As the weather warms, there are likely to be more motorcyclists on the road. This can increase the likelihood of individuals being involved in a motorcycle accident.
Motorcycle accidents can have a devastating effect on all who are involved. An accident of this nature can result in serious personal injury or death.
If an individual has been involved in a motorcycle accident, a Worthington motorcycle accident lawyer can help. They can provide the legal services needed to successfully navigate the personal injury claim process.
Why are Motorcycle Accidents More Dangerous?
Motorcycle riders are more likely to sustain serious personal injury or death in an accident than automobile drivers. There are a few reasons for this involving less protection, less control, and less ability to brake.
Less Protection on a Motorcycle
When compared to standard-sized cars, there is less equipment to protect a motorcyclist from serious personal injury or death if involved in an accident.
In a regular vehicle, there are seat belts to protect the driver from being ejected. Airbags also deploy in the event of an accident to protect the driver and any passengers from the initial impact of the collision.
Additionally, in a standard-sized car or truck, the driver is protected by the material of the car itself. The windows, doors, and metal framing all serve as buffers that can protect the driver from serious personal injury or death resulting from a motor vehicle accident.
This, however, is not the case for motorcycles. Motorcyclists are fully exposed and are more likely to sustain serious personal injury or death resulting from the ground or other objects surrounding them in a collision.
Less Control on a Motorcycle
An individual is more likely to sustain personal injury or death in a motorcycle accident because they typically have less control.
A motorcycle typically has two wheels compared to four on a standard-sized vehicle which makes it more difficult to control at high speeds.
Additionally, if a motorcyclist hits any debris, potholes, or bumps in the road, they may not be able to exert full control over their bike. This can result in a serious motorcycle accident.
Less Ability to Brake on a Motorcycle
The braking system on a car versus a motorcycle is different. When a motor vehicle driver needs to stop, they simply apply pressure to the brake and the vehicle can come to a stop quickly.
On a motorcycle, however, if a rider places too much pressure on the brakes too quickly, it could cause the motorcycle to spin out of control. This increases the likelihood of being involved in a serious motorcycle accident resulting in serious injury or death.
The Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Studies show that the majority of motorcycle accidents are due to negligence or rider error. Things like excessive speed, lane splitting, distracted driving, driving while under the influence, and cars failing to yield are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents.
Excessive Speed
Speed is the predominant factor in many motorcycle-related fatalities. Despite posted speed limit signs, some motorcyclists like to travel fast. High speeds, especially during peak travel times, can be a recipe for disaster.
This is often coupled with other dangerous activities that can increase the likelihood of a motorcycle accident. Reckless driving, like weaving in and out of traffic and tailgating, can facilitate the occurrence of these deadly events.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist travels between lanes and cars on a roadway. This activity is extremely dangerous. Most states have laws that protect drivers against this type of action, but it still happens. Because motorcyclists are in such proximity to other cars, it can cause a serious motorcycle accident.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has become an issue for all motorists, not just for those who ride motorcycles. However, distracted driving can be even more dangerous and deadly for motorcycle riders. This refers to any kind of activity that takes the driver's focus off the road. This may include texting or eating, for example.
Driving While Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is never a good idea. A motorcycle accident is more likely to occur if the rider is under the influence of drugs or alcohol or if another driver is operating a motor vehicle under these dangerous and illegal conditions.
Alcohol and some medications may cause drowsiness which can impair a driver's ability to be fully present and focused behind the wheel. Drinking can also impair a person's reaction time making it harder for them to stop or move out of the way of the impending danger.
Cars Failing to Yield
This is another common cause of motorcycle accidents. It may be harder for motor vehicle drivers to see a motorcyclist on the road.
If an automobile is taking a left-hand turn, for example, the driver may not see the motorcycle until it is too late. An automobile driver may also fail to catch a motorcycle in their blind spots. Turning while a motorcycle is in a blind spot or sudden lane changes can result in severe personal injury or death.
What to do if a Motorcycle Accident Does Occur
Despite a person's best protective efforts, accidents do happen. If an individual is involved in a motorcycle accident, the first thing they should do is contact a motorcycle accident attorney in Columbus at The Keating Firm LTD.
How a Worthington Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help
The Keating Firm LTD. is a well-established, trusted, and reputable law firm known for providing top-quality legal services. They offer a free consultation to help individuals determine the appropriate next steps in an accident case.
Preparing a Case
The motorcycle accident lawyers at The Keating Firm LTD. can help clients prepare a strong case for court. Any victim seeking to make a personal injury claim must prove that the other party was at fault for the accident and any related damages. This can be difficult to do.
The team of motorcycle accident lawyers at The Keating Firm LTD. helps clients gather all the documents needed and prepare the evidence to present a strong personal injury case.
Dealing with the Insurance Company
The motorcycle accident lawyers at the Keating Firm LTD. will also facilitate the conversation with the insurance company. This can help relieve a lot of stress following an accident.
At times, an insurance company may present an unfair settlement offer or extend no offer at all. The motorcycle accident lawyers at this law firm, however, will work with the insurance adjusters to ensure a reasonable settlement is reached.
Receiving a Settlement
The Keating Firm LTD. employs motorcycle accident lawyers who will not stop fighting until a fair offer is made and justice is served.
This law firm will work tirelessly to ensure a settlement is reached that can help the victim cover the cost of their medical bills, their vehicle, property, and more.
Other Worthington Practice Areas
What to Expect: Working with Worthington Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
The Keating Firm LTD. provides a wide range of legal services focused on family law, child custody, pedestrian accidents, divorce, and more. Though the services are extensive, this law firm has a team of motorcycle accident lawyers who specialize in providing targeted personal injury support for those who have been involved in a motorcycle accident.
The motorcycle accident lawyers at this law firm offer free consultation and a customized approach for all clients across many locations.
Free Consultation
With a proven track record, the Keating Firm LTD. offers a free consultation to all prospective clients with personal injury. During this time, prospective clients review the details of the case and figure out the next steps with the motorcycle accident lawyers.
A Customized approach
Though the Keating Firm LTD. provides family law, child custody, divorce, pedestrian accidents, and other types of legal services, their team of motorcycle accident lawyers focuses solely on the client's needs during the tenure of the attorney-client relationship.
The motorcycle accident lawyers at this law firm care about their clients. Understanding the many factors that go into a personal injury case, they work one-on-one with each client to provide the customized support needed to attain the best outcome.
Knowledge & Experience
With a proven track record, the motorcycle accident lawyers at The Keating Firm LTD. know and understand the implications of such a serious event and are there to provide the guidance needed to navigate a personal injury case with ease.
This law firm employs motorcycle accident lawyers who are both knowledgeable and experienced in dealing with personal injury matters.
Top-Rated Performance
The team of motorcycle accident lawyers at The Keating Firm LTD. is top-rated. Serving clients with care and securing results throughout the years has earned them high praise.
Multiple Locations
The motorcycle accident lawyers at The Keating Firm LTD. provide personal injury services across multiple locations in Ohio, North Carolina, and Alabama.
This law firm is accessible to many clients in many areas.
Contact The Keating Firm LTD. to speak with their motorcycle accident lawyers today and secure the legal services needed for justice.