If you were in a motorcycle wreck caused by a negligent motorist in St. Clairsville, you might wonder how to collect compensation to cover the damages. Drivers responsible for motorcycle crashes commonly assert the rider is liable for the damages.
Reaching out to a dedicated St. Clairsville motorcycle accident lawyer from Bordas & Bordas could help you secure the settlement amount you need and deserve. Call our office to schedule a meeting time with a seasoned personal injury attorney if you have questions or need help with a case.
Common Reasons Motorcycle Crashes Occur in St. Clairsville
While motorcycle collisions can happen for many reasons, like other vehicle accidents, some are more common than others. The most typical reasons motorcycle accidents occur in St. Clairsville include the following:
- Driver’s operating vehicles with distractions
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Driving under the influence
- Motorist’s failure to notice a motorcycle in their blind spot
- Failing to adhere to traffic safety rules and regulations
- Bike mechanical failures
- Poor highway conditions
A diligent St. Clairsville motorcycle accident attorney could help you complete a thorough case review to determine the cause of the incident and the liable party.
The Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle riders are highly vulnerable to sustaining life-threatening or fatal injuries when a vehicle collides with them. Some of the most common injuries include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Motorcycle riders are highly vulnerable to traumatic brain injuries or TBIs when they do not wear helmets. Wearing protective gear reduces the chance of brain injuries significantly. TBIs can be temporary or permanent injuries that affect nearly every part of your life.
Severe Head, Neck, and Facial Injuries
Severe head, neck, and facial injuries are also typical in motorcycle wrecks. The rider may hit their face or head on the vehicle when they collide with the ground or other objects.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
The impact of the car strike often throws the rider off the motorcycle. They can suffer spinal cord injuries from landing on the road or hitting other objects around them. Spinal cord damages can leave you with long-term or permanent disabilities, such as paralysis of one or more limbs.
Motorcycle Protective Gear Laws
There are motorcycle safety laws you must adhere to when you travel on state roads and highways. Failing to comply with local traffic laws could result in hefty fines and temporary to permanent license suspension. Under the Ohio Administrative Code § 4501-17-01, the state protective gear laws are as follows:
- All riders under 18 must wear protective gear, including a helmet approved by the S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)
- Motorcycle operators with less than one year of experience must wear helmets
- All passengers riding with the bike operators are required to wear helmets
All helmets and safety gear meeting the USDOT standards will have a sticker displaying DOT letters. Sadly, motorcycle accidents in Ohio are common, and there have been quite a few fatal crashes at St. Clairsville Post Road. While state laws do not require that all riders wear helmets, riders should remember that safety equipment saves lives. A knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer in St. Clairsville could answer questions about the state regulations in more detail during an initial meeting.
Call a St. Clairsville Motorcycle Accident Attorney to Get Started on Your Claim
If a careless motorist caused your harm, civil laws could entitle you to collect damages from the negligent party. Like other personal injury cases, motorcycle injury claims are complex, and recovering compensation from the liable party is challenging.
Therefore, many seek help from skilled legal professionals to help them navigate the process. Schedule a consultation with a compassionate and experienced St. Clairsville motorcycle accident lawyer from Bordas & Bordas if you need help with a case. Our accomplished attorneys have won multi-million verdicts and settlements in cases just like yours.