Ohio Motorcycle Safety Month: How To Reduce Ohio Motorcycle Crash Risks
As longer days and warmer weather bring more motorcycles out of storage, the risks of motorcycle crashesin Ohio increase.
Motorcycle crashes can cause potentially life-threatening injuries, and reckless behavior on the part of other drivers is often to blame. Our experienced Sandusky motorcycle crash lawyers want you to be aware of the risks and offer safety tips to protect yourself on the road.
Reckless Behavior on the Part of Drivers That Puts Ohio Motorcyclists In Danger
Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users, as they have little protection in crashes involving motor vehicles. The Ohio State Highway Patrol states that over 200 people are killed in motorcycle crashes each year. These collisions account for roughly 16 percent of all traffic fatalities in the state.
In the majority of multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes, driver error is the primary cause. Reckless behavior on the part of motorists that puts Ohio motorcyclists at risk includes:
- Making left turns across a motorcyclist’s path at intersections.
- Failing to checkblind spots before changing lanes.
- Following too closely, leaving insufficient stopping distance.
- Distracted driving, including phone use.
- Pulling out in front of or turning directly into a motorcyclist’s path.
- Driving while impaired.
When these or other dangerous behaviors result in motorcycle crashes in Ohio, you have the legal right to hold those at fault accountable.
How To Protect Yourself And Your Rights After An Ohio Motorcycle Crash
Motorcycle crashes in Ohio can cause devastating personal injuries. Multiple fractures, severe lacerations, extensive road rash, and spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries are common examples of these severe injuries.
Under the Ohio Code, you have the right to hold those at fault liable for your medical care, missed income, pain, suffering, and other losses. However, insurers are quick to deny and dispute these claims. To protect yourself, take these steps if involved in a collision:
- Note the driver’s license plate number just in case they try to flee the scene.
- Call 911 immediately, wait for law enforcement to arrive, and ensure they obtain the driver’s name and accurate insurance information.
- If able, take photos or videos of the crash scene, including vehicle positions, road conditions, traffic signals, and skid marks, and get contact info for witnesses.
- Regardless of the severity of your injuries, seek emergency medical attention right away.
- Preserve your helmet and riding gear to document the impact of the force.
Insurers may contact you within days of a crash. To protect your rights to compensation, speak to our experienced Sandusky motorcycle crash lawyers before giving any recorded statements.
Request a Consultation Today With Our Experienced Sandusky Motorcycle Crash Lawyers
Motorcycle crashes in Ohio can cause devastating harm and often happen due to reckless drivers. At Murray & Murray, we have the knowledge, skill, and experience needed to protect your rights.
To get the compensation you need to recover, call or contact our Ohio motorcycle crash lawyers online. We proudly serve clients in Sandusky and the surrounding areas. Request a free consultation today.
Sources:
trafficsafetymarketing.gov/safety-topics/motorcycle-safety
statepatrol.ohio.gov/dashboards-statistics/statistics/statewide-and-county-statistics