Maumee Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycle accidents can have devastating effects, leading to serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost wages, all of which can create significant financial strain. In many cases, insurance companies try to exploit the stress of victims by offering quick but inadequate settlements that fail to cover the full scope of their recovery needs. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Maumee can ensure you receive fair compensation and are not taken advantage of by these lowball offers.

At Charles E. Boyk Law Offices LLC, we specialize in motorcycle accident cases, backed by over a century of combined legal experience. Our attorneys have a strong reputation for effectively challenging insurance companies and large corporations, leveraging our expertise to advocate for you. We treat every client like family, prioritizing your well-being and offering the dedicated legal support you need.

Steps to Take After A Maumee Motorcycle Accident

1. Ensure Safety and Call for Help:
   1. Move to Safety: If possible, move yourself and your motorcycle off the roadway to prevent further accidents.
   2. Call 911: Immediately report the accident to get medical assistance and alert the police.

2. Seek Medical Attention:
   2. Even if you feel fine, it’s critical to seek medical attention. Injuries may not be immediately visible, and prompt care helps with proper documentation.

3. Document the Accident Scene:
   3. Photographs: Capture pictures of the accident scene, including your motorcycle, other vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
   4. Witness Information: Get contact details from witnesses who saw the accident happen.

4. Exchange Information:
   4. Driver Details: Collect names, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle information from all involved parties.
   5. Police Report: Ensure the police create a detailed report and obtain a copy for your records.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company:
   5. Report the accident as soon as possible, providing all relevant details and documentation.

6. Detailed Records:
   6. Maintain a file with all medical records, treatments, expenses, and correspondence related to the accident

7. Avoid Making Statements:
   7. Be cautious when speaking with insurance adjusters or on social media. Don’t admit fault or downplay your injuries.

8. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer:
   8. Consult with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to understand your rights and determine the best steps to take moving forward.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries, primarily due to the lack of built-in protection compared to passenger vehicles. Riders are more exposed in the event of a crash, making them more vulnerable to a wide range of injuries. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Road Rash: This is one of the most common injuries in motorcycle accidents, occurring when a rider slides along the pavement after being thrown from the bike. Road rash can range from mild abrasions to deep, severe burns that may require skin grafts. Infections are common in severe cases and can lead to long-term complications or nerve damage.
• Broken or Fractured Bones: Fractures, especially to the legs, arms, and pelvis, are common in motorcycle crashes. Due to the high impact forces involved, bones can be shattered or broken in multiple places, often requiring surgical intervention, including metal plates, rods, or pins.
• Foot and Leg Injuries: Around 30% of non-fatal motorcycle injuries affect the lower limbs, including the feet, ankles, and legs. Injuries range from fractures and sprains to severe ligament damage, often resulting in long-term disability or the need for rehabilitation.
• Head and Neck Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), facial disfigurement, and neck injuries are common, particularly when a rider isn’t wearing a helmet. TBIs can be life-threatening or cause permanent disabilities, such as memory loss or loss of motor function.
• Spinal Injuries: These can result in serious complications, including chronic pain, nerve damage, or even paralysis. Damage to the spinal cord can have a profound, lifelong impact on mobility and quality of life.
• Burns: Serious burns can occur if a motorcycle’s gas tank leaks or in the event of a fire following a crash. These injuries can require extensive treatment, including skin grafts, and often lead to long-term scarring.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Helmets significantly reduce the risk of TBIs. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, leading to permanent cognitive or physical impairments.

These injuries underscore the importance of wearing protective gear, including helmets, gloves, and appropriate clothing, to help mitigate the severity of injuries in motorcycle accidents.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

In 2022, the National Safety Council (NSC) reported 6,218 motorcycle fatalities and 82,687 injuries involving motorcycles across the United States. The majority of fatalities occurred in urban areas on clear or cloudy days, with most accidents involving two vehicles. These statistics highlight the significant risks motorcyclists face, particularly in more populated areas where traffic density is higher.

According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety, there were 6 motorcycle accidents reported in Maumee in 2023. This local data further underscores the prevalence of motorcycle crashes even in smaller cities, reinforcing the need for heightened safety measures and awareness for both motorcyclists and other road users.

Causes of Car Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can be caused by several factors, many of which are preventable:

1. Reckless Driving: Speeding, aggressive driving, and violations of traffic laws are common causes of accidents. Reckless behavior like weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights, or tailgating increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, alcohol and drug use can significantly impair a rider’s ability to make sound decisions and react quickly, further heightening the likelihood of an accident.
2. Impairment: Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents. These substances impair a rider’s judgment, reaction time, and coordination, making it harder to navigate the road safely. Riding while impaired is both dangerous and illegal.
3. Speeding: Operating a motorcycle at high speeds not only increases the chances of an accident but also magnifies the severity of the injuries sustained. High-speed crashes are more likely to result in serious or fatal injuries due to the force of impact.
4. Helmet Use: Helmets are a key safety feature for motorcyclists. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that wearing a helmet reduces the risk of death in a motorcycle crash by 37%, highlighting the importance of always wearing one.

By addressing these risk factors, riders can significantly reduce their chances of being involved in an accident.

When Do you have a Claim?

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, your eligibility to file a claim depends on who is at fault:

1. If Another Vehicle Operator is at Fault
   1. Motorcyclist’s Claim: The motorcyclist can file a claim against the other driver for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
   2. Passenger’s Claim: Passengers on the motorcycle can also file a claim for their injuries and damages.
2. If the Motorcyclist is at Fault
   1. Passenger’s Claim: If the motorcyclist is responsible, the passenger can file a claim for damages through the motorcyclist’s insurance.
   2. Injured Individuals: Anyone injured as a result of the motorcyclist’s actions may file a claim against the rider.
3. If the Accident Results in Death
   1. Wrongful Death Claim: In cases where the accident leads to a fatality, the family of the deceased can file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering.

Determining fault is key to understanding your rights and the compensation you may be entitled to. Consulting with an attorney can help guide you through the claims process.

Types of Damages you Can Claim in Maumee Motorcycle Accidents

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of your injuries. Some of the common damages you can claim include:

1. Property Damage
   This includes compensation for the damage to your motorcycle as well as any personal property that may have been damaged, such as helmets, clothing, or other gear. If your motorcycle is totaled or severely damaged, you may be able to recover the cost of repairs or the full value of the bike.
2. Medical Expenses
   Medical costs can quickly add up after a motorcycle accident. You may be entitled to compensation for immediate treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing care you may require during recovery. This also includes any future medical expenses related to long-term care or treatment for chronic conditions caused by the accident.
3. Loss of Earnings
   If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages during your recovery. In cases where your ability to work in the future is impacted by permanent injuries, you may also be entitled to compensation for future lost earnings.
4. Pain and Suffering
   In addition to financial losses, you may be entitled to compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. This can include compensation for the reduced quality of life due to lasting injuries, anxiety, depression, or other psychological impacts.

These types of damages are designed to help you recover from both the financial and emotional impact of the accident. Consulting with an experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and the full extent of damages you may be entitled to.

Why Choose Charles E. Boyk Law Offices LLC?

With over 100 years of combined experience, our Maumee motorcycle accident attorneys specialize in helping victims of motorcycle accidents. We understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face, both on the road and in the legal system. Our team is dedicated to guiding you through every step of your recovery process, fighting for the compensation you deserve while offering personalized, compassionate support.

We have a proven track record of successfully negotiating with insurance companies and taking aggressive legal action when necessary. At Boyk Law, we treat you like family and fight tirelessly to protect your rights. Read some examples of how Charles Boyk delivers for you below:

Severe Injury after Hitting a Downed Telephone Pole

The party responsible lost control of their car, drove off the road, and crashed into a utility pole, knocking it down across the roadway. This occurred at night, and the pole was not visible. About five minutes later, our clients were riding a motorcycle at 50 miles per hour when they struck the fallen pole. The passenger was thrown from the vehicle, and we will address her injuries.

She was transported by ambulance to the emergency room, where she was diagnosed with a concussion and a severe back injury. Due to significant nerve root compression on her spinal cord, she required two back surgeries. A lawsuit was filed, followed by paper discovery and depositions. The case was eventually settled at mediation for a confidential amount.

Although our client returned to work with some permanent limitations, the settlement provided her with financial security.

Turning a $10,000 Offer into a $130,000 Jury Verdict

Our client was a passenger on her boyfriend’s motorcycle when they were traveling down a rural road. A car made a left-hand turn directly in front of them, causing the accident. Our client was thrown from the vehicle and sustained a back injury and a fractured pelvis. While she received minimal treatment, her pelvis healed relatively well.

We initially sought a settlement of $65,000, but the highest offer was just $10,000. The insurance company for the car claimed that the motorcyclist was speeding, which they argued caused the accident. To complicate matters, the motorcyclist had no insurance coverage, so we could not pursue a claim against him.

Given the low settlement offer, the case proceeded to jury trial, and we felt we had little to lose. The jury ultimately awarded a $130,000 verdict, which was a highly satisfying outcome for our client.

Inconclusive Police Report leads to $300,000 Policy Limits Settlement

Our client’s wife retained us for a disputed liability case involving her husband, who had been unconscious in the hospital for two weeks following the accident. He suffered five fractures in his back and legs, along with a collapsed lung. Afterward, he spent three weeks in a rehabilitation facility and had no memory of the incident.

The police report only included information from the other driver, who claimed our client was speeding and collided with his car. The report was inconclusive.

We obtained body cam footage from the investigating officers and also reached out to businesses near the accident site to secure their video surveillance. Through this footage, we located witnesses who confirmed that while our client may have been speeding, the at-fault driver saw him coming and made a left-hand turn directly in front of him, causing the collision.

With this evidence, the insurance company paid the full $300,000 policy limits. We were also able to negotiate a reduction in the health insurance lien, leaving our client with a sizable settlement to help him move forward with his life.

Disputed Accident Results in $100,000 Policy Limits Accident

Our client was riding his motorcycle home from a party, with a friend riding on another motorcycle. The two motorcycles collided, causing our client to lay his bike down on the roadway. He was transported to a trauma hospital, where he underwent two surgeries to treat a fractured fibula and ankle.

The police report was inconclusive and did not cite anyone. However, we obtained and closely reviewed the police body cam footage. From this, we were able to secure a statement from the other driver admitting that he had collided with our client, causing the accident.

Despite our client being legally intoxicated at the time of the incident, the insurance company paid the full liability policy limits.

Contact us for a free Case Evaluation and Guide Today!

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t wait to act. Contact our Maumee motorcycle accident lawyers today for a free case evaluation. Let us help you understand your legal options and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

We also offer a free guide that reveals the secrets insurance companies don’t want you to know. This resource will help you understand what steps to take after an accident and how to maximize your recovery.

Call us today at (877) 277-7306 or click here to get started!