Columbus, OH Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Our attorneys fight the insurance companies to get the results you need
There are many motorcyclists in and around Columbus. You can see them out on I-71, North High Street, East Broad Street and throughout the city. But many drivers don’t share the road well with motorcycles. It only takes one negligent driver to cause a car accident that leaves motorcyclists with serious injuries.
Recovering financial compensation after being hurt in a crash can be a long and complicated process. That’s why it’s important to have experienced legal representation. The motorcycle accident attorneys at Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC know how to fight back against insurance companies and hold negligent drivers accountable.
Causes of motorcycle accidents in Columbus
How do motorcycle accidents happen? The driver of another vehicle may have been speeding or operating recklessly. Some drivers were texting or were distracted in another way. Others were fatigued or falling asleep behind the wheel. Then there are some drivers who don’t even notice motorcycles or treat them as an annoyance.
The result is a collision, sometimes while vehicles are traveling at a significant speed. There are different types of motorcycle accidents, including:
- Left-turn collisions – The driver of a car or truck fails to yield to an approaching bike when making a left turn.
- Head-on, right turn and rear-end collisions – Even the slightest impact from another vehicle can cause a motorcyclist to lose control.
- Slides – A motorcycle is hit during a turn and slides on the ground.
- Highsiders – A motorcyclist can be thrown from the bike after a crash causes the rear wheel to lose traction then forcefully regain it.
- Sideswipes – A motorist hits a motorcycle from the side when turning or changing lanes, usually due to failure to check blind spots.
- Dooring – A parked driver can cause a crash by suddenly opening the door right into the path of an oncoming motorcycle.
Motorcycle accidents can cause severe injuries
Motorcyclists have little protection in a crash and are often seriously hurt. Injured motorcyclists may be taken by ambulance to Wexner Medical Center, Riverside Methodist Hospital or another Columbus hospital.
Common injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Loss of limbs (amputation)
- Nerve damage (including biker’s arm)
- Burns
- Skin injuries such as road rash
Victims may require multiple surgeries and take months to heal. Some are left with scarring, disfigurement or a permanent disability. Medical expenses can add up quickly after an accident. Moreover, victims may not be able to work and there is less income coming in. This can result in financial stress as they worry about how they are going to pay their bills.
Holding negligent drivers accountable can be difficult
If a negligent driver caused the accident that left them hurt, the injured biker shouldn’t have to pay. But victims face many obstacles when trying to recover compensation. One is that negligent drivers may deny doing anything wrong. They may refuse to accept responsibility and may even blame the motorcyclist for causing the crash.
Another obstacle is the insurance company handling the claim. Insurance adjusters still think of people who ride motorcycles as being irresponsible and assume they were somehow to blame when there’s an accident. They use many different tactics to try to minimize compensation, such as questioning the seriousness of a victim’s injuries.
Many times, an insurance company will offer a settlement soon after the accident. They’ll even promise quick payment. It can be tempting to accept their offer as bills start to add up. But what they’re offering won’t come close to covering all the damages suffered.
How our Columbus, OH motorcycle accident lawyers can help
If you’ve been hurt in a Columbus motorcycle crash, you need a lawyer who is ready to fight for your rights. Our firm knows how to handle insurance companies to get you the compensation you deserve.
Our legal team investigates your crash to get the facts. We gather evidence, including any video from traffic cameras. We carefully review accident reports, medical records and other documentation. We identify witnesses and interview them about what they saw. If needed, we consult accident reconstruction experts and other specialists.
Our motorcycle accident lawyers build strong cases and demand compensation. This includes compensation for all medical expenses related to your injuries, both now and in the future. It includes compensation for lost wages if you couldn’t work, as well as other damages such as pain and suffering. If the insurance company won’t offer a fair motorcycle accident settlement, we are prepared to take legal action on your behalf.
Talk to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney today
We understand the impact your motorcycle crash has had on your life – physically, emotionally and financially. That’s why we are determined to help you get maximum compensation, whether it’s through a negotiated settlement or a jury verdict. We have a winning track record in motorcycle accident lawsuits, and we know how to guide you through the process.
Let’s talk about your accident. It’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible. Over time, evidence can be lost or destroyed and the memories of witnesses can disappear. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We can review the details of your crash, go over your legal options and answer any questions you have.
