Riding a motorcycle can be a fun experience, which is why Ohio drivers have registered over 380,000 bikes within the state. Unfortunately, the characteristics that make motorcycles so fun also contribute to dangerous accidents, life-altering injuries and fatalities. Motorcycles simply do not offer the same level of protection other vehicles can.
Motorcycle deaths rose 55 percent in 2021, and the majority of those deaths were riders without helmets. Riders should take advantage of all available safety gear—and call the Law Offices of Tim Misny if they’re injured as a result of someone else’s negligence or recklessness.
Common motorcycle injuries
The most common motorcycle accident injury tends to be damage to the lower extremities, such as broken legs. These injuries can be painful and difficult, but head and chest injuries tend to be more severe.
Motorcyclists commonly suffer:
- Broken arms, legs and pelvis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Lacerations and contusions
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Spinal injuries
- Broken ribs
- Amputation
Fatalities are also common. Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in an accident than vehicle passengers.
Who’s at fault in a motorcycle accident?
Because motorcycle accidents can be so devastating, it’s important to hold the negligent driver responsible.
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, responsibility often lies with either another driver or the motorcyclist themselves. Most accident claims are negligence claims, in which the plaintiff must prove the defendant had a duty to avoid harming others (such as following the rules of the road), they failed in that duty and as a result, the plaintiff suffered actual harm.
In some cases, it may be easy to prove that the other driver failed to follow the rules of the road. For example, running a red light, rear-end accidents, drunk or distracted driving and speeding are all common accident causes.
In cases where the motorcyclist was also acting negligently—for example, weaving in and out of lanes or failing to wear appropriate safety gear—they may share fault with the other driver. This is called contributory negligence. A plaintiff who is deemed 50 percent or more at fault will not be able to recover. If their percentage of fault is lower, like 20 percent, their compensation will be reduced by that amount.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, call the Law Offices of Tim Misny right away. We can review your claim and explain whether you’re likely to recover damages for your injuries.
Talk to an Ohio personal injury lawyer about your motorcycle accident claim
The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you with your motorcycle accident case. When you’re the victim of negligence or recklessness, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (877) 614-9524 so that I can evaluate your case right away.
