Motorcycle Accident Advocates
If you were injured while operating a motorcycle, do not be surprised if police, insurance claims adjusters and even family and friends imply that you had taken a big risk by riding. The bias against motorcyclists is real even when other motorists are clearly at fault. In fact, a great many motorcycle accidents happen because of other motorists’ carelessness.
Did a car, truck or bus cut you off in traffic, leading to your motorcycle crash? Did a drunk or inattentive driver crash into your bike and then claim he or she “didn’t see the motorcycle?” Our attorneys have heard every excuse — and we are ready to help you meet every challenge head-on.
Rest assured that at Klein & Carney Co., LLC, in Cleveland, Ohio, you will have strong advocates. An experienced and dedicated attorney on your side will be on the lookout for ways in which such a bias may prejudice a claims adjuster, judge or jury.
Answer All Challenges With A Well-Equipped Personal Injury Law Firm On Your Side
Our lawyers are ready to overcome legal complications such as jury bias in your motorcycle accident case. Our personal injury lawyers have more than 60 years of cumulative personal injury experience. We have the knowledge necessary to prepare a compelling case in support of your injury claim or lawsuit.
If we represent you after a motorcycle accident, we are prepared to consult with experts such as biomechanical experts, neuropsychologists, accident reconstructionists and others with valuable insights. We will review your medical records and consult with your caregivers to gain a full understanding of your injuries and resulting costs and losses, including:
- Serious or catastrophic injury
- Hospitalization, therapy and personal care assistance
- Medical equipment
- Home remodeling and other disability accommodations
- Lost wages
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Motorcycle Helmet And Safety Laws In Ohio
There are important motorcycle safety laws to be aware of in Ohio, including the fact that motorcyclists under the age of 18 must wear a helmet. This is also true for all riders, regardless of age, if it is their first year riding on a motorcycle license.
Helmets are recommended for everyone, but even older riders who are not required to wear them still need to have eye protection. This could include goggles for riders without helmets if those who utilize helmets have a face shield connected to the helmet. This is typically sufficient to satisfy this requirement. Motorcycles must also be equipped with a windshield or a windscreen that is permanently attached, durable, and tall enough to protect the operator and provide proper eye protection.
Other required equipment on a motorcycle includes a valid license plate, handlebars that are below shoulder height, a muffler, a horn, a rearview mirror, at least one headlight with both low and high beams, a red tail light that indicates when the bike is braking, a front or rear brake and turn signals. Many modern bikes exceed these standards, such as having two brakes on the front and rear, but these are the minimum standards.
Despite their smaller size, motorcycle riders are entitled to use a full traffic lane just like any other vehicle. Cars cannot pass them in the same lane. Two motorcycles can ride side-by-side, but riders can never exceed two vehicles abreast in the same lane. Three motorcycles riding side-by-side in the same lane would be illegal.
As a motorcyclist, it is wise to be aware that the most common reason motorcycles get hit by other vehicles is that the driver of the vehicle claims they never saw the cyclist. For example, the most common motorcycle accidents are left-turn crashes, where a driver does not see the bike and turns in front of it. This means it is important to focus on visibility. It may be wise to consider using LED lights, high-visibility helmets or jackets, reflective clothing and associated safety gear.
We Would Like To Hear Your Story, The Sooner The Better
Every case is unique and offers unique opportunities for building strong legal arguments in support of an injured motorcyclist or anyone injured in a motorcycle crash.
If our law firm represents you after any motor vehicle accident, you will work directly with Larry Klein or Chris Carney. Our lawyers collaborate on most cases, bringing a breadth of experience to bear. All have a strong reputation among past clients and legal peers.
Larry S. Klein has received an AV* Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, an indicator of the highest level of professional excellence in the practice of law. He has also been selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers for the years 2016 and 2017. Super Lawyers is a list that recognizes no more than five percent of the attorneys in the state for a given year.
Allow us to explain how we can help you claim and recover all compensation you are eligible for after you were injured in a bike crash. Contact us online, or call 216-502-3947 for a prompt response 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.
