Columbus Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle accidents can result in severe and life-changing injuries. Because motorcycles are open, riders are more exposed to road risks than car passengers. Accidents often lead to broken bones, brain injuries, spinal injuries, and fatalities. At Elk + Elk, we understand the impact a motorcycle accident can have on your life. Our goal is to help you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain.

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, you need an experienced Columbus motorcycle accident lawyer who can guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights. Request a free consultation today to discuss your case and learn how we can help.

Award-Winning Columbus Accident Lawyers

Our lawyers, together with a team of injury professionals, have won some of the largest verdicts and settlements ever seen in the state, including a multimillion-dollar verdict for a victim of a motorcycle accident.

Why Choose Our Columbus Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

• Proven track record. Our motorcycle accident attorneys have a reputation of success in Franklin County and throughout Ohio, with a total recovery of over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for past clients.
• Decades of experience. We have more than 50 years of experience providing high-quality legal counsel to injured accident victims throughout the state.
• No fees unless you win. We operate on a contingency fee basis, so we only charge for our services if we secure a financial award for the client. We do not charge anything up front.

How Long Do I Have To File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Columbus?

In Ohio, you have two years from the date of your accident to bring a motorcycle accident claim in accordance with Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10. Waiting too long could risk your financial future by barring you from filing a claim. Contact our Columbus law office right away to avoid missing your deadline and to receive a free case evaluation.

How is Fault Determined in a Motorcycle Accident?

Liability refers to legal responsibility for the accident and any resultant damages. Part of a personal injury lawyer’s job is to determine the liable party in an accident claim. The liable party is the one most responsible for the crash. The motorcycle accident would not have occurred but for the liable party’s actions. Proving liability will take establishing a duty of care, a breach of duty, causation, and damages. Your motorcycle accident lawyer in Columbus can take this burden of proof for you.

Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Columbus

In a motorcycle accident, the rider has no protection from injury other than a helmet and special clothing, if he or she is wearing them. The law does not make it mandatory for riders over the age of 18 to wear a helmet. With or without personal gear, however, serious injuries to motorcycle riders can be catastrophic.

• Broken bones, especially in the arms and legs
• Road rash and traumatic tattooing
• Skull fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal organ injuries

An injured motorcyclist in an accident could suffer permanent paralysis, brain damage, loss of organ function, or disfigurement. Although a successful claim will not reverse these injuries, it can provide financial stability to the victim while paying for expensive medical costs.

If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident wreck, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. If this is your situation, contact our Columbus wrongful death attorney to discuss your case.

Main Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, many of which are preventable. The most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Negligent and distracted drivers: Drivers who text, talk on the phone, or fail to pay attention to the road are a leading cause of motorcycle accidents.
• Speeding and reckless driving: Many drivers disregard speed limits or engage in reckless driving, leading to catastrophic accidents involving motorcyclists.
• Drunk driving: Alcohol-impaired drivers are a serious danger to motorcyclists, who are more vulnerable in a collision.
• Defective motorcycle parts: In some cases, the cause of the accident may be due to a mechanical failure or defect in the motorcycle.
• Unsafe road conditions: Poorly maintained roads, construction zones, and inadequate signage can all contribute to accidents involving motorcyclists.
• Hazards such as potholes or loose gravel: Motorcycles are especially susceptible to loss of control when encountering them.
• Dangerous weather conditions: Rain, snow, fog, and high winds can make riding more dangerous and reduce visibility, increasing the risk of accidents.

No matter the cause of your motorcycle accident, it’s essential to consult with a Columbus motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. A skilled attorney can gather critical evidence, such as photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, and police reports, to help build a strong case and maximize your compensation.

Compensation Available for Motorcycle Injuries

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for various types of losses, including:

• Medical expenses: Compensation for hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation costs. Motorcycle injuries often require long-term medical care, and you deserve to have these expenses covered.
• Lost wages: If your injuries have caused you to miss work, you may be able to recover lost income. The longer your recovery, the more financial strain it can cause.
• Pain and suffering: This includes physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. A motorcycle injury can impact every aspect of your life, from your personal relationships to your overall well-being.
• Property damage: Compensation for damage to your motorcycle and other personal property. You shouldn’t have to bear the cost of repairs or replacement due to someone else’s negligence.
• Long-term care: If your injuries require ongoing treatment or care, you can pursue compensation to cover these future expenses.

The amount of compensation you can receive will depend on the specifics of your case, such as the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the extent of the other party’s liability. A Columbus motorcycle accident lawyer will work diligently to ensure that all damages are accounted for and that you receive the full compensation you deserve to rebuild your life.

Can I Still Be Compensated If I Was Partially At Fault?

In Ohio, the law follows a comparative fault system, meaning that if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still seek compensation for your injuries. However, according to Ohio Revised Code – Section 2315.33, the amount of compensation you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% responsible for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.

Even if you believe you may have contributed to the accident, it’s still important to consult with a Columbus motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney can evaluate your case and determine how comparative fault may affect your claim. Additionally, they will help gather evidence to ensure that you are not unfairly blamed for the accident and that you receive the compensation you deserve to move forward with your life.

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Contact Our Columbus Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

You do not have to handle your Columbus motorcycle accident claim alone. The attorneys at Elk + Elk can provide legal services at no out-of-pocket cost to you. Let us help you fight for full recovery using a tailored legal strategy for your specific case. Call (614) 230-0634 to speak to a motorcycle accident lawyer in Columbus today, or request a consultation online.

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