How to File a Motorcycle Claim in Toledo, Ohio

Lucas County has already seen 955 motorcycle accidents in 2023. Most occurred in the summer and on the major highways around Toledo. This corner of Northwestern Ohio, on the shores of Lake Erie, sees a lot of riders in the warmer months.

Accidents happen. But if you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Toledo, it’s time to consult a local motorcycle accident lawyer to recover what you need.

A Guide to Motorcycle Accident Claims in Toledo, Ohio

No one expects to be involved in a motorcycle wreck. And no matter how skilled a rider you are, a negligent motorist could be around the corner. Given motorcycles’ minimal protection, laying your bike down or getting clipped by a car can result in severe injuries.

The common causes of motorcycle accidents in Toledo are:

• Driver errors, such as speeding, driving under the influence, and distracted driving.
• Improper lane changes when drivers do not signal or check their blind spot before changing lanes.
• Left-turn accidents when drivers turn left in front of a motorcycle that is going straight.

In a perfect world, riders and drivers would be alert and follow the rules of the road. But in the event of a collision, this guide will walk you through filing a motorcycle claim so you know what to expect and how to recover the max.

First, Prioritize Your Safety and Health

After an accident, the first thing you should do is check for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911. Even if injuries seem minor, medical attention is essential as some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately.

The importance of the treatment and medical documentation you receive following an accident cannot be overstated, as they can establish the extent of your damages.

Gather Information at the Accident Scene

The minutes following a motorcycle crash are chaotic, and your injuries may prevent you from collecting all the information necessary. A lawyer can step in and investigate things you may have missed. However, gathering details about the accident can significantly affect your personal injury claim.

Here’s what you’ll need to file a motorcycle accident claim:

Details of All Involved Parties

• Driver’s license info, including the legal name, address, and date of birth.
• Contact details, including phone numbers, email addresses, and home addresses.
• Vehicle registration. This will identify the vehicle’s owner, which isn’t always the driver.

Insurance Information

• Policy number and insurer of the party allegedly at fault
• The insurance agent’s contact information is sometimes provided on an insurance card.

Any Witness Info

• Names and contact details for any witnesses since they can provide an objective account of the accident, potentially strengthening your claim.
• If possible and if they’re willing, take brief statements at the scene. These initial impressions can be invaluable.

Photos & Video Evidence

• Photograph the damage to all vehicles involved from multiple angles.
• Document the road conditions. This can be pivotal if conditions like potholes, wet surfaces, or oil spills contribute to the accident.
• Capture images of any relevant traffic signals, signs, or road markings that may have influenced the accident.
• If you’ve sustained visible injuries, photograph them. This can help correlate injuries to the accident.

Environmental Factors & Additional Details

• Document the weather, lighting conditions, and any other environmental elements that might have played a role in the accident.
• Note factors like noise from construction, a significant event nearby, or the behavior of other motorists that may have played a role in the accident.
• Note the time and date. This can be important for cross-referencing witness statements or potential surveillance footage.
• If police are called to the scene, note the attending officer’s name, badge number, and contact details.

File a Police Report for Your Motorcycle Accident

In Ohio, you must report any motor vehicle accident resulting in injury, death, or over $1,000 in property damage. The report will be a crucial piece of evidence when you file your claim.

To make a report or get a copy of a police report taken at the scene, you can submit a request to the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company to report the accident as soon as possible. They will guide the next steps and what information they require. This may become important if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient coverage and you need to file under your own UIM policy.

Seek Legal Advice

Motorcycle accident claims can be complex. Consulting with an experienced Toledo-based personal injury attorney with extensive experience in Ohio motorcycle accident cases will give you the best chance at receiving the compensation you deserve.

For example, an attorney can help demonstrate how a negligent motorist failed to follow the law and caused your accident and injuries. Your lawyer can also guide you through Ohio’s comparative negligence law, which might reduce your compensation if you’re found to be partly at fault.

Document Your Losses & Experiences

Maintain a file with all documentation related to the accident. This should include your medical records, any receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses, and repair estimates or bills for your motorcycle. You should also keep track of your lost wages if you miss work.

In Toledo, as in the rest of Ohio, you might be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Future medical care and expenses

Filing Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

Sometimes, you may need to file a formal personal injury lawsuit against the driver directly. But in most motorcycle accident cases, you will file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company with the help of an attorney.

Negotiate a Motorcycle Accident Settlement

After submitting the claim, the insurance company may present a settlement offer. With your attorney’s guidance, you can evaluate if it represents a fair offer covering everything you lost due to the motorcycle accident.  If a satisfactory agreement is reached, your claim will be closed. If a settlement can’t be worked out, it might be necessary to file a lawsuit.

Don’t Wait to File Because There’s a Time Limit

Remember, in Ohio, there’s a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including motorcycle accidents. Generally, you have two years from the accident date to file. While there are some exceptions, starting the process as soon as possible is best.

Need Help After a Toledo Motorcycle Accident? Call KNR

Motorcycle accidents can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. By understanding the process and securing experienced legal representation, you can navigate the complexities of filing a motorcycle accident claim in Toledo, Ohio, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Always prioritize your safety, gather necessary evidence, and trust a local injury attorney with KNR. We’ll discuss the details, go over a possible claim for compensation, and explain what you may be owed.

Contact our Toledo injury team today for a free, no-obligation case assessment if you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle crash.