Columbus Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you ride a motorcycle, you likely are aware of the many factors entirely out of your control that make riding your bike potentially more dangerous. Negligent car and truck drivers, unsafe road conditions, and defective motorcycle parts threaten your health and safety.
If you have been involved in a crash, you need legal assistance from an aggressive Columbus motorcycle accident attorney. Many times, the rider is wrongly blamed for the crash. But our attorneys understand that most motorcyclists are highly responsible while riding. In fact, nearly 60% of all motorcycle-auto accidents are caused by the motorist involved in the collision.
Our Columbus personal injury lawyers team at Slater & Zurz has extensive experience representing those seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. We know what questions to ask and how to find the answers. Our skilled attorneys will accurately identify who was at fault for the collision and pursue the maximum recovery on your behalf. Our legal team knows how to fight for what you deserve and are relentless in our pursuit of justice.
Leading Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Our Columbus motorcycle accident lawyers understand the many challenges and dangers a motorcyclist faces while out on the road. We have also seen just how devastating a motorcycle crash can be. Motorcycles lack the protective structure to help guard a rider against injury in the event of an accident. That is why motorcyclists are highly vulnerable to catastrophic injuries, even death. The following are common causes of motorcycle accidents:
Unsafe lane changes
When a driver fails to check his or her blind spot or signal when changing lanes, he or she is at risk of colliding with a motorcycle.
Speeding
A leading cause of motorcycle accidents, speeding significantly reduces a driver’s ability to see and react to the presence of a motorcycle. The higher the speed, the greater the impact, causing severe injuries to the rider.
Driving under the influence
Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are significantly impaired. Their ability to perceive and react is highly diminished, increasing the danger to motorcyclists.
Car doors
When a driver opens his or her door without checking to see if a motorcycle may be present, a rider can hit the car door and be thrown from their bike or swerve into the path of oncoming traffic.
Left-turn accidents
Misjudgments of speed or distance and failing to yield the right of way can result in a serious collision. Left-turn accidents are another leading cause of injury and death to motorcycle riders.
Rear-end collisions
Rear-end crashes can be especially devastating to a motorcyclist. Often motorists follow too closely to a motorcycle, and when the rider stops abruptly, the rider is hit. Since there is very little protection for the motorcycle rider, they are often thrown from their bike with powerful force or run over by the vehicle.
Pulling out in front of a motorcycle
Due to the lowered visibility of a motorcycle rider, a motorist may not see the rider and pull out in the direct path of the motorcycle. Motorcyclists are often thrown over the vehicle, crash into the side of the car, or are hit by oncoming traffic while swerving to avoid it.
If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle crash, our attorneys will work diligently to investigate what happened, how it happened, and who was at fault. We will then pursue maximum recovery from the at-fault parties to get you the compensation you deserve.
Pursuing Compensation for your Columbus Motorcycle Accident Injuries
You can legally pursue compensation for your losses if you have been injured in a collision caused by another person’s careless actions. In a motorcycle accident lawsuit, typical losses include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Loss of earnings and earning potential
- Costs of rehabilitation, including physical therapy
- Motorcycle repair or replacement
- Disability modifications to your home and vehicle
- Costs of in-home care
- Emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of quality of life
In Ohio, a motorcycle accident victim has two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Failing to bring an action for injury or wrongful death within two years generally bars a plaintiff from recovery, so acting quickly and speaking with our qualified Personal injury attorney in Columbus, Ohio as soon as possible is crucial.
How Our Columbus Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Help
Our attorneys at Slater & Zurz genuinely care about your health and well-being. We will help you through the process of your motorcycle accident lawsuit while protecting your rights and best interests, negotiating on your behalf, and representing you in court, if necessary. Your choice of legal representation can greatly affect the outcome of your case. With over 100 years of collective experience, you can rest assured you are in capable hands.
Investigating the Accident
Our attorneys will perform a detailed investigation into the accident. We will determine what happened, why, and who was involved. When called for, we will work with an experienced accident reconstructionist who will provide knowledgeable insight into the details of your accident.
Handling All Aspects of the Process
From beginning to end, our legal team will handle all motorcycle accident claims process steps. This includes identifying the liable party, preparing and filing the claim, facilitating all communication with the insurance company, and negotiating a settlement compensating you for your expenses and other losses.
Representing You at Trial When Necessary
If the other party disputes liability or the extent of damages, a trial may be needed to obtain full and fair compensation. When this is the case, our attorneys will be committed and able to present your case in court and aggressively represent your best interests in front of the judge and jury.
Speak with an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Columbus
After a motorcycle accident, you may be facing the inability to work, multiple surgeries and rehabilitation therapy, the need to make modifications to your home and vehicles, and possibly even the need for lifelong care. The financial toll of your accident should not be an added factor to all that you are going through.
At Slater & Zurz, we understand how devastating a motorcycle collision can be for you and your family. We are dedicated to supporting you through this time in any way we can. In addition, our seasoned legal team will do everything within our power to get you the compensation you need to recover emotionally, physically, and financially from the injuries you sustained due to another person’s negligent behavior. We welcome you to contact us any time, day or night. You can reach us at (614)756-2714 or contact us online.