Dayton Motorcycle Accident Attorney

The last thing any motorcyclist wants to think about is being involved in a motorcycle crash. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash per mile driven than those in passenger vehicles. Many motorcyclists are injured each year and need to know how to respond in these situations.

Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law is a personal injury firm dedicated to protecting bikers’ rights. We can fight for the compensation you deserve after being injured by a careless driver. Contact us today for a free case review to learn more about your legal options.

Ohio Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, 18,980 crashes involved motorcycles in a recent five-year period. It also states that motorcycle crashes have increased each of the last five years.

Of these crashes, the following results occurred:

927 fatal crashes
953 motorcyclist deaths
13 other deaths
5,296 serious injuries to motorcyclists

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes in Dayton, Ohio are:

Drug or Alcohol Use

Alcohol and drug use play a significant part in Dayton motorcycle accidents. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, an average of 9 percent of motorcycle accidents in the state involved alcohol and/or drugs, twice the rate of the use of these substances in all motor vehicle crashes.

Inattention

A major reason for many motorcycle accidents is that passenger vehicle drivers do not pay attention to them. Motorcyclists are positioned lower, so they may be more difficult to see. However, passenger vehicle drivers have a duty to be careful around all road users and to keep a proper lookout for others.

One common maneuver that results in motorcycle accidents is a left turn. A passenger vehicle driver may turn in front of the oncoming path of a motorcyclist and crash into them. Even if there is no contact, the motorcyclist can still wind up ejected from their vehicle and seriously injured by trying to avoid a collision. A left-turn motorcycle crash can cause severe injuries.

Speeding

Motorcyclists and their passengers may be injured when drivers speed. Speeding makes it more difficult to control vehicles, especially motorcycles. It also increases the distance necessary to brake safely to avoid a collision.

Distracted Driving

Many people underestimate the immense amount of attention and skill necessary to safely operate a vehicle. They may choose to engage in distracting activities, such as:

Talking or texting on a cell phone
Eating or drinking
Adjusting controls in their vehicle
Using GPS or infotainment systems
Talking to passengers
Tending to children or pets in the vehicle
Grooming or applying makeup

Every accident that occurs because of distracted driving could have been avoided.

Careless Driving

Most motorcycle accidents come down to simple negligence. The other driver may have engaged in careless driving behaviors that caused the accident, such as:

Stopping suddenly
Sudden lane changes
Failure to signal
Opening car doors without checking the surroundings
Changing lanes without checking blind spots
Failing to yield the right-of-way

Mechanical Issues

The failure of mechanical systems in any vehicle involved in a crash can cause accidents. This could involve any component in a vehicle, including:

Brakes
Tires
Suspension
Engine
Transmission
Lights
Wipers
Collision avoidance systems

Motorists must regularly maintain and inspect their vehicles to prevent accidents. If they fail to do so, they could be responsible for the accident if a mechanical defect caused it. In some situations, auto part defects may cause a crash. When that’s the case, the manufacturer may be responsible for the resulting accident.

Poor Roadway Conditions

Because motorcycles are lower to the ground and have only two wheels, they are more vulnerable to roadway conditions than other drivers. Serious crashes can result from conditions such as:

Uneven roads
Potholes
Poorly marked curves
Inadequate lighting
Unmarked lane changes
Sudden drop-offs
No guardrails
Debris in the roadway
Slick roads
Standing water

An experienced Dayton motorcycle accident attorney from Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law can investigate the accident and identify what caused the wreck and who is responsible for the injuries you suffered.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

The NHTSA reports that approximately 80 percent of all reported motorcycle crashes result in injury or death. In comparison, only 20 percent of all reported passenger vehicle crashes result in injury or death.

Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:

Death
Limb amputations
Disfigurement
Spinal cord injuries
Neck and back injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Eye injuries and loss of sight
Broken jaw
Dental injuries
Facial fractures
Broken bones
Internal organ injuries
Burns
Road rash

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident That Wasn’t Your Fault

Take these steps immediately after a motorcycle accident to safeguard your health and your rights:

Get out of the road to avoid any secondary injuries
Report the accident to law enforcement
Keep your safety gear and helmet on
Ask the other driver for their name, contact information, and insurance information
Ask witnesses for their contact information
Inform law enforcement if the other driver is acting oddly
Contact our Dayton motorcycle accident attorneys.

In some accidents, the at-fault driver may flee the scene. If this happens, try to remember as much information about the vehicle and driver. Give this information to the police and to your Dayton motorcycle accident lawyer.

Potential Motorcycle Accident Compensation

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for the following:

Past, current, and future medical expenses
Lost wages and lost or reduced earning capacity
Repair or replacement costs for your bike
Permanent disability, disfigurement, and/or scarring
Pain and suffering

Get a free consultation with our motorcycle accident lawyers to develop a legal strategy that will help you secure compensation.

Reach Out to an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Dayton, OH Today

If you were in a motorcycle accident, know that you are not alone. At Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law routinely handle motorcycle accident claims. Our motorcycle accident lawyers understand how an accident can disrupt every aspect of your life. We offer a free consultation where you can discuss your case and legal options with an experienced Dayton personal injury attorney.