Columbus Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Nothing beats the excitement of exploring Columbus from the back of a bike. Unfortunately, everything that makes riding a motorcycle such a thrilling way to get around also puts riders at serious risk in the event of a collision. The exposed position and lack of safety features explain why motorcyclists are four times more likely to be injured and 22 times more likely to die in a collision than passenger vehicle occupants.

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Columbus, Ohio, you could be entitled to compensation from the driver who hit you. You should not have to bear the burden of expensive medical bills, lost wages, lingering pain, and potential long-term impairment. Instead, you can contact the experienced team at Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, for a free consultation with a Columbus motorcycle accident attorney. We can review your case, advise you on your options, and pursue the money you need to get back on your feet.

Why You Need a Columbus Motorcycle Accident Attorney After a Crash

Were you recently in a motorcycle accident in Columbus or elsewhere in Central Ohio? If someone else is at fault for what happened, you can file an insurance claim or lawsuit against them, demanding compensation for what you’ve suffered. Unfortunately, pursuing your claim on your own will be challenging while you’re also in pain, getting treatment, and out of work. That’s why you need the help of an experienced Columbus motorcycle accident lawyer who can handle the legal work for you.

Turn to the team with Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law because:

• We’re convenient – We have offices across the state, including one right here in Columbus. We can meet wherever is easy for you, whether at our office, at your home, over video chat, or by your hospital bedside.
• We’re efficient – We’ll start work on your case immediately and work quickly to seek the money you need now, not later. We use the latest technology to expedite the process further.
• We’re straightforward – We know how overwhelming it is to go through a personal injury case. That’s why we’ll give it to you straight, explaining your rights and options in plain English so that you’re able to make informed decisions about
• We’re always available – Our team will always be on hand to answer your questions and discuss your case. By phone, email, or text, reach us any way that works best for you.

Don’t just take our word for it when it comes to the quality of service we provide clients like you. Here’s what one former client had to say about his experience with us:

“I am grateful for Amourgis & Associates and the impact they have made on my future. I am a client for life, and gladly recommend your services. Retain Amourgis, The Defender of Families!”

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Columbus

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Columbus include:

• Speeding – Speed is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents, accounting for nearly a third of all fatal collisions. Speed reduces the time in which a motorist has to react to a sudden hazard, and it also means they hit with a greater impact.
• Distraction – Motorists must pay careful attention to the road to safely operate their vehicles. A driver who takes their eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel, or their mind off the task at hand puts other road users around them at risk.
• Unsafe left turns – Making a left-hand turn often means crossing into the path of oncoming traffic. Drivers who misjudge the speed of an oncoming motorcyclist risk causing T-bone collisions by turning into their path.
• Tailgating – Tailgating is always dangerous, but it’s an especially hazardous thing to do to a motorcyclist, who has no vehicle frame or seatbelt to protect them from a collision. Motorcyclists are often thrown from their bikes when struck from behind.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Columbus to Protect Your Rights

What you do after a motorcycle accident will shape your eventual accident claim. Once you’ve gotten medical treatment and your condition has stabilized, let your insurance provider know about the accident. Be careful what you say to them, and be especially wary if the other driver’s insurer contacts you. Don’t agree to give a recorded statement until you’ve had a chance to talk to your lawyer.

Next, start gathering evidence to support your claim. Start by writing down what you can remember about the accident while your memory is still fresh. Gather your medical records and related documentation. Pay stubs and tax returns can help establish the income you’ve lost. Keep a “pain diary” to record your daily discomfort levels.

Finally, and most importantly, get in touch with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Columbus. Most offer free consultations for motorcycle accident cases. Bring your evidence folder with you to your initial meeting so your prospective attorney can get a better understanding of what happened.

Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Motorcycle Wreck in Columbus

Insurance companies control the purse strings when it comes to motorcycle accident claims. Specifically, any compensation you get will likely come through the at-fault driver’s liability insurance provider. Remember, their insurer is not on your side. It’s a business that wants to keep its profits rather than give them to you.

Be careful what you say to any insurance adjusters. Don’t agree to give a recorded statement, and don’t sign anything until you’ve talked to your Columbus motorcycle accident lawyer. Let them handle interactions and settlement negotiations for you.

Understanding Compensation: Medical Bills, Lost Wages & Pain and Suffering

If you can prove that someone else is responsible for causing the motorcycle accident, you can demand that they compensate you for your losses. Compensation for motorcycle accidents in Columbus includes:

• Past and future medical bills, including for emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, post-operative care, pharmaceuticals, assistive devices, and therapy
• Lost wages, a term that can account for the salary, wages, tips, bonuses, commissions, and other forms of income you lose while you’re too hurt to work
• Pain and suffering, a legal term for the physical and emotional discomfort your motorcycle accident caused you

An experienced Columbus motorcycle accident lawyer can tell you more about these and other forms of compensation you could be entitled to.

How to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Columbus, Ohio

The best way to file a motorcycle accident claim in Columbus is with the help of an experienced lawyer. They can:

• Send a demand letter to any applicable insurance companies and file any applicable claims
• Negotiate on your behalf for a fair settlement that pays you without the need for a trial
• File complaints with the relevant civil court and prepare your case for trial if the insurance company digs in
• Take your case to court if the insurance company doesn’t make a reasonable settlement offer

While you do not technically need an attorney to help you pursue your claim, there’s a good reason to seek professional help. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer knows the ins and outs of these claims and what it takes to seek maximum compensation. Without their help, you risk signing away your rights and walking away with far less than you deserve.

Wrongful Death Claims for Fatal Motorcycle Accidents in Columbus

Tragically, many motorcycle accident injuries are so severe that they prove fatal. In these cases, survivors can pursue a wrongful death claim against the person responsible for their loved one’s death. In Ohio, only the administrator or executor of the deceased’s estate may initiate the claim, though they do so on behalf of close family members. A successful wrongful death claim can recover compensation for the loss of the deceased’s income, support, guidance, affection, and inheritance.

How Helmet Laws Impact Injury Claims in Ohio

Ohio state law requires anyone under 18 or with a “novice” designation on their motorcycle license to wear a helmet when operating a motorcycle. Riders over 18 with full endorsement or license can choose to forego wearing a helmet while riding.

Apart from these laws, insurance companies have argued that a rider who wasn’t wearing a helmet at the time of an accident is partially responsible for their injuries. The argument is that the insurance company shouldn’t have to pay for the portion of the rider’s injuries that could have been prevented had the rider worn a helmet. Of course, this argument falls apart when you consider that a motorcyclist’s decision to wear a helmet has nothing to do with what caused the accident in the first place. If the insurance company attempts to blame you for your injuries, get help from an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer immediately.

Contact Our Columbus Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Now for Help

Don’t wait another moment to get the legal help you need to pursue justice after a motorcycle accident in Columbus. Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, is standing by to answer your questions, advise you on your options, and help you seek fair compensation for what happened to you. Get started today when you contact us for your free consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Columbus.