Akron Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Common Causes of Akron Motorcycle Crashes

Motorcycle accidents can happen anywhere in Akron—from Wallhaven to Ellet—and often involve negligent drivers. Many of these accidents occur at busy intersections like Market Street and Arlington Road or along hazardous stretches of I-76 and Route 8.

After a motorcycle accident, identifying the cause is crucial. While local law enforcement, such as the Akron Police Department or the Ohio State Highway Patrol, may file reports, these can be incomplete or lack critical details.

That’s why KNR conducts independent investigations, helping you uncover the truth. Common causes of Akron motorcycle accidents include:

• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react, leading to serious collisions with motorcycles.
• Distracted driving: Drivers using phones or not paying attention can easily miss motorcyclists, causing dangerous accidents.
• Drowsy driving: Fatigued drivers have delayed reaction times, increasing the risk of collisions with motorcycles.
• Intoxicated driving: Impaired judgment and slower reflexes from alcohol or drugs often result in severe motorcycle crashes.
• Improper passing: Dangerous passing maneuvers can force motorcycles off the road or into oncoming traffic.
• Failure to check blind spots: Motorcycles are often overlooked in blind spots, leading to lane change accidents.
• Failure to yield: Drivers who fail to yield the right of way, especially at intersections, can cause devastating crashes.
• Unprotected left turns: Drivers making left turns without checking for motorcycles often cause severe collisions.
• Wide turns: Wide or improper turns can lead to collisions when drivers cross into motorcycle lanes.
• Sudden stops: Abrupt stops can cause rear-end collisions, which are especially dangerous for motorcyclists.
• Failure to notice a stopped or slowing vehicle: Distracted drivers may not see motorcycles slowing down, leading to rear-end crashes.
• Lane splitting: While not legal in Ohio, accidents can occur when motorcyclists ride between lanes, and drivers don’t expect them.
• Open car doors: Drivers opening car doors without looking can strike passing motorcyclists, resulting in serious injuries.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Ohio law requires riders under 18 and those with novice licenses to wear helmets. However, even with protective gear, motorcyclists face severe injuries due to their lack of protection.

Common injuries we’ve seen from crashes in areas like Firestone Park, Kenmore, and Chapel Hill include:

• Severe lacerations
• Road rash
• Bone fractures
• Ligament, tendon, and muscle injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Concussion (minor brain injury)
• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Crush injuries
• Nerve damage
• Amputation
• Chest and abdomen organ damage
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Ohio Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Ohio law requires motorcycle riders under 18 years and those with novice licenses to wear helmets. For experienced riders over 18, helmets are not mandatory, but riding without one leaves you vulnerable to head injuries. Even with protective gear like helmets, jackets, and gloves, motorcyclists remain exposed to serious harm during crashes.

Akron Motorcycle Accident Hotspots

We’ve helped clients injured in motorcycle accidents across Akron and Summit County, including:

• West Market Street near Highland Square
• Waterloo Road and its intersections in South Akron
• Downtown Akron on Main Street and Exchange Street
• Kenmore Boulevard
• Tallmadge Avenue near Chapel Hill

What to Do After an Akron Motorcycle Wreck

If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident in Akron, here are the essential steps you should take:

• Call 911 to report the accident and seek immediate medical attention.
• Document the scene by taking photos of the crash site, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
• Collect information from the other driver and any witnesses.
• Seek medical attention even if you don’t feel hurt initially—some injuries may appear later.
• Contact KNR to discuss your options and start your legal claim.

Akron Motorcycle Safety: Read More

• Who to Call After an Accident in Akron
• Ohio Motorcycle Safety Law & How it Can Affect Your Claim
• Why Every Motorcyclist Should Have an “ICE” Card

Don’t Accept a Lowball Motorcycle Accident Settlement

After a motorcycle accident, insurance companies may attempt to protect their bottom line by using unfair tactics, such as:

• Offering low-ball settlements that fail to cover your full medical bills, lost wages, or long-term care.
• Downplaying your injuries or minimizing the impact on your life to reduce the value of your claim.
• Blaming you for the accident, suggesting you’re partially at fault to lower your compensation under Ohio’s comparative fault laws.

Our Akron motorcycle accident lawyers are familiar with these tactics and will aggressively defend your rights. We’ll negotiate for the compensation you truly deserve and won’t hesitate to take your case to court if needed.

More About Lowball Settlements

Who Is At Fault for a Motorcycle Accident?

Determining fault in a motorcycle accident can be challenging, as accident reports and witness statements may not always tell the full story. At KNR, our motorcycle accident attorneys are committed to proving how the accident occurred and holding the responsible party and their insurance company accountable.

Here’s how we strengthen your claim or motorcycle accident lawsuit:

• Accident reconstruction experts: We work with specialists to recreate the accident and demonstrate the other driver’s fault.
• Medical expert witnesses: Our network of trusted medical professionals can testify to the severity and long-term impact of your injuries.
• Trial-ready approach: With a strong record of success in the courtroom, we push for fair settlements and are fully prepared to go to trial if necessary.
• Challenging motorcyclist bias: We understand the prejudices motorcyclists often face, and we work to eliminate these biases to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

By using our extensive resources and legal experience, KNR ensures Akron motorcycle accident victims are treated fairly and fully compensated.

Why Work with Our Akron Motorcycle Accident Attorneys?

At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, we strive to make the recovery process after a motorcycle accident in Akron as smooth as possible. We understand the challenges of dealing with insurance companies, but with our experienced team of personal injury lawyers, you don’t have to face them alone.

With over 500 years of combined legal experience, a team of 30+ attorneys, and millions recovered for clients across Ohio—including many successful outcomes right here in Akron—we are prepared to help you, no matter the severity of your injuries.

“KNR was outstanding. They listened, understood, and handled everything. I’m grateful for their support.” – John P.

Client Testimonials

Akron Motorcycle Accident FAQs