Flickinger Legal Group
Our personal injury law firm helps people who have been injured due to the negligence of others.
We will do everything we can to help injury victims get better in all aspects of your lives.
Motorcycle Accident Attorney Grove City, OH
Motorcycles are fun to ride, but it only takes one negligent driver to crash into you and cause a serious accident while you’re riding. If you have injuries, lost wages, and medical bills from a motorcycle accident, the stress of managing everything at once can be immense.
If someone else injured you in a motorcycle accident, you can file a personal injury claim to recover financial compensation for your losses. Flickinger Legal Group can pursue justice for the harm you have suffered and work to hold the liable parties accountable for their irresponsible behavior.Â
We have extensive experience working with motorcycle accident victims in Grove City and the larger Columbus area and will use every available strategy to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact our office today to discuss your case with a motorcycle accident attorney serving Grove City, OH.
Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle riders lack the cabin protection that other motorists have. Motorcycles also have a much lighter mass than typical passenger vehicles and travel at high speeds. These two factors mean that motorcycle accidents are exceptionally dangerous. Franklin County, in particular, leads the state of Ohio in motorcycle accident fatalities. Common injuries from motorcycle accidents include:
- Bruises and soft-tissue injuries
- Wrist and ankle sprains
- Broken bones
- Road rash and abrasions
- Lacerations and puncture wounds
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Chest injuries
- Spinal cord compression
- Hip and leg injuries
- Facial trauma
- Organ damage and internal injuries
- Crushing injuries
- Amputations
- PTSD and emotional trauma
Liability for Motorcycle Accidents in Grove City
A major aspect of motorcycle injury claims is determining the cause of the accident and who bears responsibility. Parties that could bear liability for a motorcycle accident include:
Negligent Motorists
In most cases, negligent motorists are responsible for motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles are smaller than cars, so it is easy for drivers not to notice riders in their blind spots. Negligent driving behaviors that can cause accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Running stop signs/traffic lights
- Failure to yield
- Unsafe lane changes
- Left-turns
In Ohio, a person injured in a motorcycle crash would file an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance policy.
Motorcycle Manufacturers
If the accident occurred due to a defective motorcycle part, like defective tires or brakes, the part manufacturer can be liable for injuries. In Ohio, manufacturers are strictly liable for defective product injuries, meaning they do not have to be found negligent to be held liable.
Third-Parties
Various other third parties can share liability for a motorcycle accident. For instance, local governments and municipalities can be responsible for dangerous road designs or negligent road maintenance. Construction crews can be liable if they cause a motorcycle accident by unsafely diverting traffic around their worksite. We will investigate your claim from multiple angles to identify all parties you could potentially pursue compensation from.
Compensation from a Motorcycle Accident Claim
Depending on your circumstances, our attorneys at Flickinger Legal Group can pursue compensation for your:
- Emergency medical bills and continuing medical expenses
- Lost income, including hourly pay/salary, bonuses, promotions, commissions, and tips
- Reduced lifetime earning capacity from disability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of life enjoyment
- Property damage
Our strategy is to pursue the largest range of compensation available to obtain adequate money to cover your losses and support your recovery.
Legal Complications in Motorcycle Accident Claims
Motorcycle accidents often cause serious injuries that are expensive to treat. This means that many motorcycle claims involve large sums of money, so insurers subject them to intense scrutiny. Insurers are more likely to question high-value motorcycle claims and look for expenses to dispute. They may claim that your condition isn’t as serious as you say or that your injuries didn’t originate with the accident.
Another hurdle to successful claims is the number of potentially liable parties. Multiple factors can contribute to motorcycle crashes, and it is difficult to identify which ones are most causally relevant. Motorcycle crash investigations may require more time, money, and expert intervention than typical auto crash investigations.
Motorcycle accident victims also have to contend with bias against riders. Riding is seen as a dangerous hobby, and many assume riders are risk-takers or reckless in their behaviors. These perceptions can influence judgments of fault in motorcycle accident cases.
Comparative Fault and Motorcycle Accidents in Ohio
In many cases, both parties in a motorcycle accident share fault. In these cases, it is natural to wonder whether you can still recover money, even if you are partially liable. Ohio is a comparative negligence state. That means you can still recover financial compensation after an accident, even if you are partially responsible. However, if the court determines that you are more than 50 percent at fault, you will be barred from obtaining any compensation.
Comparative negligence works by reducing the amount of compensation you receive according to your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are found to be 20 percent at fault and your total losses are $100,000, you will receive $80,000 after accounting for your contribution to the accident. This type of system reinforces the importance of working with a skilled attorney who can work to reduce the perception of your shared liability to maximize recovery.
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Grove City?
If you are in a motorcycle accident, the most important immediate task is to call 911 and get medical attention. Next, if you are able, take pictures and video recordings of the accident site and your injuries. Get the other motorist’s contact and insurance information, and try to get any eyewitness contact information as well.
Next, seek medical attention at a hospital or doctor’s office. You will need a formal diagnosis and medical documentation to file an insurance claim. Get copies of lab reports, diagnostic tests, imaging results, patient notes, and discharge paperwork. After that, you should contact a motorcycle accident attorney to discuss the next steps in the claims process.
Statute of Limitations on Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits in Grove City
Every state has a time limit on how long one can bring legal action for personal injuries. This time limit exists to maintain fairness, closure, and efficiency in the civil restitution system. In Ohio, the statute of limitations on all personal injury lawsuits, including motorcycle accident lawsuits, allows two years from the date of accident for the injured person to file a lawsuit. If you file after the deadline, the court can dismiss your case without a hearing.
Even though two years seems like a long time, the best strategy is to start early when the evidence is still fresh.
FAQ to Motorcycle Accident
If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle crash in Grove City, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Between doctor’s visits, insurance calls, and time away from work, there’s a lot to manage. Here are answers to common questions the attorneys of our law firm hear from motorcycle accident victims in Grove City and the greater Columbus area.
Fault is determined by examining the evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, photos, video footage, and crash scene details. We also work with accident reconstruction experts when needed. Showing exactly how the accident occurred is critical to obtaining maximum compensation in your case.
A police report provides an official record of the crash, including information about fault, weather conditions, and any citations issued. While it's not the final word, insurance companies give weight to the officer's findings. Always request a copy of the report after a Grove City accident.
Yes. Passengers injured in motorcycle accidents can usually file a claim against the at-fault driver. We can help you identify all potential sources of compensation based on the details of your case.
Yes. Filing an insurance claim is usually the first step and may result in a settlement without going to court. Suing the driver is necessary when the insurer refuses to pay fairly or if your injuries are severe. Our law firm's attorneys can advise on the best route to get the compensation you deserve for your situation.
It's best to wait until your motorcycle is evaluated by an insurance adjuster and your lawyer has documented the damage. If you must move it for safety or storage, take detailed photos from every angle. We'll use this evidence to strengthen your property damage claim.
Unfortunately, some people, including insurance adjusters and jurors, assume riders are reckless or take unnecessary risks. Our lawyers work hard to push back on these stereotypes by presenting the facts clearly and using evidence to show that you were riding responsibly when the crash happened.
Yes, emotional distress like anxiety, depression, or PTSD following a motorcycle crash can be part of your claim. This is often included under pain and suffering. We'll work with mental health professionals to document how the crash has affected your emotional well-being.
In multi-vehicle crashes, more than one driver may be found partially at fault. We'll investigate all angles to determine who could be liable. In some cases, we may pursue claims against several parties to pursue full compensation.
No. In fact, having a lawyer can speed things up because they can manage paperwork, negotiate with insurers, and avoid delays caused by errors. Our Grove City attorneys can keep your case moving while you focus on recovery.
We don't charge upfront. Our team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. The consultation is free, and we'll walk you through what to expect before you sign anything.
Yes, and you should. Insurance companies often push low settlements right after the accident. Even if you've already spoken to an insurer, we can take over communications and make sure your rights are protected moving forward.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Serving Grove City, OH, Today
A single motorcycle accident can drastically change your life. You shouldn’t be left to deal with the consequences of someone else’s irresponsible or reckless behavior. Flickinger Legal Group can provide the critical assistance you need after sustaining injuries in a motorcycle accident. We believe that the law exists to protect the vulnerable, and we will do everything in our power to safeguard your interests and well-being.
Contact our office online or reach out by phone to schedule a free case consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney serving Grove City. We are available 24/7, so call us anytime.