Riding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience, but it comes with its risks. Unfortunately, Ohio has seen its fair share of motorcycle accidents in recent years. As a rider, you are exposed to the elements and other drivers who may not always see or respect your presence on the road.
In this article, an experienced Ohio motorcycle accident lawyer will discuss the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Ohio and what to do if you are injured in one. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, this information is crucial for staying safe on Ohio’s roads. So hop on and let’s ride through these important facts together!
Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Ohio
Ohio is a beautiful state with plenty of scenic routes to explore on your motorcycle, but unfortunately, it also has its fair share of motorcycle accidents. On the occasion of the motorcycle safety awareness month in May, the Ohio State Highway Patrol shared that 18,980 motorcycle crashes took place in our state between 2018 and 2022. Unfortunately, more than 900 motorcyclists lost their lives in these crashes.
While these statistics may seem daunting, it’s important to remember that being proactive about safety can go a long way in preventing accidents on Ohio’s roads. By wearing proper gear and staying alert while riding, you can help keep yourself safe from harm while enjoying all the beauty that Ohio has to offer on two wheels.
Most Motorcycle Accidents Are the Result of Distracted Drivers
Motorcyclists are at a higher risk of accidents due to distracted drivers on Ohio roads. Distracted driving is a leading cause of motorcycle crashes, as drivers who are not paying attention often fail to see motorcycles until it’s too late.
Unfortunately, there are many distractions that can take a driver’s focus away from the road. Texting or talking on a mobile phone while driving is the number one form of distracted driving. Other distractions may include eating or drinking, fiddling with the radio or GPS system, grooming, and even daydreaming.
Left Turns Cause Severe Motorcycle Accidents
Left turns are one of the most dangerous situations for motorcyclists on Ohio’s roads. When a driver makes a left turn, they often fail to see an approaching motorcycle or misjudge its speed, resulting in a collision that can cause severe injuries or even death.
Moreover, left-turn accidents commonly happen at intersections where there is heavy traffic and various distractions from other vehicles and pedestrians. Drivers may be more focused on the flow of traffic rather than keeping an eye out for motorcycles coming from their blind spots.
Unfortunately, these types of accidents are prevalent in Ohio. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 42% of all motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle making a left-hand turn.
Rear End Accidents Put Motorcyclists’ Lives at Risk
Rear end accidents are a major concern for motorcyclists in Ohio. When a car or truck hits the back of a motorcycle, the rider can be thrown off and suffer serious injuries. In fact, rear end collisions account for some of the most severe motorcycle accidents on our roads.
One reason why these types of crashes happen is because drivers often fail to see motorcycles from behind until it’s too late. This can occur when drivers are distracted by their phones or other devices while driving, which is unfortunately all too common nowadays.
In addition to distractions, there may also be issues with visibility that contribute to rear-end accidents involving motorcycles. For example, if a driver is following too closely or fails to use their headlights during inclement weather conditions such as fog or heavy rain, they may not see an approaching motorcyclist until it’s too late.
Another factor that puts motorcyclists at risk in rear-end collisions is speed differentials. Motorcycles have much faster acceleration than cars and trucks do, so if they slow down suddenly due to traffic congestion or other factors ahead of them on the road, it can be difficult for drivers behind them to react quickly enough.
Dooring Accidents Are Also Extremely Dangerous
Dooring accidents are an often overlooked danger for motorcyclists. These types of accidents occur when a driver or passenger opens their car door without checking for oncoming traffic, causing a collision with a passing motorcycle.
The impact of such an accident can be severe, as the motorcyclist may not have time to react and avoid the obstacle. The rider may be thrown from their bike or collide with the door and suffer serious injuries.
In Ohio, dooring accidents are considered the fault of the person opening the car door who failed to check for traffic before doing so. However, proving liability can still be challenging in these cases.
Can You Seek Damages after a Motorcycle Accident if You Were Not Wearing a Helmet?
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Ohio, it is essential to understand your legal rights and options. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. However, seeking damages can become complicated if you were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
Ohio law requires all motorcyclists under 18 years old to wear helmets while riding. Additionally, riders over 18 who have been licensed for less than one year must also wear helmets. For other riders over 18 with more than one year of experience on the road, wearing a helmet is optional.
Even though Ohio allows some riders to opt-out of wearing a helmet while operating their motorcycles, doing so could affect any personal injury claims following an accident.
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash where another driver was at fault and were not wearing a helmet when the incident occurred, it’s possible that an insurance company or opposing counsel will argue that your injuries would not have happened or might not be as severe had you been wearing protective gear.
Contact an Experienced Ohio Motorcycle Accident Lawyer to Protect Your Rights!
Any lawyer at our law firm can tell you that there is still a widespread bias against motorcycle riders among drivers and insurance adjuster. You are very likely to be treated unfairly if you try to file an accident claim without an experienced Ohio motorcycle accident lawyer.
Not wearing a helmet is not recommended, for your own safety. But it does not prevent you from filing an accident claim against the negligent driver’s insurance policy. And, with a dedicated attorney by your side, you will also win a fair compensation.
We offer each new client a free case review, because we believe that everyone has the right to receive professional legal advice. If your case has merits, we will represent you on a contingency fee basis. So don’t waste time, but call us as soon as possible to discuss your case with an experienced lawyer: 844-853-7373!
