Cleveland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you suffered catastrophic injuries in a Cleveland, Ohio, motorcycle accident, you may be facing significant obstacles in your life, from going to work to performing everyday tasks. The impact of a serious collision can be physical, financial, and emotional, and what you’re going through can feel overwhelming. If someone else’s careless actions caused the crash that injured you, you may be eligible for compensation, but the legal process may feel like more than you can manage right now.
The team at Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, can provide the support you need. Let an experienced Cleveland motorcycle accident attorney review your situation and explain your legal options. Contact us today to get started with a free initial consultation.
Why Choose Our Cleveland Motorcycle Accident Lawyers?
Choosing an attorney for your personal injury case is one of the most consequential steps you’ll take after a motorcycle accident. Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, is dedicated to representing Ohioans injured by others’ irresponsibility. We focus on doing everything possible to make the legal process easy for you and work quickly to find solutions to the challenges you face. We recognize the far-reaching effects of motorcycle accident injuries and devote the energy and resources your case deserves. Our team is available by phone, email, text, and in person to discuss your needs. We’ve recovered millions for deserving clients – let us fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.
Cleveland, Ohio Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to five years of data from the Ohio State Patrol, Cleveland and greater Cuyahoga County led the state with 1,760 motorcycle accidents during the period under review. This accounted for close to 10 percent of all motorcycle crashes statewide. Additionally:
- Two-thirds of motorcycle injuries and fatalities in Ohio occur in intersections or along curves
- Four Ohio motorcyclists are injured or killed every day
- Male operators and passengers account for over 80 percent of serious injuries and deaths
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Cleveland
Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users. Even when riders follow all traffic laws, other parties’ actions can lead to devastating collisions. Understanding how these accidents happen can help when building a strong injury claim. Some of the most common causes of severe injury accidents and fatal motorcycle accidents in Cleveland, Ohio, include:
- Drivers failing to check blind spots before changing lanes
- Motorists making unsafe left turns at intersections
- Distracted driving, including texting, eating, or adjusting controls
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Drivers following motorcycles too closely, reducing reaction time
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Opening car doors into the path of a motorcyclist (“dooring” accidents)
- Poorly maintained roads, including potholes and loose gravel
- Defective motorcycle parts, such as brake or tire failures
- Dangerous weather conditions that make roads slick or reduce visibility
When a driver, government entity, or vehicle manufacturer isn’t careful and causes an accident, an injured motorcyclist may have the right to pursue compensation. A Cleveland motorcycle accident lawyer can investigate the accident’s cause and identify who should be held accountable.
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries because riders have so little protection in a crash. Even with a helmet and protective gear, the force of a collision can cause significant harm that requires long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and support for a motorcyclist to recover to the fullest possible extent. Some common injuries from motorcycle accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Road rash and severe skin abrasions
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Neck and back injuries
- Amputations and crush injuries
- Facial fractures and dental injuries
- Emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Steps to Take After a Cleveland, Ohio Motorcycle Accident
Your priority should be getting the medical care you need after a motorcycle accident. Follow all treatment plans and attend every appointment to protect your health and document your injuries. Keep copies of medical records, bills, and receipts related to your care.
While you work on healing in the days and weeks after the crash, try to gather as much information as possible. Write down everything you remember about the accident while the details are fresh. Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before you talk to a lawyer, as anything you say could be used against you. The Cleveland motorcycle accident lawyers at Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, can guide you through the next steps and protect your right to fair compensation.
How a Cleveland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Trying to manage the legal process on your own after a serious motorcycle accident can feel overwhelming. Insurance companies may try to minimize your injuries or pressure you into accepting a low settlement, and you may not be well-equipped to recognize what they’re doing until it’s too late.
An experienced and knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer can take this burden off your shoulders. By securing professional representation, you can better protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing. Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, can:
- Investigate the cause of the accident
- Gather police reports, medical records, and other evidence
- Interview witnesses and collect supporting statements
- Work with accident reconstruction experts if needed
- Identify and pursue all possible sources of compensation
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Calculate the full value of your losses
- Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
- File a lawsuit in the absence of a reasonable settlement offer
- Represent you at trial if necessary
- Keep you informed at every stage of the case
- Help you avoid common mistakes that could jeopardize your claim
Compensation Available for Motorcycle Accident Victims
Motorcycle accident victims may be entitled to compensation for the harm they suffered. Your attorney can review the facts of your case and pursue the maximum compensation available under Ohio law, which will depend on the severity of your injuries and other details of your case. Possible compensation may cover:
- Medical expenses, including anticipated future medical care
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Lost wages and loss of future earning potential
- Disability or disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage, including motorcycle repairs or replacement
Legal Time Limits: Ohio’s Motorcycle Accident Laws
Ohio law limits the amount of time you have to take legal action, typically giving you two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for personal injury or wrongful death. Missing this deadline may lead the court to dismiss your case and jeopardize your right to compensation. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Cleveland can track important deadlines and take timely action to protect your rights.
People Also Asked
It’s understandable to have many questions and concerns after a motorcycle accident. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we hear – if you have others, don’t hesitate to reach out!
What should I do if I was involved in a Cleveland, Ohio motorcycle accident?
Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine. Follow all treatment instructions and keep detailed records of your progress. Avoid discussing the accident with insurance companies before speaking with a lawyer, and don’t post about it on social media. Save any evidence you have, including photos, medical bills, and witness information.
How much is my motorcycle accident case worth?
The value of your motorcycle accident case depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, your lost income, and the overall impact of the crash on your daily life. Every case is different. A lawyer from Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, can review the facts and work to calculate fair compensation based on the specific losses you’ve suffered as a result of the accident.
Can I file a lawsuit after a fatal motorcycle accident in Cleveland, Ohio?
Yes. If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Certain family members, such as a surviving spouse, child, or parent, may have the right to recover compensation under Ohio law. However, only the personal representative of your loved one’s estate may file a wrongful death claim on their behalf.
Do I need a lawyer for a motorcycle accident claim?
You aren’t required to have a lawyer, but legal help can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible, and a Cleveland motorcycle accident lawyer can handle negotiations, build a strong case, protect your rights, and pursue the full compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery.
Contact a Cleveland Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
When a Cleveland, Ohio, motorcycle accident throws your life into turmoil, you deserve the support of an attorney who will fight to hold the driver or other at-fault party accountable for the harm they caused you. Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, brings decades of combined experience to cases like yours, along with a track record of success and a commitment to securing justice for the injured. Contact us today for a free case evaluation with a compassionate and understanding Cleveland motorcycle accident lawyer.
