Leading Columbus Motorcycle Accident Attorneys | Kurgis & Associates
Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident in Columbus? Our dedicated motorcycle accident attorneys at Kurgis & Associates are here to help you recover and get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Why Choose a Motorcycle?
Riding a motorcycle offers both enjoyment and practicality. Whether it’s the thrill of the open road or the cost-efficiency of fuel and parking, motorcycles are a popular choice. However, it’s important to be aware of the risks involved.
Understanding the Risks of Riding a Motorcycle?
While riding a motorcycle can be enjoyable and practical, it also comes with significant risks. Motorcycle accidents can lead to severe injuries, financial burdens, and impact your ability to work and care for your family. Understanding these risks is crucial for every rider.
- In 2017, 5,172 people died in motorcycle accidents, according to The National Institute of Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NIHTSA).
- Motorcycle accidents are more likely to be fatal than car accidents because the driver is exposed to the road and mostly unprotected. In fact, when comparing cars and motorcycles mile for mile, approximately 35 times as many people die in motorcycle accidents each year.
- Head-on collisions are often more fatal for motorcycle riders than for those in cars, with 78% of crashes involving cars and motorcycles occurring when the car hits the motorcycle from the front.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Knowing the common causes of motorcycle accidents can help you stay safe on the road. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Inexperienced drivers: Driving a motorcycle requires specialized skills and training. Many accidents occur when a new driver’s skills are still developing.
- Visibility: Motorcycles are less visible than cars and more likely to be obscured by large objects. Almost 70% of motorcycle accidents involving cars occur at intersections due to reduced visibility.
- Road conditions: Potholes, road debris, and animals on the road can spell disaster for motorcycles. The bike may end up on its side or crashed into a ditch while trying to avoid obstacles.
- Speeding: Speeding is a problem with motorcycles, just as it is with cars. High velocity can cause a bike to wobble out of control, especially if the front tire is misaligned.
- Lane splitting: Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle drives between two lanes of stopped or slow-moving cars, such as in a traffic jam. This practice is dangerous due to the proximity of cars, limited maneuverability, and the element of surprise for drivers in cars.
Potential Damages from Motorcycle Accidents Motorcycle Accidents?
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Columbus, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. The value of your claim can vary based on several factors, including the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the accident.
However, a few common factors are usually involved. An experienced Columbus motorcycle injury lawyer can help you assemble all the data related to damages.
Negligence is a legal term that means a person contributed to the accident by doing something they shouldn’t have, or by failing to do something they should have.
For example, if someone is driving drunk, they are behaving negligently. In a motorcycle accident, if one party is found to be negligent, they may be held liable for damages to the other. If both parties bear some responsibility, it may be a question of comparative negligence. This legal term means that each party is responsible for a percentage of the accident and any reward received is reduced by the percentage of liability.
Negligence involves four elements that the plaintiff must prove. All of the elements must be present for the plaintiff to prevail.
- The defendant must be required by law to take reasonable care. This is easily proven in motorcycle cases since everyone operating a vehicle of any kind must use reasonable care.
- The plaintiff must prove that the defendant did not take reasonable care as compared to the conduct of a reasonable person.
- In order to win the case, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s behavior caused the harms and losses.
- The plaintiff must show that he or she had injuries and losses.
Product liability comes up more often with motorcycles than with cars. If some problem with the bike’s design caused the accident, the manufacturer might be held responsible for the damages.
Damages are losses that can be physical or emotional as well as financial. Damages fall into two categories: compensatory and punitive.
Compensatory damages can be calculated with precision by adding up medical bills, lost wages for missed time at work, the expense of repairing damaged property, and other concrete numbers. Punitive damages are not measurable in the same way. Some examples of punitive damages are pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Do I Have To Wear A Helmet When I Ride A Motorcycle?
While federal law does not mandate helmet use, the District of Columbia and 19 states require all riders to wear helmets. In Ohio, riders under 18 and those with a beginner license must wear a helmet. Wearing a helmet significantly reduces the risk of severe injury or death in an accident.
Twenty-eight states require helmets for riders under a specific age, usually 18 years. Specific to Ohio, motorists under the age of 18 must wear a helmet as well as anyone with a beginner license known as a Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC). If the driver of the bike is required to wear a helmet, then any passengers must wear a helmet as well. Also, the helmet must be approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
Even if a helmet is not required by law, experts agree that these devices save lives. NIHTSA estimates that helmets saved 1,870 lives in 2017, and another 750 riders might have survived their accidents if they had been wearing a helmet. For your own welfare, you should wear a helmet when you ride or drive.
Beyond the likelihood of physical injuries, if you aren’t wearing a helmet, your claim for damages may be affected. If you were legally required to wear the helmet, failure to do so might be considered negligence. Insurance companies may also raise the helmet issue in negotiations.
What Should I Do If I Am In A Motorcycle Accident In Ohio?
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Ohio, it is crucial to contact a qualified attorney immediately. Avoid discussing the accident with insurance companies or other parties until you have consulted with a lawyer to protect your rights and ensure a fair settlement.
You could inadvertently do or say something that hurts your chances of getting a fair settlement. If you’re in need of a motorcycle accident attorney in Ohio, Kurgis & Associates can help you evaluate all of your options. Call us today for your free consultation.
Motorcycle accidents can cause many different injuries like severe head injury, multiple broken bones, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury and organ damage. Even states with a strict helmet law continue to experience numerous motorcycle accident fatalities and injuries.
What Should You Do Next?
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident or if someone you love suffered a wrongful death as a result of a motorcycle accident, please contact us today. We offer a free evaluation and consultation. You will pay no attorney fees until we receive financial compensation for you or your loved one as Kurgis & Associates represents motorcycle accident victims on a contingency basis.
