You have a higher chance of experiencing severe injuries in motorcycle crashes due to the extremely limited protection these vehicles offer their riders. After an accident, your financial situation can become incredibly difficult between medical bills and missed time from work. Fortunately, an experienced Oregon, OH, motorcycle accident lawyer can help.
At Groth & Associates, we have spent over two decades helping accident victims secure compensation from those responsible for their injuries.
Our experienced team of Oregon personal injury lawyers will use every tool at our disposal to ensure a positive outcome for your case. Reach out to us today to set up your free initial case review with a member of our team.
An Oregon, OH, Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You Secure Damages
After suffering a serious injury in a motorcycle accident, there is a wide variety of damages an experienced Oregon, OH, motorcycle accident lawyer can help you pursue. The types of compensation you can get after a motorcycle accident include the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning ability
- Permanent disability
- Decreased quality of life
- Mental anguish
- Medical costs
- Future medical expenses
- Loss of companionship
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
Punitive damages may also be available in a small percentage of cases. The court will only consider awarding punitive damages if the at-fault party was grossly negligent or intended to cause harm.
A lawyer from our firm can provide more information regarding the damages you’re owed and fight to obtain every last cent of compensation you need.
For a free legal consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer serving Oregon, call (419) 930-3030
Challenges You’ll Face Without the Help of a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle accident victims often face significant challenges when seeking compensation for their injuries. One major hurdle you’ll have to overcome is bias against motorcyclists. Insurance companies and even juries may assume riders are reckless, making it harder to prove fault.
Insurance adjusters often downplay injuries or argue that the motorcyclist was partially to blame to reduce payouts. Victims also have to deal with complicated legal procedures, strict filing deadlines, and aggressive defense tactics from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. All of these factors make it harder for honest claimants to obtain damages.
Hiring an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can give you the support and advocacy you need to overcome these challenges. A lawyer knows how to fight insurance company tactics, gather strong evidence, and build a compelling claim.
Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me (419) 930-3030
Proving the Elements of Negligence After a Motorcycle Accident
When pursuing compensation following a motorcycle accident, you will need to prove that the liable party intended to cause you harm or that they were negligent. Proving negligence means establishing the presence of four elements:
- Breached duty of care
- Causation
- Damages
Duty of Care
The first thing your Oregon, OH, motorcycle accident attorney must do to prove negligence is show that the liable party owed you a duty of care. In most cases, this step is fairly straightforward.
For example, if you are pursuing compensation from the driver of the vehicle that caused your accident, their duty is clear. All drivers owe everyone on the road a duty of care to ensure they are taking reasonable safety precautions in the operation of their vehicle.
For a claim against the manufacturer of your motorcycle, motorcycle manufacturers owe a duty of care to anyone who comes into contact with their products. They must conduct rigorous safety testing to ensure the vehicle is safe enough to go to market.
Breached Duty of Care
Next, your Oregon, OH, motorcycle accident lawyer will need to show that the at-fault party breached the duty of care they owed you. In the case of the driver of the vehicle that struck you, there are several ways to go about proving that they violated their duty of care.
Some of the most common ways to demonstrate a violation include collecting evidence that the driver was:
- Texting while driving
- Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Speeding
In relation to the manufacturer of your motorcycle, you can prove that they violated their duty of care with evidence that they cut corners in the manufacturing process or doctored safety test results.
Causation
Finally, you need to show how the other three elements fit together. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Oregon can help clearly demonstrate to the court how the liable party’s violation of their duty of care directly resulted in your crash.
Damages
Next, you will need to prove that you suffered damages. The easiest way to prove damages following a motorcycle accident is by providing copies of your accident–related medical records and expenses.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Oregon, OH
Motorcycle accidents occur for many reasons, including driver negligence, hazardous road conditions, and mechanical failures. Motorcyclists face higher risks because they lack the protection of a car, making even minor collisions potentially life-threatening.
Understanding the common causes of motorcycle accidents can help you take precautions to prevent them. By staying alert, following traffic laws, and wearing proper safety gear, you can reduce the risk of serious injuries or fatalities on the road.
That said, it will sometimes be impossible to prevent a reckless driver from colliding with you while you’re on your bike. Fortunately, our Oregon, OH, motorcycle accident lawyers can pursue fair compensation for you if you’ve been hurt in a bike crash involving:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Drunk driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Road rage
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Our Team Can Help You File a Claim After a Fatal Motorcycle Crash
If you lost a loved one as a result of a motorcycle accident, an Oregon wrongful death lawyer can assist you in filing a wrongful death claim against the liable party. Our team understands how painful it is to lose a loved one in an accident caused by a reckless driver.
That’s why we’re here to file a strong wrongful death suit on your behalf and fight for the damages you need to move on with your life. If your case is successful, you and your family could benefit from several or more of the following damages:
- The decedent’s emergency medical bills
- Funeral costs
- Burial costs
- The decedent’s pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of consortium
What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve been injured in a bike crash caused by a negligent driver, our Oregon, OH, motorcycle accident attorneys can handle every stage of the claims process for you. That way, you can focus on recovering from your injury.
However, there are a few steps you should take at the scene of the collision to strengthen your claim and aid your physical recovery process. Make sure to take the following steps immediately after a motorcycle crash:
Assess Your Injuries and Call 911
Immediately after an accident, you should take a moment to assess yourself for injuries and determine if you need emergency medical services.
If you or anyone else involved in the incident needs an ambulance, call 911 right away. Even if you don’t feel pain immediately, you should seek treatment soon, as some injuries can go unnoticed due to shock and adrenaline.
If no one needs emergency medical care, you should still call 911 to report the accident to local law enforcement. This is an important step, as the police officers who respond to your call will conduct an investigation and generate a crash report that your Oregon, OH, motorcycle accident attorney can use later to build a strong claim for compensation.
When the authorities arrive at the scene of the accident, tell them what happened, but don’t admit fault or apologize for the accident. Any admissions of fault that you make could end up on the police report and be used against your claim by insurers and other involved parties.
Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene
If your injuries aren’t too serious, you should gather evidence and information at the scene of the crash. Start by taking photos and videos of the scene. Use your phone camera to document vehicle damage, your injuries, and any damage done to nearby signs or guardrails.
You’ll also want to exchange information with the other driver. Make sure to take down their name, contact details, and insurance information. If anyone saw the accident take place, ask them for their information. Their testimony can be used later to establish fault and prove your case.
Gathering solid evidence can prevent disputes over fault and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the claims process. Our motorcycle accident law firm in Oregon, OH, can use this evidence to build a strong case for full compensation.
Don’t Talk to the Insurance Company Until You’ve Hired a Lawyer
After a motorcycle accident, insurance companies may reach out quickly to get a statement or offer a settlement. While it might seem like the insurance company is on your side, speaking with them before consulting an attorney can hurt your case.
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and anything you say, especially in a recorded statement, can be used against you. The at-fault driver’s insurance company may also try to pressure you into accepting a lowball settlement. These initial offers rarely cover the full extent of your medical expenses, lost wages, and future treatment costs.
Once you accept, you likely won’t be able to seek additional compensation later. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney from Oregon, OH, can handle all communications with the insurer. Your attorney will know exactly how much your claim is worth and won’t settle until a fair offer is on the table.
Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
One of the most important actions you can take after a motorcycle crash is to hire a skilled personal injury lawyer. Navigating the claims process after a crash can be incredibly confusing and difficult, especially if you’ve suffered a debilitating injury. That’s where a lawyer can help.
An Oregon, OH, motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm will handle every aspect of your case and work hard to get a fair outcome. By hiring an attorney, you show the insurance provider that you are serious about seeking compensation and that your injuries are legitimate.
Without a lawyer, you’ll likely make mistakes on your claim that end up costing you your compensation. A lawyer can make sure everything is done correctly, dramatically increasing your chances of getting a fair outcome.
Avoid Delays to Help Ensure the Best Outcome for Your Case
It’s critical to act quickly when attempting to recover compensation after a motorcycle accident. Any delays can result in the loss or corruption of critical evidence.
Additionally, witness testimony becomes less reliable as time passes. Securing the services of an experienced attorney as soon as possible is the best way to help you build a strong case.
Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits in Ohio
If you’ve been badly hurt in a motorcycle crash in Ohio, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the state’s statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits.
Under Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10, you have two years from the date of your accident to sue the at-fault party. If you fail to take legal action within this strict timeframe, you’ll likely be denied the damages you need.
If your injuries were the result of intentional harm, this deadline is reduced to one year. It’s also important to realize that exceptions may apply to your case that can shift the typical filing deadline in one direction or the other.
The good news is that by hiring our dedicated motorcycle accident attorneys, you ensure that your suit will be filed in a timely manner. As long as you reach out to our team soon after the collision, we’ll have the time we need to abide by this important filing deadline.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Oregon, OH, Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
After a motorcycle accident in which you sustained severe injuries, it is important that you recover compensation from the liable party. The best way to improve your chances of getting the money you need is by securing the services of an experienced attorney.
At Groth & Associates, our experienced team of attorneys will work around the clock to ensure you recover fair compensation for your losses. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a trusted Oregon, OH, motorcycle accident lawyer and get started on your case.
Call or text (419) 930-3030 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form