The Motorcycle Injury Attorneys You Need on Your Side
In the state of Ohio, passionate motorcyclists seize the opportunity and right to embark on exhilarating journeys along the open roads. Whether it’s commuting to work or simply savoring a leisurely afternoon ride, acid riders embrace the freedom that comes with riding motorcycles. Unfortunately, even the most seasoned riders can find themselves involved in accidents with other drivers on the road.
Motorcycle riders face a unique set of challenges as they navigate the highways alongside larger vehicles. Regrettably, some drivers fail to notice motorcycles due to their comparatively small size, while others display a lack of respect toward riders rightfully sharing the road. As a result, motorcycle riders are disproportionately vulnerable to accidents and sustaining injuries.
When faced with the aftermath of a serious motorcycle accident, it is imperative to enlist the expertise of a highly proficient legal team dedicated to safeguarding your interests. The Columbus motorcycle accident attorneys at the Ross, Midian, & Breitmayer, LLC law firm have amassed a remarkable track record and have secured millions in compensation for injured Ohio residents to cover medical bills and other expenses.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident or car crash, we can help. Contact Ross, Midian, & Breitmayer LLC today for more information and schedule a free consultation with our experienced Columbus motorcycle injury attorneys.
How Do I Know If I Have a Motorcycle Accident Claim
If you have suffered injuries while riding a motorcycle due to the negligence or recklessness of another party, whether you were the operator or a passenger, it is highly likely that you have a valid claim.
The responsible party and/or their insurance company bear the responsibility of providing compensation for the damages you have incurred. These damages may encompass various aspects, such as the repair or replacement costs for your motorcycle, including any accessories, medical bills, pain and suffering, and the income you have lost as a result of the incident.
The most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Traffic law violations
- Drunk driving
- Fatigued driving
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Tailgating
- Aggressive driving
- Making unsafe lane changes/turns
- Illegal passing
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Key Evidence to Support Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
Insurance companies often employ a tactic of unfairly attributing liability to motorcyclists, labeling them as reckless individuals without conducting a thorough investigation. To combat these biased assertions effectively, it is crucial to equip yourself with compelling evidence. This is precisely where our experienced Columbus motorcycle accident lawyers step in to provide comprehensive assistance throughout your case.
One of the steps we undertake is reaching out to the responding officers and agencies involved in the accident. By comparing our evidence regarding liability with the information collected by the officers, we can build a stronger case on your behalf. Furthermore, we use our access to esteemed accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals to come up with evidence that supports your claim.
In the pursuit of justice, we rely on various forms of evidence that significantly benefit your case. Dashcam or helmet cam footage provides compelling visual evidence, shedding light on the sequence of events and supporting your version of the incident.
Moreover, official police reports from the crash scene offer valuable documentation of the accident, including key details, witness statements, and initial assessments of fault. Eyewitness statements from individuals can provide crucial support to counter any unfounded claims against your role in the accident.
By leveraging these forms of evidence and our expertise in navigating the legal process, we are dedicated to advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Our Columbus motorcycle injury lawyers are here to assist you every step of the way.
Common Injuries Following a Motorcycle Accident
It is widely acknowledged that operating a motorcycle carries inherent risks. Even if you are a safe and cautious driver, the presence of other motorists who may fail to notice or feel uneasy around motorcycles can pose an additional danger. Unfortunately, when a motorcyclist is involved in a crash, it is almost certain that injuries will be sustained due to the rider’s exposure to the road.
The most frequently observed injuries in motorcycle accidents encompass a range of conditions from mild to severe. These include broken bones, often affecting ribs, arms, and legs, resulting from the impact of the collision. Street rash or skin lacerations caused by the rider sliding across the road is another common injury sustained in motorcycle accidents.
On the more severe side of things, riders may sustain spinal damage. Spinal damage, which can include paralysis, is a grave and life-altering injury. Another severe injury that motorcyclists commonly face is traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, which pose a significant risk to the future health of the rider.
A Columbus Motorcycle Injury Attorney That Cares
At Ross, Midian, & Breitmayer LLC, we prioritize your well-being and advocate for your best interests. Our dedicated approach begins by ensuring you receive the necessary treatment for your injuries.
While you focus on healing, we diligently build a compelling case to maximize your recovery and secure the compensation you deserve. This involves a thorough investigation, expert collaboration, analysis of medical records and bills, evaluation of lost wages, and documenting the impact on your physical and emotional well-being.
Throughout the process, we maintain open and clear communication, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way. When you choose our Columbus motorcycle accident attorneys, you can expect the best possible outcome for your claim.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents
Ohio has somewhat lenient rules regarding motorcycle helmet use. Riders and passengers under the age of 18 must always wear a motorcycle helmet. Riders over the age of 18 but who have had a motorcycle license for less than one year are also required to wear a helmet, as are their passengers. However, helmets are universally recommended for all motorcyclists.
You can file a lawsuit against any other party that was liable for your motorcycle accident regardless of whether or not you were wearing a helmet. However, the insurance company will argue that you knew the risk of riding without a helmet but chose to do so despite that risk. Our attorneys can discuss the circumstances of your case and help explain your legal options.
Oftentimes, a driver who turns left in front of an approaching motorcycle is liable for the crash, assuming the driver did not have a green left-turn arrow. In most traffic situations, motorists who are turning left must yield the right-of-way to approaching vehicles and opposing traffic.
When someone has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, Ohio law requires the accident to be reported to the police as soon as possible. Accident reports can become an important piece of evidence to establish the other driver’s liability as well as the facts and circumstances surrounding the crash.
Lane sharing (two motorcycles riding side by side in a single lane of traffic) is legal in Ohio and specifically addressed under ORC 4511.55(b). However, lane splitting or “white lining” (riding between two lanes of traffic going in the same direction) is not specifically addressed under Ohio law. That does not necessarily mean that it is legal, though. A police officer may cite you for a lane violation or reckless driving. As a result, if you are involved in a motorcycle accident while lane splitting, you will likely (at least) be held partially liable or at-fault for the resulting accident.
There is a good chance the driver who hit you is going to blame you. This is just what most drivers think to do when they cause an accident. If the other driver tries to blame you at all, then it is a pretty clear sign that you should plan on working with a motorcycle accident lawyer sooner than later. Without their help, you could get unfairly stuck with liability that isn’t yours.
Try to document any information you can about the other car (make, model, license, color, etc.) and/or the driver. If you have a helmet cam, that video footage will become extremely important to your case. If there are any other people who witnessed the accident, be sure to get their contact information and a witness statement (if possible). If the other driver/vehicle cannot be identified, you may still be able to recover under the uninsured motorist coverage of your insurance policy.