. I make a point of returning all calls and e-mails the day I receive them. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident you need to know right away what insurance coverage is in place to cover your medical expenses and lost wages.

Q:  What are your fees for handling bike injury claim? Are you going to bill me?

A: I handle most bike accidents and other personal injury and wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. This means I ONLY GET PAID WHEN I RECOVER MONEY FOR YOU. If there is no recovery there is no fee.  I do not bill you for phone calls or for my time.  You pay my fee at the end of the case

Helmet Damaged from Crash

Q: Will I get to talk to YOU if I call 513-484-BIKE?

A: Yes. I offer a FREE CONSULTATION on bicycle accident claims.  Every person who calls for a free consultation talks to me. I promptly return calls if I am unavailable but usually you will talk to me right away or later the same day.

Q: Should I call you even if I want to handle my claim myself?

A: Yes! While handling a case on your own can be risky I do recommend that in some smaller cases.  I am happy to discuss your claim when you call and provide you with my insights and suggestions.  If I think I can help you I will say so – if I think you are better off handling your claim on your own, I will honestly tell you so.

Q:  Do I have to go downtown to meet you?

A: NO!  I will meet you wherever it is convenient for you.  I am happy to meet you in your home, your business, a restaurant or wherever it is convenient for you.  We can always meet in my office, as well.  My main office is in at 7733 Beechmont Avenue and I also have a satellite office near 275 and Fields Ertel, on Waterstone.  If downtown is best for you, I also have access to a variety of meeting places downtown.

In today’s “virtual world” I find myself more and more becoming involved in claims through email and telephone interaction.  I can email the critical forms and documents to you for your review and we can establish an attorney-client relationship in this manner!

Q:  What are your fees for handling my personal injury claim? Are you going to bill me for the time you spend on the case?

A: I handle virtually all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means I ONLY GET PAID WHEN I RECOVER MONEY FOR YOU. If there is no recovery there is no fee.  I do not bill you for phone calls or for my time.  You pay my fee at the end of the case when the case is resolved.

Most injured people have too many bills piling up to worry about paying their lawyer each month, so the contingent fee arrangement is what people usually choose but if you would prefer to pay by the hour I am happy to make those arrangements as well.

Q:  Can I recover even if the motorist never hit me?

A: Yes. Physical contact between a cyclist and a motor vehicle is NOT required for the motorist to be liable. Cyclists are frequently injured when they crash while taking evasive action to avoid a motor vehicle.  Sometimes the motorist does not bother to stop – or even KNOW that an accident occurred.  The motorist can still be held liable if their negligence required the cyclist to take the evasive action.

Q:  Can I recover even if the motorist’s insurer denies my claim?

A: Yes. A “denial” of your claim by an insurance adjustor may be based on an incorrect analysis of your claim by the insurer.  If the insurer does not understand cycling, or the laws of riding a bicycle on the roadway, the insurer may feel that you were at fault in a crash when you were not.  If the insurer feels you were more than 50% at fault, it may “deny” your claim – this means the insurer simply refuses to pay.  The insurer’s refusal to pay is sometimes jokingly referred to as the “WAP” defense – “We Ain’t Paying!”

The denial of a claim does not mean you cannot recover.  In many cases, I have been able to re-open the claim after properly analyzing how the crash occurred.  In cases where the insurer still refuses to consider the claim, only a lawsuit can move the claim forward.  I have handled many cases which were initially denied but were then favorably settled after we filed suit.  Sometimes the insurer needs a new voice – an insurance defense lawyer – to explain why it should settle.

In one case I handled a school bus turned left in front of a cyclist who was traveling downhill and had the right of way.  The cyclist tried valiantly to avoid a crash, but hit the back of the bus with his right shoulder leading to a very painful fractured clavicle.  The bus company denied the claim, stating its busses were not even in the vicinity of the crash.  During the lawsuit, we discovered from the bus company’s own documents that one of the its busses was scheduled to be the area of the crash right around the time of the crash!  The case resolved favorably.

Q: Does my auto insurance cover accidents when I am on my bike?

A: Automobile insurance policies may cover you even if you are injured by a car or truck while riding your bicycle or walking.  I will need to review your insurance policy before I can provide an complete answer.  Frequently, though, coverage is available through the “uninsured/underinsured motorist” provisions or the “medical payments” provisions of your auto insurance policy if you are in a bicycle accident involving a motorist.

Q:  Can I recover if the other driver had no insurance?

A: Yes. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, you may be able to recover money for your medical bills and pain and suffering even if the other driver had no insurance.

Q:  How do I recover if the other driver only has “state minimum” coverage and my medical bills are more than the coverage?

A: Ohio’s “state minimum” coverage is only $12,500 and is one of the lowest in the country.  Frequently, though, when an injured bicyclist’s medical bills and wage loss is calculated, the loss is approaches or exceeds $12,500.00.  In such situations, the cyclist’s “underinsured motorist” coverage may apply.  These claims can be very complex and a lawyer familiar with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage should be consulted.

I have handled, and litigated, many complex insurance questions, including uninsured/underinsured motorist claims.  Ohio courts have issued hundreds of decisions effecting such claims and familiarity with the current state of the law is critical to protecting YOUR rights.

Q:  My health insurer has sent me a “subrogation” letter and seems to want me to pay money back!  What is “subrogation”?

A: “Subrogation” is a very important and complex legal concept that arises in virtually every injury claim in which there is health insurance.  The core of the concept of “subrogation” is that an injured party may be required to pay back his or her health insurer, auto insurer or disability insurer out of the proceeds of a personal injury claim settlement!  If you try to handle your claim without a lawyer, you may not realize that you may have to pay back your insurer and you may settle for too little money.  If your medical bills are paid by Medicare or Medicaid, there are specific laws which may require you pay back the government for accident-related medical bills. The possibility of a “subrogation” claim is one very important reason why you should contact a lawyer for advice on your bicycle accident claim!

I have successfully resolved hundreds of “subrogation” issues for my clients.  Frequently, if the proper arguments are aggressively made, subrogation claims can be negotiated such that the insurer takes no money, or less than it demands from you.  This negotiation with your own insurers is part of the service I provide and another way I am able to maximize your recovery.

Q:  How do I know if I have a good bicycle accident claim?

A: You need to contact me and we can discuss your case. I offer a FREE CONSULTATION about your claim.

Q: Should I accept an offer from an insurance company?

A: Without discussing your case with you in detail, it is impossible to know if the offer the insurer has made even comes close to the reasonable value of your claim.  Remember, the insurance company’s representative is a well-trained, highly skilled advocate with an important job—to minimize the amount of money the insurer pays you.

Your claim is a “thing” which has a value in a very special marketplace –a marketplace where only a judge or jury can set the “true” value.

As your lawyer one of the “hats” is acting as an “appraiser” of claims for my clients.  If you wanted to sell an old oil painting, ’65 Mustang or Pete Rose rookie baseball card, I would send you to an appropriate expert to have those “things” valued since I lack the training and experience to provide you with a reasonable value.  I would tell you to NOT accept the word of the person who wanted to buy those things as to the true value!

With a bike accident injury claim, the same reasoning applies.  The insurer wants to “buy” your claim.  Unless you have training in law and medicine, and experience researching jury verdicts and trying cases, you probably do not fully understand the factors that make your claim more or less valuable and lack the ability to determine if the insurer’s offer is “in the ballpark” of the value of your claim.

My experience includes successfully resolving hundreds of cases over the past 25 years.  I have put cases together from start to finish, researched legal and medical issues, consulted with appropriate experts, including bicycle accident reconstruction experts, visited the scenes of almost every accident I’ve been involved with, studied police reports, analyzed medical records, negotiated simple and complex cases and taken cases to trial.  This experience andBroken Fork Close Up skill set provides me with the qualifications to analyze and maximize the recovery in YOUR claim!

Q: Will my case take up a lot of my time?

A: No. Once I take a case, I handle everything.  We gather up all the paper, handle all dealings with the insurer and work to settle your claim.  You will only need to keep my office informed of your treatment and recovery.

Once you have recovered and we have all of your documents, I will discuss my analysis of your case with you and together we will decide on a settlement negotiation strategy.  I will discuss with you EVERY offer made by the insurer.   YOU make the decision about whether to resolve the case or not.

In fact, some cases are resolved with only a few telephone calls with the client.  If your case cannot be settled, and a lawsuit is needed, then your time involvement would increase.

Q: Will I have to go to trial?

A: Over the years I have noted that I settle roughly 75-80% of all personal injury claims before a lawsuit is even filed.  Of the 20-25% of cases in which a lawsuit is filed, only 1-2% of those ever get to “trial” as most are settled before trial.  Unless your claim fits into that 1-2% of cases that cannot be settled short of trial, you can be reasonably assured that the likelihood of your going to trial is very slim.

Q: What other types of accident cases do you handle?

A: I handle virtually any Ohio case where someone is hurt or killed.  These include personal injury, wrongful death and products liability cases, including:

  • All types of crashes and collisions involving bicycles, all types of bikes, recumbents, scooters, wheelchairs, rollerblades, mopeds and motorized bicycles.
  • Dog attacks
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Product Liability
  • Frame or Component Failures
  • Explosions
  • Plane Crashes
  • Wrongful Death
  • Brain Injuries
  • Catastrophic Injury claims
  • Burns
  • Fractures
  • Disc Injuries – Bulging discs, Herniated discs
  • Nerve Damage
  • Surgery
  • ATV accidents

Q: Where in OHIO do you handle cases?

A: I have handled hundreds of personal injury and accident cases throughout southern Ohio, including Cincinnati, Dayton, Hamilton, Middletown, Batavia, Lebanon, Georgetown, Hamilton County, Clermont County, Butler County, Warren County, Brown County, Highland County and Adams County. I have handled cases throughout Ohio, including Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo, Zanesville, Bellefontaine, Marietta, Portsmouth, Ironton and Troy.  I provide a FREE CONSULTATION about personal injury, accident or bicycle cases to EVERYONE!

 


Adams County:
Cherry Fork, Manchester, Peebles, Rome, Seaman, West Union, Winchester
 
Allen County:
Beaverdam, Bluffton, Cairo, Delphos, Elida, Fort Shawnee, Harrod, Lafayette, 
Lima, Spencerville
 
Ashland County:
Ashland, Bailey Lakes, Hayesville, Jeromesville, Loudonville, Mifflin, 
Perrysville, Polk, Savannah
 
Ashtabula County:
Andover, Ashtabula, Conneaut, Edgewood, Geneva, Geneva-on-the-Lake, Jefferson, 
North Kingsville, Orwell, Roaming Shores, Rock Creek
 
Athens County:
Albany, Amesville, Athens, Buchtel, Chauncey, Coolville, Glouster, Jacksonville, 
Nelsonville, The Plains, Trimble
 
Auglaize County:
Buckland, Cridersville, Minster, New Bremen, New Knoxville, St. Marys, 
Uniopolis, Wapakoneta, Waynesfield
 
Belmont County:
Barnesville, Bellaire, Belmont, Bethesda, Bridgeport, Brookside, Fairview, 
Flushing, Holloway, Martins Ferry, Morristown, Neffs, Powhatan Point, St. 
Clairsville, Shadyside, Wilson, Yorkville
 
Brown County:
Aberdeen, Fayetteville, Georgetown, Hamersville, Higginsport, Mount Orab, 
Ripley, Russellville, St. Martin, Sardinia
 
Butler County:
Beckett Ridge, College Corner, Fairfield, Hamilton, Jacksonburg, Middletown, 
Millville, Monroe, New Miami, Olde West Chester, Oxford, Ross, Seven Mile, 
Sharonville, Somerville, South Middletown, Trenton, Wetherington
 
Carroll County:
Carrollton, Dellroy, Leesville, Magnolia, Malvern, Minerva, Sherrodsville
 
Champaign County:
Christiansburg, Mechanicsburg, Mutual, North Lewisburg, St. Paris, Urbana, 
Woodstock
 
Clark County:
Catawba, Clifton, Crystal Lakes, Donnelsville, Enon, Green Meadows, Holiday 
Valley, Lawrenceville, New Carlisle, North Hampton, Northridge, Park Layne, 
South Charleston, South Vienna, Springfield, Tremont City
 
Clermont County:
Amelia, Batavia, Bethel, Cherry Grove, Chilo, Day Heights, Felicity, Loveland, 
Milford, Moscow, Mount Carmel, Mount Repose, Mulberry, Neville, New Richmond, 
Newtonsville, Owensville, Summerside, Williamsburg, Withamsville
 
Clinton County:
Blanchester, Clarksville, Martinsville, Midland, New Vienna, Port William, 
Sabina, Wilmington
 
Columbiana County:
Calcutta, Columbiana, East Liverpool, East Palestine, Glenmoor, Hanoverton, La 
Croft, Leetonia, Lisbon, Minerva, New Waterford, Rogers, Salem, Salineville, 
Summitville, Washingtonville, Wellsville
 
Coshocton County:
Baltic, Conesville, Coshocton, Nellie, Plainfield, Warsaw, West Lafayette
 
Crawford County:
Bucyrus, Chatfield, Crestline, Galion, New Washington, North Robinson, Tiro
 
Cuyahoga County:
Bay Village, Beachwood, Bedford, Bedford Heights, Bentleyville, Berea, 
Bratenahl, Brecksville, Broadview Heights, Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights, Brook 
Park, Chagrin Falls, Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, Cuyahoga Heights, East 
Cleveland, Euclid, Fairview Park, Garfield Heights, Gates Mills, Glenwillow, 
Highland Heights, Highland Hills, Hunting Valley, Independence, Lakewood, 
Linndale, Lyndhurst, Maple Heights, Mayfield, Mayfield Heights, Middleburg 
Heights, Moreland Hills, Newburgh Heights, North Olmsted, North Randall, North 
Royalton, Oakwood, Olmsted Falls, Orange, Parma, Parma Heights, Pepper Pike, 
Richmond Heights, Rocky River, Seven Hills, Shaker Heights, Solon, South Euclid, 
Strongsville, University Heights, Valley View, Walton Hills, Warrensville 
Heights, Westlake, Woodmere
 
Darke County:
Ansonia, Arcanum, Bradford, Burkettsville, Castine, Gettysburg, Gordon, 
Greenville, Hollansburg, Ithaca, New Madison, New Weston, North Star, Osgood, 
Palestine, Pitsburg, Rossburg, Union City, Versailles, Wayne Lakes, Yorkshire
 
Defiance County:
Defiance, Hicksville, Ney, Sherwood
 
Delaware County:
Ashley, Columbus, Delaware, Dublin, Galena, Ostrander, Powell, Shawnee Hills, 
Sunbury, Westerville
 
Erie County:
Bay View, Berlin Heights, Castalia, Fairview Lanes, Huron, Kelleys Island, 
Milan, Sandusky, Sandusky South, Vermilion
 
Fairfield County:
Amanda, Baltimore, Bremen, Buckeye Lake, Canal Winchester, Carroll, Columbus, 
Fairfield Beach, Lancaster, Lithopolis, Millersport, Pickerington, 
Pleasantville, Reynoldsburg, Rushville, Stoutsville, Sugar Grove, Thurston, West 
Rushville
 
Fayette County:
Bloomingburg, Jeffersonville, Milledgeville, New Holland, Octa, Washington
 
Franklin County:
Bexley, Blacklick Estates, Brice, Canal Winchester, Columbus, Dublin, Gahanna, 
Grandview Heights, Grove City, Groveport, Harrisburg, Hilliard, Huber Ridge, 
Lake Darby, Lincoln Village, Lockbourne, Marble Cliff, Minerva Park, New Albany, 
New Rome, Obetz, Pickerington, Reynoldsburg, Riverlea, Upper Arlington, 
Urbancrest, Valleyview, Westerville, Whitehall, Worthington
 
Fulton County:
Archbold, Delta, Fayette, Lyons, Metamora, Swanton, Wauseon
 
Gallia County:
Centerville, Cheshire, Crown City, Gallipolis, Rio Grande, Vinton
 
Geauga County:
Aquilla, Bainbridge, Burton, Chardon, Chesterland, Hunting Valley, Middlefield, 
South Russell
 
Greene County:
Beavercreek, Bellbrook, Bowersville, Cedarville, Clifton, Fairborn, Jamestown, 
Kettering, Shawnee Hills, Spring Valley, Wilberforce, Wright-Patterson AFB, 
Xenia, Yellow Springs
 
Guernsey County:
Byesville, Cambridge, Cumberland, Fairview, Kimbolton, Lore City, Old 
Washington, Pleasant City, Quaker City, Salesville, Senecaville
 
Hamilton County:
Addyston, Amberley, Arlington Heights, Blue Ash, Bridgetown North, Cherry Grove, 
Cheviot, Cincinnati, Cleves, Covedale, Deer Park, Dent, Dillonvale, Dry Run, 
Elmwood Place, Evendale, Fairfax, Fairfield, Finneytown, Forest Park, 
Forestville, Fruit Hill, Glendale, Golf Manor, Grandview, Greenhills, Groesbeck, 
Harrison, Kenwood, Lincoln Heights, Lockland, Loveland, Loveland Park, Mack 
North, Mack South, Madeira, Mariemont, Milford, Monfort Heights East, Monfort 
Heights South, Montgomery, Mount Carmel, Mount Healthy, Mount Healthy Heights, 
Newtown, North Bend, Northbrook, North College Hill, Northgate, Norwood, 
Pleasant Run, Pleasant Run Farm, Reading, St. Bernard, Sharonville, Sherwood, 
Silverton, Springdale, Terrace Park, The Village of Indian Hill, Turpin Hills, 
White Oak, White Oak East, White Oak West, Woodlawn, Wyoming
 
Hancock County:
Arcadia, Arlington, Benton Ridge, Bluffton, Findlay, Fostoria, Jenera, McComb, 
Mount Blanchard, Mount Cory, Rawson, Van Buren, Vanlue
 
Hardin County:
Ada, Alger, Dunkirk, Forest, Kenton, McGuffey, Mount Victory, Patterson, 
Ridgeway
 
Harrison County:
Adena, Bowerston, Cadiz, Deersville, Freeport, Harrisville, Hopedale, Jewett, 
New Athens, Scio
 
Henry County:
Deshler, Florida, Hamler, Holgate, Liberty Center, McClure, Malinta, Napoleon, 
New Bavaria
 
Highland County:
Greenfield, Highland, Hillsboro, Leesburg, Lynchburg, Mowrystown, Sinking Spring
 
Hocking County:
Buchtel, Laurelville, Logan, Murray City
 
Holmes County:
Baltic, Glenmont, Holmesville, Killbuck, Loudonville, Millersburg, Nashville
 
Huron County:
Bellevue, Greenwich, Milan, Monroeville, New London, North Fairfield, Norwalk, 
Plymouth, Wakeman, Willard
 
Jackson County:
Coalton, Jackson, Oak Hill, Wellston
 
Jefferson County:
Adena, Amsterdam, Bergholz, Bloomingdale, Dillonvale, Empire, Irondale, Mingo 
Junction, Mount Pleasant, New Alexandria, Rayland, Richmond, Salineville, 
Smithfield, Steubenville, Stratton, Tiltonsville, Toronto, Wintersville, 
Yorkville
 
Knox County:
Centerburg, Danville, Fredericktown, Gambier, Gann, Martinsburg, Mount Vernon, 
Utica
 
Lake County:
Eastlake, Fairport Harbor, Grand River, Kirtland, Kirtland Hills, Lakeline, 
Madison, Mentor, Mentor-on-the-Lake, North Madison, North Perry, Painesville, 
Perry, Timberlake, Waite Hill, Wickliffe, Willoughby, Willoughby Hills, 
Willowick
 
Lawrence County:
Athalia, Burlington, Chesapeake, Coal Grove, Hanging Rock, Ironton, 
Proctorville, South Point
 
Licking County:
Alexandria, Beechwood Trails, Buckeye Lake, Granville, Granville South, Gratiot, 
Hanover, Harbor Hills, Hartford, Heath, Hebron, Johnstown, Kirkersville, Newark, 
Pataskala, Reynoldsburg, St. Louisville, Utica
 
Logan County:
Belle Center, Bellefontaine, De Graff, Huntsville, Lakeview, Quincy, Ridgeway, 
Rushsylvania, Russells Point, Valley Hi, West Liberty, West Mansfield, 
Zanesfield
 
Lorain County:
Amherst, Avon, Avon Lake, Eaton Estates, Elyria, Grafton, Kipton, Lagrange, 
Lorain, North Ridgeville, Oberlin, Rochester, Sheffield, Sheffield Lake, South 
Amherst, Vermilion, Wellington
 
Lucas County:
Berkey, Harbor View, Holland, Maumee, Oregon, Ottawa Hills, Swanton, Sylvania, 
Toledo, Waterville, Whitehouse
 
Madison County:
Choctaw Lake, London, Midway, Mount Sterling, Plain City, South Solon, West 
Jefferson
 
Mahoning County:
Alliance, Austintown, Beloit, Boardman, Campbell, Canfield, Columbiana, Craig 
Beach, Lowellville, Maple Ridge, Mineral Ridge, New Middletown, Poland, Sebring, 
Struthers, Washingtonville, Youngstown
 
Marion County:
Caledonia, Green Camp, La Rue, Marion, Morral, New Bloomington, Prospect, Waldo
 
Medina County:
Brunswick, Chippewa Lake, Gloria Glens Park, Lodi, Medina, Rittman, Seville, 
Spencer, Wadsworth, Westfield Center
 
Meigs County:
Middleport, Pomeroy, Racine, Rutland, Syracuse
 
Mercer County:
Burkettsville, Celina, Chickasaw, Coldwater, Fort Recovery, Mendon, Montezuma, 
Rockford, St. Henry
 
Miami County:
Bradford, Casstown, Covington, Fletcher, Huber Heights, Laura, Ludlow Falls, 
Piqua, Pleasant Hill, Potsdam, Tipp City, Troy, West Milton
 
Monroe County:
Antioch, Beallsville, Clarington, Graysville, Jerusalem, Lewisville, 
Miltonsburg, Stafford, Wilson, Woodsfield
 
Montgomery County:
Brookville, Carlisle, Centerville, Clayton, Dayton, Drexel, Englewood, 
Farmersville, Fort McKinley, Germantown, Huber Heights, Kettering, Miamisburg, 
Moraine, New Lebanon, Northridge, Oakwood, Phillipsburg, Riverside, Shiloh, 
Springboro, Trotwood, Union, Vandalia, Verona, West Carrollton City, 
Woodbourne-Hyde Park, Wright-Patterson AFB
 
Morgan County:
Chesterhill, McConnelsville, Malta, Stockport
 
Morrow County:
Cardington, Chesterville, Edison, Fulton, Marengo, Mount Gilead, Sparta
 
Muskingum County:
Adamsville, Dresden, Frazeysburg, Fultonham, Gratiot, New Concord, North 
Zanesville, Norwich, Philo, Pleasant Grove, Roseville, South Zanesville, 
Zanesville
 
Noble County:
Batesville, Belle Valley, Caldwell, Dexter City, Sarahsville, Summerfield
 
Ottawa County:
Clay Center, Elmore, Genoa, Marblehead, Oak Harbor, Port Clinton, Put-in-Bay, 
Rocky Ridge
 
Paulding County:
Antwerp, Broughton, Cecil, Grover Hill, Haviland, Latty, Melrose, Oakwood, 
Paulding, Payne, Scott
 
Perry County:
Corning, Crooksville, Glenford, Hemlock, Junction City, New Lexington, New 
Straitsville, Rendville, Roseville, Shawnee, Somerset, Thornville
 
Pickaway County:
Ashville, Circleville, Commercial Point, Darbyville, Harrisburg, Logan Elm 
Village, New Holland, Orient, South Bloomfield, Tarlton, Williamsport
 
Pike County:
Beaver, Piketon, Waverly City
 
Portage County:
Aurora, Brady Lake, Brimfield, Garrettsville, Hiram, Kent, Mantua, Mogadore, 
Ravenna, Streetsboro, Sugar Bush Knolls, Tallmadge, Windham
 
Preble County:
Camden, College Corner, Eaton, Eldorado, Gratis, Lewisburg, New Paris, Verona, 
West Alexandria, West Elkton, West Manchester
 
Putnam County:
Belmore, Cloverdale, Columbus Grove, Continental, Dupont, Fort Jennings, Gilboa, 
Glandorf, Kalida, Leipsic, Miller City, Ottawa, Ottoville, Pandora, West Leipsic
 
Richland County:
Bellville, Butler, Crestline, Lexington, Lucas, Mansfield, Ontario, Plymouth, 
Shelby, Shiloh
 
Ross County:
Adelphi, Bainbridge, Chillicothe, Clarksburg, Frankfort, Kingston, North Fork 
Village, South Salem
 
Sandusky County:
Ballville, Bellevue, Burgoon, Clyde, Fremont, Gibsonburg, Green Springs, Helena, 
Lindsey, Stony Prairie, Woodville
 
Scioto County:
Franklin Furnace, Lucasville, New Boston, Otway, Portsmouth, Rarden, Rosemount, 
Sciotodale, South Webster, West Portsmouth, Wheelersburg
 
Seneca County:
Attica, Bettsville, Bloomville, Fostoria, Green Springs, New Riegel, Republic, 
Tiffin
 
Shelby County:
Anna, Botkins, Fort Loramie, Jackson Center, Kettlersville, Lockington, Port 
Jefferson, Russia, Sidney
 
Stark County:
Alliance, Beach City, Brewster, Canal Fulton, Canton, East Canton, East Sparta, 
Greentown, Hartville, Hills and Dales, Limaville, Louisville, Magnolia, 
Massillon, Meyers Lake, Minerva, Navarre, North Canton, Perry Heights, 
Uniontown, Waynesburg, Wilmot
 
Summit County:
Akron, Barberton, Boston Heights, Clinton, Cuyahoga Falls, Fairlawn, Green, 
Hudson, Lakemore, Macedonia, Mogadore, Montrose-Ghent, Munroe Falls, New 
Franklin, Northfield, Norton, Peninsula, Pigeon Creek, Portage Lakes, 
Reminderville, Richfield, Silver Lake, Stow, Tallmadge, Twinsburg
 
Trumbull County:
Bolindale, Brookfield Center, Champion Heights, Churchill, Cortland, Girard, 
Hilltop, Howland Center, Hubbard, Leavittsburg, Lordstown, McDonald, Maplewood 
Park, Masury, Mineral Ridge, Newton Falls, Niles, Orangeville, South Canal, 
Vienna Center, Warren, West Farmington, West Hill, Yankee Lake, Youngstown
 
Tuscarawas County:
Baltic, Barnhill, Bolivar, Dennison, Dover, Gnadenhutten, Midvale, Mineral City, 
Newcomerstown, New Philadelphia, Parral, Port Washington, Roswell, Stone Creek, 
Strasburg, Sugarcreek, Tuscarawas, Uhrichsville, Zoar
 
Union County:
Dublin, Magnetic Springs, Marysville, Milford Center, Plain City, Richwood, 
Unionville Center
 
Van Wert County:
Convoy, Delphos, Elgin, Middle Point, Ohio City, Scott, Van Wert, Venedocia, 
Willshire, Wren
 
Vinton County:
Hamden, McArthur, Wilkesville, Zaleski
 
Warren County:
Blanchester, Butlerville, Carlisle, Corwin, Five Points, Franklin, Harveysburg, 
Hunter, Landen, Lebanon, Loveland, Loveland Park, Maineville, Mason, Middletown, 
Monroe, Morrow, Pleasant Plain, South Lebanon, Springboro, Waynesville
 
Washington County:
Belpre, Beverly, Devola, Lowell, Lower Salem, Macksburg, Marietta, Matamoras
 
Wayne County:
Apple Creek, Burbank, Congress, Creston, Dalton, Doylestown, Fredericksburg, 
Marshallville, Mount Eaton, Norton, Orrville, Rittman, Shreve, Smithville, West 
Salem, Wooster
 
Williams County:
Alvordton, Blakeslee, Bryan, Edgerton, Edon, Holiday City, Montpelier, Pioneer, 
Stryker, West Unity
 
Wood County:
Bairdstown, Bloomdale, Bowling Green, Bradner, Custar, Cygnet, Fostoria, Grand 
Rapids, Haskins, Hoytville, Jerry City, Luckey, Millbury, Milton Center, North 
Baltimore, Northwood, Pemberville, Perrysburg, Portage, Risingsun, Rossford, 
Tontogany, Walbridge, Wayne, West Millgrove, Weston
 
Wyandot County:
Carey, Harpster, Kirby, Marseilles, Nevada, Sycamore, Upper Sandusky, Wharton

Due to my experience in handling bicycle accident claims, I have also been called in to work on “bike cases” in Kentucky, Indiana, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina and Florida.

https://ohiobikelawyer.com/steves-bicycle-law-practice/ .
© 2024.

46 Comments   »

  • Jan says:

    new to Montgomery county/dayton. some areas are terrifying to ride on roads, some areas allow sidewalk riding. how can i find more info, because I hope I don’t need to call you. Thanks

  • Steve Magas says:

    Sidewalk laws are tough. Because of the many, many, many little jurisdictions around here, you have to look at the municipal codes for each one. http://www.conwaygreene.com/index.html is an excellent source for municipal codes. You have to go city by city, village by village, through all the codes of all the places you want to ride to see what the law of each one is…

    I wish there was a better way!

    Thanks for the note.
    Steve Magas
    The Bike Lawyer

  • Dale says:

    Is there a “Steven Magas” for Kansas?

    I’m with KanBikewalk, Kansas’ state-wide bicycle/pedestrian advocacy organization. Or more seriously, with all the technology, is there a network of bicyce attorneys around the country that is accessible to the bicycle community for finding attorneys with your type of experience in bicycle and pedestrian legal issues? We need one as a reference for bicyclists in Kansas as well as for our organization when it comes to improving state and local laws and ordinances.

  • Steve Magas says:

    Yes, there are several of us here, there and everywhere…. although I’m not sure about Kansas. I’ll check around!
    THANKS for tracking me down!!

  • mary jane alyn martuna says:

    To refrain from any serious accident with your bike, you should always wear proper safety gear and follow the lane on which bicycle lanes are supposed to take. And do not exceed to speed limit. Follow road precautions.

  • harry says:

    I’m no Lance Armstrong, but I do use a bike to get from place to place in Manhattan, a little bit of Brooklyn. – David Byrne

RSS feed for comments on this post , TrackBack URI

Leave a Comment