Cincinnati Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcyclists usually suffer the worst injuries in vehicle collisions. Injured victims can have broken bones, head and brain injuries, lacerations, road rash, traumatic tattooing, and more. If you or a loved one has been in a motorcycle crash, our Cincinnati motorcycle accident attorney from Elk & Elk can help.
You may be eligible for significant financial compensation. Reach out to us today to schedule your free consultation – (513) 370-5807.
Do You Need a Cincinnati Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
If you suffered life-changing motorcycle accident injuries, expensive property damage, or the loss of a loved one, an experienced attorney can help you take care of the legal work necessary to secure compensation for your accident. This includes:
- Investigating your case
- Determining the full value of your damages
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Fighting for the maximum possible compensation
Why Trust Elk & Elk With Your Motorcycle Accident Case?
- No fees unless you win. Our Cincinnati personal injury law firm operates on a contingency fee basis. You will only pay your attorney for his or her services if you secure a financial award. We will work with the insurance company, so you can focus on your road to recovery.
- Open communication. We will maintain open communication during every stage of your motorcycle accident claim, so you know what is going on at all times.
- Proven results. We have multiple offices throughout the state of Ohio for your convenience and have a proven track record of success.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Cincinnati
Motorcycle accidents are often catastrophic for victims. Between 2019-2023, there have been 19,544 motorcycle crashes in Ohio. Out of these traffic accidents, 1,015 motorcyclists died and another 5,770 were seriously injured.
Most motorcycle accidents happen because of negligence. Breaking traffic laws and ignoring driver responsibilities can lead to situations that are dangerous for vulnerable motorcyclists. Identifying the cause of your accident is one of the first steps toward obtaining compensation in Ohio.
Some common causes include:
- Speeding
- Running a red light
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Distracted and negligent drivers
- Roadway defects
- Motorcycle part defects
- Dangerous weather conditions
If a negligent or reckless party caused your motorcycle accident in Cincinnati, speak to an attorney about your legal options. You may be eligible for compensation to cover your medical bills, pain, and suffering, property damage and lost wages. A Cincinnati motorcycle accident lawyer from Elk & Elk can help you identify the cause of your crash and the at-fault party.
Who Is Liable After a Motorcycle Accident in Ohio?
In Ohio, motorcycle accident victims can seek restitution from the party liable for their accidents through a civil claim. Liability refers to one’s financial responsibility for an accident. Determining liability takes analyzing evidence from the scene of the motorcycle accident.
The liable party for your recent collision could be a motor vehicle driver, the city of Cincinnati for a roadway defect, or an auto manufacturer for defective parts. Many civil claims involve the shared liability of more than one party. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you assign and prove liability.
What Damages Can I Recover?
Regardless of the severity of your motorcycle accident, Elk & Elk is committed to securing the maximum possible compensation for your damages. This may include compensation for:
- Any property damage
- Medical bills, including prescriptions and ongoing rehab
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral expenses
- Other expenditures as a result of the accident
If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. Contact our Cincinnati wrongful death lawyer to discuss your case and discover your potential legal options.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are those verified by detailed reports. These damages often have a very specific financial figure associated with them. We can value these losses because there is evidence of what they are.
For example, medical bills, property damage, and lost wages are common economic damages after a motorcycle accident. We can gather information about what your losses are in these areas very easily, including by:
- Looking at paycheck stubs to estimate time lost at work
- Suing medical bills and insurance claims to document your medical costs
- Verifying any lost benefits or time off you suffered by looking at your employment records
- Documenting the damage or replacement costs for your motorcycle or other property
- Calculating current and expected medical costs based on rates charged by your doctor
These damages are difficult for the insurance company to refute. They may find it challenging to do so as long as you can demonstrate that the cost is directly the result of the accident. Here is an example:
You have medical bills documenting an ambulance ride from the site of the accident to the hospital. That bill helps prove your losses there. However, if you have medical costs related to an injury not found at that emergency appointment, the insurance company may try to blame you for those losses or state they are a pre-existing condition.
Non-Economic Damages
The second type of damages in motorcycle accidents are called non-economic damages. They typically include less specific losses with a harder-to-clarify value. Pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of quality of life are a few examples. Yet, for many people, non-economic damages are critically important. They help you recover from the struggles you have, get caught up on your bills, and put aside funds to care for your needs into the future.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys in Cincinnati will take several key steps to prove you are owed non-economic damages. Some of the ways we can document your non-economic damages start with:
- Determining from your doctor what type of permanent losses you will likely maintain
- Discuss your case with medical experts who can give us an idea of how your limitations will impact your life
- Calculate losses based on whether or not you can go back to work using your employer’s testimony
All of this information is the starting ground for understanding the severity of your losses after a motorcycle accident. However, the Ohio Revised Code limits the amount of compensation you can claim as non-economic damages.
For non-catastrophic injuries, the damages are capped at either three times the economic damages you have or $250,000, whichever is greater. A maximum cap of $350,000 per plaintiff is also applicable.
If you have catastrophic injuries, such as permanent disability, loss of sight, or loss of hearing, there is no cap on these damages. Instead, we will work to verify the severity of your losses and then maximize the claim.
It is essential to know that you are not guaranteed any type of damages. That is, the law requires that you, as the victim, prove the losses you have. To do that, you must be able to demonstrate what happened, how it impacted your life and well-being, and what this will do to your future. Our attorneys will help you to do this with careful attention to detail.
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Under Ohio law, victims of motorcycle accidents have two years to file a claim for injuries. This falls under Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10. There are a few exemptions to this. If you were under the age of 18 at the time of the accident or considered of “unsound mind” the time limit may be extended.
Additionally, if the defendant departs from the state, meaning you cannot seek a claim against them because they fled, you may also be able to receive additional time to file a claim. Special timelines may also apply if the accident is due to a defective motorcycle component.
Our Client Testimonial
“My peace of mind was more important in the end, than the dollar amount. Matt is exceptional at guiding an individual down the path of reason.” -Brian
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Contact Our Cincinnati Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today for a Free Consultation
The accident lawyers at Elk & Elk can investigate your motorcycle accident and help you understand your rights. We have years of experience with these types of cases and offices throughout Ohio. Visit our Cincinnati location to discuss your case at no cost or obligation with one of our Cincinnati motorcycle accident lawyers. Schedule your free case evaluation at (513) 370-5807 or by filling out our online form today.