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 come as 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.
On the other hand, motorcycle riders don’t have nearly that many options. We don’t have seat belts or anything to keep us on our 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 that 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. Many of them even keep their headlight on in broad daylight. Unfortunately, others don’t exercise the same caution, and as a result, Ohio is a pretty dangerous place for motorcycle accidents. With that said, 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 can assist in preparing you for what to expect and ensure that your rights are protected.
Motorcycle Crash Statistics
In 2004, there were 4,267 motorcycle crashes in Ohio, which resulted in 133 fatalities and 3,543 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’s safe to say that motorcycle use isn’t 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.
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 its 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 that is familiar with insurance company stalling tactics so you can get your medical bills paid quickly if you sustained serious brain injuries and completely. You’ll also need counsel on your side in the form of a Toledo motorcycle accident lawyer 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 weren’t 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 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.
Importance of a Toledo Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Our Toledo motorcycle accident lawyer has years of experience in helping 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, our Lucas County, Putnam, Seneca County, Williams County
