Cleveland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle operators are incredibly susceptible to injury when they are in an accident. Since motorcycles do not offer drivers the same degree of protection as enclosed vehicles such as cars or trucks, when a vehicle collides with a motorcycle, the motorcyclist’s body is directly exposed to the impact from hitting the pavement or the other vehicle. If you have sustained such injuries, contact a skilled personal injury attorney. A Cleveland motorcycle accident lawyer is adamant about standing up for the rights of motorcyclists who suffered injuries in accidents.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
The severity of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident can vary greatly depending on the speed of the drivers involved and other circumstantial variables. Victims who sustained serious injuries in a motorcycle accident may be entitled to receive compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical costs, and/or property damage. Individuals may wish to contact a Cleveland motorcycle accident lawyer if they sustained any of the following injuries:
- Spinal injury
- Head injury
- Broken or fractured bones
- Road rash
- Paralysis
- Internal bleeding
- Muscular damage
- Skin lacerations
In some cases, an accident may be fatal. Certain family members including the spouse, children, or parents of the decedent may be able to file a claim alleging wrongful death in these circumstances.
Are Motorcycle Operators Required to Wear Helmets in Cleveland?
Yes. The law in Cleveland mandates that motorcycle operators wear protective helmets regardless of their age. Motorcycle passengers should also wear helmets. Since head trauma is one of the most commonly cited motorcycle accident injuries, this law aims to reduce the potential for a severe or fatal injury. To satisfy the helmet requirement law, helmets must comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218.
Wearing a helmet is not only important for the safety of motorcycle drivers, but it can also impact a driver’s ability to recover damages if he or she is in an accident. Failure of a motorcycle driver to wear a helmet may limit or altogether prevent recovery. If a motorcycle does not have a windscreen, motorcycle operators and passengers must also wear protective eyewear such a face shield or goggles.
Negligence Laws
The issue of proving fault in a motorcycle accident case in Cleveland can be complex. Cleveland is a modified comparative negligence jurisdiction. This means that drivers may be able to recover damages so long as he or she is not more than 50 percent at fault for the accident. If the person filing the claim is determined to be at fault for some portion of the accident but is less than 50 percent at fault, his or her recovery may be reduced proportionally.
The Statute of Limitations for Claims
The statute of limitations in Cleveland requires that actions alleging a personal injury in a motorcycle accident must be initiated within one year of the date of the accident. Given this relatively short time frame, victims should not hesitate to file their claims as soon as possible. Violating the statute of limitations by bringing an action more than a year after the accident may result is a dismissal of the claim.
Getting in Touch with a Cleveland Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, let us help you. We know that after an accident you are likely overwhelmed facing doctors, insurance companies, and other parties involved in the accident. Leave it to us to deal with all these issues while you focus on your recovery. Our attorneys provide competent legal assistance to individuals who were injured in motorcycle accidents in Cleveland and surrounding areas. Call today to speak with a Cleveland motorcycle accident lawyer.
