A motorcycle accident can occur without any warning, which means you can get injured without any prior notice. Motorcycle accidents cause severe injuries, such as head injuries, broken bones, and spinal cord injuries, which can affect your life in many ways. If your injury was caused by a motorcycle accident in Ohio, you may be wondering what steps to take next. This article will guide you on what to do if you are involved in a motorcycle accident, who is responsible for the accident and what you need to know about Ohio’s motorcycle laws.
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First Steps After a Motorcycle Accident
The first step to take after a motorcycle accident is to ensure that you and others involved in the accident are safe. Call 911 to report the accident and inform them of any injuries so that medical assistance can be dispatched immediately. It is crucial to stay at the accident scene until the police arrive. Do not admit fault or apologize for the accident to anyone at the scene. Wait for the police to arrive and provide them with only factual statements.
If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any injuries to help document the accident. Gather the contact information of all involved parties, including their names, phone numbers, and insurance information.
Who Is Responsible for the Motorcycle Accident?
Determining fault in a motorcycle accident can be challenging. In Ohio, the fault is established through comparative negligence. This means that fault can be distributed among all parties involved in the accident based on their level of fault. This can make receiving compensation for your injuries complicated. It is why it is essential to hire an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to help you establish and prove fault for the accident.
Ohio Motorcycle Laws
Ohio has specific laws specifically designed to protect motorcycle riders. The state requires all motorcycle cyclists to wear helmets unless they meet certain age, insurance, and experience requirements. A helmet can protect your head in the event of an accident, so it is crucial to adhere to the state’s helmet law.
Ohio also has specific policies regarding lane sharing, which is typically prohibited in the state. Motorcyclists are not to drive between two lanes of traffic or between a line of vehicles and the adjacent curb.
What Are My Legal Options After a Motorcycle Accident?
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, you have legal options to help you receive compensation to cover medical and other expenses related to your injuries. The first option is to seek compensation from your insurance company. If you were not at fault for the accident, you could seek compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company.
If the at-fault party does not have insurance or insufficient funds to cover your medical expenses, you can seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. The lawsuit will help you recover damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Conclusion
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Ohio, it is important to take the first steps to ensure your safety. Contacting legal representation to help you navigate the legal landscape can help ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries. Motorcycle accidents can cause severe injuries, so it is important to take every precaution possible to protect yourself when riding. Whether this includes wearing a helmet or adhering to Ohio’s specific laws regarding lane sharing, proper safety measures will ensure that you are reducing your risk of being involved in an accident.