Cleveland Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Cleveland, OH

Motorcycle accidents can occur anywhere in Cleveland—from Ohio City to Shaker Heights—and often involve negligent drivers. Many of these accidents happen at busy intersections like Carnegie Avenue and Ontario Street or on dangerous stretches of I-90 and I-480.
After a motorcycle accident, understanding the cause is essential. While law enforcement, such as the Cleveland Police Department or the Ohio State Highway Patrol, may file reports, they are often incomplete.

That’s why KNR conducts independent investigations to help uncover the truth. Common causes of Cleveland motorcycle accidents include:

• Speeding: High speeds reduce a driver’s ability to react in time, resulting in serious collisions with motorcycles, especially on highways like I-71.
• Distracted driving: Drivers using phones or otherwise distracted may easily miss motorcyclists, causing accidents on busy Cleveland streets like Lorain Avenue.
• Drowsy driving: Fatigued drivers, particularly in late-night areas like Downtown Cleveland, have slower reaction times, increasing accident risk.
• Intoxicated driving: Impaired judgment from alcohol or drugs often leads to dangerous collisions with motorcycles, particularly around entertainment districts like The Flats.
• Improper passing: Unsafe passing on roads like Detroit Avenue can force motorcycles off the road or into traffic.
• Failure to check blind spots: Motorcycles are frequently overlooked in blind spots, leading to lane change accidents on I-480 and other major highways.
• Failure to yield: Drivers failing to yield at intersections like those along Euclid Avenue can cause serious crashes.
• Unprotected left turns: Cars making left turns without checking for motorcycles often cause devastating collisions in busy areas like University Circle.
• Wide turns: Drivers taking wide turns risk entering motorcycle lanes, creating collision risks in places like Lakewood.
• Sudden stops: Abrupt stopping can cause rear-end collisions, especially dangerous for motorcyclists, on Cleveland’s congested roads.
• Failure to notice a stopped or slowing vehicle: Distracted drivers may miss seeing a motorcycle slowing down, leading to rear-end crashes.
• Lane splitting: This practice can lead to accidents when drivers are not expecting motorcycles between lanes of traffic, particularly during rush hour on I-90.
• Open car doors: Drivers opening car doors without checking can hit passing motorcyclists, especially in areas like Tremont.

Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Ohio law requires riders under 18 and those with novice licenses to wear helmets. Even with protective gear, motorcyclists are highly vulnerable to severe injuries.
Common injuries from crashes in areas like Lakewood and Little Italy include:

• Severe lacerations
• Road rash
• Bone fractures
• Ligament, tendon, muscle injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Concussion (minor traumatic brain injury)
• Serious 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.
If you are an older, experienced rider, helmets are not required, but you remain vulnerable. Even with protective gear, very little stands between you and serious injury.

Cleveland Motorcycle Accident Hotspots

We have helped clients injured in motorcycle accidents across Cleveland, including:

• Ohio City on West 25th Street
• Shaker Heights on Chagrin Boulevard
• Downtown Cleveland along Lakeside Avenue
• Lakewood near Clifton Boulevard

What to Do After a Cleveland Motorcycle Accident

If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident in Cleveland, follow these steps:

• 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 injuries.
• Collect information from witnesses and the other driver.
• Seek medical attention even if you don’t feel injured at first—some injuries manifest later.
• Contact KNR to discuss your options.

Motorcycle Safety: Related Reading

• Ohio Motorcycle Safety Law & How it Can Affect Your Claim
• Why Every Motorcyclist Should Have an “ICE” Card

Liability & Negligence in Motorcycle Accidents

If the motorcycle accident and your injuries were caused by someone else, you may wish to file a motorcycle injury claim or lawsuit and pursue compensation.

You must establish negligence and liability to prove your case and ultimately secure what you deserve. This means demonstrating:

• The party at fault had a duty of care toward you
• This duty was breached by a failure to act reasonably
• The breach of duty caused the motorcycle accident and subsequent injuries
• You suffered harm from these injuries that you can be compensated for

Beware of Lowball Motorcycle Accident Settlement Offers

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

• Offering low-ball settlements that don’t fully cover your medical bills, lost wages, or long-term care needs.
• Downplaying your injuries or minimizing the impact on your life in order to reduce the value of your claim.
• Blaming you for the accident, suggesting partial fault to lower your compensation under Ohio’s comparative fault laws.

Our Cleveland motorcycle accident lawyers are familiar with these tactics and will aggressively defend your rights. We’ll negotiate for the compensation you deserve and are prepared to take your case to court if needed.

How KNR Helps Prove Fault for a Motorcycle Accident

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

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

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

Using our extensive resources and legal experience, we ensure you are treated fairly and fully compensated for your injuries.

Why Work with Our Cleveland Motorcycle Accident Attorneys?

At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, we strive to make your recovery process after a motorcycle accident in Cleveland as smooth as possible. We know how challenging it is to deal with insurance companies, but with our experienced team of personal injury lawyers, you don’t have to face it 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 in Cleveland—we’re 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.

More Client Testimonials

Cleveland Motorcycle Accident FAQs

Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, KNR is here to help. With multiple locations across Ohio, we proudly serve Cleveland and offer free, no-obligation consultations. Call (216) 658-1330 today to schedule a free consultation.