Belpre Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Unfortunately, many drivers in Ohio do not give motorcyclists the space or respect they deserve on the road. Because motorcycles lack any form of external protection, this carelessness can lead to collisions with dire repercussions for bikers. Sometimes, accidents of this nature may even prove fatal.

If you or a loved one were hurt in a motorcycle wreck, an attorney can help you hold the negligent party financially accountable for what he or she has done. Damages are essential in cases like this, as your injuries may leave you unable to work or care for yourself. A qualified Belpre motorcycle accident lawyer at our firm is here to help you pursue legal action and recover the compensation you need to make an optimal recovery.

Establishing Fault for a Motorcycle Wreck

All motorists in Ohio must abide by the same traffic laws and responsibilities set forth under state law. This means motorcyclists have the same duties and rights as anyone else operating a motor vehicle on public roads. Therefore, if a car strikes and injures a motorcyclist because he—the driver—was breaking a traffic law, that driver could be considered “negligent” and therefore liable for the motorcyclist’s damages.

By the same token, though, a motorcyclist can have a percentage of total fault for an accident assigned to her if a court determines that her own negligence played a role in causing the wreck. In this type of situation, Ohio Revised Code §2315.33 allows the court to reduce the injured plaintiff’s final damage award based on her share of total fault. Additionally, the court may even bar recovery altogether if the plaintiff bears more fault than all other defendants combined.

Ultimately, achieving success with a motorcycle accident claim is as much a matter of proving an injured person was not to blame for her own damages as it is proving someone else is liable for the wreck. A capable Belpre motorcycle accident attorney can provide vital assistance in both regards.

Recoverable Damages After a Motorcycle Crash

A successful lawsuit or settlement demand against someone who negligently caused a motorcycle wreck can account for both the economic and non-economic consequences of that incident. This could include:

• Past and future expenses for medical care
• Past and future wage/salary loss, including lost overall earning capacity
• Motorcycle damage, including repair/replacement costs and related out-of-pocket expenses
• Physical pain and suffering
• Psychological trauma from the accident
• Lost consortium and overall enjoyment of life

Importantly, though, O.R.C. §2315.18 limits recovery for non-economic damages stemming from a personal injury to the higher of $250,000 (or three times the value of economic damages, up to a maximum of $350,000). A motorcycle crash attorney in Belpre can discuss what damages might be available to an injured plaintiff during a private consultation.

Trust Your Claim to a Belpre Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcyclists have the same rights as all other motorists on the road. Anyone who violates these rights may bear civil liability for any harm he or she causes as a result. However, if you try to demand fair compensation after a motorcycle wreck without support from a seasoned legal professional, you may not recover the full amount you deserve for your suffering.

A dedicated Belpre motorcycle accident lawyer can serve as your legal advocate and fight tirelessly to help you collect the compensation you need to take care of yourself. Recovering the full amount of your damages is essential to preserving your short and long-term interests, especially if your harm is debilitating or permanent. Contact our firm today to discuss your unique case with a compassionate attorney.