Cincinnati Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
For die-hard motorcycle owners, riding a motorcycle is so much more than a mode of transportation. It is a way to connect with nature, experience the freedom of the road, and be part of a community of people who share a common passion for motorcycles. However, while riding a motorcycle has many physical and psychological benefits, they offer little to no protection to the rider if they are involved in a serious accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are roughly 35 times more likely to suffer fatalities in a crash compared to other motorists. If a motorcyclist does survive a collision, the resulting injuries can be quite severe, and require extensive medical care. If you or a loved one suffered a devastating injury in a motorcycle accident, an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will assist you with the claims process and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Like car accidents, motorcycle accidents can occur when motorcyclists or other drivers on the road fail to obey the rules of the road and take the necessary steps to stay safe. The following are examples of some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents that can occur on roads and highways in Cincinnati and across the state:
- Distracted driving: When another driver is talking or texting on the phone, listening to music, interacting with another passenger in the vehicle, or engaging in any other distracting behavior, they may not see a motorcycle in the vicinity until it is too late. Motorcyclists must also avoid distractions, particularly since they are at a much greater risk for serious injuries and fatalities if they are involved in a car accident.
- Speeding: A high-speed motorcycle accident can have catastrophic consequences if the other driver or the motorcyclist is speeding. Motorcycle riders will likely suffer the most severe injuries since nothing protects them from the impact of the crash.
- Reckless driving: Examples of reckless driving include weaving in and out of lanes, tailgating, refusing the signal, and changing lanes unexpectedly, all of which can increase the risk of a serious motorcycle accident.
- Read-end collisions: When a motorcyclist is read-ended, the rider can suffer severe injuries, even if the vehicle that struck them was not traveling at a particularly high speed. This can cause the rider to be thrown from the motorcycle, causing serious, even fatal injuries.
- Failure to yield to the right-of-way: Motorists are responsible for yielding to other vehicles and motorcyclists who have the right-of-way. Whether a motorist intentionally violated the rules of the road or was an accident, the motorcyclist can suffer severe injuries.
- Impaired driving: Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol often experience impaired judgment and decreased coordination and may have a difficult time reacting quickly to a situation. A drunk driving accident involving a motorcyclist can result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities.
What Types of Injuries Do Motorcycle Accidents Cause?
Unfortunately, when a motorcyclist is involved in a car accident, they rarely walk away from the accident with only a few cuts and scrapes. Even a relatively minor car accident can cause a motorcyclist to suffer severe injuries and fatalities since nothing is protecting them from the impact of the accident, with the exception of their helmet and other protective gear that they may be wearing. The following are examples of common injuries that can occur in a motorcycle accident:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Road rash
- Neck injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Nerve damage
- Whiplash
- Head injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
How Can I Avoid a Motorcycle Accident?
While you cannot control how other motorists drive, there are some proactive steps you can take to stay as safe as possible when you are on your motorcycle, and reduce the risk of an accident, including the following:
- Maintain your vehicle. Always ensure that your motorcycle is in good working order and that the wheels, brakes, lights, mirrors, and horns are working properly. If any repairs need to be made, do so as soon as possible.
- Be alert. When riding a motorcycle, it is extremely important to avoid distractions, keep your attention focused on the road, and pay attention to other motorists.
- Stay visible. You should wear reflective clothing, use reflective decals, and use your headlights, brake lights, and turn signals appropriately.
- Watch out for hazards. Be aware of your surroundings so that you have plenty of time to avoid debris, fallen branches, potholes, or other road hazards.
- Wear a helmet. While this will not prevent a motorcycle accident, it can save your life if you are involved in an accident. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), helmets save the lives of over 1,500 motorcyclists each year. In addition to wearing a helmet, it is crucial that it fits properly.
- Invest in additional safety gear. Other safety gear that can prevent, or reduce the severity of injuries caused by a motorcycle accident include durable motorcycle boots, a season-appropriate jacket that keeps you visible to other motorists, and motorcycle gloves that help grip the handlebars and provide added protection from injuries.
How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help Me with My Case?
If you suffered a devastating injury in a motorcycle accident, a dedicated motorcycle accident lawyer will help you recover the damages you are entitled to so that you can focus on healing and recovering from your injuries. The following are some of the steps we will take to obtain the compensation you deserve:
- Review all of the available evidence from the accident scene.
- Obtain a copy of the accident report.
- Interview witnesses.
- Review your medical records.
- Review the at-fault party’s driving record.
- Consult with an accident reconstructionist, if necessary.
- Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
The Cincinnati Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Wolterman Law Office Seek Compensation for Victims of Motorcycle Accidents
If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident, do not hesitate to contact the Cincinnati motorcycle accident lawyers at Wolterman Law Office. Our highly skilled legal team will assist you with every step of the claims process and protect your legal rights. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 513-488-1135 or submit our online form. Our office is located in Loveland, Ohio, where we serve clients in Hamilton County, Fairfield, Norwood, and Forest Park.