What This Data Reveals About Legal Accountability
In 2024, 603 pedestrians and cyclists were hit by cars in Cleveland. This is a staggering number for any city, let alone one working toward a goal of zero traffic deaths. This figure, sourced from Spectrum News 1’s analysis of 911 calls and crash data, represents not just a public safety issue but a growing legal and accountability crisis.
More than 100 of the victims were children. Fifteen people biking or walking were killed. And while Cleveland has committed to eliminating traffic fatalities by 2032 through its Vision Zero initiative, the trend is moving in the wrong direction.
In 2022, 43 people were killed in crashes. In 2023, that number rose to 59. In 2024, it jumped again to 75. The city isn’t just behind on its goals, it’s heading in the opposite direction.
Crashes That Represent Broken Systems
The number 603 is only the beginning. According to the report, many crashes go uncounted due to the city’s flawed reporting infrastructure. Significant discrepancies exist between police records and hospital data, largely because:
- Victims or drivers leave the scene before police arrive
- Some individuals don’t want to speak to law enforcement
- Many people simply don’t know how to file an OH-1 crash report
As a result, hundreds of injuries may never make it into the official record, limiting the public’s understanding of where and how these crashes happen and weakening accountability for those responsible.
Legal Accountability Is Essential
When a driver injures a pedestrian or cyclist, the physical and emotional toll can be devastating. However, in Cleveland, this is often compounded by systemic failures, including the lack of crash reports, slow investigations, and a lack of citywide coordination. That’s where legal representation becomes more than just helpful. It becomes essential.
Victims and families often face a difficult path after these crashes. Insurance companies may dispute fault or downplay the severity of injuries. Without a formal OH-1 report, some may struggle to even prove the collision occurred. And when a child is hurt, the legal process becomes even more complex.
Anyone injured while walking or biking needs to be aware of several critical issues that may shape the outcome of a claim:
- Crash Report Gaps: Even without an OH-1 report, claims can be supported by 911 call logs, medical records, surveillance footage, or eyewitness accounts.
- Comparative Negligence Rules: Ohio follows a comparative negligence rule. If a pedestrian is found to be more than 50% at fault, they may be barred from recovery; however, this assessment can often be challenged.
- Municipal Liability: In some cases, cities can be held responsible for failing to maintain safe crosswalks, enforce speed limits, or fix visibility issues. These claims adhere to specific rules and adhere to tight deadlines.
- Insurance Pushback: Commercial and personal auto insurers often dispute fault in pedestrian and cyclist cases, especially if police didn’t issue a citation.
- Child Injury Claims: Minors are held to different legal standards when it comes to fault and negligence. Claims involving children also require additional legal steps and often higher settlement thresholds.
An attorney familiar with pedestrian and cyclist injury law in Ohio can navigate these complexities, push back against biased narratives, and ensure evidence is preserved and presented effectively. In many cases, legal help is the only reason families can move forward.
Hurt While Walking or Biking in Cleveland? Get Legal Help Today.
Vision Zero was supposed to be Cleveland’s answer to preventable traffic deaths. But without meaningful investment in infrastructure, enforcement, and reporting improvements, it risks becoming a broken promise. The latest data paints a grim picture, not just for victims, but for the city’s future.
Bike Cleveland and other safety advocates have recommended urgent changes, including improved reporting systems, expedited infrastructure repairs, and multi-agency reviews of fatal incidents. But change takes time. Victims don’t have the luxury to wait.
That’s why strong legal advocacy is more important than ever, because until the system works the way it should, someone needs to protect those it fails.
If you or someone you love was seriously hurt while walking or biking in Cleveland, don’t wait. Ohio law limits the time you have to file a claim, and early action is often the key to preserving evidence and building a strong case. Contact Merriman Legal, LLC for a free consultation. Make our team your team and get the protection you deserve.
"My husband and I were represented by Tom Merriman, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome of our case. Tom settled the matter in our favor and guided us through every step of the legal process with care and professionalism." - Renee P., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
