Nothing can quite replace the thrill of riding a motorcycle on the open road. According to Motorcycle, Ohio ranks 16th in the U.S. for motorcycle ridership. There are an estimated 390,494 registered bikes in the state. Yet, motorcycle ownership and riding comes with responsibilities and risks, risks which many riders understand they are taking. However, when other drivers make mistakes on the road, by texting and driving, speeding, drinking and driving, or otherwise engaging in dangerous behaviors while on the road, the people who often end up suffering the greatest injuries are motorcycle riders themselves. Motorcycle riders are vulnerable road users. Motorcycles lack a protective chassis, which means that in an accident, a rider can be thrown from the bike, can be more easily crushed by other cars, or sustain serious injuries if he or she hits the road. Riders can sustain head injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, road rash, and other serious injuries. If you or someone you love was hurt in a motorcycle accident in Oxford, Ohio, Kruger & Hodges Attorneys at Law are motorcycle accident lawyers who may be able to assist you. Our firm can review police reports, medical records and bills, speak to witnesses, and negotiate with insurance adjusters to help you get the settlement you may deserve under the law. Have questions about your rights if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident? Reach out to the motorcycle accident lawyers at Kruger & Hodges Attorneys at Law today.
Unique Challenges that Motorcycle Accident Victims Might Face When Seeking Damages Following a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accident victims might face unique challenges when trying to settle a claim. Issues like bias, wearing or not wearing a helmet, and more serious injuries can all impact your claim. Here are some ways that the motorcycle accident attorneys at Kruger & Hodges Attorneys at Law in Oxford, Ohio may be able to help you.
The general public might believe that riders are dare-devils or thrill seekers. They may have preconceived notions about who motorcyclists are and have ideas about their commitment to personal safety. Bias should never play a role in your personal injury claim or settlement from insurers. Unfortunately, sometimes motorcyclists may need to fight harder by presenting the facts in order to get the settlement they may deserve. Kruger & Hodges Attorneys at Law is a motorcycle accident law firm serving Oxford, Ohio, that can review your case, negotiate with insurance adjusters directly, and fight your case in court if needed to help you get the full settlement you may deserve under the law.
Helmet Use. While Ohio doesn’t require a motorcyclist to wear a helmet if he or she is over 18 years of age, failing to wear a helmet may impact your settlement amount. If you injure your head and were not wearing a helmet, negligent parties might try to argue that your failure to wear a helmet holds you partially negligent for the severity of the injury. However, failing to wear a helmet shouldn’t bar you entirely from seeking damages in a personal injury case, and if your injuries aren’t head injuries, your failure to wear a helmet should have no bearing on the outcome of your case at all.
Serious Injuries. Motorcycle accident victims might suffer more serious injuries in an accident. In the case of a serious injury settlement, it is important to understand the full value of your claim, which includes considering past medical costs, lost wages, and rehabilitation expenses as well as potential future costs of the injuries. When victims don’t understand what their claim might be worth, they may accept what appears to be a substantial settlement from insurers and negligent parties, not realizing that their claim might have been worth more. Before accepting any settlement after a catastrophic or serious injury, you may want to speak to the motorcycle accident lawyers at Kruger & Hodges Attorneys at Law serving Oxford, Ohio to evaluate your claim, estimate the value of your claim, and help you with the next steps.
These are just some elements that can play a role in your motorcycle accident claim. Kruger & Hodges Attorneys at Law are motorcycle accident lawyers serving Oxford, Ohio who may be able to assist you with your claim. However, you may only have a limited time to seek damages following an accident. Reach out to our motorcycle accident lawyers today to learn more.