Ohio has more than 400,000 registered motorcycles, making it one of the most popular states for motorcyclists. Our beautiful village of West Alexandria is a great place to ride a motorcycle. We have a wonderful community and plenty of space to take your bike out for an enjoyable ride. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents can happen in West Alexandria, as they can elsewhere. Motorcycle crashes are often more severe than other types of accidents because they more commonly result in serious or life-threatening injuries. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney in West Alexandria will help you get the money you need from the negligent party.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accident injuries are often much more severe than injuries in other kinds of crashes. When a motorcycle gets hit it causes the rider to fall to the pavement, sometimes at a high rate of speed. The body is exposed to the ground and has little protection against getting hurt. As a result, there are often some disabling injuries associated with motorcycle crashes. Even if you are riding at a slow speed or are stopped, you can still get hurt.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most serious injuries that can occur due to a motorcycle accident. This type of injury can range in severity and often requires a lengthy recovery period. Those with TBI may never fully recover and some have lifelong disabilities that require ongoing care.
Motorcycle Laws in Ohio
Ohio requires motorcyclists to obtain a motorcycle license or endorsement. Riders under the age of 18 and those who are learning to ride are required to wear a motorcycle helmet. The helmet must be approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Motorcyclists should review and follow the rules of the road that apply to all drivers. Ohio promotes motorcycle safety by offering classes to improve riding skills. The Basic Rider Skill (BRS) course provides both classroom and practical learning for new and experienced motorcyclists. Although the law does not require adults with licenses to wear a helmet, helmets can save lives. In Ohio, only about 30% of motorcyclists wear helmets, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Fewer motorcycle accidents are fatal when the rider is wearing a helmet.
Negligence in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are often caused by other careless drives who do not notice the motorcycle on the road. In order to obtain compensation for your damages, you must prove that the other driver was negligent. There are four main elements to negligence that are:
Duty
Breach of duty
Causation
Damages
Drivers have a duty to act in a reasonable manner. If the driver knew or should have known that an action could cause harm to another, it might be considered negligent. Actions like speeding, failure to obey traffic signals, distracted driving, failure to yield, and many others might be negligent. For instance, when a driver speeds, they know that it could result in a serious accident that might injure someone.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in West Alexandria
A motorcycle accident could be one of the most terrifying experiences of your life. You have probably been hurt and you should visit the hospital as soon as possible. Call the police to report the accident. The police will review the accident scene, gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and secure the area. The accident report will be necessary later when you need to prove how the accident happened.
Always go to the doctor or emergency room immediately after the crash, even if you are not sure whether you are hurt. Keep in mind that some injuries, particularly head trauma, may worsen over time. Medical attention is crucial to ensure that a doctor evaluates and treats your head injuries and any other injuries you sustained in the crash. Be sure to keep all the medical reports and bills that you get during treatment.
The insurance company may contact you very soon after the crash. They want to get a recorded statement from you about the accident. It can be helpful to speak to an attorney before you talk to the insurance adjuster. You want to make sure that you provide accurate and useful information, which can be challenging if you are in pain and getting medical care. Your attorney will handle the legal claim and will work to obtain money for your injuries and other damages.
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident, do not delay. The law limits the time to file a claim. Reach out to our legal team at Kruger & Hodges at (937) 733-6079 to schedule a consultation.
