Motorcycle Accidents Lawyer in Mentor, OH
REPRESENTING CLIENTS HURT IN A CRASH CAUSED BY SOMEONE ELSE’S NEGLIGENCE
The Ohio State Highway Patrol reports that there have been at least 18,980 accidents involving motorcycles on Ohio roadways between 2018 and 2022. The OSHP also reports that the number of motorcycle crashes has steadily increased over the last five years, leading to 5,926 injuries and 927 fatalities. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else, the Piscitelli Law Firm can help you recover compensation for your damages. Contact our firm in Mentor, OH, to learn more.
WHAT ARE THE MOTORCYCLE LAWS IN OHIO?
The state of Ohio has several laws addressing safety requirements and rules of the road for motorcyclists, especially those under 18 or with a temporary learner’s permit. All motorcycle drivers must have a permit – drivers may choose to add a motorcycle endorsement to their standard driver’s license or obtain a motorcycle-only license. Before obtaining a motorcycle license or endorsement, drivers must have a learner’s permit, undergo a basic rider skills class, and, in some cases, pass a skill test before obtaining a permanent license or endorsement.
Every motorcycle must be registered and carry a license plate and adequate insurance. Bikers must have adequate eye protection and ensure their motorbikes are equipped with the required safety equipment (headlights, tail lights, rearview mirrors, horn, muffler, brakes, and turn signals) and must not ride more than two abreast in a single lane. In Ohio, passengers under 18 must wear a helmet, but helmet use for those with a permanent license who are over 18 is not mandatory but strongly recommended.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO AFTER BEING INVOLVED IN A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT?
After a motorcycle accident, seek medical attention and call for emergency medical help for any serious injuries. Even if you don’t feel like you’ve been injured, it’s important to be examined by a medical professional immediately, as doing so will help you document your injuries and establish a timeline of when the accident occurred in case you begin experiencing delayed symptoms.
Be sure to report the accident to law enforcement and exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver involved. Make sure to write down the other driver’s name, contact information, license plate number, insurance information, and make and model of their vehicle, as well as any relevant details about the accident. If possible, take photographs of the scene, damages to your motorcycle, and any visible injuries. Don’t forget to contact your insurance company and report the incident as well.
In addition, you may want to reach out to a seasoned motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can handle tasks such as filing a claim and negotiating with insurance companies to ensure that you obtain fair payment for your losses.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM PARTIALLY AT FAULT FOR MY CRASH?
Ohio uses the modified comparative negligence rule to determine how much an individual can recover in a case where the parties in a personal injury case (including a motorcycle crash) may share some of the liability for their damages. The modified comparative negligence rule states that if a person is determined to be more than 50% responsible for their accident, they can be barred from receiving compensation for their damages.
However, it is important to understand that the percentage of liability assigned to you may impact how much money you end up receiving. For example, if a person is 30% at fault for the crash, they may still receive payment, but their settlement amount will be reduced by 30%. If a person is found to be more than 50% at fault, they will likely be barred from receiving any compensation for their damages. If you believe that you may be partially at fault for your accident, contact an attorney. Your attorney may help you build your case in a way that minimizes the percentage of liability assigned to you and maximizes the amount of damages you may be eligible to receive.
WHAT KIND OF DAMAGES COMPENSATION CAN I GET FOR MY MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT CASE?
A motorcycle accident victim who can successfully prove their case may be able to receive compensation for economic and non-economic damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Economic damages typically include financial losses such as medical expenses, hospital bills, medication, physical therapy, lost wages, and property damage. Property damage includes any damage done to the motorcycle or any other property (such as personal safety gear) as a result of the accident. Non-economic damages are meant to compensate the victim for the more subjective effects of the accident and typically include compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress caused by the accident.
In some cases, motorcycle accident victims may also be awarded punitive damages, which can bring additional compensation on top of standard damages. Punitive damages are typically only awarded in cases of particularly egregious negligence or misconduct on the part of the defendant and are a civil court’s way of punishing the defendant for their behavior.
Each motorcycle accident case is unique, and results may not be the same for every case. For these reasons, it is crucial that you reach out to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to discuss your case and get a better idea of how much money you may be able to recover for your damages. The Piscitelli Law Firm has helped countless motorcycle accident victims in Mentor, OH, and surrounding areas receive fair compensation for their losses. We are here to help you protect your rights as a victim. Contact us to schedule a no-commitment case analysis.
