Ask any motorcyclist, and they’ll likely tell you there are few things they enjoy more than hitting the open road on their iron horse. Given the long winter season here in Ohio, it’s no stretch at all to understand the passion that motorcyclists have for this pastime.
Despite the innumerable pleasures of motorcycling, serious injury remains an ever-present danger—even at low speeds, and even for the most experienced riders. Whether it’s due to road or weather conditions, equipment malfunctions, rider error or the actions of other motorists on the road, literally thousands of motorcycle accidents happen every year, and the consequences can be debilitating—even fatal.
In fact, in 2014, the Ohio Department of Public Safety reported 2,910 injury crashes involving motorcycles, 141 of which were fatal. While it’s natural to think that young adults (i.e., ages 21-25) are most prone to motorcycle accidents, the Department’s statistics showed that actually, adults ages 41-55 are just as prone to motorcycle accidents.
Given the high number of motorcycle accidents that occur each year on Ohio highways and byways, it’s absolutely critical that motorcyclists practice safe cycling. This includes the use of protective gear (e.g., helmet, protective pants and jackets, motorcycle boots, motorcycle riding gloves, rain gear and protective glasses), as well as safe riding habits. It’s also essential that riders be properly trained and licensed prior to hitting the open road.
With any injury that occurs in or on a moving vehicle, there is a cause and an effect – and these variables are used to determine who or what is at fault in the incident. Motorcycle accidents are no different; when they occur, someone or something is to blame. As mentioned earlier, there are many possible causes for motorcycle accidents. Yet one cause in particular seems to be particularly prevalent: other motorists. Motorcycles are not as visible to vehicles as cars and trucks—they are smaller and easier to overlook, especially in heavy traffic and at intersections. Consequently, motorists can be prone to causing accidents that involve motorcycles.
In cases of motorcycle accidents that are caused by an individual other than the cyclist, the victim and their family should by all means make a claim for injury. This will enable them to collect compensation they deserve for injuries and damages caused in the accident.
No-Cost Evaluation
Filing a personal injury lawsuit following a motorcycle accident can seem like an overwhelming task for the injured rider and/or their loved ones. The accident itself is a damaging – even life-threatening – experience. The personal injury attorneys at Nager, Romaine & Schneiberg Co., L.P.A. understand how difficult this can be, and they are committed to making this process easier. Our motorcycle accident attorneys are highly knowledgeable regarding the complexities of vehicular accidents and offer the personalized service that motorcycle accident victims deserve. Our skilled attorneys have extensive experience litigating motorcycle accident and death cases.
In the event you or a loved one are injured in a motorcycle-related accident – or if a loved one was killed in a motorcycle-related accident – you need to seek immediate legal advice. Contact the Ohio personal injury attorneys at NRS Injury Law by filling out our No-Risk Consultation form, or call (855) GOT-HURT and speak with one of our trained staff members. Learn more about the issues unique to motorcycle accidents by visiting our motorcycle accident page or from the safety and training resources listed below.
Motorcycle safety and training resources:
- State of Ohio website with information on basic motorcycle riding courses
- Ohio Department of Public Safety Motorcycle Operator Manual
- American Motorcyclist Association rider resources
