A board certified Civil Trial Lawyer with almost five decades of experience in Ohio Personal Injury Law.
Motorcycles can be a lot of fun, and they are a cost-effective and versatile mode of transportation. However, they are also statistically much more dangerous for riders than cars are for their passengers. If you are a motorcycle enthusiast in the Columbus area, it is important to educate yourself on the dangers so you can exercise appropriate caution. Read on to find out about some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries in Columbus.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Motorcycles are useful and recreational vehicles, and entire subcultures are built around them. Riders have their own social circles and community events, and the speed and freedom associated with motorcycles are very attractive to many people. However, motorcycles are also significantly more dangerous than cars.
In general, motorcycle accidents are far more likely to result in injuries than passenger vehicle accidents. According to data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 6,335 motorcycle riders killed on American roadways in 2023.
These fatalities represent 15% of the total number of traffic fatalities for that year. An additional 82,564 riders were injured. In that same year, the state of Ohio reported 3,878 motorcycle crashes on its roadways, 230 of which were fatal.
Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
A motorcycle rider can sustain a wide variety of injuries during an accident, but a few happen more often than others. The following are some of the most common motorcycle injuries:
- Road rash: Many motorcycle accidents involve riders being thrown from their motorcycles or motorcycles being laid over on their sides. When that happens, there is often significant contact between the road and the rider’s skin, which leads to an abrasive injury known as road rash.
- Broken legs: Because of the typical impact location when a motorcycle is hit by another vehicle, motorcyclists are likely to sustain leg injuries if they are involved in a collision. In accidents involving a motorcycle falling over onto a rider’s leg, fractures are equally likely.
- Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries occur when the bones of the spinal column break or are compressed and injure the spinal cord, which is the central bundle of nerves that carries signals from the brain to the nerves in the body. Spinal cord injuries can result in permanent paralysis or impaired function.
- Head injuries: Even when a rider is wearing a helmet, the impact associated with a motorcycle accident can result in serious head injuries, up to and including traumatic brain injuries. This is why helmet use is so crucial for motorcycle riders everywhere.
What to Do if You Are in a Motorcycle Accident in Columbus
If you find yourself involved in a motorcycle accident in Columbus, the adrenaline associated with the accident may make it difficult to think clearly and decide what to do. It is a good idea to educate yourself ahead of time regarding the most important steps to take following an accident.
- Report the accident and get medical help: If someone nearby has not already done so, you should call emergency services to report the accident and request medical attention. Even if you think your injuries are minor, it is important to receive a full medical evaluation to rule out any unseen injuries.
- Exchange insurance information: If there was another driver involved, you should exchange insurance information with them if it is safe to do so.
- Document the scene: If you are able, you should take photos and videos of the accident scene. These may help you later when you go to file an insurance claim.
- Get witness information: If other individuals saw the accident, it is prudent to get their names and contact information. They may be able to help you with statements as you seek compensation.
How to Pursue Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident Injury
If you have suffered an injury because of a motorcycle accident, and the accident was not your fault, you can begin to seek compensation by filing a claim with the liable driver’s insurance company.
It is often the case that insurance companies offer settlements that do not actually offset a victim’s losses, so you should also hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to help you determine whether an offer is fair. If needed, your lawyer can help you file a personal injury claim.
FAQs
Can a Concussion Be Considered a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Yes, a concussion is considered a type of traumatic brain injury. They are the least severe traumatic brain injuries, and most people can make a full recovery after a concussion, but that does not mean they should be taken lightly. Concussions are common in motorcycle accidents because even if a rider is wearing a helmet, contact with the ground or another vehicle can still result in blunt impact to the head.
What Compensation Can Injured Motorcyclists Receive for Accidents?
If a motorcyclist is injured in an accident that they are not liable for, they can pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Medical bill compensation should cover every medical expense associated with the injury, and lost wages should take care of the paychecks the injured person has missed because they were recovering instead of working.
When Should I File a Personal Injury Claim Following a Motorcycle Accident in Columbus?
In the state of Ohio, there is a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those associated with motorcycle accidents. This means that injured people have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim for compensation. After this two-year period has passed, victims can no longer file an action.
What Are Some Possible Complications of Road Rash?
Road rash may seem like a surface-level injury, but it does come with a list of additional risks. First, road rash involves an open skin wound, which can allow bacteria such as Staphylococcus to enter the skin and cause infection. Other potential complications of road rash include scarring, temperature regulation problems (if the road rash is extensive), and nerve damage.
Need Representation? Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you need to pursue compensation for costs associated with a motorcycle injury, you need a strong, experienced attorney to advocate for you. At Gervelis Law Firm, we have been representing clients in Columbus and throughout Ohio for more than fifty years, and Mark S. Gervelis, our founding attorney, is a Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, making him stand above the rest when it comes to civil litigation.
Contact us today to discuss your case and find out how we can help.
