Motorcycle riders involved in collisions are 25 times more likely to sustain grave physical injuries or, in unfortunate scenarios, lose their lives compared to car drivers. Columbus and Cleveland bikers are at the highest risk in Ohio for experiencing a motorcycle accident that results in injury or even death, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol – over 26% of all local motorcycle accidents result in serious injury or death.
If you’ve recently been in a motorcycle crash in the Columbus or Cleveland regions, know you’re not alone in your journey to recovery. Our motorcycle injury lawyers at Callinan & Wisecup will build a strong case for you to receive compensation that can lessen physical, emotional, and financial distress.
Breaking Down Motorcycle Crash Numbers in Columbus and Cleveland
It should come as no surprise that Columbus and Cleveland metro areas suffer the most from motorcycle accidents compared to any other Ohio cities. Over four million people call Columbus and Cleveland home, and many more commute into the city for work, business, and shopping via major interstates and highways. The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported between 2019-2023:
- 1,585 accidents involving a motorcycle in Cuyahoga County
- Most crashes occurred on US-6, IR-90, SR-10, and IR-480
- 1,760 accidents involving a motorcycle in Franklin County
- Most crashes occurred on US-40, US-23, IR-270, and US-33
- Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays hold the record for the most motorcycle accident reports in both metro areas.
Rush hour amidst hundreds of thousands of residents and commuters can be a major headache, but even more so for motorcyclists who share the roads with motorists – especially in summer months when bikers can enjoy the summer weather.
Sadly, rush hour during the summer is the most common timeframe for motorcycle accidents to occur in Columbus and Cleveland. Over 81% of crashes occurred from April to September, with the highest chances of accidents after 4 pm.
Knowing these unfortunate statistics, let’s take a look at some common causes of motorcycle accidents that we’ve collected from our law experience and advice for what to do if you find yourself in one.
Taking Into Account Common Causes for Motorcycle Accidents
Not only do other drivers pose dangers to bikers, but bikers themselves may choose unsafe driving maneuvers or encounter risky road conditions.
Visibility Challenges
Because motorcycles are smaller, their lights and signals are much easier to miss than on a vehicle. Bikers may also be more difficult to spot if they are wearing dark clothing or gear. Considering many motorcyclists are out on the streets in warmer months, the sunshine can obstruct motorists’ views of traffic. A driver missing a motorcycle in their blind spots is also commonly associated with motorcycle accidents.
Unsafe Traffic
Intersections, left turns, distracted or inexperienced drivers – the list is endless when it comes to maneuvering a motorcycle in unsafe conditions. Some of the worst motorcycle accidents occurred at intersections in Columbus and Cleveland, with distracted driving being the next common cause of crashes.
Dangerous Roadway Obstructions
With just two wheels on the road, motorcycles are much more dangerous to drive over potholes, slick roadways, or down a busy street with parked cars where a biker might run into an unexpected open car door. Road construction zones also pose a danger for motorcycle navigation where lane switches become risky, and traffic comes to a congested bottleneck.
What to Do If You’re in a Motorcycle Accident
After a motorcycle accident, it’s more than likely you will feel shocked, confused, and worried about your situation. You may have experienced broken bones, road rash, or worse. The aftermath of a motorcycle accident may involve financial and medical stressors that you never anticipated. Before getting ahead of yourself in the process, there are some steps you can take at the scene of your accident that can help motorcycle accident lawyers in building a case:
- Stay at the accident scene and do not move your bike or gear except to free yourself from any debris.
- Assess yourself and others for any injuries and seek immediate medical assistance.
- If you are physically able at the scene:
- Inform local law enforcement about the accident and request a report.
- Exchange contact information with the other driver involved.
- Identify witnesses and gather their contact details.
- Take photos and video of the accident scene and visible injuries.
- Report the incident to your auto insurance company promptly, but avoid speaking directly with insurance adjusters or giving statements.
- Avoid discussing the accident on social media until your claim is settled.
- Reach out to Callinan & Wisecup for a free consultation.
Safety Tips
You’ve probably seen the bumper stickers urging drivers to “Share the Road” with cyclists and motorcycles. This plea goes out to motorists to be diligently aware of their surroundings and give bikers enough room to safely operate alongside vehicles. A motorcyclist should also take proactive measures to ensure their ride will be a safe one.
- Wear visible gear that has reflective features so other drivers can easily spot you
- Choose to wear an appropriate helmet, eyewear, and clothing that would minimize head injuries and road rash if you do experience an accident
- Maintain your motorcycle’s headlights, brakes, and tires
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times and choose the safest route through traffic
- Do not risk driving in poor weather conditions
- Always drive sober – buzzed driving is drunk driving
How Attorneys Support Columbus and Cleveland Motorcycle Crash Victims
Personal injury attorneys like us at Callinan & Wisecup have a solid understanding of the major metro areas where motorcycle accidents are most likely to happen. Using this specialized knowledge helps us build a comprehensive case to negotiate with insurance adjusters and, in some cases, the courts.
Our Columbus motorcycle accident lawyers work on providing you with compensation from three major categories:
- Economic Damages – Tangible losses that can be quantified in dollar terms, such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and costs for ongoing rehabilitation services.
- Non-Economic Damages – Intangible losses, such as future earnings loss, pain and suffering, or the costs associated with emotional distress counseling.
- Punitive Damages – In extreme cases, punitive damages may be awarded if it can be demonstrated that the guilty driver intentionally flouted safety laws or displayed malicious, hazardous driving that caused the accident.
Get the Legal Help You Need to Win Fair Compensation For Your Motorcycle Accident
Reach out to Callinan & Wisecup’s motorcycle accident attorneys in Columbus today for a free case review. We’ll work together to recover the compensation you deserve on the road to recovery.