Ohio Motorcycle Accidents: The Risk & Reality of Brain Injuries
Posted in: Motorcycle Accidents
KNR Legal Blog
For some, motorcycles are a way of life. They represent the freedom of the road, but they can also be dangerous. This danger could be another driver failing to see you or not giving you the right of way you deserve. As a rider you need to be aware of negligent motorists, but that doesn’t mean you should be responsible for the harm they cause.
May has been named Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and KNR has come up with some defensive driving tips, so you can safely enjoy riding the highways and byways of Ohio.
If you or a loved one are injured in a crash, call the Ohio motorcycle accident lawyers at Kisling, Nestico & Redick right away. Reach us at 1-800-HURT-NOW or use our online form. Initial consultations are always free and there are no costs up-front.
The warm weather of May brings people out of their houses and onto their bikes. Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is meant to help riders and other drivers learn more about staying safe with motorcycles on the road.
Each year in Ohio, more than 140 people are killed in motorcycle crashes, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The National Safety Council reported that while motorcycles only make up 3% of vehicles on the road, bikers account for 14% of all traffic fatalities (in 2017, the most recent year available).
Unfortunately, many of these tragedies and thousands of motorcycle accidents are preventable.
Because cars and trucks make up the majority of motor vehicles on the road, those drivers can do the most to prevent devastating motorcycle accidents.
The first step drivers can take is to be on the lookout for motorcycles.
Other actions include:
Most driver education programs offer general advice for how to be aware while on the road, but they fail to focus on how to safely share the road with motorcycles.
Bikers can also protect themselves while riding. Protective gear often gives riders an extra layer between them and the road should a crash occur.
Some beneficial protective clothing for riders includes:
Riders should focus on protecting their joints, spine, and shoulder regions, as they often take the brunt of force when thrown off a bike.
Bikers can also practice defensive driving techniques to avoid crashes with cars, trucks, vans, and other motor vehicles.
If you are involved in an accident, get help as quickly as possible. You can call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for medical treatment. Call a motorcycle crash attorney right away to start a personal injury claim to cover your losses.
Do not admit fault, but gather information from other drivers and witnesses. Ask to take pictures of driver’s licenses. Take pictures of the scene and write down what happened as soon as possible. Don’t talk to the insurance companies until you’ve gotten legal advice.
KNR has decades of experience fighting for motorcycle crash victims and recovering the compensation they deserve. We can be there for you too. We have 11 locations throughout Ohio, including Canton, Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Toledo, and more – find a location near you. Let us identify the party at-fault, deal with the insurance company, and get everything you need.
Call us today at 1-800-HURT-NOW to set up a free, no-risk consultation. There’s no risk because there is no cost unless we recover compensation.