Riding a motorcycle offers a sense of freedom, but it also comes with risks. In the event of an accident, motorcyclists are vulnerable to severe injuries. These long-term physical, emotional, and financial challenges can affect both you and your loved ones. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Toledo will help you recover.
At Groth & Associates, our experienced Toledo personal injury lawyers provide aggressive legal representation for victims. We have been helping people like you rebuild their lives since 2001. Call us to schedule a free initial consultation.
A Compassionate Motorcycle Accident Attorney will Guide You through the Legal Process
Navigating the legal aftermath of a motorcycle crash can be overwhelming, especially when you are already dealing with catastrophic injuries. You can trust our team to handle all legal issues related to your case so you can focus on what is most important: healing.
Your attorney will:
- Explain your rights: We’ll help you understand your legal rights and options.
- Handle communication: Your attorney will communicate with insurance companies and other parties on your behalf, reducing your stress.
- Gather evidence: Our team will collect necessary evidence, such as accident reports and witness statements, to strengthen your case.
- Negotiate settlements: Your attorney will negotiate for fair compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Represent you in court: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we will represent you in court to advocate for your interests.
We understand the challenges you face, from dealing with medical bills to managing insurance claims. You should not go through this difficult period alone; let us help.
For a free legal consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer serving Toledo, call (419) 930-3030
Compensation Available to Accident Victims
Our lawyers have helped many motorcycle riders recover fair compensation. In Ohio, you are entitled to recover the full extent of your damages, including noneconomic losses and future losses.
Compensation you can get after a motorcycle accident includes:
- Emergency room bills, including ambulance fees
- All other medical bills
- Any anticipated future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Lost current and future wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Long-term disability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement
- Loss of limb
- Loss of life enjoyment
Unfortunately, motorcyclists often take the brunt of most vehicle collisions. Bikers are inherently exposed, and when an accident does occur, there is the potential that the injuries will be catastrophic.
As an injured motorcyclist, you deserve compensation that fully covers the extent of your injuries, including future expenses and noneconomic damages. These types of damages can be hard to calculate, making recovery more challenging. Our attorneys will use all available evidence to show the true extent of your losses.
Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me (419) 930-3030
Toledo Motorcycle Accident Liability
In Ohio, motorcycle accident liability is based on the standard of negligence. The state defines negligence as the failure to take adequate care when performing an activity. In other words, if your accident was the fault of another party, you can hold the negligent party responsible for your damages.
In order to establish liability, your attorney will need to prove each of the following:
- The defendant had a legal duty to look out for your safety
- The defendant breached that duty in some manner
- There was a causal connection between their breach and your injuries
- You suffered real harm as a result of the accident
Understanding Ohio’s Modified Comparative Negligence
Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence rule when determining fault in personal injury cases. This means that if you are partially responsible for an accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, you can‘t recover compensation if 51% or more at fault.
For example, if you are 20% responsible for an accident and your total damages amount to $100,000, you would receive $80,000. Strong legal representation can minimize your assigned fault and maximize your compensation.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Let Your Lawyer Handle the Insurance Company
Dealing with an insurance company after a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim or pressure you into accepting a low settlement. Let us take that burden off your shoulders and handle the insurance company for you.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys in Toledo know how to communicate effectively with the insurer, negotiate for a fair settlement, and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process. By having an experienced lawyer on your side, you can focus on recovering while we work to get you the compensation you deserve.
Recover Compensation After an Accident With an Uninsured Driver
If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, recovering compensation can be challenging, but not impossible. First, check if you have uninsured motorist coverage on your insurance policy, which can help cover your medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and other losses.
If you don’t have this coverage, you may need to file a claim against your own insurance or consider suing the uninsured driver directly, though this can be difficult if they lack the means to pay. An experienced attorney from Groth & Associates will review your options and help you get compensation.
Ohio’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Lawsuits
In Ohio, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is generally two years from the date of the injury, according to Section 2305.10 – Ohio Revised Code. This means that if you are injured in an accident, you must file a lawsuit within two years of the incident or risk losing your right to seek compensation.
There are some exceptions to this rule, such as cases involving minors, government entities, or specific circumstances that might extend the time limit. Consult a lawyer as soon as possible after an injury to ensure you meet all necessary deadlines.
The sooner you call us, the more time we can work on your case. Also, with time, physical evidence can get lost or damaged, and witnesses may forget important details. By documenting fresh evidence at the scene, we strengthen your case.
Common Causes for Motorcycle Accidents
RideApart provides motorcycle safety information for riders and those in the motorsports industry. While weather, road conditions, inexperience, and rider error can increase the risk of accidents, RideApart emphasizes that bikers should be especially cautious when sharing the road with cars and other drivers.
Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive driving
- Speeding
- Left turns at intersections in front of motorcyclists
- Sudden lane changes
- Collisions with stopped motorcycles
- Drivers or passengers suddenly opening car doors
Common Types of Motorcycle Injuries
Motorcyclists face a significant disadvantage in accidents involving automobile drivers because they have little protection compared to those inside vehicles.
While car drivers have the safety of seat belts, airbags, and the vehicle’s structure to absorb impacts, motorcyclists are more exposed. As a result, injuries in motorcycle accidents are often much more severe.
The most common types of serious injuries that occur are the following:
- Broken bones and multiple fractures to the hips, legs, and ribs
- Muscle and tendon sprain, strains, and tears
- Dislocated shoulders and collarbones
- Crushing injuries resulting in damage to internal organs
- Severe burns, cuts, and abrasions
- Head injuries, including concussion and traumatic brain injury
- Back and spinal cord injuries resulting in partial or complete paralysis
A Toledo catastrophic injury lawyer from our team understands the long-lasting effects a motorcycle crash can have on your life. We can help you find a trusted medical professional to treat your injuries and ensure you receive proper care.
Motorcycle Accident FAQs
Our experienced Toledo motorcycle accident lawyers answer frequently asked questions by clients. Learn everything you need to know to make informed decisions about your case.
Is Lane Splitting Legal in Ohio?
No. Lane splitting is still illegal in Ohio. Lane splitting refers to riding in between lanes. Some motorcyclists prefer to lane spit because it gets them to their destination faster. Other lanes split at intersections so that they are protected from a motorist coming up from behind.
Unfortunately, if you lane split and get into a crash, then your own negligence can reduce your compensation. In some cases, you may be unable to receive any compensation.
Can I Receive Compensation for Road Rash?
Yes. If someone caused your accident, then you should seek damages for road rash. This is an abrasion injury many bikers suffer when exposed skin drags along asphalt or dirt. Road rash often becomes infected, and you could suffer repercussions if your infection remains untreated.
Many victims also need skin grafts and suffer from unsightly scars for the remainder of their lives. You deserve fair compensation for your medical care, income loss, and pain and suffering, including disfigurement.
Am I Required to Wear a Helmet?
Ohio law only requires that those under 18 wear a helmet. Studies have shown that helmets reduce the risk of head injuries and save lives. However, even if you choose not to wear a helmet, you can still seek damages for an accident if someone else is at fault. The fact that you chose not to wear a helmet should not let them off the hook.
Can I Receive Money for a Single-Vehicle Accident?
Yes. Some motorcyclists are forced off the road because a car is driving straight at them or passes much too closely. These are “near miss” motorcycle crashes that force you to take immediate defensive measures to protect yourself.
Consequently, many motorcyclists slide off the road and hit a tree, fire hydrant, or mailbox. If the driver almost hit you, then you might sue them for negligence. We can argue your wreck was the direct consequence of their poor driving.
How Can I Reduce the Odds of a Motorcycle Accident in Toledo?
The best way to improve safety is to follow the rules of the road. Remember to use turn signals and avoid speeding. You can also take steps to make yourself more visible in traffic. Some motorists crash into bikers simply because you are harder to see. Drivers are looking for other cars on the road, not motorcycles.
Do I Really Need to Hire a Toledo Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Yes. Anyone who tries to negotiate their own settlement will quickly realize their mistake. Some insurance adjusters are biased against bikers. They believe you probably caused your own accident because you failed to ride safely, and they might refuse to offer fair compensation.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys can step in and gather helpful evidence to show that the other driver bears most of the blame. We will then professionally negotiate a fair settlement.
Can I Receive Compensation for a Hit and Run?
Yes. You can seek compensation from the at-fault driver if he is found after the hit and run accident. Another option is to recover your losses through your insurance company.
Some drivers will flee the scene of a motorcycle crash, which is irresponsible. The law requires that they stop. You can certainly seek compensation if we find the driver. Call the police and report the color of their car, the direction they fled, and other details.
If the police find the hit-and-run motorists, we can sue for compensatory and punitive damages. However, even if the driver isn’t found, you might seek money from your own insurance. Call our Toledo motorcycle accident lawyers for more information.
Can I Seek Compensation if a Road Defect Caused My Bike to Flip?
Possibly. We want to see the defect. If there is a big pothole that the government refused to fix, we might sue for that failure. Bringing any claim against the government is difficult, but our team can help.
Call the Toledo Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
Our Toledo motorcycle accident lawyers understand the serious impact a motorcycle accident can have on nearly every aspect of your life. Groth & Associates provides the aggressive legal representation you need for maximum compensation.
We can advise you on how to hold responsible parties accountable, as well as advise you on the types of damages you could claim, either through an insurance claim or through a personal injury lawsuit. Call today to share your story.
Call or text (419) 930-3030 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
