Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Serving Clients in Cincinnati & All of Ohio
If you were injured through no fault of your own while riding a motorcycle, you should speak to a Cincinnati motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. Riders often have trouble obtaining fair compensation for their injuries, making legal support essential.
Colombo Law has extensive experience representing injured people, including the victims of motorcycle accidents. A Cincinnati motorcycle accident attorney at our firm can pursue maximum compensation and help with all aspects of your claim—including trial preparation, if necessary.
For a FREE case review, call Colombo Law at 513-599-8841 today. Our motorcycle accident lawyers serve clients throughout Ohio from our office in Cincinnati.
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What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents?
According to the NHTSA, motorcyclists are 4 times more likely to suffer injury and 22 times more likely to be killed in an accident compared to the occupants of passenger vehicles. Contrary to the popular misconception, the drivers of motor vehicles (not motorcyclists) are responsible for more crashes.
The majority of motorcycle accidents occur because a driver fails to see a motorcyclist in time to prevent a collision. Factors that can lead to a motorcycle accident include:
- Errors making left turns
- Speeding
- Not checking blind spots before changing lanes
- Distracted driving, including texting, talking on the phone, etc.
- Failure to yield for motorcycles at intersections
- Tailgating, improper passing, and other forms of aggressive driving
- Driving on the wrong side of the road (head-on collisions are among the most devastating motorcycle crashes)
- Alcohol or drug intoxication
- Opening a car door into traffic
- Dangerous and defective roadways
Unfortunately, a motorcycle helmet and other safety equipment only provide so much protection. These and other forms of negligence can lead to serious injuries and even death.
A Cincinnati motorcycle accident lawyer can hold the careless driver accountable. We investigate the crash immediately to preserve evidence, establish the sequence of events, and identify who is at fault.
How Much Are Most Motorcycle Accident Settlements?
The compensation you are entitled to following a motorcycle accident depends on the severity of your injuries, the monetary value of damages, and other factors. It is generally possible to obtain a settlement without filing a lawsuit, although it may ultimately be necessary to go to trial.
A fair settlement will compensate you fairly for any damages you have sustained as a result of the accident. This may include:
- Current and future medical bills
- Loss of income and earnings
- The loss of earning capacity, if your ability to work is jeopardized
- Damage to your motorcycle and other property
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional anguish
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Permanent disability, including physical limitations and/or cognitive impairment
If your loved one was killed, a Cincinnati motorcycle accident attorney can ensure that the settlement provides fair recompense for you and your family. Damages that may be recovered for a fatal motorcycle accident include:
- Loss of financial support from the decedent’s expected income
- The value of household services provided by the deceased
- For the surviving spouse and/or parents, loss of society, companionship, and consortium
- Loss of prospective inheritance
- For surviving children, loss of parental guidance and support
- Emotional anguish of surviving loved ones
- Funeral and burial expenses
Whether you are struggling in the aftermath of an injury or reeling from the loss of a loved one, making a legal claim is probably one of the last things on your mind. At Colombo Law, we understand what you are going through. Our goal is to provide the representation you need to get the settlement you deserve.
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What to Do If There Is a Motorcycle Accident
Being involved in a motorcycle accident is a traumatic experience. It can be very difficult to keep your thoughts straight, both at the scene and while you are recovering. What you do in the aftermath of the crash can have a significant effect on the success of your case.
The steps you should take if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident include:
1. Seek Medical Care
If you are injured, call 911. Don’t assume that the injury isn’t serious or that you should “walk it off.” Paramedics can evaluate you and determine whether you should be taken to the hospital.
2. Take Photos
Assuming you are not seriously injured and it is safe to do so, you should take pictures of anything that may be relevant to your case. This includes:
- The damage to your motorcycle
- Any injuries you have suffered
- The other vehicle, specifically damage to the vehicle and any identifying marks
- Conditions at the accident scene (weather, lighting, visibility, etc.)
- Road conditions, including skid marks and debris from the crash
- The location of the accident; look for street signs, landmarks, etc.
3. Exchange Information
Get the driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance information. You should also make note of the vehicle’s year, make, and model, as well as the license plate number.
4. Speak to Witnesses
Ask bystanders what they saw and get their contact information. Witness testimony may prove extremely helpful for your claim.
5. Give a Statement to the Police
In Ohio, law enforcement is required to investigate accidents that result in any of the following:
- Personal injury
- Fatality
- Property damage greater than $1,000
Motorcycle accidents are highly likely to result in at least one of these events. Ideally, you will be able to give the responding officer a statement at the scene. Provide an accurate account of the crash, but be careful not to say anything that might suggest you were at fault.
Read More: What Are the Ohio Accident Reporting Requirements?
Ask the police officer for their name, badge number, and where they are stationed. These details can help you or our lawyer obtain a copy of the police report at a later date.
6. Speak to a Cincinnati Motorcycle Accident Attorney ASAP
It is easy to feel overwhelmed after a motorcycle accident. You may be in a lot of pain, facing significant medical bills, and unsure what the future holds in light of your injuries. This is exactly why you should seek experienced legal counsel as soon as possible.
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At Colombo Law, we pride ourselves on helping clients protect their rights and aggressively pursuing favorable results on their behalf. We urge you to get in touch with a Cincinnati motorcycle accident lawyer to explore your legal options and get started on your claim.
What Percent of Motorcycle Crashes in Ohio Result in Injury?
The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) maintains comprehensive statistics for motor vehicle crashes in the Buckeye State. Over a 5-year period, the OSHP recorded a total of 19,542 motorcycle accidents. The statistics show that approximately 65% of motorcycle crashes in Ohio resulted in some degree of injury.
Hamilton County had 1,166 motorcycle crashes in the same 5-year period. Injuries occurred in approximately 61% of motorcycle accidents in and around Cincinnati.
What Percent of Motorcycle Crashes in Ohio Result in Death?
From 2019 to 2023, fatal accidents accounted for a little over 5% of all motorcycle crashes in Ohio (OSHP statistics show 1,015 fatal motorcycle accidents in that timeframe). Hamilton County had 38 fatal motorcycle crashes in those 5 years, accounting for nearly 4% of Ohio’s deadly accidents involving motorcycles.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, many of them serious. If you are not transported to the hospital from the scene, it is imperative to see your doctor or go to the emergency room as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can be dangerous, not to mention harmful for your claim.
A Cincinnati motorcycle accident injury lawyer can review all medical records and consult expert witnesses to establish what injuries you’ve suffered and how serious they are. Our attorneys have represented clients who sustained the following injuries in motorcycle accidents:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Road rash (abrasions to the skin)
- Bone fractures
- Chest injuries
- Abdominal injuries
- Lacerations
- Damage to soft tissue, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons
- Spinal cord injuries
- Nerve damage
- Burn injuries
- Amputation injuries/loss of limbs
Fair compensation can help cover the cost of treating these and other injuries. The money from a settlement or trial award can also make up for the income you lose if you are unable to work following a motorcycle accident. Our Cincinnati motorcycle accident attorneys fight to maximize your recovery in recognition of the physical, psychological, and financial burdens you face.
What Is a TBI Motorcycle Accident?
A TBI motorcycle accident is a wreck where the motorcyclist suffers a traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injuries are fairly common in motorcycle accidents, especially when the rider isn’t wearing a helmet.
Brain injuries can range from relatively mild (such as a concussion) to life-threatening. Symptoms all motorcyclists should be aware of—helmeted or not—following an accident include:
- Loss of consciousness for any length of time
- Feelings of disorientation
- Headache that doesn’t go away
- Light sensitivity
- Cognitive impairment, including problems with memory and focus
- Vision changes, including blurred vision or loss of vision
- Fatigue
- Tinnitus (persistent ringing in the ears)
- Changes in mood, behavior, or personality
- Nausea and vomiting
- Disturbances in sleep patterns
It is important to note that, while Ohio does not have a compulsory helmet law, failing to wear a helmet can make it difficult to obtain full compensation for head injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident. The insurance company will likely argue (and a court may agree) that the decision not to wear a helmet contributed to the rider’s injury.
How Is Fault Determined in a Motorcycle Accident?
A Cincinnati motorcycle accident lawyer will look at multiple factors to determine who is at fault. Insurance companies and the police will also conduct their own investigation into the matter.
Compelling evidence is needed to prove that another party (usually a motorist) was at fault for the accident. To prepare a strong claim, your attorney will collect evidence such as:
- Photographs of the accident site
- Eyewitness testimony
- Physical evidence at the scene
- Video footage of the crash
- A copy of the police report
- Expert witness testimony, accident reconstruction, etc.
Ohio uses a comparative negligence standard in personal injury matters. This means you are still entitled to compensation if you were partly responsible for the crash, provided your share of fault does not exceed that of the defendant(s).
Fault can be a complicated issue in motorcycle accident claims. Motorcyclists are often unjustly blamed for causing collisions, even when they follow all of the rules of the road. Let our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys be your advocate.
One of the things that sets Colombo Law apart is our willingness to go to trial. If the insurance company refuses to admit liability, we won’t hesitate to prepare for trial and represent your case in court if that’s what it takes to win.
How Long Do I Have to Make a Claim?
The statute of limitations for motorcycle accident claims in Ohio is generally 2 years from the date of the crash. If you wait to file a lawsuit, you may forfeit your right to secure compensation for your injuries and damages.
A Cincinnati motorcycle accident attorney will act quickly to preserve your legal rights. In addition to a prompt investigation, an experienced lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf.
Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Cincinnati?
Making a motorcycle accident claim is stressful and challenging. You deserve time to recover from your injuries or the loss of someone you love. One of the major benefits of hiring a Cincinnati motorcycle accident injury lawyer is getting the time you need to recuperate, grieve, and try to rebuild your life.
At Colombo Law, we handle all elements of your case. This includes:
- Investigating the motorcycle accident: We collect all relevant evidence, including crash reports, witness statements, photos and video, etc.
- Reconstructing the accident: Our firm collaborates with leading experts to establish how the accident occurred and who is at fault.
- Evaluating your injuries: Comprehensive review of your medical records and assistance from healthcare professionals enable us to understand the full scope of the injuries stemming from the accident.
- Calculating the value of your claim: Damages may be economic or non-economic in nature. You may even be entitled to punitive damages. Our motorcycle accident attorneys will account for every dollar in damages you are owed.
- Handling the insurance claim: You can trust Colombo Law to communicate with the insurance company on your behalf. We know how they operate, and can safeguard your interests.
- Negotiating a settlement: Our lawyers excel in settlement negotiations, frequently obtaining a fair resolution without having to go to trial. We keep you apprised of the negotiations and can help you decide whether to accept a settlement offer or fight for more.
- Filing a lawsuit: We can help you determine when it may be necessary to file a lawsuit and handle the litigation for you.
- Taking your case to trial: Our lawyers prepare every case as though it will go to trial. Should this come to pass, we will be ready to represent you effectively.
Colombo Law maintains a 99% Win Rate. Our experience, resources, and results enable us to provide the highest standard of legal service to motorcyclists and other injured people.
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Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Contact Colombo Law
Motorcycle riders are among the most vulnerable people on the road. They are often seriously injured in accidents caused by careless drivers and other factors beyond their control.
A Cincinnati motorcycle accident lawyer can aggressively seek restitution for your injuries and losses. We fight for accident victims throughout Hamilton County and all of Ohio.
Call Colombo Law at 513-599-8841 for immediate assistance. Your initial consultation is FREE, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.