Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Cincinnati, OH

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Cincinnati, Ohio?

  The non-emergency contact number of the Cincinnati Police Department is (513) 569-8500.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Cincinnati, Ohio?

  You may visit the Cincinnati Police Records Division to obtain the police report of a motorcycle accident.

• What ordinances should a person owning and riding a motorcycle in Cincinnati know?

  Several laws are in effect in Cincinnati to protect motorcycle riders and the general public. These include obtaining a motorcycle license and acquiring insurance for property damage and bodily injury or death. Ohio also requires motorcycle riders to observe proper operational practices, such as wearing helmets, using the prescribed motorcycle seat, and exercising caution when lane splitting.

• Are there new laws in Cincinnati to prevent distracted driving accidents and protect motorcycle riders, cyclists, and pedestrians?

  An expanded texting and driving ban was signed on January 2023 by Governor Mike DeWine to combat distracted driving accidents in Cincinnati and the rest of Ohio. The legislation prohibits drivers, including those operating motorcycles, from “holding or physically supporting a phone with any part of the person’s body.” However, some exceptions include responding to emergency calls and using speakerphones or navigation systems as long as the driver is not holding the phone.

• Is comparative negligence applicable to motorcycle accidents in Cincinnati?

  Laws on comparative negligence apply to motorcycle accidents in Cincinnati. Plaintiffs can recover compensation if their contribution to the incident is not more than 50%. In line with this, their recovery will be reduced in proportion to the percentage of their contributory fault in the accident. This translates to being entitled to 80% of the damages, or $80,000 for a $100,000 verdict, if one is 20% at fault.

• Is it possible to get compensated for emotional distress after a motorcycle accident in Cincinnati?

  You can recover remuneration for emotional damages after figuring in a motorcycle accident in Cincinnati. However, proving this can be trickier than, for example, substantiating medical expenses. Your legal counsel will have to study the intensity, duration, cause, relevant physical damages, and medical provider notes concerning your unpleasant emotional reaction to prove that you should be compensated for the emotional damages you have incurred.

• Am I required to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle in Cincinnati?

  Most motorcycle riders in Cincinnati are not required to wear helmets. Under Ohio's helmet regulations, the individuals who should be helmeted when riding a motorcycle include novice riders, people under the age of 18, and passengers who are riding with an operator who is obligated to wear a helmet.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.