18,980 crashes involving motorcycles have occurred on Ohio’s roadways between 2018-2022. Of these, over 5,000 riders sustained severe injuries. With fewer physical barriers to protect the body from impact in a collision, the consequences of a motorcycle accident are more likely to be devastating.
Motorcycle users typically understand the reality of their risk, but what some may not know is that there may be financial compensation available to provide support with the costs of medical bills, rehabilitative treatments, lost income, and more.
At Graham Law, we prioritize your legal needs so that you can focus on your recovery. Contact us and schedule a consultation with our Zanesville motorcycle accident attorneys today. We also have an office in Cambridge, Ohio in addition to our Zanesville office.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Road users in Ohio have a legal duty to conduct themselves with reasonable care, taking actions to prevent possible injuries. When a person fails to act with reasonable care, they may be found negligent. If their negligent actions cause injury to another, they may be liable for the damages the injured party has sustained as a result.
Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Ohio include:
- A driver’s consumption of drugs and/or alcohol
- Speeding
- Failure to obey traffic signals, including yield signs
- Inattentive driving (eg. texting at the wheel)
- Fatigue
- And more
Adverse events outside a road user’s control, such as poor weather conditions, may also contribute to the risk of a collision. Drivers are expected to make reasonable efforts to prevent an accident due to environmental factors. This may include installing winter tires, ensuring their headlights are operational, and driving slowly in heavy rain.
There may be circumstances where fault is not entirely clear, or may be shared between multiple parties involved in the accident. Working with our Zanesville and Cambridge motorcycle accident attorneys, you may receive key guidance with regards to your rights and the law. Contact Graham Law today for more information.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Injuries associated with a motorcycle accident are more likely than a car collision to be serious, or even fatal, for the rider. Some of the most common motorcycle accident-related injuries in Ohio include:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Cuts and lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Burns
- Road rash
- Rider’s arm
- Internal bleeding
- Dental injuries
- Amputation
- And more
Depending on the severity of the injuries, the lives of both a motorcycle accident survivor and those closest to them may be altered forever. Medical bills may accrue, as well as the costs of other treatments, all while the injured accident survivor may be unable to earn income.
With the help of our Zanesville motorcycle accident attorneys, you may be able to recover financial compensation to help support you as you recover. Call us today to learn more.
What to Do If You Have Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident
The first and most important action you can take after any personal injury is to make sure you receive medical attention. Even if you do not believe your injuries are serious, visit your doctor as soon as possible after the collision. Some injuries take time to reveal their full scope, especially in the initial shock. If you choose to pursue a personal injury claim, having an official medical record may likewise be vital evidence.
If you are able, record as much information as possible while you are at the scene of the accident. The names and contact information of other parties involved in the collision, as well as those of witnesses. Photos and videos of the accident scene may also be helpful.
If a roadside collision has caused an injury that needs medical attention, or property damage in excess of $1,000, Ohio state law requires you to call the police. A police report may likewise prove useful evidence in a personal injury claim.
Contact our Ohio motorcycle accident attorneys as soon as you can. With offices in Zanesville and Cambridge, we are happy to address your questions and concerns, and see how we may be of service in your motorcycle accident claim.
How an Ohio Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help
Ohio is a “fault” state in terms of roadside collisions, meaning the driver responsible for the accident is liable for the damages that the accident causes. If you are a motorcycle rider who has been injured as a result of another vehicle operator’s actions, you may be eligible to pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.
If you are partially at fault for an accident, you may still recover some compensation. In accordance with laws on comparative negligence in Ohio personal injury claims, a motorcycle rider may recover an amount commensurate to the percentage of their responsibility for the given accident. For example, if you are found to be 15% responsible for the collision, you might receive 15% less than the total settlement amount.
What may be possible in calculating and negotiating a settlement depends on a wide array of factors specific to each case. Let us help you pursue meaningful compensation.
Book a Consultation With Our Ohio Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident can overturn the lives of riders and their loved ones alike. At Graham Law, we prioritize compassionate, detail-oriented service. Our goal is to address your concerns and get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
