Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Cleveland

FAQs

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

  The Cleveland Division of Police can be reached at (216) 621-1234 and (216) 623-5000.

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

  Police reports can be acquired in one of three ways:

  1. Online - By clicking this link: https://clevelandoh.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(0ncaepeed1vzbpgcq2k2py4x))/supporthome.aspx
  2. In-person appointment: - Call (216) 623-5352 to make sure that the record is available.
  3. By mail: Cleveland Public Records Division 1300 Ontario Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44113

  Please provide the following information when making a request:

  1. The date and location of the incident
  2. The names of the involved parties

  Note that records will only be available 7-10 days after the incident.

• What do I do if I am falsely blamed for a motorcycle accident in Cleveland, Ohio?

  This mostly happens if a crash occurs between a motorcycle and a four-wheeled vehicle, as motorcyclists are still looked upon as reckless. It may be best to reach out to an attorney as they regularly handle cases like this. They also know how to demonstrate:

  1. That the other party had a duty to act reasonably under similar circumstances
  2. That this duty of care was not followed, which then caused your injuries

  Attorneys also conduct their own investigations, review police and medical reports, and interview witnesses or read their statements.

• I was advised to "put the bike down" to avoid motorcycle crashes in Cleveland, Ohio. What does it mean?

  It is a challenging and dangerous technique that one has as a final resort in order to keep from crashing head-on, especially if it's against a four-wheel vehicle. To do this, the rider leans back and slides along the road, putting the bike in front of them as a shield. In some situations, and if done properly, this could save a life.

• How long do I have before I file a court case for my motorcycle accident in Cleveland, Ohio?

  The statute of limitations for motorcycle accidents is two years. While it may seem like a long time, it is highly advised to take action as soon as you can, as it may take a while to build a strong case and pieces of evidence crucial to proving your innocence may no longer exist if you wait.

• Can partially at-fault parties still be compensated for a motorcycle accident in Cleveland, Ohio?

  Cleveland follows Ohio's modified comparative fault law where damages are reduced according to the person's degree of responsibility. The person at-fault may still be given compensation as long as their contribution to the accident does not exceed 50%. If it goes beyond that, then they will not be eligible to recover any compensation at all.

• How do I file a case for my loved one who passed away in a motorcycle accident in Cleveland, Ohio?

  In cases where the rightful person to file a claim no longer can, Ohio law allows other people to do it for them. These may be the decedent's spouse, parent, or child, whether biological or adopted. Once proven eligible, they may file a wrongful death case, which can help with:

  1. Estate damages, which are the expenses incurred by the decedent in the attempt to save their life, along with burial and funeral costs
  2. Non-economic damages suffered by the surviving family members, such as pain and suffering.

• 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.