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Cincinnati Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Motorcycle injury cases should never be treated like typical auto accident claims. Trauma suffered by motorcyclists and their passengers is much more likely to result in lifelong health problems or wrongful death. Your quality of life – and your family’s well-being – may depend on your successful recovery of compensation for the total harm that the motorcycle crash has caused you.

To recover maximum compensation in an Ohio motorcycle accident, a victim or their family needs to prove more than the fault of another person – which can be surprisingly difficult. The victim, or plaintiff, must provide convincing evidence regarding the extent to which the crash has impacted their life. While damages for past medical expenses and lost wages may be relatively straightforward, future costs and noneconomic harms are difficult to value and prove.

Our attorneys at Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima have an excellent track record of getting motorcycle accident victims and their families compensated for all damages recoverable under Ohio law. Our Cincinnati motorcycle accident lawyers treat clients like they are their own family members. They help bikers overcome the unfair biases they routinely face. They will not be afraid to take your case to trial if the at-fault motorist and their insurer refuse to pay the full value of your claim.

For a consultation with one of our motorcycle accident attorneys at Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima, call 513-496-0134 or contact us online. We are available 24/7.

What To Do After A Motorcycle Accident In Cincinnati

Every biker knows that they are vulnerable to injury, but motorcyclists still do not expect to become victims of motorcycle accidents. A motorcycle crash can be devastating and disruptive.

Below, our lawyers have assembled a checklist of things to address after a serious motorcycle crash.

1. Seek medical treatment.

The most important issue after a motorcycle crash is your health. Do not let an attorney or insurance adjuster determine whether you should seek treatment or what type of treatment you should seek. Despite all the insurance and legal issues that arise after an accident, you need to focus on your recovery.

Some injuries do not appear to be severe at first. After your crash, you may have gotten up and walked away. Do not let this fool you; you may still need treatment. Adrenaline often masks serious injuries, which can become more pronounced in the hours or days following the accident. If you fear that you suffered trauma to your head, spine or internal organs, then you should seek medical attention immediately.

Medical treatment documents your injuries and establishes evidence for your injury claim. Be sure to be honest when discussing your pain and symptoms after an accident. Do not exaggerate, but also be thorough and discuss all your symptoms with your doctor.

If you unnecessarily delay treatment or downplay your injuries, the defendant’s insurer or attorneys will use the delay to attempt to refute the extent or nature of your injuries.

2. Contact an attorney.

Seek medical attention first, and then contact a lawyer. It is never too early to contact an attorney. The sooner you do, the better chance the lawyer has of recovering and preserving valuable accident evidence.

A skilled Cincinnati motorcycle accident attorney will act as your adviser by helping you avoid making crucial mistakes. Do not deal with the insurance company before speaking with a lawyer.

3. Be aware of social media and your own insurance adjuster.

Even your own insurance adjuster is not your friend. They have only the best interests of the insurance company in mind.

You should be careful what you say, write or do after your accident. The insurance company and the defendant’s lawyers are constantly looking for evidence to attempt to discredit your injuries and claim.

Defense attorneys use Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms to collect evidence damaging to plaintiffs’ claims.

4. Refer insurance agents to your lawyer.

Do not speak with insurance adjusters about your accident; they are trained to settle claims as quickly and cheaply as possible. Insurance adjusters are taught to be extremely nice to injured persons in an attempt to settle the claim before an attorney is involved. It is in their best interests to minimize their payout. Give them your attorney’s contact info and refuse to engage in conversations with insurance representatives. Words are critical and can be used against you in later proceedings.

5. Follow doctors’ orders.

Physicians know how to help you heal; obviously, it is in your best interests to follow their orders and recommendations. Additionally, your compliance can have a serious impact on the value of your personal injury claim.

If you ignore a doctor’s advice, then it could later be used against you in court. The defendant’s attorneys will say it is evidence that your injuries aren’t bothersome enough for you to care about following orders. Further, the insurance company may argue that you unnecessarily let your condition worsen.

Why Hire Our Cincinnati Motorcycle Accident Lawyers?

Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima is a family-founded law firm serving southwestern Ohio and Greater Cincinnati. We deliberately keep our staff small and customer-focused. Read what our clients have to say about our attorneys.

Although we are a selectively small firm, our team has the accolades and accomplishments of the lawyers at a large law firm, including the following:

  • Some of our lawyers are AV Preeminent peer-review rated,* the highest rating, through Martindale-Hubbell.
  • Several of our attorneys have been selected for inclusion in Ohio Super Lawyers for multiple years; less than 5% of lawyers are selected for this list annually.
  • Our team has obtained numerous multimillion-dollar recoveries on behalf of our clients.
  • Our lawyers have presented numerous successful arguments before The Supreme Court of Ohio.
  • Our attorneys have experience handling high-profile cases, including those with national media coverage.

What Are The Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents?

Cincinnati Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycles aren’t dangerous if riders are properly trained and respect the strengths and limitations of their machines. However, the environment in which Ohio bikers ride can be unsafe. Below are some of the greatest threats that motorcyclists face when riding.

Passenger Vehicles

A recent study in Florida found that passenger vehicles are at fault in 60% of car-motorcycle collisions. The most common type of motorcycle accident is when a car or truck driver doesn’t “see” a motorcyclist. These crashes occur when the driver turns in front of the motorcycle. While they usually involve a left turn across the motorcyclist’s path, right-turn crashes are also common.

In these crashes, the non-motorcycle driver is often cited for “failure to yield” to the motorcycle, which had the right of way. This type of car-motorcycle collision is often fatal when the bike is traveling at high speeds.

Passenger vehicles can hit motorcyclists from other angles, too. Accidents can happen when a driver doesn’t see a rider changing lanes or when they fail to slow down in time to avoid a motorcyclist in front of them at a stop sign or stoplight.

Road Hazards

Some of the road hazards that cause motorcycle accidents are the result of other vehicles. A common scenario is when a semi truck suffers a blowout, sending shredded tire treads into the path of a motorcyclist. Even if the motorcyclist manages to avoid collision with the semi-truck tires, they may be forced to lay the bike down to do so. Other situations in which vehicles leave debris, such as auto accidents, endanger motorcyclists, too.

Sometimes, road hazards are directly related to road conditions, such as:

  • Design flaws
  • Overuse
  • Potholes
  • Road construction

Mechanical Issues

Some motorcycle crashes – and, oftentimes, single-motorcycle crashes – are caused by mechanical issues. These crashes may occur when motorcycle parts, like brakes or handlebars, give out or prove defective. They may also happen as a result of mechanics’ errors: Accidents can happen when a worn motorcycle part is not replaced during a tuneup or a mechanic fails to install a part properly.

Group Riding

Effective group riding makes motorcycles more visible to passenger vehicle motorists, decreasing the threat of the biggest danger that Ohio bikers face: the dreaded “failure to see a motorcyclist” accident. Yet, group riding carries risks of its own, especially when one rider makes an error. Even a small mistake can put many bikers in sudden danger.

How Is Fault Determined In A Motorcycle Accident In Ohio?

While accident reports and witness testimonies can help establish fault in motorcycle accidents, they can sometimes paint an incomplete picture. The job of our motorcycle accident lawyers is to help our clients prove how an accident happened and hold the at-fault driver and their insurance company accountable. At Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima, our lawyers will use our network of resources to strengthen your Cincinnati motorcycle injury claim in the following ways:

  • They will use experts for accident reconstruction.
  • They will use our network of reliable medical expert witnesses to prove the extent and effect of your injuries.
  • They will leverage their success as trial lawyers to help ensure that you receive a fair settlement offer. If your claim is not treated fairly, the opposition knows that our team will gladly take your case to trial if that is what it takes to get you fully compensated.
  • They understand that there is an unfair bias against motorcyclists. They excel at eliminating this bias on a case-by-case basis so that our clients can get what they are rightfully owed.

What Are The Common Types Of Motorcycle Injuries?

As more recreational riders take to Ohio roads, motorcycle ridership has increased. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents have also increased. Since motorcycles do not offer the same level of protection as cars, the consequences of a motorcycle crash are often far more serious and sometimes fatal. Motorcycle accidents can result in a multitude of severe injuries, including:

  • “Road rash” and scarring
  • Complex fractures and broken bones
  • Amputation
  • Closed head injury or traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Spinal cord injury or paralysis
  • Wrongful death

In Ohio, motorcycle riders are not required to wear helmets, so the lack of a helmet does not prevent the victim from seeking compensation if they were hit by a negligent driver. Action can be taken.

After any motorcycle crash, it is important to seek proper medical treatment. It is also critical to consult with a Cincinnati attorney who understands local motorcycle accident claims.

Providing Answers To Questions About Your Cincinnati Motorcycle Accident

At Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima, our lawyers offer clear, experienced representation to individuals who have been injured in motorcycle accidents throughout Butler, Warren and Hamilton counties and the surrounding areas of southern Ohio. They can provide you with the in-depth, personalized answers you require to understand your situation and your options.

The following are the types of questions they commonly receive from individuals hurt in motorcycle accidents. Reach out to us for more information and answers to other questions.

Is Ohio a dangerous state for motorcyclists?

According to the latest Ohio State Highway Patrol statistics, Ohio had 1,152 motor vehicle crashes that resulted in fatalities in 2023. Of those crashes, 229 of them involved motorcycles.

A 2016 nationwide study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ranked Ohio as the state with the fourth-highest motorcycle fatality rate. This statistic is especially concerning because the states in the top three positions had significantly higher populations and longer warm weather months, making riding more frequent.

A 2017 study by the NHTSA showed that the helmet use rate in Ohio fatal crashes was only 29.2%. If the motorcyclists had been wearing helmets at the time of their crashes, an estimated 42 additional lives could have been saved. Ohio’s helmet use rate pales in comparison to a few states that had a 100% use rate, such as Nebraska, Vermont and Washington.

Do I need an attorney for a motorcycle accident?

Technically, no. Ohio allows crash victims to represent themselves, which is known as pro se litigation. However, motorcyclists often face an unfair bias and need a skilled lawyer to ensure that they are compensated at full value.

How long do I have after my accident to file a personal injury claim in Ohio?

As with all motor vehicle accident claims in Ohio, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is called the statute of limitations. Please do not wait until the statute of limitations deadline to seek legal counsel. The earlier you hire an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer, the better. Your lawyer needs time to thoroughly investigate your case before preparing a lawsuit. Additionally, your attorney can guide you through the insurance claims process in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident to make sure that your rights are protected. Please do not trust your insurance adjuster.

Is my case worth less because a motorcycle was involved?

In the eyes of the law, a motorcycle accident is no different from any other motor vehicle accident. In fact, motorcycle accident injuries are often severe and require more compensation than other motor vehicle accidents. Lawsuits involving motorcycles, however, often raise stereotype concerns. It is your lawyer’s job to address these concerns and focus the case on your injuries and the fault of the other driver.

The at-fault driver claims that they never saw me. Does this mean that I cannot bring a claim against them?

Excuses by the at-fault driver are no protection against a lawsuit. Car drivers often fail to take the necessary precautions to protect motorcyclists. Drivers often do not give motorcycles enough space. More frequently, drivers often fail to yield to motorcyclists either because they fail to pay attention or they are distracted by other things such as their cellphones, radios or passengers. Drivers have a duty to look for motorcycles on the roadway.

Do I still have a motorcycle accident claim if I was not wearing a helmet?

Yes, you do. Talk to our team to learn more.

What do I do if I was a passenger on a motorcycle and was injured in an accident?

Not only do you have a potential claim against the at-fault driver, but you may also have a potential claim against the person driving the motorcycle. There are many insurance issues involved in this situation, and there are multiple insurance policies that should be analyzed. Our lawyers can help you understand your options and guide you through the claims process. You may also visit our motorcycle passenger injuries page.

Can I sue for wrongful death in a motorcycle accident?

When a fatal motorcycle crash leaves a family hurting, a wrongful death claim can provide compensation for the profound loss. Ohio wrongful death suits allow certain family members to collect compensation on behalf of the deceased. Ohio statutes provide that the spouse and children recover this money; if the victim was unmarried with no children, then their parents and siblings are next in line. If none of those scenarios apply, then more distant relatives may be entitled to collect damages. An Ohio wrongful death lawyer can assess your specific situation.

What if I was in a motorcycle accident with an uninsured driver?

If you were injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver while riding your motorcycle, you might be uncertain about whether you have any legal recourse and who will pay for your medical bills. Our Cincinnati motorcycle accident attorneys will use their years of experience in uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage cases to help you find the best possible outcome for your motorcycle accident. They also take creative approaches to find additional coverage and third-party policies to help victims of motorcycle crashes.

Miss A Step Or Make A Mistake? Do Not Panic – Call Now.

A motorcycle accident is an unnatural and traumatic event. In the moments or days after a crash, people do or say things that they wish they could take back. If you did something regrettable, don’t panic and immediately speak with a skilled Ohio motorcycle wreck attorney. Call 513-496-0134 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers.

Client Review: 5/5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“I would definitely recommend Matt Nakajima and the team at Rittgers & Rittgers. I reached out to Matt after a motorcycle accident, and before we even discussed any legalities of my situation, his first and foremost concern was my health and well-being. He and his team did a great job of educating me about the process, and keeping me up to date and in the loop about my case. Matt was very transparent, diligent and aggressive, in making sure I was being treated fairly!” – Jeriel B.

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.  

RRN

Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima

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