How to File a Motorcycle Claim in Toledo, Ohio
Posted in: Legal Blog
KNR Legal Blog
As the temperature rises and motorcyclists hit the open roads of Ohio, the thrill of riding can overshadow the risks. Among the dangers, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) stand out as one of the most severe consequences of motorcycle accidents – even for experienced motorcycle riders.
At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, we aim to shed light on the significant impact of TBIs and provide essential information to help motorcyclists stay safe. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or new to the road, let our Ohio brain injury lawyers provide the knowledge necessary to protect yourself.
A TBI occurs when a bump, blow, or jolt to the head disrupts normal brain function. According to the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders, millions of Americans suffer TBIs annually, with motorcycle accidents being a significant cause.
Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveal that motorcyclists are 35 times more likely to experience fatalities per mile traveled than passenger car occupants. Consequently, the incidence of TBIs is significantly higher among motorcyclists.
The repercussions of a TBI extend beyond immediate medical concerns. Survivors often face long-term challenges, including cognitive impairments, emotional difficulties, and financial burdens. The cost of medical treatment, ongoing therapy, and necessary lifestyle adjustments can be overwhelming.
TBIs can lead to a variety of cognitive issues, such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and impaired judgment. These impairments can hinder an individual’s ability to perform daily tasks, return to work, or engage in social activities. The severity of these cognitive deficits often depends on the extent and location of the brain injury.
Living with a brain injury can also cause emotional and psychological challenges. Many TBI survivors experience depression, anxiety, mood swings, and personality changes. These emotional difficulties can strain relationships with family and friends and may require ongoing psychological support or therapy.
The financial impact of a TBI can be substantial. The cost of initial medical treatment, including emergency care and surgery, is often just the beginning. Long-term expenses may include rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and the need for assistive devices or home modifications. Additionally, many TBI survivors are unable to return to work, resulting in lost income and added financial stress.
Adjusting to life with a brain injury is a continuous process that involves coping with both physical and emotional changes. Survivors may need to adopt new strategies to manage their daily lives and maintain their independence.
Ongoing rehabilitation is crucial for TBI survivors to regain as much function as possible. This may involve a multidisciplinary approach, including physical therapy to improve mobility and strength, occupational therapy to relearn daily tasks, and speech therapy to address communication difficulties.
Building a strong support system is vital for TBI survivors. This includes professional support from medical and therapeutic providers and emotional support from family, friends, and support groups. Connecting with others who have experienced similar challenges can provide comfort and practical advice.
Survivors often need to make significant lifestyle adjustments to accommodate their new reality. This might include modifying their living environment to improve safety and accessibility, developing new routines to manage cognitive and emotional challenges, and finding new ways to engage in hobbies and social activities.
Given the long-term financial impact of a TBI, survivors and their families may benefit from legal and financial planning. This can include seeking compensation through legal claims, exploring disability benefits, and working with financial advisors to manage ongoing medical expenses and loss of income.
Living with a brain injury is undeniably challenging, but with the proper support and resources, survivors can work towards rebuilding their lives and finding new paths to fulfillment. At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, we are dedicated to helping TBI survivors navigate these challenges and secure the compensation they need.
A helmet is one of the most effective ways to protect against TBIs. The NHTSA reports that helmeted riders have a significantly lower risk of sustaining severe head injuries compared to those without helmets.
In Ohio, motorcyclists under 18 and those with less than a year of experience are legally required to wear helmets, but all riders are strongly encouraged to do so.
If you or a loved one suffers a TBI in a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention and legal advice. At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, we are committed to helping victims of motorcycle accidents navigate the complex legal landscape to secure the compensation they deserve for medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
A skilled lawyer will guide you through the legal process, from investigating the motorcycle crash to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, taking your case to court. They will work to prove negligence on the part of the other driver and demonstrate the full extent of your injuries and related costs. This means your current expenses and future damages because of your brain injury.
Yes, you can still pursue a legal claim even if you were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. While not wearing a helmet may affect the amount you receive, mainly if it contributed to the severity of your injuries, it does not bar you from seeking damages.
With over 15 years of experience handling motorcycle accident cases and $millions recovered, our Ohio personal injury lawyers understand the unique challenges associated with TBIs. We offer compassionate, comprehensive legal support to ensure you receive the care and compensation you need to move forward.
If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI in a motorcycle accident, don’t wait. Call Kisling, Nestico & Redick at 1-800-HURT-NOW for a free, no-risk consultation. We’ll explain your rights and how we can help you get the necessary care and compensation.
We’ve been helping people in Ohio after motorcycle accidents for over 15 years, and with 12 offices throughout Ohio, answers are closer than you think. There are no fees unless you recover compensation.