Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Ohio

Your Rights After an Ohio Motorcycle Crash

Motorcyclists in Ohio have the same rights and protections as every other driver on the road. If another motorist’s negligence causes you harm, you can pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. But under Ohio Revised Code §2305.10, most personal injury claims, including motorcycle accidents must be filed within two years of the crash, or you risk losing your right to recover.

Why Legal Help Matters After a Crash

Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in traffic crashes than other motorists (NHTSA), and the Ohio State Highway Patrol reports hundreds of serious injuries and fatalities every year. Despite these dangers, insurers often exploit “biker bias,” unfairly blaming riders to reduce payouts.

KNR knows these tactics since many of our attorneys once defended insurance companies. Today, we use that knowledge to anticipate their arguments, counter unfair blame, and build strong cases. From investigating your crash and consulting experts to negotiating with insurers and representing you in court, KNR asks, “What more can we do?” so you move forward with confidence.

Types & Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Ohio

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, left-turn and failure-to-yield crashes consistently rank among the top causes of rider injuries and fatalities. But Motorcycle crashes in Ohio can happen anywhere—on congested interstates, rural highways, or city streets.

While every accident is unique, certain patterns appear again and again:

• Unsafe Lane Changes – Drivers who neglect to check blind spots or signal often sideswipe or cut off motorcyclists. These incidents are common on multi-lane roads like I-71 or I-475, where fast-moving traffic leaves little room for error.
• Left-Turn Collisions – One of the deadliest types of crashes, left-turn accidents occur when cars turn across a rider’s path at intersections. In Ohio, these wrecks account for a disproportionate number of fatal motorcycle crashes.
• Distracted or Drunk Driving – Texting, adjusting GPS, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol significantly increases the risk of striking a motorcyclist. The Ohio Department of Public Safety notes that impaired drivers are involved in a large share of severe motorcycle accidents.
• Road Hazards & Defective Motorcycles – Riders are more affected by potholes, uneven pavement, debris, or unsafe bike parts. Even minor hazards that a car could absorb may cause a motorcyclist to lose control.
• Multi-Vehicle Accidents – Chain-reaction collisions on Ohio’s highways and interstates often involve several vehicles. Unfortunately, motorcyclists frequently sustain the most severe injuries in these pile-ups.
• Uninsured & Underinsured Drivers – Despite state requirements, many Ohio drivers carry little or no insurance. When these motorists cause a motorcycle crash, victims may struggle to obtain fair compensation without pursuing an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim.

Motorcycle accident data shows that negligent drivers are the root cause in most Ohio crashes—not bikers themselves. However, proving this often requires a strong legal strategy.

What to Do After am Ohio Motorcycle Accident

The moments after a motorcycle crash are overwhelming, but taking the right steps can protect both your health and your claim:

• Call 911 & Get Medical Care – Even if you feel fine, hidden injuries like concussions or internal bleeding are common.
• File an Accident Report – Ohio law requires reporting accidents that cause injury, death, or significant damage. Official reports can be crucial evidence.
• Preserve Evidence – Take photos of the crash scene, your bike, and visible injuries. Collect witness names and contact details.
• Avoid Quick Settlements – Insurance companies often make low offers right away. Don’t sign or accept anything until you know the true value of your claim.
• Contact an Attorney – A skilled Ohio motorcycle accident lawyer can investigate the crash, handle the insurer, and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

What are the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Because motorcycles provide little physical protection, riders are among the most vulnerable motorists on Ohio’s roads. Even at low speeds, a crash can eject a motorcyclist onto pavement or into another vehicle, often resulting in serious or life-changing injuries.

Some of the most common injuries we see include:

• Broken Bones & Fractures – The impact of a motorcycle accident frequently leads to fractures in the arms, legs, wrists, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries often require surgery, physical therapy, and months of recovery.
• Spinal Cord & Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – A blow to the spine or head can cause permanent damage, including partial or full paralysis, loss of mobility, memory problems, or other long-term cognitive impairment. Even riders wearing helmets are at risk of concussions and TBIs.
• Road Rash & Burns – Sliding across asphalt can tear through clothing and skin, leading to painful abrasions, infections, nerve damage, and permanent scarring. In severe cases, skin grafts may be required.
• Organ Damage & Internal Bleeding – High-impact collisions often cause internal injuries that are not immediately obvious. Damage to the lungs, liver, kidneys, or other vital organs can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
• Amputations & Crush Injuries – Riders can become pinned under vehicles or between objects, leading to crushed limbs, amputations, and permanent disability.
• PTSD & Psychological Trauma – Beyond physical harm, many victims struggle with emotional injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. These conditions can affect relationships, work, and quality of life long after the crash.

What if a n Ohio Motorcycle Accident is Fatal?

Ohio, dozens of families every year lose loved ones to these devastating accidents, many caused by negligent or reckless drivers.

When a fatal motorcycle crash occurs, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim under O.R.C. 2125.01. This legal action is designed to hold negligent parties accountable and provide financial relief to families coping with loss. Available compensation may include:

• Loss of financial support the deceased would have contributed
• Loss of companionship, comfort, and consortium
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Emotional anguish suffered by surviving family members

KNR approaches wrongful death cases with both compassion and determination. We know no settlement can replace a loved one, but we work tirelessly to ease the financial burden, secure justice, and hold those responsible fully accountable.

How to Prove Fault in Ohio Motorcycle Accidents

It may seem cut and dry to you that the other motorist caused your motorcycle accident and resulting injuries. However, to recover compensation after a motorcycle accident, you must prove that another party’s negligence caused your injuries.

In Ohio, this typically means establishing the following:

• Duty of Care – Every driver on Ohio’s roads has a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely and avoid putting others at risk.
• Breach of Duty – A driver breaches this duty by acting carelessly or recklessly—such as texting while driving, failing to yield, or making an unsafe left turn.
• Causation – The breach of duty must be shown to have directly caused the accident and resulting injuries.
• Damages – Finally, you must demonstrate actual losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, or pain and suffering.

At KNR, we know proving fault is rarely straightforward. Police reports may be incomplete, and insurance companies often attempt to shift blame onto the rider.

That’s why our team conducts an independent and thorough investigation after motorcycle related incidents, which may include:

• Reviewing police and crash reports
• Consulting with accident reconstruction experts
• Gathering surveillance footage and dash cam evidence
• Interviewing eyewitnesses and first responders
• Working with medical professionals to document injuries and their long-term impact

By collecting and presenting clear, compelling evidence, KNR counters insurer tactics and demonstrates the full extent of your losses. Call 1-800-HURT-NOW for a free consultation.

We’re Close by After a Motorcycle Crash

Our statewide practice is designed to make going through an injury claim more convenient and accessible for motorcycle injury victims. With 12 Ohio locations, KNR is a call or click away.

• Akron
• Beachwood
• Canton
• Cincinnati
• Cleveland
• Columbus
• Dayton
• Independence
• Toledo
• Westlake
• Youngstown

*KNR also serves Ohio’s rural counties & conducts consultations via Zoom.

Ohio Motorcycle Accidents: Issues & Questions

• Injured Motorcycle Passengers
• Ohio Motorcycle Safety Laws
• Compensation for Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle Accident Info Center

Motorcycle Safety: Related Reading

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

What Damages are Available After a Motorcycle Crash?

When a motorcycle rider is seriously injured or tragically killed in Ohio because of another’s negligence, Ohio law allows victims or surviving families to pursue financial recovery.

Motorcycle accident damages may include your:

• Medical Expenses (Past & Future) – Emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescriptions, ongoing treatment, and assistive devices.
• Lost Wages & Reduced Earning Capacity – Income you’ve already lost, as well as your future ability to work and provide for your family.
• Pain & Suffering – Physical pain, chronic discomfort, and reduced quality of life.
• Disfigurement & Disability – Compensation for scarring, amputations, or permanent loss of mobility.
• Emotional Distress & Trauma – PTSD, anxiety, depression, and psychological toll of the accident.
• Loss of Consortium – For spouses and family members deprived of love, care, and companionship.

In the event of a fatal motorcycle accident, families may also pursue wrongful death damages, including:

Settlements vs. Lawsuits in Ohio Motorcycle Accident Cases

Most motorcycle accident claims in Ohio resolve through settlements, but that doesn’t mean victims should accept the first offer. Insurers often delay, deny, or undervalue valid claims, especially when relying on “biker bias” to suggest motorcyclists are at fault.

At KNR, our legal team carefully documents the true cost of your accident, from immediate medical bills to long-term care and lost earning capacity. If the insurer refuses to negotiate fairly, we’re prepared to file a lawsuit, which can:

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