Akron Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
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 serious 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, we can help. Slater & Zurz has assisted injured motorcyclists in obtaining compensation for their losses for over 30 years. We will draw from our vast resources and experience to bring your case to the best possible resolution. Our Akron motorcycle accident attorneys 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
Because motorcycles do not have the external protections of other motor vehicles, motorcyclists and their passengers have an increased risk of injury. 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 affect your emotional, physical, and financial well-being for years to come. That is why it is essential to obtain full and fair recovery in your motorcycle accident lawsuit. Below are damages for which you may receive compensation.
- Past and future medical expenses
- 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. 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 when it occurs 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 one of 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. In the moments after your accident, you may be frightened, injured, and in shock. However, there are some critical steps to take to 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. 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, video, 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. But a skilled motorcycle accident attorney will know how to accurately assess your damages and negotiate for the compensation you deserve.
Ohio Motorcycle Accident Statute of Limitations
Under Ohio law, a motorcycle accident victim has two years from the date of the accident 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 bills, you may have lost wages as well as significant pain and suffering. But you do not have to go through this difficult time alone. Our experienced Akron personal injury lawyer will represent your best interests aggressively 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. Call Slater & Zurz today at (330)762-0700 to schedule your free consultation.