Columbus Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Skilled representation for injured motorcycle riders and passengers in Ohio
Motorcycle riding is attractive for many reasons. Riders can enjoy the Columbus scenery. Motorcycles are less costly to buy and maintain. There’s a common friendship among many motorcyclists. Unfortunately, motorcycles are also very dangerous. Motorcycle accidents can be especially devastating because a motorcycle operator is especially vulnerable on the road. Besides a helmet and reflective clothing, motorcyclists have little to protect themselves. Catastrophic injuries and wrongful deaths are all too common.
At Soroka & Associates, LLC, our Columbus motorcycle accident lawyers represent motorcycle riders and the families of loved ones killed in a motorcycle crash. Often motorcycle accidents are caused because car and truck drivers failed to respect the right of a rider to be on the road. We quickly work to investigate the roads and vehicles involved in the crash. Our lawyers speak directly with your doctors to understand the full severity of your injuries, and help families obtain justice when a loved one is tragically killed.
How can we help?
- How dangerous are motorcycle accidents in Columbus?
- What types of injuries do motorcycle riders suffer?
- Why do motorcycle accidents in Columbus happen?
- Who is liable for my motorcycle accident?
- What damages can I seek for my injuries or the death of a family member?
- How much time do I have to file my Columbus motorcycle accident claim?
- Do you have a motorcycle accident lawyer near me?
How dangerous are motorcycle accidents in Columbus?
According to the Ohio State Patrol, 233 people died in motorcycle accidents in 2021, up from 212 in 2020. Motorcycle crashes cause many more serious injuries and deaths than cars and trucks for several key reasons. The major reason is that a motorcycle provides no protection. There’s no hood, trunk, roof, or side doors. When riders crash, they are either crushed by the vehicle that strikes the motorcycle or they are thrown to the hard asphalt – many times both.
Motorcycles are less stable than larger vehicles because they only have two wheels. Bad weather and poor road surfaces make riding a motorcycle treacherous. Operating a motorcycle is more difficult than operating a car or truck, and many riders require extensive experience to be able to control their bikes.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that the risk of dying in a motorcycle accident was 29 times greater (in 2019) for motorcycle riders than for passenger car occupants.
What types of injuries do motorcycle riders suffer?
This lack of protection means that Columbus motorcycle accident victims are likely to suffer catastrophic injuries, permanent injuries, and injuries that take a long time to heal. Many victims need a lifetime of medical care and support.
At Soroka & Associates, we represent drivers and passengers who suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Traumatic amputations/limb loss
- Burn injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Bone fractures, including multiple and complex fractures
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Injuries to muscles, ligaments, nerves, and tissue
- Vision and hearing loss
One injury that is mostly unique to motorcycle riders is road rash. This injury occurs as the rider slides along the asphalt. Road rash injuries may require skin grafts and plastic surgery. The risk of infections is very real. Road rash victims may have severe scarring and disfigurement.
Why do motorcycle accidents in Columbus happen?
Our Columbus motorcycle accident lawyers work with investigators, the police, and when necessary traffic reconstruction experts to show how a motorcycle accident. Some of the common causes of motorcycle crashes include:
- Car and truck drivers failing to respect the right of a motorcycle operator to be on the road
- Car and truck drivers that fail to judge the movement of a motorcycle
- Distracted driving
- Speeding, running through red lights, and other traffic violations
- Driver intoxication
- Driver fatigue
- Bad weather conditions
- Hazardous road conditions such as potholes, roadkill, and unlevel surfaces
- Driving two abreast in a lane
- Lack of motorcycle driving experience
- Defective motorcycle parts, such as faulty electrical systems, clutches, fuel lines, and other motorcycle parts
Our team questions everyone involved, examines all the physical evidence, seeks documentation that may indicate liability, reviews communication systems if distracted driving was a factor, and reviews all relevant evidence that indicates fault or negligence.
Who is liable for my motorcycle accident?
Our Columbus motorcycle accident lawyers file claims against all defendants who caused your accident. The defendants may include one or more of the following:
- A car or truck driver.
- Another motorcycle driver or the operator of a motorcycle if you were the passenger.
- The owners of any vehicles if the owners are different than the negligent drivers.
- A liquor permit holder that sold alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated or a minor, if the person who drank alcohol caused your accident.
- The manufacturers of defective motorcycle parts.
- The Ohio Department of Transportation and other agencies/entities if their negligence in designing or maintaining the road caused the motorcycle accident.
- Other defendants, depending on how the accident happened.
We prepare each Columbus motorcycle accident case for trial. We do settle many claims – often for the insurance policy limits.
What damages can I seek for my injuries or the death of a family member?
Every motorcycle accident is unique. We normally file demand letters after the discovery phase of your case is complete. Our lawyers meticulously detail all your losses to date and analyze your future damages. At Soroka & Associates, we demand compensation for all your:
- Medical bills
- Lost income and benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of function
- Loss of life’s pleasures
- Loss of consortium (enjoyment of your marriage)
- Property damage
In some cases, such as when a drunk driver causes a motorcycle accident, we seek punitive damages from the defendants.
How much time do I have to file my Columbus motorcycle accident claim?
You must file all personal injury claims, including motorcycle accident claims, within two years from the date of the accident or you may lose your rights to compensation.
Practically, you should contact our Columbus motorcycle accident lawyers as quickly as possible. We need to send investigators to the accident site. Our team needs to speak with witnesses and question defendants while they can still remember what happened. Our lawyers also need to discuss your injuries with your doctors so we can ensure you’re getting the medical help you need.
Do you have a motorcycle accident lawyer near me?
Our Columbus office is located at 503 South Front Street, Suite 205, close by to Rt. 23 and I-71. We will make home and hospital visits if you are too injured to travel to us.
Talk with a respected Columbus motorcycle accident lawyer
If you or your loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, Soroka & Associates has the experience and resources to help you obtain justice. We have a strong record of success in trying personal injury cases before juries and settling claims with insurance companies. We take pride in focusing on the small details that often result in large awards. To discuss your right to file a claim, call 614-358-6525 or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We represent motorcycle accident victims and families on a contingency fee basis. We serve clients in Columbus and throughout Central Ohio, including in Licking County, Delaware County, Fairfield County, and beyond.