Cincinnati Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Cincinnati, OH

Motorcycle accidents can happen anywhere in Cincinnati—from Over-the-Rhine to Mount Adams—and often involve negligent drivers. Many of these accidents occur at busy intersections like Liberty Street and Central Parkway or along hazardous stretches of I-75.

After a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to understand the cause. While law enforcement, such as the Cincinnati Police Department or the Ohio State Highway Patrol, may file a report, these are often incomplete.

That’s why KNR conducts independent investigations, helping you uncover the truth. Common causes of Cincinnati motorcycle accidents include

• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react in time, leading to serious collisions with motorcycles.
• Distracted driving: Drivers using phones or not paying attention to the road can easily miss seeing a motorcyclist, causing accidents.
• Drowsy driving: Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents with motorcyclists.
• Intoxicated driving: Impaired judgment and slower reflexes from alcohol or drugs often result in dangerous collisions with motorcycles.
• Improper passing: Unsafe passing maneuvers can force motorcycles off the road or into oncoming traffic.
• Failure to check blind spots: Motorcycles are often overlooked in blind spots, leading to lane change accidents.
• Failure to yield: Drivers who fail to yield the right of way can cause serious motorcycle crashes at intersections.
• Unprotected left turns: Cars making left turns without checking for oncoming motorcycles often lead to devastating collisions.
• Wide turns: Drivers taking wide turns may enter a motorcycle’s lane, creating a collision risk.
• Sudden stops: Abrupt stopping can cause rear-end collisions, particularly dangerous for motorcycles.
• Failure to notice a stopped or slowing vehicle: Distracted or inattentive drivers may not see motorcycles slowing down, leading to rear-end crashes.
• Lane splitting: This practice can lead to accidents when drivers do not expect motorcycles between lanes of traffic.
• Open car doors: Drivers opening car doors without looking can hit passing motorcyclists, causing serious injury.

Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Ohio law requires riders under 18 and those with novice licenses to wear helmets. Even with protective gear, motorcyclists are vulnerable to serious injuries.

Common injuries we’ve seen from crashes in areas like Oakley and Hyde Park include:

• Severe lacerations
• Road rash
• Bone fractures
• Ligament, tendon, muscle injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Concussion (minor traumatic brain injury)
• Serious traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Crush injuries
• Nerve damage
• Amputation
• Chest and abdomen organ damage
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Ohio Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Ohio law requires motorcycle riders under 18 years and who have novice licenses to wear helmets.

If you are an older, experienced rider, you do not have to wear a helmet. When you are on your bike, you may be relatively unprotected. Even if you wear a helmet and heavy boots and gear, very little stands between you and harm.

Cincinnati Motorcycle Accident Hotspots

We have helped clients injured in motorcycle accidents across Cincinnati, including in:

• Clifton near the University of Cincinnati
• Westwood along Harrison Avenue
• Downtown Cincinnati on Vine Street
• Anderson Township and Eastgate

What to Do After a Cincinnati Motorcycle Accident

If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident in Cincinnati, here are essential steps to take:

• Call 911 to report the accident and seek immediate medical attention.
• Document the scene by taking photos of the crash site, vehicle damage, and any injuries.
• Collect information from witnesses and the other driver.
• Seek medical attention even if you don’t feel injured at first—some injuries appear later.
• Contact KNR to discuss your options.

Motorcycle Safety: Related Reading

• Ohio Motorcycle Safety Law & How it Can Affect Your Claim
• Why Every Motorcyclist Should Have an “ICE” Card

Beware of Lowball Offers After a Motorcycle Accident

After a motorcycle accident, insurance companies may attempt to protect their bottom line by using unfair tactics such as:

• Offering low-ball settlements that fail to cover your full medical bills, lost wages, or long-term care.
• Downplaying your injuries or minimizing the impact on your life to reduce the value of your claim.
• Blaming you for the accident, suggesting you’re partially at fault to lower your compensation under Ohio’s comparative fault laws.

Our Cincinnati motorcycle accident lawyers are familiar with these tactics and will aggressively defend your rights. We’ll negotiate for the compensation you truly deserve and aren’t afraid to take your case to court if needed.

How Is Fault Determined in a Motorcycle Accident?

Determining fault in a motorcycle accident can be challenging, as accident reports and witness statements may not always provide the full story. At KNR, our motorcycle accident attorneys are dedicated to proving how the accident occurred and holding the responsible driver and their insurance company accountable.

Here’s how we strengthen your claim or motorcycle accident lawsuit:

• Accident reconstruction experts: We work with specialists to recreate the accident and demonstrate the other driver’s fault.
• Medical expert witnesses: Our network of trusted medical professionals can testify to the severity and long-term impact of your injuries.
• Trial-ready approach: With a strong record of success in the courtroom, we push for fair settlements and are fully prepared to go to trial if necessary.
• Challenging motorcyclist bias: We understand the prejudices motorcyclists often face, and we work to eliminate these biases to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

By using our extensive resources and legal experience, we help ensure you are treated fairly and fully compensated for your injuries.

Why Work with Our Cincinnati Motorcycle Accident Attorneys?

At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, we strive to make the recovery process after a motorcycle accident in Cincinnati as smooth as possible. We understand the challenges of dealing with insurance companies, but with our experienced team of personal injury lawyers, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

With over 500 years of combined legal experience, a team of 30+ attorneys, and millions recovered for clients across Ohio—including many successful outcomes right here in Cincinnati—we are prepared to help you, no matter the severity of your injuries.

“KNR was outstanding. They listened, understood, and handled everything. I’m grateful for their support.” – John P.

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