Ohio Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Our Law Firm Is on a Mission to Help the Injured

Attorney Bob Goldwater founded The Goldwater Law Firm over two decades ago with one mission – to help innocent people who have been injured by the negligence of others. Since then, we have become one of the most widely recognized firms in the United States. We have strategic partnerships with some of the nation’s largest and most successful legal practices and serve victims nationwide.

We refuse to sit back and allow big corporations and insurance companies to take advantage of the injured. An Ohio motorcycle accident lawyer from one of our law firm partners can advocate for you.

The Gold Standard of Injury Law

We know that a motorcycle accident can leave victims feeling angry, stressed, and scared. Our law firm partners are here to guide you through your case with the respect, compassion, and dignity you deserve.

We provide clients with The Gold Standard of Injury Law. Our co-counsels go above and beyond to meet your needs and achieve success. Our commitment to service speaks for itself. Read what a previous client had to say about The Goldwater Law Firm:

“The Goldwater Law Firm was very responsive to my questions and requests and extremely professional, but at the same time, were very empathetic regarding my case. It’s difficult to find both of those qualities regarding attorneys, and I found it! I highly recommend The Goldwater Law Firm.”

An Ohio Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Pursue Maximum Compensation

We work with a team of relentless legal professionals dedicated to seeking justice for the injured. Neither they nor we will stand by while our clients lose money and at-fault parties get away scot-free.

A motorcycle crash lawyer can fight for full and fair compensation. In general, financial recovery for a motor vehicle collision may include:

• Ambulance fees
• Hospital and doctor bills
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Mobility aids and medical equipment
• Long-term nursing and attendant care
• Lost wages, earnings, and employment benefits
• Lost future income and earning capacity
• Motorcycle repair or replacement costs
• Household services
• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Reduced quality of life

Motorcycle Crashes Can Lead to Catastrophic and Fatal Injury Claims

Motorcycle riding can feel freeing because the bike’s open nature allows riders to connect with their surroundings. Unfortunately, the price of this freedom is the protection of a vehicle cab.

Because motorcyclists are not enclosed, they are highly vulnerable to crash injuries. They do not have airbags or other safety features to blunt the impact of a collision, and they do not have seatbelts to prevent them from being thrown from their bikes.

If you or someone you love suffered a severe or catastrophic injury, an Ohio attorney can help. A lawyer from our law firm partners can assist with claims involving:

• Multiple or severe bone fractures
• Loss of a limb, body part, or bodily function
• Loss of mobility or paralysis
• Brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries and organ damage

If your loved one died because of a motorcycle accident injury, an Ohio wrongful death lawyer can help surviving family members pursue damages.

Wrongful death compensation may include many of the same economic damages as a personal injury claim, such as medical bills and lost income. It may also include non-economic awards for the loss of a loved one’s guidance, companionship, and society.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents occur because another driver did not see the motorcyclist. 

Many negligent driving behaviors could lead to a driver overlooking a motorcycle or result in a crash, including:

• Making an improper turn or turning left into a motorcycle’s path
• Crowding a motorcyclist’s lane or following a rider too closely
• Illegal or improper passing
• Failing to stop at a traffic signal or stop sign
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Drinking and driving
• Distracted driving, including texting and driving
• Reckless or aggressive driving

Ohio Motorcycle Accident Statistics

The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) reports nearly 19,000 motorcycle-involved collisions in Ohio between 2018 and 2022. These crashes seriously injured over 5,000 riders and led to 953 motorcyclist deaths.

Counties with the highest number of motorcycle accidents during this timeframe include:

• Cuyahoga County (1,760)
• Franklin County (1,569)
• Hamilton County (1,128)
• Summit County (918)
• Lucas County (856)

Wherever your crash occurred, an Ohio motorcycle accident attorney can help. Contact The Goldwater Law Firm today to learn more about connecting with a lawyer near you. We offer free consultations.

Proving Financial Liability for a Motorcycle Collision

An Ohio injury lawyer can investigate your motorcycle accident and build a claim, proving a liable party owes you damages. They can:

Investigate the Motorcycle Crash 

A legal representative can take the responsibility of case building off your shoulders.

Our law firm partners can collect evidence from the accident scene, locate and interview eyewitnesses, and track down available video footage of the collision. A lawyer can also obtain medical records, police reports, and proof of your losses.

In addition, The Goldwater Law Firm can call on our extensive network of experts and specialists to provide reports and testimony to support your claim.

Negotiate With Insurance Agents and Opposing Attorneys

Our co-counsel negotiates tirelessly for clients, protecting them from bad-faith tactics or pressure to accept a hasty settlement that may be less than they qualify for.

Allowing your lawyer to handle case-related communications also prevents you from accidentally saying or doing something that could hurt your claim.

Manage the Details of Your Accident Case

An attorney can manage case details so you can turn your time and attention toward healing. An Ohio lawyer can:

• Draft and file insurance claims and legal paperwork
• Handle case-related phone calls, emails, and meetings
• Track and meet case deadlines
• Provide you with frequent and timely updates

Laws That May Affect Your Ohio Motorcycle Collision Claim

Motorcycle laws vary from state to state and will affect your motorcycle accident case. It can help to understand more about the following:

Motor Vehicle Insurance Requirements

According to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), Ohio motorists must carry auto insurance before driving any motor vehicle. The minimum required coverage includes:

• $25,000 for bodily injuries/death per person
• $50,000 for bodily injuries/death per accident
• $25,000 for property damage

A lawyer can pursue a claim against an at-fault driver’s policy up to the coverage limits. If your damages exceed the available insurance, they can look for other options for financial recovery, including legal action.

Comparative Fault in Motorcycle Crashes

Ohio Revised Code § 2315.33 establishes the state’s modified comparative fault system. Under this model:

• Plaintiffs can seek personal injury compensation as long as their percentage of fault for the accident is not greater than that of the defendant or defendants.
• Any percentage of fault at or below 50 percent will reduce the plaintiff’s awards by that amount.
• Any percentage above 50 percent will bar them from seeking any financial recovery.

At-fault parties and their representatives may try to blame you and use comparative fault to reduce what they owe or get out of paying altogether. The Goldwater Law Firm can protect you against these strategies by putting you in touch with a local Ohio motorcycle crash attorney.

Motorcycle Accident Statutes of Limitations

Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10 establishes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury. You must file your lawsuit within this deadline, or the court will likely refuse your case. The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is also two years under Ohio Revised Code § 2125.02.

Even if you think your legal issue will settle out of court, these time limits matter. If the deadlines expire and you cannot sue, you lose your bargaining power with the insurance company.