10 Ways to Keep Motorcyclists Safe

As the weather heats up, more bikers are going to be on the road, which means drivers need to remember to share the road with motorcyclists. Due to their size and visibility, motorcycles are at an increased risk of being injured or killed in an Ohio motorcycle crash.

For example, motorcyclists accounted for 13.7% of fatalities resulting from the total number of motor vehicle crashes, a surprisingly high percentage given that motorcycles are estimated to have accounted for less than 1% of the total number of motor vehicles involved in crashes during the same year. Keeping an eye out for motorcyclists is an essential first step toward keeping our roads safe for all.

At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, we’ve helped numerous individuals recover compensation for losses due to a motorcycle accident. Our experienced Ohio personal injury attorneys are familiar with the devastation these accidents can cause, which is why we’re troubled to learn of Ohio’s record concerning motorcycle accidents, accidents which should be preventable.

10 Ways to Keep Motorcyclists Safe

1. Keep an eye out — Motorcyclists face extra safety challenges due to their size and visibility on the road. Keeping an extra eye out and using one’s rear- and side-view mirrors can help to keep motorcyclists safe on the road.
2. Give motorcyclists a full lane — Always give a motorcyclist a full lane width when driving. Sharing a lane with a motorcyclist is highly dangerous, even if it appears to be possible.
3. Watch out at intersections — Any time your view at an intersection is obstructed, proceed with caution, just as you would for pedestrians, as motorcyclists may be oncoming and just out of view. Scanning your environment and proceeding with caution can help to prevent potential accidents.
4. Double-check when lane changing — Always use your rear- and side-view mirrors when changing lanes and check for motorcyclists more than once. Due to blind spots on your vehicle and the poor visibility of motorcyclists, you may not see a motorcyclist on your first check. Always double-check your mirrors, especially when changing lanes.
5. Understand motorcyclists’ driving patterns — Motorcycles are built differently than cars or trucks and, as a result, they’re driven differently. Understanding motorcycle riding practices, such as downshifting and weaving, can help motor vehicle drivers better anticipate the driving patterns of motorcyclists.
6. Follow at a greater distance — Give motorcyclists greater distance when following than you would a car or truck—three or four seconds is recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This will ensure that a motorcyclist has enough time to safely maneuver or to come to an emergency stop.
7. Observe turn signals — If you see a motorcyclist signaling that he or she intends to turn, wait to let the motorcyclist turn before moving ahead. And if you’re unsure if a motorcyclist is turning, proceed with caution, as not all motorcycles are equipped with self-cancelling turn signals.
8. Don’t drive distracted — Distracted driving increases one’s risk of getting in an accident, including with motorcyclists. Keep everyone safe by keeping your eyes on the road and any distractions away from your vehicle.
9. Turn with caution — Before making a turn, double or triple check the positioning of any nearby motorcyclists to ensure that you’re turning safely. Turning with caution is especially important at intersections.
10. Share the road — Sharing the road with motorcyclists isn’t just about giving motorcyclists space on the road; it’s about looking out for, safeguarding, and learning to be a better driver in the company of riders.

Common Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Crashes

Unlike occupants of passenger vehicles, motorcyclists lack the protection of a steel frame, airbags, and seatbelts. Even with high-quality gear, the physical toll of a crash is often severe.

• Road Rash: This is more than a simple scrape. Severe road rash involves the stripping away of multiple layers of skin, often requiring skin grafts and carries a high risk of infection.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, the sudden force of an impact can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull. This can result in permanent cognitive impairment or personality changes.
• “Biker’s Arm”: This occurs when a rider instinctively throws their arm out to break a fall. The impact can cause permanent nerve damage in the upper arm, leading to paralysis or loss of function.
• Lower Extremity Fractures: Legs, ankles, and feet are the most common areas injured in non-fatal crashes, often crushed between the bike and the road or another vehicle.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Blunt force trauma to the back can result in fractured vertebrae or permanent paralysis, requiring a lifetime of specialized care.

What to Do Immediately After an Ohio Motorcycle Accident

The steps you take in the minutes and days following a crash can dictate the success of your legal claim. If you are physically able, follow this roadmap:

Prioritize Your Safety

Move to the shoulder or a safe area to avoid being struck by oncoming traffic. Do not remove your helmet until you have been evaluated, as it may be stabilizing a neck injury.

Call 911 if You Can

Always ensure an official police report is filed. In motorcycle cases, insurance companies often try to blame the rider; an objective police report is your first line of defense. You also need medical personnel there to provide care. You can get further treatment away from the scene at an emergency room or urgent care to check for other hidden injuries.

Document the Scene

Take photos of the road conditions, skid marks, and the position of all vehicles. Most importantly, take photos of any obstructions (like overgrown bushes or poorly placed signs) that may have contributed to the crash.

Preserve Your Gear as Evidence

Do not throw away your damaged helmet, torn jacket, or scuffed boots. These are powerful pieces of physical evidence that demonstrate the force of the impact to a jury.

Contact KNR Before the Insurance Company

Motorcycle claims are fraught with bias. Let a motorcycle crash lawyer handle the communication to ensure you don’t inadvertently admit fault.

FAQs about Motorcycle Accident Claims

Will my settlement be lower if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

Ohio law does not require riders over the age of 18 (with more than a year of experience) to wear a helmet. While an insurance company may try to use “comparative negligence” to argue that your injuries would have been less severe with a helmet, they cannot deny your claim entirely based on this factor. We fight to ensure you aren’t unfairly penalized for exercising your legal rights.

What if the accident was caused by a pothole or poor road design?

In these cases, you may have a claim against a government entity (like a city or the Department of Transportation). These claims have much shorter deadlines and stricter notice requirements than standard insurance claims, making it vital to contact an attorney immediately.

The driver says they “didn’t see me.” Does that get them off the hook?

No. Drivers have a “duty of care” to scan their environment for all road users, including smaller profiles like motorcycles. “I didn’t see him” is essentially an admission of negligence, not an excuse.

How do you value “Pain and Suffering” for a motorcyclist?

Because motorcycle injuries are often more graphic and life-altering than car accident injuries, we use medical experts and “Life Care Planners” to quantify the long-term impact. We look at how the injury prevents you from riding, working, and enjoying your daily life to ensure the settlement reflects the true cost of your trauma.

Can I still recover money if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Ohio follows a Modified Comparative Negligence rule. As long as you were 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages. Your total check will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How the Experienced Ohio Personal Injury Attorneys at Kisling, Nestico & Redick Can Help You

At KNR, we have helped countless motorcyclists who have been injured due to the negligence and lack of awareness of a motor vehicle driver. Our Ohio personal injury attorneys have seen first-hand the pain and damage a motorcycle accident can cause, which is why we urge everyone to observe Motorcycle Awareness Month.We have 11 locations throughout Ohio, including Canton, Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Toledo, and more – find a location near you. If an Ohio motorcycle crash has affected you or a loved one, call us at 1-800-HURT-NOW for a free, initial consultation.