The last thing you should have to deal with after a motorcycle accident is the stress of fighting with the insurance company to get the compensation you deserve. Many insurance companies expect motorcycle accident victims to accept the amount they offer simply. And without a lawyer on your side, the insurance company generally has the advantage. Very often, they blame you in an attempt to give you a small fraction of the money you are entitled to.
Our Cincinnati motorcycle accident lawyers can help. We will take on the insurance companies and protect what is in your best interests. Our seasoned motorcycle accident attorneys not only have the experience needed to get you the maximum compensation, but we also have the resources. We utilize our team of experts, which includes accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and financial specialists, who aid us in demonstrating how the accident happened, who was at fault, and what the true extent of your past and future losses are, including but not limited to lost wages, medical bills, and, pain & suffering. For more information on filing a motorcycle accident claim in Cincinnati, Ohio, contact the Slater & Zurz law firm to schedule your free initial consultation and discuss your legal options.
What to do After a Cincinnati Motorcycle Accident
What you do after a motorcycle accident will significantly impact your ability to recover maximum compensation for your losses. Below is a list of crucial steps to take immediately following your collision to ensure the best possible outcome.
Get to safety
The first step is to take a look at your surroundings. Are you out of harm’s way? If you can, remove yourself from the roadway and from the path of oncoming cars. Also, look for others involved in the accident and, if possible, help them get to safety as well.
Do not remove your protective gear.
Leave your helmet and other protective gear on to ensure your injuries do not worsen. Adrenaline and shock may be masking your injuries, so it is important to keep your gear on until the paramedics feel it is safe to remove it.
Call the police
Once you are in a safe place, call 911 to report the accident. When the officer arrives, be sure to tell him or her everything you remember about what happened before, during, and after the crash. It is also essential to obtain a copy of the police report as it will have vital information, such as:
- The contact information of the parties involved
- The contact information of any eyewitnesses
- A diagram of the accident scene
- The weather and road conditions at the time of the accident
- A list of any traffic citations issued to any of the involved parties
Seek medical treatment
Whether or not you feel injured, getting a thorough medical examination after an accident is always best. Many times, injuries do not show up right away. Sometimes, they take days, weeks, and even months to present themselves. Seeking medical treatment will ensure any injuries are diagnosed and treated promptly. In addition, make sure you continue to follow your doctor’s treatment plan and do not miss any scheduled appointments with your doctors or therapists.
Gather information
Take photos and video of the accident scene and the vehicles involved. Write down everything you remember about the accident and the circumstances leading up to the crash as soon as you can. Over time, you may forget crucial details, so it is best to have a detailed, written account of what happened.
Contact a Cincinnati Motorcycle Injury Lawyer
To ensure your legal rights are protected and to increase your chances of maximizing the compensation for your losses, we recommend speaking with knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorneys. Your lawyer will handle each step of the process, including all communication with the insurance company so that you can prioritize your physical recovery and emotional well-being.
Compensation for Your Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Being injured in a motorcycle accident can be devastating. Victims are often left to deal with the physical, emotional, and financial toll caused by the accident. If you sustained losses after being involved in a motorcycle accident that was caused by another party’s negligent or careless actions, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to the following damages:
- Costs for past and future medical care
- Transportation
- Medication
- Rehabilitation therapy
- Repair or replacement of your motorcycle
- Home health services
- Modifications to your home and vehicle
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Loss of consortium
Comparative Negligence Laws in Ohio
In many motorcycle accidents in Cincinnati, more than one party is at fault. Under Ohio’s comparative negligence laws, you still have the right to recover damages if you are partially at fault for the crash – as long as it is determined you are 50% or less responsible. However, your share of the fault will reduce your total recovery. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but it was found you were 30% responsible for the collision, your final award would be $70,000. ($100,000 x .30 = $70,000.)
Your share of the fault will significantly impact the amount of compensation you will ultimately receive. That is why it is essential to have an experienced Cincinnati motorcycle accident attorney on your side who understands how to properly investigate the accident and obtain evidence that minimizes your percentage of liability.
Let Our Highly Trained Cincinnati Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Fight for Justice
Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable every time they get on their bikes. Although motorcycle riders are generally responsible, they are at the mercy of negligent and reckless drivers. At Slater & Zurz, we understand how devastating a motorcycle crash can be. Our legal team knows you are often left with severe, sometimes permanent injuries and an extreme financial burden. Our commitment to you is to do everything within our power to obtain maximum damages as quickly as possible, allowing you to recover physically and financially. We want you to know you do not have to go through this process alone. Our dedicated and compassionate legal team will be there every step of the way, offering you our vast knowledge, over a century of combined personal injury experience, and, importantly, our unwavering guidance and support. In addition, we take all motorcycle accident injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you will not have to pay any up-front fees and will owe us nothing until we recover damages on your behalf. We welcome you to contact our office to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled personal injury lawyers in Cincinnati—call (513)496-3331 to get started.