Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Akron

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency phone numbers of the Akron Police Department are 330-375-2552 and 330-375-2181.

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

  Visit the Akron Police Department Record Room at 217 S. High Street during business hours. Alternatively, go to the Akron Police Department's Web Report Portal and the Ohio Department of Public Safety's website.

• What information do you need to file a police report of an accident in Akron?

  The following information is documented in an Akron crash police report:

  • date, time, and location of the accident
  • who is at fault
  • roadway, visibility, and weather condition of the crash scene
  • eyewitness statements
  • law citations or violations
  • involved parties' statements, contact info, and insurance details
  • the accident's diagram
  • the officer's assessment of the cause of the accident

• Does Akron follow a fault insurance system for motorcycle accident claims?

  Yes, Akron follows fault insurance laws that make wholly or partially at-fault drivers financially responsible for motorcycle crashes. In this system, the driver most responsible for the crash will pay for the damage incurred using his/her own insurance. If a driver is found not at fault, the other driver can be held responsible for losses.

• How much can be obtained in an Akron accident claim?

  According to Jury Verdict Research, a recent study shows that over $300,000 is the average personal injury compensation in the state. It was also reported that the median award is $13,000. It may be difficult to determine the exact value of a claim in Akron, but it will depend on factors such as the medical costs of accident-related injuries, lost income, and degree of pain and suffering.

• Are there time limits for motorcycle accident claims in Akron?

  Yes. State laws give only two years after the accident happened before the statute of limitations applies. The exact date that the filing deadline expires depends on a variety of factors, including the date you were diagnosed with accident-related injuries in Akron. If a claim is filed after the deadline, the court may bar you from proceeding.

• What are high-crash intersections in Akron?

  According to a 2019–2021 statistic from the Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (AMATS), the following intersections have the most frequent crashes in the Akron area:

  • Manchester Rd SR 93 and W Waterloo Rd (48 incidents)
  • N Howard St and North St (44 incidents)
  • S Broadway St and Rosa Parks Dr (44 incidents)

  In addition, the intersection of N Howard St and Glenwood Ave ranks on the top list based on the 55% injury and fatality and 31 total crashes.

• 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.