There is nothing quite as satisfying as experiencing the open road. Riding a motorcycle offers a unique perspective and presents the world to a traveler in a new way. This has led to an explosion in the number of people who ride motorcycles; the number of motorcycle riders has doubled since 2002, with over 8 million motorcyclists on the road today. If you’ve been hurt in a bike crash, the Eaton, Ohio motorcycle accident attorneys at Kruger & Hodges will defend your rights and pursue the compensation you are owed.
However, with motorcycle riding comes some increased risks. Motorcycles may offer a better opportunity to experience the wind in your hair, but it also offers less protection than the metal chassis of a car. Unfortunately, this is something many who drive cars do not take into account, and they do not leave motorcycle riders the room they need to ride safely. Motorcycle riders are at a higher risk of injury during a collision because of their exposure. This means that motorcycle accidents can be deadly for riders.
How Many Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Ohio Each Year?
In the last year alone, there were 160 fatal motorcycle accidents in the state of Ohio. These accidents are frequently caused by negligence of the car driver, not the motorcyclist. Some of the factors that commonly contribute to motorcycle accidents include:
Trash or debris in the road
Cigarettes thrown from cars
Distracted drivers
Inclement weather
Wind blasts from larger vehicles speeding by
In these situations, no contact is even needed with another car to cause a disaster. However, even when contact is involved, even something seemingly minimal, like a side-swipe, can lead to an accident.
Motorcyclists can crash or be seriously injured when they are hit by a vehicle’s mirror, when they are behind a car that stops too suddenly, or when they are tailed by a car that does not stop soon enough. All of this, and it does not even bring into the equation mechanical failure or poor road conditions, which affect drivers everywhere.
Avoiding a Motorcycle Accident
In saying all of this, there are still many ways you could safely operate a motorcycle and never get into an accident. First off, it is important to be properly licensed and trained to drive a motorcycle. It is important to wear appropriate clothing and, most importantly, a helmet. It is estimated that a little over 1,800 lives could be saved each year if all motorcyclists wore helmets.
One thing that many states have banned is lane splitting, which is driving between the lanes of cars. While in Ohio, there is no explicit law banning lane splitting, lane splitting breaks other minor laws of the road and is overall not a wise decision when considering the safety of the motorcyclist and those around them.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
The types of injuries that could occur in an accident depend on what exactly happens to the cyclist. If the cyclist is able to remain grounded and on the motorcycle, they may only face broken bones, cuts, or bruises. However, whenever a victim is thrown from the motorcycle, devastating injuries usually occur.
To begin with, any uncovered skin is exposed to various degrees of road rash, sometimes having burns going down to or through nerves. In addition, concussive injuries can lead to Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs), ruptured or damaged organs, or the injury of muscles. Any of these injuries could be enough to prevent someone from riding a motorcycle again, not to mention the lifetime implications for other long-lasting injuries.
How Your Eaton, Ohio Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Help
It is important to take initial stock of the situation following a motorcycle accident. Assess damage to your vehicle, the vehicles of others, and to call the police to the scene. Make sure to provide a statement and that you have any relevant information on other parties included in the accident.
From there, it is important to document any injuries and to have them looked over by a doctor or other healthcare professional. After you consult your doctor, many people want to call their insurance agencies, but it is important to instead call our motorcycle accident attorneys in Eaton, Hamilton and Middletown. By speaking to the insurance company, you typically waive the right to individually pursue remunerations for damage to your health or property.
Have You Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
It is important to remember that your attorney is on your side and our goal is to help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. We can help inform you of any further steps you need to take in preparing for legal action against anyone who may have injured you through their negligence. If you or anyone you know has been in an accident, please do not hesitate to contact us at Kruger & Hodges today to speak with our Eaton, OH motorcycle accident attorneys.
