An enjoyable motorcycle ride can come to an abrupt halt when you are involved in an accident. Often, you are left with severe injuries and mounting medical bills. While your life can be turned upside down after a severe motorcycle accident, there are legal avenues you can pursue if a motorist’s negligence caused the accident.
If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident caused by careless behavior, our Akron motorcycle accident attorneys can provide the legal assistance you need. The Slater & Zurz law firm has assisted injured motorcyclists in obtaining compensation for their losses for over 32 years. We will draw from our vast resources and experience to bring your case to the best possible resolution. Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers in Akron, Ohio, will work diligently to hold the responsible party liable for their actions and pursue maximum recovery for your emotional, physical, and financial damages.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcyclists and their passengers have an increased risk of injury because motorcycles do not have the external protections of other motor vehicles. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, approximately 150 motorcyclists are killed each year in our state, with nearly 3,000 more riders sustaining serious injuries. Common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Road rash
- Broken or fractured bones
- Skull fractures
- Burns
- Whiplash
- Internal bleeding
- Loss of limb
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Wrongful death
Compensation for your Akron Motorcycle Accident Injuries
A motorcycle accident can have long-term effects on your emotional, physical, and financial well-being, potentially altering your life for years to come. That is why it is essential to obtain full and fair compensation in your motorcycle accident lawsuit. Below are the damages for which you may receive compensation.
- Past and future medical costs
- Rehabilitation therapy
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Motorcycle repair or replacement
- Home and vehicle modifications made to accommodate a disability
- Pain and suffering
- Lost quality of life
- Loss of consortium
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Identifying the cause of your motorcycle accident is one of the first steps toward recovering financial compensation. Our firm employs accident reconstruction experts who help in accurately determining the cause of your accident and strengthening your case by providing essential insights and evidence. There are several common causes of motorcycle accidents, such as:
Cars making a left-hand turn – This type of accident accounts for nearly 42% of all motorcycle-car collisions. Left-hand turn accidents are considerably more common with motorcycles due to their significantly lower visibility. Typically, the motorist who made the left turn is at fault for the collision.
Head-on collisions – Head-on collisions generally take place at high speeds. This means the motorcyclist’s chance of catastrophic injury or even death is dramatically increased. In fact, 56% of all motorcycle accident fatalities are caused by a head-on collision.
Rear-end collisions – An inherent danger of riding a motorcycle involves being struck from behind by an automobile. While this type of collision can be relatively minor between two cars, it is rarely minor when it involves a motorcycle. Riders are often forcefully thrown from their bikes and are often run over by the vehicle when the collision is at high speed.
Unsafe lane changes – Many motorists do not check for motorcyclists when making a lane change. When a driver fails to check their blind spot before changing lanes, they run the risk of colliding with a motorcycle and causing severe injury to the rider.
Excessive speed – Speeding is among the most common contributors to motorcycle collisions and injuries. It is estimated that 30% of all motorcycle fatalities are caused by excessive speed.
Failure to yield accidents – A frequent and deadly cause of motorcycle accidents is a driver’s failure to yield the right of way to a rider. Failing to yield accidents commonly occur in intersections, when merging onto a highway, and when entering a street from a parking lot or private driveway.
What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents happen when you least expect them. You may be frightened, injured, and in shock in the moments after your accident. However, there are some critical steps to take immediately following a collision.
- Get to safety – Be sure to look at your surroundings to see if you are out of harm’s way. If you are able, leave the roadway to stay out of the path of any oncoming vehicles.
- Call 911 – After you are safe, call 911 to report the accident. Generally, both police and emergency medical technicians will arrive on the scene. Give an honest, detailed account of what happened before, during, and after the accident. Also, remember to get a copy of the police report for your records.
- See a doctor – The shock of being involved in a motorcycle accident can often mask the signs and symptoms of serious injuries. Consulting with medical professionals immediately after an accident is crucial not only for your health but also for documenting injuries that can significantly impact your compensation. Medical records play a significant role in determining the severity of your injuries in your case. Even if you don’t feel injured, it is always best to have a thorough medical evaluation to identify and treat any injuries.
- Gather evidence – If you are able, gather any evidence relating to the accident. Photos, videos, and the personal information of any eyewitnesses will all prove essential in a motorcycle accident lawsuit. It is also a good idea to write down the details of what happened soon after the accident, as you may forget some key facts as time goes on.
- Speak to a qualified motorcycle accident attorney in Akron – The sooner you speak to an attorney, the better your chances are of obtaining maximum recovery for your losses. Most of the time, insurance companies will offer you the lowest amount possible. However, a skilled motorcycle accident attorney will know how to accurately assess your damages and negotiate for the compensation you deserve. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in motorcycle accident laws and dedicated to getting you the justice and compensation you deserve.
Ohio’s Motorcycle Accident Statute of Limitations
Under Ohio law, a motorcycle accident victim has two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit for compensation. Waiting over two years to file will likely deny you your right to recover damages from the at-fault party.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Akron Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, you likely have a long road to recovery. As a result, your injuries can take an emotional and financial toll. In addition to costly medical expenses, you may have lost wages and significant pain and suffering. But you do not have to go through this challenging time alone. Our experienced Akron personal injury lawyer will aggressively represent your best interests and work hard to get you the compensation you deserve. Our firm handles motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning we are only paid when we recover damages on your behalf. This means there is no financial risk in obtaining our legal services. No more dealing with insurance companies. Those calls stop the moment you hire us. Contact us today at (330)762-0700 to schedule your free consultation.