As one of the bigger cities in the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana area, Middletown is located in both Butler and Warren counties. Whether it is Martin Luther King Drive, State Route 122, or Main Street, there are many great roads here for motorcycle enthusiasts. By following various safety precautions, motorcyclists can generally travel throughout Middletown without ending up in an accident. Some motorcyclists, however, are injured in accidents, and sometimes severely. The Ohio State Highway Patrol reports that the number of deadly motorcycle accidents in the state increased from 140 in 2014 to 144 in 2018. Kruger & Hodges motorcycle accident lawyers in Middletown, Ohio are here to help.
The Common Causes of Ohio Motorcycle Accidents
One of the best ways to avoid ending up in an Ohio motorcycle accident is to understand some of the most common ways in which these accidents occur. Some of these include:
Head-on collisions. Accidents in which an oncoming vehicle strikes a motorcyclist are often fatal, particularly when high speeds are involved.
Intoxicated driving. When motorists operate vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, accidents are likely. This is because these substances negatively impact a person’s control and judgment.
Lane splitting. Many motorcyclists end up in accidents when they attempt to split lanes to drive between vehicles that are slowed down or stopped. Many times, these situations result in vehicles colliding with motorcyclists because car drivers fail to spot the smaller vehicles.
Left turns. One common cause of motorcycle accidents is when a vehicle driver unexpectedly turns left in front of a motorcyclist. While motor vehicle operators are likely to stay safe, motorcyclists often suffer severe injuries because they lack the same degree of protection.
Poor road conditions. Whether it’s adverse weather conditions, debris in the road, or potholes, poor road conditions cause countless motorcycle accidents each year in Ohio.
Few sensations match racing along on a motorcycle, but motorcyclists who travel at high speeds are at elevated odds of ending up in deadly accidents.
Determining Fault After Middletown Motorcycle Accidents
It is not always easy to determine who is responsible for a motorcycle accident. To make matters more complex, Ohio has a comparative negligence system. This means that if multiple parties are responsible for an accident, each party will only be able to receive a portion of compensation. Motorcyclists can seek compensation through several methods including filing a personal injury lawsuit via their motorcycle accident lawyers in Middletown in an Ohio court of law or pursuing a claim with their insurance company or the carrier of the person at fault.
Navigating Compensation With Ohio Insurance Companies
It is never a good idea to accept an insurance carrier’s settlement offer after a motorcycle accident without first speaking with your lawyer. This is because insurance providers know that victims are struggling with life-changing injuries and are often desperate to obtain compensation to make up for lost wages, medical bills, and other debts. As a result, these companies will often attempt to offer compensation that is lower than reasonable.
It is also possible to pursue compensation for a motorcycle accident in a court of law. Some of the types of damages that are included in a personal injury award are:
Loss of consortium, loved ones with certain relationships can pursue compensation for the loss of an accident victim’s companionship
Pain and suffering, which compensates accident victims for the pain suffered in their life as well as any reduction in the quality of a person’s life
Past and future lost wages, which includes income that motorcycle accident victims lose if their injuries disrupt their ability to work
Past and future medical expenses, which includes treatment received immediately following the accident as well as the cost of medical equipment and future therapy
One common question asked by motorcycle accident victims is exactly how long it will take to receive compensation for their injuries. There is no specific regulation for when this amount will be awarded. If both parties can quickly agree about who was responsible for the accident, the case can likely be resolved quickly. If uncertainties exist about who was liable for the collision, however, the case may take months or years to resolve.
Contact Our Skilled Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Middletown
If you or a loved one needs motorcycle accident lawyers in Middletown, Hamilton, or Eaton, contact Kruger & Hodges today to schedule a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer in Middletown, Ohio.
