As freeing and liberating as motorcycling can be, the sad truth is that motorcyclists are often needlessly put in harm’s way when they ride on Ohio roadways. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that motorcyclists are approximately 28 times more likely to suffer fatal injuries in a traffic accident than individuals in passenger cars. Riders may be more likely to fall victim to serious injuries in these accidents due to their exposure and the dual impact that may occur when struck by a vehicle and when hitting the road.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), there were 520 traffic accidents investigated in Marion County in 2019, with 60 distracted driving violations being noted. If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident, a Marion motorcycle accident lawyer from the Fitch Law Firm can represent your case during your fight for justice.
The Fitch Law Firm is proud to offer our services to residents of Marion in the hopes that they may be able to finally close this unfortunate chapter of their lives and move on to a brighter future. If you retain our legal counsel, our team of attorneys can be there to fight for compensation on your behalf. Along the way, we can identify the liable party, build a case against them, and collect evidence of the value of your damages to present in settlement negotiations or on trial.
To learn more about the motorcycle accident services at the Fitch Law Firm, contact a representative today at (740) 212-1686 for your free consultation. We may be able to serve you on a contingency fee basis with no upfront payments necessary.
Proving Who Was Liable for a Motorcycle Accident
While victims are not required to retain an attorney to bring legal action against the offender in question, a Marion motorcycle accident lawyer can be used to assist in the investigation of the crash while the victim continues focusing on their day-to-day life.
Although some accidents may be inherently easier to explain than others, a lawyer may be able to have forensic evidence examined, in addition to pulling cellphone records, interviewing eyewitnesses, gathering medical documents, and more. In some cases, a lawyer may call upon industry professionals to testify on their findings in the case, including accident reconstruction experts and more.
Here at the Fitch Law Firm, we treat every victim’s case on an individual basis in order to identify the root cause of the accident. If you believe another party’s negligence caused your accident and would like to know more about your legal options, contact a team member from our firm today at (740) 212-1686.
Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
According to Accident Analysis & Prevention, the most common area of the body that is injured in motorcycle accidents are the lower extremities. Upper extremity and head injuries also occur frequently.
While the severity of a motorcycle accident can depend on factors such as the type of crash and what protection the motorcyclist was wearing, even the simplest impact to a motorcycle rider can cause devastating injuries. These injuries can occur because there is virtually nothing to offer protection to the rider after the initial impact—excluding any padded clothing or a helmet, which can only do so much.
Other common injuries in motorcycle accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and other head injuries
- Cuts and bruises from skidding on the roadway, otherwise known as road rash
- Broken bones, commonly to the ribs and extremities
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, which may cause paralysis
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- And more
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident, it is recommended that you seek immediate medical treatment. Even if you think your injuries are minor and may heal on their own, a doctor can give you a proper diagnosis and begin any treatment you may need. If your injuries become more serious later, and you decide to pursue compensation, having a link in your medical record that connects your accident to your injuries may become evidence in your case.
Potentially Recoverable Damages from Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accident victims may be able to recover damages for the areas of their life that were negatively affected by the accident, including their financial wellbeing, as well as their mental and physical health.
Various examples of recoverable damages can include, but may not be limited to:
- Bills associated with the accident, including medical payments, costs of vehicle repairs, property damage, and more
- Monetary losses related to their job or career, such as lost wages during the recovery period or a loss of the ability to work moving forward
- Compensation for physical disabilities or disfigurements
- Pain and suffering and other non-economic damages
- And more
When you work with a Marion motorcycle accident lawyer from the Fitch Law Firm on your case, we can gather evidence of the value of your damages to present in settlement negotiations or in court
Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Fighting to Protect Marion Victims
During a difficult time like this, the attorneys at the Fitch Law Firm do not want you to have to worry about defending yourself in settlement negotiations or navigating a personal injury lawsuit on top of your recovery. A Marion motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm can handle these tasks, and more, when we represent you.
While you focus your time and energy on treatment and healing, we can handle all legal details and communications on your behalf. Our team will be happy to answer your questions, provide advice, and keep you informed about the progress of your case throughout our work together.
For more information about the services of the Fitch Law Firm, contact a representative today for your free consultation at (740) 212-1686.