The average car, truck, or SUV driver is now fortunate enough to have any number of safety devices protecting them when they are out on the road. Seat restraint systems, airbags, and automatic communication with an emergency operator are standard features for several makes and models of cars. Passenger cars are tested vigorously with teams of engineers and crash test dummies before they are even allowed to be put on the assembly line. For auto manufacturers and drivers, there has never been a safer time to drive a car.
Motorcycle riders, on the other hand, do not have nearly that many options. There are no seat belts to keep them on their bikes in the event of an accident. Because of this lack of built-in safety devices, motorcycle riders place a much higher premium on safety than people who drive cars. The great majority of bikers do all the right things: they obey the helmet laws and wear protective clothing, and they are constantly alert to their surroundings and other drivers. They maintain smart and safe intervals between their bikes and other cars. They stay within the speed limit and make sure that their paths are clear before switching lanes.
Unfortunately, when others on the road fail to exercise the same caution, Ohio becomes a pretty dangerous place for motorcycle accidents. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident it is important you consult with a Toledo motorcycle accident lawyer in order to recover damages and hold the negligent party responsible. An experienced injury attorney let you know what to expect and ensure your rights are protected every step of the way.
Ohio Motorcycle Crash Statistics
According to Ohio State Highway Patrol, there were 18,980 motorcycle-involved crashes between 2018 and 2022. These accidents resulted in 927 fatalities and an additional 5,296 injuries.
There are plenty of cases where distracted drivers have crashed into a motorcyclist that was doing everything right. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 51% of all motorcycles involved in fatal crashes collided with another vehicle in motion. There are many statistics and data on motorcycle accident injuries.
Despite all these alarming statistics, it is safe to say that motorcycle use is not going to decline. With gas prices going up on an almost weekly basis, more and more drivers are switching to motorcycles to simply save money on gas and maintenance. With more motorcyclists on the road, the odds of getting a serious and life-changing accident increase exponentially. Fortunately, a motorcycle crash attorney in Toledo can help you determine liability and recover from your losses.
Interacting with Insurance Following An Accident
Insurance companies know all about the inherent dangers of riding a motorcycle. This is why your premiums are so high, even if you have a flawless record of safe riding. While the insurers have no issues with accepting monthly premiums, their equanimity has a tendency to decline when it is time for the money to flow the other way.
Considering that most motorcycle accidents involve medical treatment, it’s important to have someone on your side who is familiar with insurance company stalling tactics so you can get your medical bills paid quickly and completely. This is especially true if you sustained serious brain injuries or other catastrophic injuries. You will also need legal counsel on your side when it comes to recovering lost wages or getting your bike repaired.
If the accident resulted in a brain, spinal cord, or other serious debilitating injury, you can bet that the insurance companies will do all they can to avoid accepting responsibility, even if you clearly were not at fault. Tactics such as digging into your background, offering lowball settlements after long delays, and painting you as a careless and thrill-seeking biker are just some of the methods that insurers use to keep from fulfilling their obligations.
The first step towards getting your expenses paid and getting your life back on track is to take prompt action. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident due to the carelessness or recklessness of another driver, obtaining the services of an experienced Toledo motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible can be the difference between waiting years for inadequate compensation and waiting months for a settlement that is reasonable and fair.
Discover the Importance of a Toledo Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Need to speak to a Toledo motorcycle accident lawyer with years of experience? Our team has helped motorcyclists get through the legal system, as well as getting them back on their feet again. There are critical steps that you should take after being in a motorcycle accident. Contact our offices for a free legal consultation and speak to a skilled personal injury attorney at our Lucas County, Putnam, Seneca County, or Williams County locations.
