Columbus Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Columbus, OH?

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, hundreds of people are killed in motorcycle accidents every year. Thousands more are severely injured.

Whether you encounter a distracted motorist on High Street or while riding on I-270 in Columbus, many motorcycle accidents happen because drivers are unaware of their surroundings and behave recklessly.

Frequent Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in Franklin County, OH

• Left-Turn Collisions at Intersections (e.g., Broad & High): One of the most common and dangerous scenarios. Drivers turning left across traffic often misjudge a motorcyclist’s speed or fail to see them entirely, leading to head-on or T-bone crashes—especially at high-traffic intersections downtown.
• Unsafe Merges on the I-70/I-71 Split: Merging onto Columbus’s split highways can be chaotic. Drivers changing lanes abruptly or without checking blind spots put riders at extreme risk on these fast-moving, congested roadways.
• Speeding & Aggressive Driving on Cleveland Avenue: Long, straight stretches like Cleveland Avenue often lead to excessive speeding and reckless maneuvers. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to sudden lane changes or tailgating in these areas.
• Distracted or Texting Drivers: In neighborhoods like the Short North, Downtown Columbus, or near OSU, distracted driving—especially from cell phone use—is a major threat. Drivers who glance down for even a second can easily miss a smaller motorcycle in traffic.
• Rear-End Crashes at Stoplights or in Traffic: A motorcycle stopped at a red light or in a traffic jam on East Broad Street or Polaris Parkway can be catastrophically injured by a driver braking too late.
• Failure to Yield at Roundabouts or Stop Signs: Locations like the Hayden Run or Bethel Road roundabouts often confuse inattentive drivers. When motorists fail to yield properly, especially to approaching motorcycles, the result is frequently a broadside or side-swipe collision.

Motorcycle Accident: Common Injuries

Ohio only requires motorcycle riders to wear helmets if they are under 17. This resulted in a 71% fatality rate for those not wearing helmets in motorcycle accidents.

The injuries in motorcycle crashes are often severe and include:

• Concussion
• Broken bones
• Severe lacerations
• Cognitive and physical deficits
• Whiplash
• Paralysis
• Severe cuts and lacerations
• Permanent muscle and nerve damage

Columbus Motorcycle Injuries: Medical Treatment

With considerable experience helping local injury victims, our Columbus motorcycle accident attorneys will guide and assist you with documenting injuries and the medical costs after a motorcycle wreck. We have strong relationships with the many excellent hospitals and trauma centers in Columbus, including:

• Ohio State University Hospital
• Mount Carmel
• OhioHealth
• Other local ERs

Who’s Liable in a Columbus Motorcycle Crash?

To succeed in a personal injury claim, you must prove that another party’s negligence caused your injuries. In Columbus, motorcycle accidents often stem from:

• Drivers violating right-of-way laws
• Distracted or impaired driving
• Poorly maintained roads or dangerous intersections
• Vehicle defects or failures

KNR conducts detailed investigations—reviewing crash reports, surveillance footage, vehicle damage, and working with reconstruction experts to identify liability. If necessary, we’ll file suit in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas and advocate for you in front of a local jury.

Read Our Guide to Personal Injury Lawsuits in Columbus, Ohio

What to Do After a Columbus Motorcycle Accident

Being involved in a motorcycle crash in Columbus is overwhelming, especially if you’re injured. But your actions in the minutes, hours, and days afterward can greatly impact your health, legal rights, and financial recovery.

• Call 911 immediately. Have the Columbus Division of Police and EMS respond. A police report is critical for your claim.
• Get medical attention right away, even if injuries aren’t obvious. Go to the ER at OSU Wexner, Mount Carmel, or OhioHealth Grant.
• Take photos and gather information. Document the scene, damage, injuries, road conditions, and get witness contact details if possible.
• Don’t speak to the insurance company alone. They’ll likely try to minimize your injuries or push a quick settlement.
• Contact KNR’s Motorcycle injury lawyers. The sooner our team is involved, the faster we can investigate, preserve evidence (like nearby surveillance cameras), and protect your right to full compensation.

Rider Safety & Awareness in Columbus, OH

Motorcyclists can reduce risk by wearing DOT-approved helmets, using reflective gear, and riding defensively—especially on Columbus roads where crashes are common, like Cleveland Avenue or the I-70/I-71 split. Know the risks around intersections, yield signs, and high-traffic corridors.

KNR encourages riders to take Ohio motorcycle safety courses and stay alert in areas known for accidents like Livingston Avenue, Olentangy River Road, and North High Street. We’re committed to rider safety—and to standing up for riders when other drivers fail to share the road.

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

What Damages Can Be Recovered after a Motorcycle Crash?

Motorcycle accident victims may be eligible for damages such as:

• Emergency care, surgeries, and physical therapy
• Future medical costs, including assistive devices or home modifications
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering and diminished quality of life
• Disfigurement or permanent disability
• Emotional distress and PTSD

Factors That Affect Motorcycle Injury Compensation

The value of your motorcycle injury claim depends on:

• Injury severity and long-term prognosis
• Level of comparative fault—Ohio allows partial recovery if you’re under 51% at fault
• Insurance coverage available from the driver, your policy, or other sources
• Strength of evidence—such as medical records, photos, and expert analysis
• Whether you have a lawyer—Insurers offer more when they know you’re prepared to fight

Fatal Motorcycle Accidents & Wrongful Death Claims

If your loved one was killed in a motorcycle crash in Columbus, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim under Ohio Revised Code § 2125.01. These cases allow surviving family to recover for funeral costs, loss of income, companionship, and the pain their loved one suffered before passing.

KNR represents grieving families with compassion and strength—pursuing justice and financial stability when tragedy strikes.

Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits & Settlements in Columbus

Most cases settle, but if the insurer refuses a fair offer, KNR won’t hesitate to take your case to court. Motorcycle accident lawsuits are filed in Franklin County Common Pleas Court. Our experience with Columbus juries and trial strategies can be the difference in securing maximum compensation.

Never accept the first offer without speaking to a lawyer. The stakes are too high—and the costs of motorcycle injuries too great—to settle for less than you deserve.

More FAQs About Ohio Personal Injury Settlements

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