Motorcycles are a fun and inexpensive way to get around. Whether you use a motorcycle to get to and from work, to run errands, or to ride for pleasure, they offer a unique mode of transportation. There are more than 400,000 motorcycles registered in Ohio, so you will see many of them on the roads near West Elkton. Our small community of West Elkton offers a great place to enjoy motorcycle riding. Be sure you are knowledgeable about the outcomes of motorcycle accidents in West Elkton before you hit the road.
Unfortunately, motorcycles can be a dangerous form of transportation. Motorcyclists are more likely to suffer severe injuries or fatalities than those in other vehicles. If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury as the result of a motorcycle crash, the negligent driver may owe you money for your damages. You should not have to worry about the huge financial burden during this stressful time. A motorcycle accident attorney in West Elkton can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Serious Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists have little protection and when an accident happens, riders are going to hit the pavement. The speed of the crash will partly determine the extent of the injuries that you sustain in a crash. Some of the injuries you may suffer include:
Motorcycle accident injuries are often extremely severe and you might require extensive medical treatment. It can take some time to recover from serious injuries and in some cases, the victim could face a lifelong disability. The costs of medical care can be very high and the negligent person responsible for the accident should pay for your damages.
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in West Elkton?
Motorcycle accidents can happen in an instant. They are often due to human error on the part of another driver. Drivers may not always see motorcycles because they are small and low to the ground. They can sometimes be hard to see, particularly to those driving large vehicles. More SUVs on the road means that motorcycles can more easily get into blind spots. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in West Elkton, Ohio are speeding, distracted driving, failure to obey traffic signals, driving while intoxicated, and more. A driver might cut off a motorcycle on the road because they failed to see the bike before changing lanes or merging onto a highway. Cars hit a motorcycle when they make a turn. Some dangerous accidents occur at intersections where another driver turns in front of a motorcycle. Whatever the cause, when a driver is negligent he or she is responsible for your damages.
Motorcycle Safety
As a motorcyclist, it is important to take the necessary safety precautions to keep you from harm on the road. Adult motorcycle riders are required to have a motorcycle license or endorsement. It is helpful to complete a motorcycle rider course that teaches basic rider skills. New riders and those who are under the age of 18 are required to wear a motorcycle helmet that is approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Ohio does not require helmets for adult riders with motorcycle licenses. However, a helmet will protect your head, the most vulnerable part of the body.
Motorcyclists must abide by the same rules of the road as other drivers. Stay in your lane and do not speed or do tricks. Drive defensively and pay attention to other vehicles. Always make sure that your bike is in proper working order before getting on the road. You must carry insurance or establish proof of financial responsibility. Although you may be a careful rider, many other drivers may not notice motorcycles on the road. A negligent driver should pay for your medical bills and other damages.
Compensation For Your Injuries After a Motorcycle Crash
When you experience a motorcycle crash you may suffer physical, emotional, and financial harm. The negligent party must pay for your damages, which include medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, future medical bills, and emotional trauma, to name a few. Your major concern following a serious crash is your recovery. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will handle the legal issues of your claim and help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Most cases are settled through negotiation. However, in some instances, the case will need to go to court for resolution.
If you or a family member was seriously hurt in a motorcycle accident, do not delay. Call Kruger & Hodges, the hometown lawyers, to schedule a consultation at (937) 733-6079.
