Case Illustration of Motorcycle Accident Injury Claim in Blanchester, OH
Jeff and his girlfriend Ginger were riding his motorcycle from Blanchester to Milford for a night out. While properly heading through a green light at an intersection, a truck driver turned right in front of Jeff. Unable to stop, Jeff slammed into the side of the truck. Jeff was left with a severe spinal cord injury that caused paraplegia, while Ginger suffered several broken bones, severe road rash, and a traumatic brain injury. The lives of both Jeff and Ginger have been changed forever in the blink of an eye. Because their injuries were so severe, neither Jeff nor Ginger were able to return to their jobs, therefore, unable to pay their normal monthly expenses.
Jeff was facing the rest of his life in a wheelchair, and the necessity for a constant caregiver. Ginger, while expected to heal from her physical injuries, was left with neurological deficits and personality changes that required her family to care for her. Despite the catastrophic injuries, the trucking company was doing everything in its power to avoid responsibility. Jeff and Ginger were overwhelmed by the situation and desperately needed a highly experienced Kruger & Hodges motorcycle accident lawyer who would fight for their futures, their rights, and the medical treatments they needed.
Blanchester, OH Motorcycle Crash Statistics
According to the NHTSA, motorcycle fatalities occur across the United States 28 times more often per vehicle mile traveled, than for those in passenger vehicles. States without universal helmet laws for motorcyclists have a much higher rate of motorcycle fatalities—58 percent compared to 11 percent. The number of motorcyclist fatalities in 2020 increased by 11 percent over 2019; in the state of Ohio, there were 211 motorcycle accident fatalities in 2020.
Motorcycle accidents usually occur suddenly and unexpectedly—like all auto accidents. The difference lies in the fact that motorcyclists have virtually no protection, other than a helmet if worn. Motorcyclists have no seat belts, no airbags, and no steel and glass cage surrounding them. So when a motorcyclist is hit by a driver, the injuries are likely to be severe, catastrophic, or fatal, leaving the motorcyclist unable to return to work or to the life they planned.
The Kruger & Hodges attorneys have had experience on both sides of the aisle, which gives them a unique perspective and the ability to know what tactics the insurance company is likely to use to avoid paying a fair settlement. Our attorneys fight for those who cannot fight for themselves, always remaining accessible to every client by answering phone calls and answering all questions thoroughly. From beginning to end, the Kruger & Hodges Blanchester, OH motorcycle accident lawyers will remain committed to you, your family, your health, and your future.
Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
Because motorcyclists are so unprotected, the injuries they sustain are likely to be extremely serious. Catastrophic injuries are those that alter a person’s life for a very long time—or for the remainder of their life. Catastrophic injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, loss of sight, burns or scars that are disfiguring, the loss of a limb, or severe internal organ damage. Broken bones are common, particularly in the arms, hands, and legs. Motorcyclists who are not wearing leathers can experience severe road rash which occurs when a motorcyclist is thrown from their motorcycle and slides across pavement or gravel. Road rash can be extremely serious, often resulting in severe infections.
Muscle damage is also common among motorcyclists involved in an accident and can be so severe that the biker must deal with chronic pain for the remainder of his or her life. The same is true of neck and back injuries, and severe leg fractures that result in loss of mobility. The loss of a limb—like paralysis from a spinal cord injury—can result in major changes to the victim’s life, even the necessity for a full-time caretaker as well as assistive devices and negative changes in self-image. Emotional trauma can include depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Motorcycle Accident FAQs
What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes?
The vast majority of motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers who don’t properly look for motorcyclists. Drivers often make left-hand turns in front of motorcyclists, either misjudging their speed or not seeing it at all. Drivers also change lanes on busy highways and freeways without checking for motorcycles in the next lane. This can cause a fatal accident because the motorcyclist may be thrown from their bike, then hit by other vehicles. Drivers are also guilty of parallel parking, then opening their doors into traffic without looking for motorcyclists, causing the motorcyclist to hit the car door, fly through the air and strike another car or the pavement. In some instances, inclement weather, a curvy road, or hazards like potholes or uneven pavement can lead to a motorcycle accident.
How Can Motorcycle Crashes Be Prevented?
Unfortunately, motorcyclists must be exceptionally vigilant to try and anticipate what a driver may or may not do. Drivers simply don’t watch out for motorcyclists like they should, causing motorcyclists to have to drive defensively. Motorcyclists that wear helmets and protective gear are less likely to have a traumatic brain injury or severe road rash than those with no protection. Motorcyclists should always go the extra mile by taking training and safety courses so they are better equipped to avoid an accident. Lane splitting is never a good idea, as a car can veer one way or the other, hitting a motorcyclist and causing severe injuries. Finally, motorcyclists should always obey the speed limit, and be extra cautious in intersections, in areas where drivers may be opening their doors into traffic, and on curvy roads.
What Should You Do Following a Blanchester, OH Motorcycle Accident?
Following your Blanchester, OH motorcycle accident, you should do the following:
First and foremost, get prompt medical attention for your injuries.
Call 911 or have someone else at the scene do so.
Avoid repairing your motorcycle until you’ve received compensation for your damages as a damaged motorcycle can be very persuasive evidence.
If you are physically able, obtain contact information from witnesses, and take photos of the accident scene, including the damage to your motorcycle.
Once home, contact an experienced Blanchester motorcycle accident lawyer from Kruger & Hodges.
How Do I Know Whether I Have a Valid Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Every motorcycle accident is unique in some way, so the only way to know whether you have a valid motorcycle claim and how much your claim is worth is to speak to a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney. Evidence will be gathered, liability nailed down, and your injuries carefully considered. The effect your injuries will have on your work, your ability to enjoy your life, and your ability to accomplish day-to-day tasks will come into play when determining what your claim is worth.
How Do I Choose the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Me?
The challenge of selecting the best attorney might seem overwhelming when you are dealing with severe injuries and an unclear future following a motorcycle accident in Blanchester, Ohio. We are aware of how important this choice is and how important it is to have the best representation possible for you. Insurance companies treat plaintiffs with more respect when they are well-supported by experienced and knowledgeable Blanchester, OH motorcycle accident lawyers.
The choice of a personal injury attorney becomes crucial in determining the result of your case if someone else’s carelessness or negligence has flipped your life upside down. Let’s look at some crucial points to assist you choose the best attorney for your motorbike accident in Blanchester:
Experience Counts: Navigating motorcycle accident claims may be difficult and complicated. Find a lawyer that has a proven track record of success with matters involving motorcycle accidents. Look for a history of successful settlements and verdicts, particularly those involving motorcycle accidents.
Reputation: Online testimonials and reviews might offer insightful information, but don’t discount the influence of personal recommendations. Speak with dependable friends, family members, or coworkers who may have worked with a reputable Blanchester personal injury attorney.
Communication is Key: The importance of communication cannot be overstated. As you go through your recuperation, you need a lawyer who will keep you informed and be transparent with you. A solid attorney-client relationship can facilitate the process and offer you the support you require at this difficult time.
Resources and Skills: Cases involving motorcycle accidents frequently need significant amounts of resources and expertise, including experts in accident reconstruction. Make sure the legal representation you choose has the resources to effectively advocate for you.
Accessibility and Availability: Handling a motorbike accident claim might give rise to a lot of queries and worries. Pick a legal representative who is accessible to talk about your case, offer advice, and respond to your requirements right away.
Transparent Fee Plan: After an accident, money is frequently a worry. When speaking with prospective attorneys, enquire about their billing schedule and any extra expenses related to taking on your case.
We sincerely think that speaking with one of our committed attorneys at Kruger & Hodges could offer you clarity at this vital time. We are sincere advocates for the rights of Blanchester locals who have suffered as a result of motorcycle accidents because we are kind, diligent, and knowledgeable. Allow us to be the pillar of strength you need to confidently face the future.
How the Kruger & Hodges Blanchester Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help
Motorcycle accidents can be difficult to process a claim for because a jury may have preconceived notions regarding motorcyclists in general. Motorcyclists are often seen as hard-living and reckless—while this is rarely the case if a motorcycle accident goes to court, the motorcyclist must have highly experienced Blanchester, OH motorcycle accident lawyers from Kruger & Hodges who know how to combat such stereotypes. Motorcycle accidents can occur suddenly and unexpectedly, leaving a motorcyclist with life-altering injuries. Contact an experienced Kruger & Hodges attorney today.
