There are many possible fatal injuries in a motorcycle accident. This can include internal bleeding, spinal injuries, organ damage, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and more.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), crash data suggests that using a helmet reduces the motorcycle operator’s risk of fatal accident injuries by an estimated 37%. This figure indicates how injuries to the head and neck may be a major cause of death in motorcycle accidents.
If your loved one lost their life in a motorcycle accident caused by another party’s negligence, you may be able to pursue them for damages in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Negligence Can Cause Fatal Motorcycle Accidents
Negligence is a major cause of motorcycle accidents that result in death. Negligent actions by a driver or a non-driver third party may include:
Violating a Traffic Law
Any form of traffic law violation may qualify as negligence. A negligent driver may be liable for a motorcycle accident caused by:
- Speeding
- An illegal lane change
- Failure to yield
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Not leaving a safe following distance
- And more
Distracted Driving
Anyone on the road can be distracted by things such as changing their music, talking with a fellow passenger, or answering a text message. Distracted drivers may be liable for accidents they cause
Road Conditions
Uneven lanes or potholes can be annoying for someone in a larger vehicle, but they can be deadly for those on motorcycles. A pothole could cause a motorcycle rider to swerve to try to miss it, or the motorcycle could hit it and lose balance. If a negligent municipality causes a fatal motorcycle accident by not removing dangerous road hazards, they may be liable in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Alcohol
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be deadly. If an intoxicated driver gets behind the wheel and causes a fatal motorcycle accident, they may be held liable for the resultant damages.
Mechanical Failure
If a negligent mechanic or the manufacturer of a defective motorcycle product causes or contributes to a fatal motorcycle accident, they may be responsible for the surviving family members’ damages.
Protective Gear
Protective gear not only protects a motorcycle rider when an accident occurs, but it can also prevent accidents. This gear is meant to keep the rider safe and comfortable while they are riding their motorcycle. Protective gear may include:
Helmets
Although not all motorcycle riders are required to wear a helmet in Ohio, the research from the NHTSA referenced above indicates that wearing one can save a rider’s life.
Hearing Protection
When motorcycles are close to the sound of the engine for long periods, it can damage their hearing. Hearing protection can reduce the risk of hearing loss.
Face and Eye Protection
Face and eye protection can prevent items such as bugs and rocks from hitting the motorcycle rider’s face. Face protection can come attached to the helmet or added separately.
Protective Clothing
Protective clothing can shield a motorcycle rider from the heat of the bike, the weather, or the road in case of an accident. Bright or reflective clothing can also help make a motorcycle rider more visible.
Gloves
Gloves can either be full coverage or have open fingers. Gloves can improve a motorcycle rider’s grip, prevent blisters, and protect their hands in the event of an accident.
The Fitch Law Firm LLC May Be Able to Help You
If you lost a loved one due to a motorcycle accident in Columbus, Ohio, the Fitch Law Firm LLC may be able to help you pursue compensation for your damages in a wrongful death insurance claim or lawsuit.
Depending on the details of your case and the relationship you had with the deceased, the recoverable damages in a wrongful death case may include:
- Funeral costs
- Loss of earnings
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of protection
- Loss of inheritance
- Mental anguish
- And more
The Fitch Law Firm LLC can manage all of the communications, evidence gathering, deadlines, and paperwork in your case when we represent you.
If you are considering taking legal action, do not delay. Ohio Revised Code (ORC) § 2125.02 imposes a general two-year statute of limitations on wrongful death lawsuits in Ohio.
For a free consultation on your case with a member of our team, call the Fitch Law Firm LLC today at (614) 545-3930. We may be able to represent you on a contingency-fee-basis, where you have no obligation to pay us attorney fees unless and until you recover compensation via a settlement offer or court award.