Akron Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
All drivers are responsible for paying close attention to their surroundings and following the road rules. This is especially important around motorcycles, not only because their small size can make them difficult to see but because motorcyclists are at greater risk of serious injury in a collision. Unfortunately, far too many drivers in the Akron area fail in this responsibility, often because they are distracted, tired, intoxicated, or simply breaking traffic laws. And all too often, this behavior results from a severe car vs. motorcycle accident.
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash someone else caused, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses. The legal team at Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, has the experience and skill to handle your case on your behalf so you can focus on healing. We work efficiently and always fight for the maximum recovery possible for our clients.
Let our Akron motorcycle accident lawyers advocate for your rights and help you pursue the money you deserve. Contact Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, today for a free consultation.
How an Akron Motorcycle Lawyer Can Help
Although you can file an insurance claim on your own following a motorcycle crash, the process can be challenging and frustrating, especially while recovering from injuries. The insurer might deny or undervalue your claim or argue that you were at fault for the motorcycle wreck, which can be hard to challenge without solid evidence and a detailed understanding of the legal system.
Our Akron motorcycle accident attorneys can help you pursue maximum compensation by:
- Evaluating your case, explaining your legal options, and developing a strategy
- Conducting an independent investigation into the circumstances of your accident
- Determining who is liable for your injuries and possible sources of compensation
- Gathering evidence to build a strong case in your favor
- Itemizing your damages to determine how much your case is worth
- Handling the paperwork related to filing a claim and managing critical deadlines
- Negotiating with the insurance company and other parties on your behalf
- Evaluating any settlement offer. Our motorcycle accident attorney will make sure you never settle for less than you deserve
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf to seek compensation in civil court if settlement negotiations fail
- Representing you in court and working hard to get you the best outcome in your case
Common Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents in Akron
Cars are designed with various safety features to protect occupants in an accident. However, motorcycles do not offer these protections. As a result, riders often suffer severe injuries in motorcycle accidents, especially if they’re thrown from their vehicle. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the number of deaths on motorcycles per mile traveled in one recent year was around 29 times the number in cars.
Click here to learn more about the common injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident
Some of the most common severe injuries caused by motorcycle accidents include the following:
- Road rash
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Facial disfigurement
- Neck and back injuries
- Traumatic brain injury (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Catastrophic injuries
Types of Compensation in Motorcycle Accident Cases
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Akron, Ohio, you might be entitled to different types of compensation for your motorcycle accident injuries and other losses. In addition, motorcycle accident victims could pursue financial recovery for:
- Medical expenses, including current and future bills for hospital stays or doctor’s appointments, diagnostic tests, prescription medications, chiropractic care, physical therapy, at-home care, medical devices, and mental health treatment
- Lost wages if you cannot work while healing from your injuries
- Loss of future earning potential if your injuries result in permanent disability
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies, sports, and daily activities
Click here to learn more about how motorcycle accident settlements work in Ohio.
How Is Liability Determined in Motorcycle Accidents?
To pursue compensation through a motorcycle accident claim, you must show that the at-fault party’s actions directly led to the crash. Proving this may require evidence such as the following:
- Police reports
- Eyewitness statements
- Traffic camera footage
- Testimony from crash reconstruction experts
Sometimes, more than one person may be at fault for the accident. In those situations, Ohio follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means that, even if you are partially to blame for a traffic accident, you can still seek compensation from another party as long as they are more at fault than you.
Remember that the amount of money you get will be reduced according to your share of the fault. For example, if you have $10,000 in losses but were 20 percent at fault, you could receive $8,000 in compensation. However, your share of the blame must be 50 percent or less to be entitled to compensation.
Although this rule does not control what compensation you can seek through an insurance claim, insurance adjusters often negotiate settlements based on a state’s comparative fault rules and what might happen in court. As a result, an insurer may argue that you are more at fault as an excuse to deny your motorcycle accident claim or offer a lowball settlement. Hiring an experienced motorcycle lawyer is crucial to seeking maximum compensation.
Contact an Experienced Akron Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
The weeks and months following a motorcycle accident can be stressful and frustrating, particularly if you face growing medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. However, if you were injured in an accident and someone else is to blame, our Akron personal injury lawyer can help you get the total compensation for your injuries and other losses that you deserve.
At Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we fight for individuals, not insurance companies or businesses. Contact our motorcycle accident law firm today for a free initial consultation to learn more about your legal options.