Motorcycle accidents are different from car accidents for a number of reasons, from the severity of the injuries that can be involved to the complexity of the insurance claims process that can follow.
Our motorcycle accident lawyer can investigate the details of your accident and represent your best interests in an insurance claim or lawsuit. We can help you seek a fair settlement to cover your past and future medical costs.
What Are Some of the Unique Factors Involved in Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle riders are more exposed when accidents happen, even with protective gear, and this can lead to severe injuries in the event of a crash. Fatal crashes can also occur when motorcycles are involved. Data from the Insurance Information Institute (III) indicates that motorcycle accidents can often be more serious than those involving passenger vehicles, as motorcyclists are far more likely to be injured or even fatally injured in an accident.
Some of the common factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include:
- Speeding
- Alcohol use
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also notes that motorcyclist visibility can be a major issue that leads to accidents, as a vehicle driver’s inattention can easily lead to a fatal crash.
Injuries You Could Sustain After a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accident injuries are often serious and can be fatal. Because motorcycles offer riders a limited amount of protection, you should always wear a helmet. Common injuries motorcycle riders can sustain in an accident include:
- Road rash
- Head injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Broken bones
- Spinal injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Bruises and cuts
- Burns
Catastrophic accidents may lead to permanent disability. If you suffered motorcycle accident injuries, our personal injury lawyers are prepared to work with you.
Potential Compensation You Can Recover After a Motorcycle Crash
When it comes to compensation, motorcycle accidents do not differ much from motor vehicle collisions.
You may be able to receive compensation for:
- Lost income
- Medical expenses
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle damage
The more severely your injuries affect your life after an accident, the more compensation you can pursue.
Are Motorcycle Accident Cases More Complicated Than Car Accident Cases?
Insurance claims can often be trickier than many claimants initially realize, and motorcycle cases are no exception. Insurance companies will often work to reduce the payout they offer to claimants, and they may try to:
- Offer you a settlement soon after the crash that may not cover all your expenses
- Ask you to make a recorded statement—and then use your words against you
- Claim that you actions or inactions made your injuries worse
In motorcycle accident cases, you may find that insurance companies will work to challenge your claim even more. They may also:
- Try to deny or limit your claim
- Suggest that you were more responsible for the accident than you actually were
When it comes to insurance claims after a motorcycle accident, motorcyclists can sometimes be automatically deemed the reckless party—regardless of the actual evidence in the case. We can work to demonstrate the actual evidence in your case and work to seek the compensation you may deserve.
Who Is at Fault in an Accident Involving a Vehicle and a Motorcycle?
In order to seek compensation for your losses after an accident, we will have to show that the other driver was more at fault for the accident than you were. The fault for an accident depends on demonstrating a driver’s negligence.
In a motorcycle accident case, we will work to prove a driver’s negligence just as we would in any other accident case. We will:
- Investigate your accident for evidence of the other driver’s carelessness or recklessness
- Show how the other driver’s negligent actions led to your accident and injuries
- Demonstrate your resulting losses
Contributory Fault Laws That Affect Motorcycle Cases
In some states, the law allows you to seek compensation even if you were partially at fault for an accident. Ohio Revised Code Section 2315.33 notes that you aren’t prevented from seeking compensation after an Ohio accident—as long as your fault wasn’t greater than that of the other party or parties.
For instance:
- If you were a motorcyclist who was speeding 10 mph over the speed limit, but the other driver was driving under the influence, we may be able to show that the other driver was much more at fault.
Other factors, such as road hazards, may also contribute to an accident. Our lawyers can get to the bottom of what happened. You may not want to dismiss your opportunity to pursue compensation. We can help you determine how much you could get in an insurance claim or lawsuit.
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Motorcycle Accidents and Car Accidents Have the Same Lawsuit Filing Deadline
A similarity between motorcycle accident cases and car accident cases is that victims of either type of accident must adhere to the same statute of limitations. In Ohio, Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10 generally gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party.
Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.02 typically gives you two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit if your loved one suffered fatal injuries. Don’t wait to get started on your case, as time is limited. If you miss the statute of limitations, you may not be able to recover compensation.
A Lawyer From The Fitch Law Firm LLC Can Help You After a Motorcycle Accident or Car Accident
When it comes to seeking the fair value of your claim, we can fight to ensure that you seek every possible dollar available to you.
We can:
- Determine the value of your case, considering your past medical bills and what you may have to pay in the future
- Negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf
- Take your case to court if they refuse to offer a fair settlement
- Prepare compelling evidence, using expert testimony if needed
- Ensure your case complies with the statute of limitations
Seek Medical Treatment After a Motorcycle Accident
Medical treatment is necessary not only for your health but also for your case. When our motorcycle accident lawyers seek compensation, they will use your medical records to establish the negligence of another party. They will also use them to determine your current and future medical expenses, which you want to claim. The last thing you want is to be left footing the bill for someone else’s negligence down the road.
Make sure you follow through with any prescribed treatment plan, as well. Following your doctor’s treatment plan will prevent insurers from arguing that your injuries were less severe than you originally claimed. They could also argue that you contributed to your losses, a tactic they may try to do so that they can undervalue or deny your claim.
We Are Available for Your Call 24/7 After a Motorcycle Accident
When you call The Fitch Law Firm LLC, we can answer any of your questions about how your motorcycle accident case may be different from a car accident. You can also ask us:
- What your case could be worth
- How to obtain a fair settlement or award
- How we can prove fault in your case
Call us today after your motorcycle accident and tell us more about your situation. We are proud to serve accident victims in Columbus and across Ohio. Your initial consultation is always free.