Personal Injury Claims Among Friends & Family: A Delicate Situation
Posted in: Ohio Personal Injury
KNR Legal Blog
A motorcycle crash can happen in an instant and can lead to serious injuries or even death. After a motorcycle accident, victims are usually left with hefty medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other life-altering damages.
The most recent motorcycle crash statistics demonstrate how common motorcycle accidents are in Ohio. At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, our motorcycle accident attorneys have successfully represented many victims of Ohio motorcycle accidents. If you have been injured or a lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash, contact KNR right away at 1-800-HURT-NOW to schedule a free initial consultation.
Each year, the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) reports statistics related to various motor vehicle accidents, including motorcycle crashes. Their recent findings show that there were a total of 3,826 motorcycle accidents that occurred in 2017.
While 3,162 of the crashes resulted in injuries, 157 led to deaths. 200 motorcycle accident deaths occurred in 2016,, meaning there has been a slight decrease in the number of people who lost their lives in these types of crashes.
The OSHP also released statistics that revealed that motorcycle accident injuries in 2017 were most common in individuals in the 51 to 55 age range while the 21 to 25 age range experienced the highest number of fatalities.
While the majority of motorcyclists understand the importance of helmet use and other safety laws, many fail to wear them. According to the OSHP, of the 1,782 riders who wore their helmets in 2017, 1,331 were injured, and 45 were killed.
When it comes to the 2,299 riders who did not wear their helmets, 1,721 sustained injuries and 107 lost their lives. These statistics prove that wearing a helmet while on a motorcycle may save a rider’s life.
Ohio is a state that does not require motorcyclists to wear helmets. However, there are several exceptions. Helmets must be worn if a driver or passenger on a motorcycle is under 18 or if a rider is new and only has a temporary instruction permit. Also, all riders in Ohio do have to wear protective eyewear.
Although helmet wear is optional for most riders in Ohio, helmets should be worn. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that helmets are 37% effective in preventing motorcycle rider fatalities. They are also 41% effective in reducing the risk of fatalities for motorcycle passengers.
It can be a frightening experience to cause an accident as a motorcyclist or become involved in a crash with a rider. Ohio has created the Motorcycle Ohio Rider Enhancement (MORE) program to help reduce the risk of Ohio motorcycle crashes. MORE provides Ohio motorcyclists with the opportunity to improve their riding skills so they can avoid dangerous situations and protect themselves and others on the road.
Ohio adheres to the NHTSA standard for entry-level motorcycle training. The state focuses on educating motorcyclists on pre-ride tasks, street strategies, vehicle control skills, roadway management skills, and tasks that relate to carrying passengers or cargo.
In addition, MORE assists Ohio motorcyclists in selecting a safe motorcycle and educates them on how to ride safely with passengers and why it’s imperative not to drink and ride.
If you have been hurt or lost a loved one in an Ohio motorcycle crash, it is in your best interest to reach out to the highly skilled Ohio motorcycle accident lawyers with KNR today. Call us at 1-800-HURT-NOW or via our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. We may be able to help you recover compensation for your damages so that you can ease the financial burden you’ve been left with and move forward with your life.